Stomach flu crashed our JB trip. The symptoms came and went for days, and one evening I had nothing left in the tank. We stayed at Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre, so we ditched the big dinner plans. We walked next door to Komtar JBCC for an easy takeaway. That’s where I spotted Chow Chow Stir Fry. It reminded me of Wok Hey back home in Singapore. Fried rice, cooked fresh to order? I never say no to that.
What Is Chow Chow Stir Fry?
Chow Chow Stir Fry serves Chinese-fusion comfort food, and it’s Muslim-friendly. The menu covers fried rice, noodles, dumplings, chicken wings, chicken bites and sides. You’ll only find a handful of seats, so most people grab and go.
The staff pack everything in paper takeaway containers and label each one. No guessing games. Small touch, big help.
What We Ordered at Chow Chow Stir Fry
Salt N Pepper Chicken Wings (RM16.90)
These wings threw me off. I expected the usual salt and pepper style. Instead, the kitchen uses Sichuan peppercorns, so you get that numbing mala tingle.
- The good: Proper marination. The flavour goes deep.
- The not-so-good: Don’t expect crispy skin. Oil also pools at the bottom of the box.
- Verdict: Different, but tasty overall.
Shrimp with Tobiko Fried Rice (RM14.90)
They don’t skimp on the prawns here. You get plenty.
The tobiko adds a fun little pop with every bite. It lacks much wok hei, but it still makes a decent plate of fried rice.
Satay Fried Rice with Rempah Beef (RM18.80)
This seasonal special caught my eye. I had never seen satay fried rice before, so I had to try it. Good call.
- Satay flavour runs through every spoonful. Not overpowering, but definitely there.
- The beef comes nicely seasoned and quite tender.
- Cucumber adds a fresh crunch.
I actually preferred this over the tobiko prawn version. It simply packs more flavour.
The Rice Gets It Right
They use short-grain Calrose rice, and I like the texture. It stays firm, never stodgy. Every grain stands on its own. The Chinese call it 粒粒分明 (li li fen ming), and this rice nails it.
Good to Know Before You Go
- 5% service fee: They add it even on takeaway orders. Factor that in.
- Limited seating: Plan to take away, especially at peak hours.
- Muslim-friendly: Easy pick for mixed groups.
- Location: Inside Komtar JBCC, right next to Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre.
Final Verdict on Chow Chow Stir Fry
Do I still prefer Wok Hey in Singapore? Yes. Their fried rice carries more wok hei, haha. But Chow Chow Stir Fry holds its own. Prices feel reasonable, portions fill you up, and the rice texture hits the spot. On a night when I could barely function, it did exactly what I needed. I’d happily eat here again.
My must-order: The satay fried rice with rempah beef, if it’s still on the menu.
