Togather 讲饮讲吃: Must-Try Chinese-Western Food at Mount Austin

Mount Austin has emerged as a food paradise in JB, often dubbed "Little Taiwan" with its impressive array of bubble tea cafes and dining establishments. Among the bustling food scene in this vibrant neighborhood stands Togather 讲饮讲吃, a Chinese-Western tea restaurant that has been quietly making waves.

Togather describes itself as "中西茶餐厅" (Chinese-Western tea restaurant), a concept that perfectly captures the multicultural dining preferences of Malaysian food enthusiasts. The brand has built its reputation on offering an eclectic menu that seamlessly blends traditional Chinese comfort food with Western favourites, creating a dining experience that appeals to diverse palates.

Menu Highlights

Coconut Chicken Herbal Soup (RM18.90, ~S$5.70)

A nourishing soup that reflects the Chinese tradition of using food as medicine, this signature dish combines tender chicken with coconut and carefully selected Chinese herbs. The soup is known for its warming properties and is particularly popular among health-conscious diners. The coconut adds a subtle sweetness and richness that balances the earthiness of the herbs, creating a comforting bowl that's both nutritious and delicious.

XO Fried Double Tong Feng & Mee Hoon (RM20.90, ~S$6.35) 

XO Fried Double Tong Feng & Mee Hoon represents one of Togather's most sophisticated offerings. It showcases Togather's mastery of wok cooking, featuring a generous combination of glass noodles (tong feng) and rice vermicelli (mee hoon) tossed in aromatic XO sauce. The dish arrives at your table with the noodles glistening from the rich, reddish-brown XO sauce that coats every strand.

Signature Buttermilk Chicken (RM17.90, ~S$5.40)

The Buttermilk Chicken features crispy and tender chicken pieces served with a creamy, tangy buttermilk sauce that's become a Malaysian café favourite. The dish isn’t overly rich, delivering both visual appeal and bold flavours.

Hawaii Chicken Polobun (RM16.90, ~S$5.10) 

One of Togather's standout fusion creations, this dish combines the beloved Hong Kong-style polo bun (pineapple bun) with Hawaiian-inspired chicken. The sweet, crispy-topped polo bun is generously filled with tender chicken that's been marinated in tropical flavours, creating a perfect marriage of Eastern and Western culinary traditions. The chicken typically features a sweet-savoury glaze reminiscent of Hawaiian teriyaki, making it a favourite among diners seeking comfort food with a twist.

Value for Money Offerings

The restaurant also offers lunch sets from RM17.90 (~S$5.40) that include a main dish, soup of the day, drink, and a dessert, providing excellent value for money that resonates well with budget-conscious diners. The fusion approach here also means you can expect everything from Traditional Chinese soups to Western comfort food like chicken chops and baked rice adapted to local tastes.

Final Verdict

Togather represents the evolving face of Mount Austin's dining scene - accessible, diverse, and genuinely focused on bringing people together over good food. While it may not offer the Instagram-worthy aesthetics of some trendy cafes in the area, it delivers consistent, satisfying meals that makes Mount Austin such an appealing destination.

For food enthusiasts exploring Mount Austin, Togather offers an authentic taste of Malaysian tea restaurant culture with the added bonus of fusion options that reflect the area's cosmopolitan character. It's the kind of place that locals return to regularly and visitors remember fondly – exactly what makes Mount Austin's food scene so compelling!

Address: Mount Austin, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Operating Hours: Daily 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM