[Halal] When in Johor Bahru, must eat Kacang Pool. We checked out the popular Kacang Pool Haji in Larkin, Johor Bahru.
Besides Laksa Johor, Kacang Pool is another specialty you should try in Johor.
Taking inspiration from the Ful Medames dish in Egypt, Kacang Pool is a dish usually eaten for breakfast here in the southern state.
Kacang pool literally translates to “pool of beans” in the Malay language.
Kacang Pool Haji in Larkin
There are two Kacang Pool Haji eateries in Larkin located only 800m away from each other.
Restoran Kacang Pool Haji on Jalan Dato Jaafar is the main restaurant and central kitchen where the dish is cooked daily. The restaurant offers plenty of tables and seats for dine-in and is open daily from 7 am until midnight.
However, as we visited the shop during the fasting month – the restaurant was closed in the morning as the kitchen prepared to cook for buka puasa (breaking of fast) at the local Ramadhan bazaar.
Nevertheless, we were able to drop by the other branch which is only a 2-minute drive away. This branch is located in the Anjung Selera Larkin food court along Jalan Larkin, and was opened for breakfast.
What is Kacang Pool?
So what is Kacang Pool?
A popular dish eaten for breakfast locally, Kacang Pool (RM6) is predominantly made with fava beans (or broad beans) stewed with minced meat and spices.
Before serving, the dish is topped with some fresh cut green chillies, chopped red onion, lime, and a sunny-side-up egg.
The dish is usually served with a Hainan-style soft bread toasted with margarine or butter.
Delicious hearty Kacang Pool
So what does it taste like? It’s delicious!
The taste reminded us of chili con carne with its mix of spices and minced meat. Instead of tomatoes, the zestiness comes from the freshly-squeezed lime.
The green chillies were surprisingly not spicy, and the sharpness of the raw onions help to tie the dish together. The runny bits of the egg add creaminess to the dish.
We liked the bits of minced meat in the dish, and the accents from the spices (we detect cumin and fennel seeds?) really came through.
Bread for dipping
The bread was stellar too as it was thick and fluffy. It was freshly toasted with butter, which was perfect for dipping into the kacang pool.
Verdict
Overall, we really enjoyed this dish!
It makes for a simple but hearty breakfast to start the day. We definitely recommend you to try this dish when in Johor Bahru.
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Restoran Kacang Pool Haji
Address: Jalan Sabar, Taman Dato Onn, 80350 Johor Bahru, Johor
Hours: 7am-12am Daily
Phone: 013-737 7997
Kacang Pool Haji @ Anjugn Selera Larkin
Address: Anjung Selera Larkin, Jalan Larkin, 80350 Larkin, Johor
Hours: 7am-1am Daily
Phone: 013-737 7997
