Sweetwater Mediterranean Cuisine

"You went Deep Water for your birthday celebration just now ?" That got me pondering for a moment, "Where exactly is this new joint in Johor Bahru ?". The answer I've gotten was "Jalan Serempang, along the same row of shophouses as Gianni's". Ohhhhh ... and I was told they share the same boss. Interesting and that really got me excited, can it mean they are serving something with mediterranean flavours, that's the 1st idea that came to my mind when I heard of the word "Deep Water". Afterall, I've never had a chance to try but lust at some of those mediterranean cuisines I've grown accustomed to watching on Food Channel. Then came the knock from my friend ... "Hello, it's Sweet Water, not Deep Water".

Set in a cosy and relaxing ambience, Sweet Water is a place for all occassions ... surrounding oneself in the laughter of my friends ... a family's night out for casual dining ... or even splashing out on a romantic date with my significant other.

At least half of what is on the menu appears foreign to me, but that's the fun part of it all. I just go with my gut feelings, for better or for worse. Of course, such faith can only be placed in the hands of a competent chef I have absolute trust in.

As with Gianni's, some starters to get me going while I wait out for my dinner. Instead of balsamic vinegar with olive oil, at Sweet Water they serve up cheese & tomato based condiments. I personally like the latter, with that tinge of zest from the tomato.

Mushroom soup. This is one of my must-order on each visit to Gianni's (and Sweet Water now). I love it for its thick, creamy texture with a whole lot abundance of diced mushrooms. Setting me back RM16.00, some might argue at the steep pricing but I think its well worth my money. 

Rating: 9.0/10

Moroccan chicken (served with tagine). A pity the waiter took off with the top of my tagine, even before I had a chance to set up my camera and take a shot of it. The tender, succulent chicken strips were char-grilled to perfection and emits a faint smokey aroma. As its base, I have some soft, mushy rice engulfed in a strong Middle-Eastern flavour, with all that spices and olives but in a good way. If too much spices isn't exactly what one would have in mind for a meal, then avoid this item. It comes with a price for its exotic flavour too @ RM38.00.

Rating: 8.0/10

Finally, I've got what I have always wanted to try, but never had a chance to ... Spanish seafood paella. Cooked with generous portions of mussels, calamari, prawns, and chicken cubes. As what most quoted, fascination sometimes just doesn't quite match up to reality. So this is how Paella taste like, and I'm not sure if I would order it on my next visit here. Looks good in pictures but couldn't say the same when I had it. Somehow, the dish just isn't to my liking. Thumbs down @ RM45.00.

Rating: 6.5/10

The mastermind behind all these, Chef Hans Durst who hails from Germany. On a side note, the tagines at the bottom of the picture.

Price: 6.0/10

Service: 8.0/10

Conclusion: I have yet to try most of the items offered here, and with the appeal of more unknown surprises in wait for me, I will be back again soon enough. Some of the dishes might not go well for the majorities of Johor Bahru folks, but its worth a try. At least I know I have tried it.

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116, Jalan Serampang

Taman Pelangi 80400

Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Tel: (+607) 331 4349

Operating hours: 11:00AM - 11:00PM