JOHOR BARU, May 20 -- Many popular restaurants have extended their reach by opening new branches, often within the same city, sometimes across borders in other states.

The true test of this business strategy, then, must be whether the same quality can be maintained when a child outlet is over 300 kilometres away from the original shop.

Which is to say, when I spotted one of Hai Kah Lang's newest restaurants when I was in Taman Sentosa, Johor Baru, I knew I had to drop by and try the food here.

(The aforementioned original shop, Hai Kah Lang Seafood Noodle and Fish Head Noodle, is located in Taman Cheras - also known as Yulek - in KL, closer to home.)

Hai Kah Lang JB Sentosa is quite spacious and we were soon seated. There was a mix of...