JOHOR BARU, Nov. 29 -- How wet and gloomy it can be! Yet even amid the daily downpours, there are pockets of sun. Or, if not actual warm rays of light, then humidity from the heat and the rain.

This oppressive weather calls for the right salve at the right time: a hot bowl of noodle soup or a steaming mug of teh tarik when it is pelting down; an icy treat during the sweltering spells in between.

It is the latter that we are seeking after the early afternoon showers have ceased. Here along the main drift that is Johor Bahru's Jalan Tebrau, there is no shortage of options. We do as locals do and head to the nearest bank.

No, we are not looking to do a spot of withdrawal at the ATM. Just as convenience stores are the de facto hubs for sup...