15 Best Foods In Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Ihsan
Ihsan 
REVIEWED BY LOCAL EXPERT AISYAH AMIN
Contributing Writer
REVIEWED BY LOCAL EXPERT AISYAH AMIN
Updated
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15 Best Foods In Johor Bahru, Malaysia

It’s a foodie’s paradise! While many flock to food havens like Penang, Malacca, Ipoh, or even Kuala Lumpur ,Johor Bahru flies under the radar. However, food hunting in Johor Bahru reveals that this place is a food paradise that offers some of Malaysia’s most authentic tasting foods with eateries and recipes being passed down for generations! If you wish to hang out at a cafe, we got you covered with this list of unique cafes. Whether you’re a local and you’ve booked one of the best hotels for a staycation in Johor or if you’re a tourist who intends to discover the city’s rich history and flavor, let’s celebrate this underrated food trail. Continue reading to find out more about the best foods in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

Tip from Trip101 local expert

Aisyah

Aisyah
Malaysia

Woodfire

Singaporeans love taking day trips to Johor Bahru in Malaysia, and whenever I'm there, I'll get my burger cravings fixed at Woodfire! Look at how massive their burgers are! Although they're pretty pricey, I think it's completely worth it for the portions that they're serving! 

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Best places for breakfast

1. Johor's Best Roti Canai (Paratha Flat Bread) at Roti Canai Bukit Cagar

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Cheap, delicious, and filling, Roti Canai is every Malaysian’s go-to breakfast staple! You can get this top Johor food at any Mamak restaurant, but if you’re in Johor, word on the street is Bukit Cagar will serve you the best version of this flatbread. The dough itself, unlike bigger chain establishments, is handmade daily fresh at the stall, flipped and stretched into the perfect round shape and thickness, the dough is then cooked on a flat-girdle til golden brown with a crunchy crisp outer layer, but still soft and chewy inside; Serving you the perfect Roti Canai with a side of Dhal, and if you like spiciness, a dollop of sambal (Anchovy Chilli Gravy) in the middle.

Roti Canai Bukit Cagar

Address: Jalan Tengku Azizah, Bukit Chagar, Jalan Jim Quee, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Opening Hours: 6.30 am – 11.00 am

Contact: +60 127 998909

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2. Authentic Malaysian Kopitiam Breakfast at Hua Mui Kopitiam

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Mee Mamak #huamuiserialamcomingsoon #huamui #huamuijb #huamui1946 #huamuikopitiam #huamuirestaurant #restoranhuamui...

Posted by Restoran Hua Mui on Friday, May 14, 2021

Opened since 1948, Hua Mui Kopitiam has faithfully been serving Malaysians Hainanese style breakfast and their signature Hainanese Chicken Chop for nearly 70 years! With its popularity, they have since expanded more outlets in Johor Bahru. Having a certified halal status, both non-Muslims and Muslim patrons frequent the original 2-storey coffee shop, still furnished with its vintage furniture. Enjoy an authentic Malaysian Kopitiam breakfast in JB - with charcoal toasted bread, spread with freshly made kaya & butter with soft-boiled eggs, with a complement of great thick and fragrant Kopitiam coffee!

Further Read: 10 Best Halal Restaurants to try in Johor Bahru

Hua Mui Kopitiam

Address: 131, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Opening Hours: 8.30 am – 6.00 pm

Contact: +60 11 35058916

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3. Nasi lemak that often sells out by 10am at Storia Cafe

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Storia Cafe on Thursday, June 3, 2021

Nasi lemak is perhaps Malaysia’s national dish. Made from fragrant rice and cooked in coconut milk and a pandan leaf, it is a must-try for any visitor. Storia Cafe, at 78 Jalan Storey in Johor Bahru, is one of the most popular, and one of the best places to eat in JB for your nasi lemak fix. Here you can find an assortment of traditional and delicious Malay cuisine, and their nasi lemak is to die for. A recommended option to order is the self-made nasi lemak, which comes with incredible chili sambal and has an aroma of lemongrass that will make your mouth water. Be sure to visit early for breakfast and lunch as the locals are quick to buy up all the nasi lemak as soon as it’s made.

Storia Cafe

Address: 79-84, Jalan Storey, Kim Teng Park, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 6:30am - 12pm (closed on Tue)

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4. Delicious Fresh Hot Bowl of Kway Teow Soup at Restoran Tua Thow

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

A good eatery that stays true to its natural ingredients and flavours is loved by all Malaysians. Proven true by Restoran Tua Thow, locals love to get their steaming bowl of Kway Teow Soup here, known to be generous with their ingredients including prawns, sea bass, pork, fish ball, fish maw. The broth of pork and fish bone is light bodied, rich and naturally sweet; does not contain a trace of MSG, which is why locals have been returning to this restaurant for this dish for years!

Restoran Tua Thow

Address: Susur 4, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Opening Hours: 7.30 am to 2.30 pm

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5. Laksa at W.W. Laksa House

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by W.W Laksa House on Friday, May 14, 2021

Wondering about where to eat in Johor Bahru? Look no further than W.W. Laksa House. The eatery started operations in the 1970s and is still going strong today. With about half a century of history, this establishment has had patrons for generations and is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in JB. It’s famous for its sumptuous laksa, which is claimed to be even better than Singapore’s authentic versions. Laksa is a great breakfast option - the warm and spicy broth, generous toppings, and of course, filling noodles are sure to keep you fueled for the day ahead. Servings come in three bowl sizes, small, medium, and large, and customers can choose their preferred noodles and even ask for a top-up for an additional price.

W.W. Laksa House

Address: NO:36A1, Jalan Kolam Air, Taman Kolam Air, 80100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Website: W.W. Laksa House

Opening hours: 8am - 3pm (daily)

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Best places for lunch

6. Hainanese Chicken Rice at Hock Kee Kopitiam (Taman Molek)

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

One of the best places to eat in Johor Bahru, Hock Kee Kopitiam in Taman Molek is a must-visit. Here, you must indulge in their renowned Hainanese chicken rice. This dish is a delightful harmony of tender, poached chicken served atop fragrant and flavorful rice, accompanied by a delectable array of condiments such as ginger paste and chili sauce. The chicken is exceptionally succulent, and the rice is cooked to perfection with a hint of chicken broth, providing a burst of savory goodness in every bite.

Beyond the iconic dish, Hock Kee Kopitiam also offers a range of Malaysian favorites, from rich and aromatic laksa to crispy and savory nasi lemak.

Hock Kee Kopitiam (Taman Molek)

Address: 15, Jalan Molek 1/9, Taman Molek, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Website: Hock Kee Kopitiam

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

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7. Finger Lickin Herb Roasted Duck at Restoran Ya Wang

The pioneer and oldest establishment in Johor that sells herbal roast duck, you won’t miss the restaurant along Jalan Segget with its huge fat duck icon hanging outside! Worn out on the exterior, but comfortable and clean inside, you will be treated to a visual feast upon entering, with the hangings of caramelized dark brown skinned herbal roasted duck in a glass case. Having a healthy following, fans come here for the succulent duck meat that’s doused with a lavish amount of herbal sauce, keeping the meet flavourful, chewy and tender. Already rich in its distinct herbal flavour, this dish is enjoyed with a simple steamy plate of fluffy white rice and a side of lotus soup.

Restauran Ya Wang

Address: 28, Jalan Segget, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Opening Hours: 8.00 am – 6.00 pm

Contact: +60 72248624

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8. Great Indian Food at 7 Spice Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

CRAB .. who will say no to this ? And when the jumbo sized one cooked to perfection by our Chef , you will be craving...

Posted by 7 Spice Indian Cuisine on Monday, December 4, 2017

Located along Jalan Bertingkat Skudai, 7 Spice Restaurant will treat you to Johor’s best Indian food! Popular among locals for their clean and spacious air-conditioned restaurant, you will dine comfortably tasting the vast selection of Indian cuisines on their menu. Local recommendations would be their lamb special biryani, butter chicken, butter naan bread and tandoori chicken with mint sauce. Never leaving a customer disappointed, you’ll experience great service here as well as great authentic Indian food!

7 Spice Restaurant

Address: G-01, Block 5, Jalan Bertingkat Skudai, Danga Bay, 80200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Opening Hours: 11.00 am – 11.00 pm

Contact: +60 72356969

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9. Tastiest Fish Head Curry at Kam Long Restaurant

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Uncommon in western countries, you might find this dish a little squirmish with the fish head. But try it with an open mind and palette, you won’t regret it! Fish head is considered to be the most flavorful part of the fish, therefore making it the best part for stewing deep flavoured broth. Served in a traditional claypot, this beloved curry dish is made using fresh red snapper fish head and a variety of spices to yield the most heavenly layered curry gravy you will ever taste! Served together with tofu skin, ladies finger, long beans and cabbage, it’s a complete meal on its own, but is enjoyed with a serving of steamed white rice.

Kam Long Restaurant

Address: 74, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Opening Hours: 8.00 am – 4.00 pm

Contact: +60 16 7528382

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Best places to try tea time snacks

10. Wood Fire Baked Moist Banana Cakes at Hiap Joo Bakery

Baked with naturally sweet tasting ripe bananas, locals flock to Hiap Joo Bakery every day for their fluffy, moist banana cake that’s baked to golden perfection in their century old wood fire brick oven. Made with no preservatives or chemical essence, the natural sweetness of the bananas is complemented by an accent of smokey flavour from the burning wood. Being always in demand, queues at this Bakery are long, with guarantees that their Banana Cakes will get sold out, minutes after they’re out of the oven!

Hiap Joo Bakery

Address: 13, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Opening Hours: 7.30 am – 5.30 pm

Contact: +60 7 2231703

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11. Coal Fire Baked Traditional Pastries & Cakes at Salahuddin Bakery

In business since 1937, Salahuddin Bakery is another success story on Jalan Dhoby, a family business passed down for generations! Using traditional coal-fired ovens, they bake everything ranging from old-styled cakes, loaves of bread, pastries and muffins. Opting to continue serving their bakeries the old-fashion way, they would lay them out in a wonderful golden display on the table. Using recipes passed down through generations, the bakery also pays homage to its successful history by covering their walls with framed memorabilia of black and white photos and featured articles of their humble shop. Come here to taste 80 years of history baked into a humble bread!

Salahuddin Bakery

Address: 26, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia18, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia

Opening Hours: 9.30 am – 5.30 pm

Contact: +60 12 7668380

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12. Best Deep Fried Durian Fritters at Wah Cai

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Famous for their Fried Durians, this uncle aunty duo has been earning a steady stream of loyal fans for years with their deep fried finger food! Have a taste of their golden crispy deep fried durian with the most creamy and fragrant steamy durian filling, you’ll never view another durian the same way again! Long queues but short waiting time, you should also have their other deep fried decadents like their fried 3-in-1 Chinese cake, fried cempedak, fried bananas and potato chicken curry puffs!

Wah Cai

Address: 86, Jalan Pahlawan 2, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah (TUTA), Skudai, 81300 Johor Baru

Opening Hours: 7.00 am – 4.30 pm

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13. Pisang goreng at Pisang Mawar

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Pisang goreng, or deep-fried banana fritters, are a popular afternoon tea time snack. This uniquely Johor snack is enjoyed with a “kicap” or soy-sauce dip. The sweet and crispy banana contrasts nicely with the saltiness of the dip. If you feel like being a bit more adventurous, you can also try the “sambal kicap cili” or with chili padi. Try Pisang Mawar’s freshly cooked pisang goreng and experience bananas in a new way - a savory yet sweet version that is uniquely Johorean.

Pisang Mawar

Address: No.888, Jalan Sungai Chat, Sri Gelam, 80100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Opening hours: Sun - Fri: 11am - 7pm (closed on Sat)

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Best places to have dinner

14. Crab cakes and steaks at the Grill Bar

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This restaurant has good access to parking, serves good-sized portions, and delicious food. Try the grilled chicken and salad or the rib-eye steaks. The crab cakes and clam chowder soup are highly recommended by many. People who ordered the fillet steak also enjoyed a nice flavorful meal. This is an ideal place to eat dinner with a loved one. The decor is good and the restaurant is newly renovated, so it is comfortable and clean. While it is not the cheapest place to eat, you get what you pay for and the cuisine is delicious. For those who fancy seafood, do consider trying the scallops and salmon. To end the meal, order their renowned lava cake and leave the restaurant feeling satisfied!

Grill Bar

Address: No. 202 Jalan Sri Pelangi | Taman Pelangi, Johor Bahru 80400, Malaysia

Telephone: +60 7-333 3400

Website: Grill Bar

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Must-have drinks

15. Local Coconut Wine at Toddy's Wine Shop

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Cool down with a glass of coconut wine at this quaint 1920s shop along Jalan Sulaiman. Toddy, also known locally as Tuak, is an alcoholic drink made from fermented coconut flower sap. It is sweet and sourish in flavour with a slight natural fizz, with alcohol content ranging from 2% to 10%, you’ll definitely start feeling the kick a few sips in! Beat Malaysia’s equatorial heat. A glass of Toddy’s will cool you down as it is best served chilled with ice cubes on hot days.

Toddy's Coconut Wine Shop

Address: Along Jalan Sulaiman, downtown Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Opening Hours: 10.00 am – 4.00 pm

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Rustic Unpretentious Food

malaysian delicious food
Source: Pexels

Time-tested and successful, Johoreans are very loyal to their authentic flavors, often opting out of modern reinterpretations. This is the main reason many of their traditional cuisines are still widely cherished over the past century. Putting a prime focus on the authenticity of flavor, using traditional cooking methods, fresh natural ingredients, and with zero reinterpretation, these dishes will continue to have loyal support from generations past and generations to come. Discover Johor’s top attractions, as well as its hidden gems - from some of its most romantic places to the best local hole-in-the-wall restaurants. If you want to truly know what the best Malay food in Johor Bahru tastes like, this Johor food trail should get you started on the right path!

Frequently asked questions about foods in Johor Bahru


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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This article has been endorsed by Malaysia local expert Aisyah Amin

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Ihsan Ihsani is a Malaysian writer who loves to write about anything that sparks his curiosity. He travels to broaden his horizon on the many cultures and beauties of the world. When limited funds...Read more

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