When it comes to exploring Johor Bahru, there are indeed endless cafes and cool places to check out. From the café-filled enclave of Jalan Dhoby to the hipster area of Taman Mount Austin, we’d totally understand why their café food appeals to the crowd, especially with its affordability.

But there is something about local foods that no amount of rainbow-coloured, aesthetically-pleasing café grub can level up to. Cheap, delicious and providing a sense of comfort unlike any other, local food in Johor Bahru is unparalleled. Period.

If you’re sick of cafe-hopping and are just looking for a few eateries to head to and simply enjoy the likes of char koay kak, kway teow and bak kut teh, here are 12 local eateries in Johor Bahru you should head to during your next day trip.

GO NOODLE HOUSE

For comforting bowls of ban mian, head over to GO Noodle House which has multiple outlets across Malaysia. Each bowl is customisable to each diner’s liking—choose from various options of noodles, from thick to thin, spiciness level as well as whether you’d like to have your noodles in either soup or sauce.

We particularly love their Superior Soup Ban Mee (RM10.50) as the broth was fragrant and piquant. For those who prefer a drier version, the Trio Special Dark Sauce Ban Mee (RM10.50) would be a good choice as every strand of noodle is nicely coated with a sweet and savoury dark sauce.

GO Noodle House
88 Jalan Wong Ah Fook
Lot J6-10 Johor Bahru City Square Mall
Bandar Johor Bahru
80000 Johor Bahru
Johor, Malaysia
Daily: 10.30am – 10pm

SANG HENG

Nestled along the Jalan Tan Hiok Nee stretch in Johor Bahru lies Sang Heng, an age-old noodle stall that has been dishing out comforting bowls of fishball noodles for the past 50 years or so.

Their unassuming bowls of noodles are ones we could have every day for breakfast—homemade fishballs, perfectly cooked noodles and fresh minced pork, all tossed in a lovely, lip-smacking chilli sauce is what you can expect!

Sang Heng
1 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee
Bandar Johor Bahru
80000 Johor Bahru
Johor, Malaysia
Mon to Thu, Sat: 7am – 2pm
Sun: 7am – 1pm
(Closed on Friday)

HO SENG KEE WANTON NOODLES

Having been around for more than 81 years, Ho Seng Kee is an established brand among locals and even Singaporeans today. This popular dining establishment serves authentic Malaysia-style wanton mee and takes pride in making noodles from scratch in-house daily, using their own recipe.

While you’re there, make sure to try out their Handmade Pandan Mee (RM9.50), which features smooth, handmade noodles that carries a hint of pandan essence.

Ho Seng Kee
88 Jalan Wong Ah Fook
Lot J6-07 Johor Bahru City Square Mall
Bandar Johor Bahru
80000 Johor Bahru
Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 012 710 7140
Daily: 10am – 9pm

QIN GARDEN KOPITIAM

Helmed by an Indonesian man and chefs all being native Indonesian, Qin Garden Kopitiam is where you can indulge in a buffet of authentic Nasi Padang dishes in the likes of Beef Rendang, Assam Pedas Fish, Chicken Curry, Crisp Fried Fish and Chilli Quail Eggs which are all available from 10.30am onwards.

Their array of Nasi Padang dishes will leave you spoilt for choice but if those aren’t enough, this humble coffee shop also serves a variety of a la carte Malay dishes.

Qin Garden Kopitiam
12 Jalan Trus
Bandar Johor Bahru
80000 Johor Bahru
Johor, Malaysia
Sat to Thu: 6.30am – 4pm
(Closed on Friday)

RESTORAN KIN WAH

Restoran Kin Wah is a popular breakfast haunt that both locals and tourists flock to. Nestled along the foodie haven of Jalan Trus, this unassuming coffee shop serves up excellent nasi padang as well as traditional kaya toast and soft boiled eggs.

For those having their nasi padang, we highly recommend getting the begedil (fried potato patty) and their fried chicken. Subtly spiced and mildly charred, the begedil pairs exceptionally well with a touch of sambal.

Restoran Kin Wah
8 Jalan Trus
Bandar Johor Bahru
80000 Johor Bahru
Johor, Malaysia
Mon, Wed to Sat: 7am – 12pm
Sun: 7am – 5pm
(Closed on Tuesday)

PETALING STREET HOKKIEN MEE

Venture out into the area of Taman Mount Austin—a hipster area 25-minutes away from the checkpoint—and you’d find a handful of local eateries as well, one of which being newly-opened Petaling Street Hokkien Mee.

Their KL Hokkien Mee (RM8.50 for small) is their signature dish and for good reason. Thick noodles are stir-fried with eggs, greens, pork slices and a dark sauce to elevate the overall flavour and boasts a prominent ‘wok hei’ aroma. Other items you may look forward to, include the Spicy La La (RM15) and Yang Zhou Fried Rice (RM8.50 for small).

Petaling Street Hokkien Mee
61 Jalan Austin Heights 8/5
Taman Mount Austin
81100 Johor Bahru
Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 16 668 6101
Wed to Mon: 3pm – 10.30pm
(Closed on Tuesday)

168 PENANG CHAR KOAY KAK

A popular street food in Penang, Char Koay Kak is hard to find in Singapore but thankfully, Johor Bahru has at least a couple of vendors serving this delightful, fluffy goodness.

On our recent trip to JB, we stumbled upon 168 Penang Char Koay Kak—a random stall at the roadside just a street across KSL City Mall. The owner of this humble eatery hails from Penang himself, so you can bet that food here is as authentic and real-deal as it gets.

SOON SOON HENG BAK KUT TEH

Situated just opposite KSL City Mall, it takes just a short 10-minute drive to reach Soon Soon Heng Bak Kut Teh from Johor Bahru City Square. It is one of the roadside eateries and we dare say that still humble eatery serves one of the best bak kut teh around.

Each serving is customisable to your own liking in the sense that diners get to choose what goes into their own portion. The star of the show, however, is definitely their broth which boasts the perfect balance of herbal and peppery flavours.

Soon Soon Heng Bak Kut Teh
43 Jalan Serigala
Taman Abad
80250 Johor Bahru
Johor, Malaysia
Daily: 9am – 9pm

AH HUA KWAY TEOW

An old-school noodle stall, Ah Hua Kway Teow serves traditional Teochew kway teow whose pork bone broth is brewed over a charcoal stove.

The small bowl (RM8) comes with silky smooth rice noodles (kway teow), tender pork slices, thinly sliced pork kidney and liver, soaked in a flavourful broth and topped with fried shallots. You can opt for the dry version if you prefer to enjoy your soup separately with your noodles.

Ah Hua Kway Teow (Restoran Sekee)
30 Jalan Segget
Bandar Johor Bahru
80000 Johor Bahru
Johor, Malaysia
Sun to Thu: 7.30am – 2.30pm
(Closed on Friday and Saturday)

RESTORAN AH KOONG

Restoran Ah Koong is an excellent fishball noodle restaurant located in Taman Sentosa district of Johor Bahru right across the border. The casual restaurant has been dishing out fishball noodles since 1987 and is now a respectable name in the F&B industry.

There are eight noodle options for you to choose from such as Kuey Teow, QQ Fishball Noodle, Mee Hoon, Mee Pok. Diners can opt for individual bowls (RM6.30) but opt for their set meals which will give you the ultimate bang for your buck!

Restoran Ah Koong
266 Jalan Sutera
Taman Sentosa
80150 Johor Bahru
Johor, Malaysia
Tel : +607 331 3621
Daily: 6.30am – 11.30pm

RESTORAN HUA MUI

Nestled along the foodie haven of Jalan Tras and Jalan Dhoby lies Restoran Hua Mui, an old-school coffee shop that is said to be the birthplace of the original, authentic Hainanese chicken chop.

The star attraction of this shabby, old-school coffee shop is hands-down their Hainanese Chicken Chop (RM15.90). Sitting atop a savoury gravy with some peas and a few potato wedges, the fried chicken chop itself was crispy beyond belief without being oily.

Restoran Hua Mui
131 Jalan Trus
Bandar Johor Bahru
80000 Johor Bahru
Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 11-3505 8916
Daily: 8.30am – 6pm

KAM LONG CURRY FISH HEAD

Kam Long Curry Fish Head has been a top choice of many locals and Singaporeans who frequent the eatery for its affordable and delicious Curry Fish Head and for good reason.

At just S$7 for a small portion (good for 2 to 4 people), you get a huge and delicious bowl of curry packed with incredible flavours, a generous helping of fresh fish meat, vegetables and bean curd skin.

Kam Long Curry Fish Head
74 Jalan Wong Ah Fook
Bandar Johor Bahru
80000 Johor Bahru
Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 16-752 8382
Daily: 8am – 4pm

No trip to Malaysia is complete without a piping-hot plate of KL-style Hokkien mee stall.

Brimming with intense charred flavours and heady wok hei aroma, the famous KL version is special in that it is stir-fried over a charcoal flame and is infused (heavily) with pork fat, a smattering of crispy golden pork lard and a dark soy sauce that gives it its signature dark colour.

While prowling the food-laden streets of Taman Mount Austin in JB in search of solid local Malaysian fare, we stumbled upon Petaling Street Hokkien Mee—or Lai Noodle House as they are also called—an unassuming eatery specialising in Malaysian-style zi char. Only a few days old when we visited, their food was remarkable

Boasting a smoky aroma and a myriad of savoury flavours, the KL Hokkien Mee (RM8.50) is not one to skip. Stir-fried to dark, caramelised perfection, each mouthful greets you with little surprises of crunchy lard morsels and a sweet, lip-smacking caramelised flavour courtesy of the dark sauce added.

The noodle variety used is also thicker (similar to Japanese udon) allowing more sauce to latch on and giving the dish more chew.

Adorned with many vibrant colours from bits of char siew, prawn, diced green onions and egg, the Yang Zhou Fried Rice (RM8.50) is great to have if you’re just looking for something simple to fill the tummy.

Their rendition of the popular Chinese fried rice dish is lighter in flavour and not as oily, which serves as a good option if you should decide to order cooked dishes to try.

A dish we were recommended to try was their Spicy La La (RM15), which ironically was disappointing, to say the least. Albeit the clams were fresh, the dish itself was bland tasting save for subtle hints of curry leaves, chilli and garlic.

Petaling Street Hokkien Mee
61 Jalan Austin Heights 8/5
Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru
Johor, Malaysia
Daily: 10am – 3pm, 5.30pm – late

Johor Bahru is a popular travel destination for many Singaporeans. Be it a day trip or a short weekend getaway, Johor Bahru is a haven for one to indulge, have fun and pamper yourself like royalty, regardless of age and interest.

From cheap local eats to fun group activities, Johor Bahru is never a boring place where you will run out of things to do. For those who have been frequenting Johor Bahru and are running out of ideas to do on your next trip, here are some recommendations on what to eat, do and see in Johor Bahru.

WHAT TO EAT IN JOHOR BAHRU

A food hunt in Johor Bahru is always fun, especially when it comes to the wallet-friendly local food, charming cafes and bustling night markets.

CAFÉS BEYOND THE AESTHETICS

The area around the Johor Bahru immigration checkpoint is getting increasingly populated with cafés that cater to the youngsters who often visit this region.

For those who are looking to café hop in Johor Bahru, there are several cafés just a few minutes drive away from the customs that are definitely worth checking out—from aesthetically-pleasing interiors to quality grub, venture deeper into the city and you would be amazed by what you can find.

Mok Mok Brunch & Bistro, L. Table and Ink N Water are some cafés situated not more than 15-minutes drive from the checkpoint that are worth a visit.

EATERIES THAT WILL NOT DISAPPOINT

If you are not one for cafés, fret not because we assure you that the local food in Johor Bahru is to die for.

Should you be a fan of curry fish head, Kam Long Curry Fish Head is a must-try if you are in Johor Bahru—the S$7 portion can feed up to 4 people.

Soon Soon Heng Bak Kut Teh is also somewhere you would keep going back to even after your first visit. All we can say is that if the stall was to open in Singapore, we would have it every week.

NIGHT MARKETS FOR STREET FOOD

Feeling hungry at 11pm? Johor Bahru has plenty of night markets for you to satiate your hunger with their local street food.

One great night market for those who are always hanging around the area close to Johor Bahru City Square is Meldrum Night Market. Nestled in a back alley behind Jalan Wong Ah Fook, this night market has an array of mouth-watering delicacies to offer.

WHAT TO DO IN JOHOR BAHRU

Besides café hopping, body massages and shopping, there are multitudinous activities that are excellent for families and friends to take part in.

Photo Credit: Laser Battle

Battle your family or friends in a round of Laser Tag at Laser Battle. Conveniently located on the 4th storey of Johor Bahru City Square, this place makes sweating it out enjoyable.

Costing no more than S$10 for a game, this place is perfect for families with children to have a bonding session that will forge great memories, as well as for a group of friends looking for some fun.

Laser Battle
Lot MS-11, Johor Bahru City Square, 108
Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Tel: +60 07 207 0179

Photo Credit: Blue Ice Skating Rink

Johor Bahru recently opened its largest mall, Paradigm Mall which is located just a 20-minute drive away from Woodlands Causeway. Not only does it boast a myriad of food outlets and retail stalls, it also has a huge ice skating rink on its 3rd storey.

Escape from the glaring heat outdoors, put on some blades, and have fun at Blue Ice Skating Rink in Paradigm Mall. You can rent a pair of ice skates at RM25 on weekdays and RM30 on weekends.

Blue Ice Skating Rink
3F-30 Paradigm Mall
Taman Bukit Mewah, Johor Bahru Malaysia
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Tel: +60 11 6230 0366

Photo Credit: TGV Beanie

For those who want to relax after a long day of shopping and eating, TGV Cinemas has taken the movie-going experience a notch up with their Beanieplex, where you get to watch movies while lying on bean bags—you really cannot get more cosy than that!

The beanie movie hall is available at AEON, Tebrau City Shopping Centre, which is just a 10-minute drive away from Johor Bahru City Square. The only downside to the Beanieplex is that there is a minimum booking for two people, so bring a date or your mate along!

TGV Cinema
1 Jalan Desa Tebrau,
S01, 2nd Floor, AEON Tebrau City Shopping Centre
Taman Desa Tebrau, Johor Bahru Malaysia

TURN YOUR DAY TRIP INTO A STAYCATION

Most of us (if not all) will be able to relate to the disappointment that comes inevitably at the end of the trip. Some may consider extending the trip beyond a day and treat themselves to an impromptu staycation.

Thankfully, Johor Bahru is home to plenty of hotels with incredible amenities and some are rather affordable. For those looking for hotel rooms that will not break your bank, here are 13 hotels in Johor Bahru under S$150 you may wish to consider.

Nestled along the foodie haven of Jalan Tras and Jalan Dhoby lies Restoran Hua Mui, an old-school coffee shop that is said to be the birthplace of the original, authentic Hainanese chicken chop.

Although it may look unattractive at first glance, this shabby two-storey coffee shop is a huge hit among locals and tourists alike, who often pack it full from as early as 9 in the morning. From their popular charcoal grilled butter and kaya toast to other Eastern and Western food offerings, there is bound to be something to satisfy your craving.

Located just 15 minutes away from City Square Mall, Restoran Hua Mui is one spot that visiting Singaporeans should all check out to kick-start their day proper.

Established since 1946, the interior oozes an old school charm that is reminiscent of how old Singapore eateries used to look like. From its creaky staircase to its vintage floor tiles, this is perhaps something of a novelty for many of us who never got to experience coffee shops like this back home.

Boasting an extensive menu that comprises both Western as well as local cuisine, you can rest assured that there will be something to peak your fancy.

The star attraction of Restoran Hua Mui is their Hainanese Chicken Chop (RM15.90). Sitting atop a savoury gravy with some peas and a few potato wedges, the fried chicken chop itself was crispy beyond belief without being oily.

The initial slice down the middle revealed a juicy and succulent centre, an indication that it was marinated properly prior to the actual frying. The batter was flavourful with prominent notes of egg and milk coming through—which is something unusual as most fried chicken batters tend to be milder.

Compared to its more popular counterpart, It Roo Cafe, that is located just a short walk away, we would boldly admit that the chicken chop served here is heaps better.

Restoran Hua Mui
131, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru,
80000 Johor Bahru,
Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 11-3505 8916
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 8.30am – 6pm

Heading to Johor Bahru? Read our Johor Bahru guides to find out the best places to visit.

As sinful as suppers may be, not many can resist the temptation of slurping down a delicious bowl of bak chor mee when the late night hunger pangs strike. Who cares about diet when food can give you the ultimate satisfaction in life?

If you are bored of the usual supper places in Singapore, it is time to head over to Johor Bahru. The Malaysian state is home to many late night casual eateries and restaurants offering scrumptious Malaysian delicacies that will satisfy your tummy.

Here are 12 Supper Spots In Johor Bahru Worth Crossing The Border For.

#1 777 FOOD CENTRE

An al fresco coffee shop, this is a no-frills eating place where you can find an array of local dishes such as bak kut teh, char kuay teow, rojak, satay celup and more. Other favourites among diners there are the roasted chicken wings and BBQ Stingray stalls.

Jalan Perkasa 4
Taman Ungku Tun Aminah
Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Photo Credit: Lenscapers

#2 FA GE LOK LOK

Conveniently located outside KSL City Mall, Fa Ge Lok Lok is known among Malaysians and Singaporeans. ‘Lok Lok’ is essentially skewered meat, seafoood or vegetables that can be boiled of deep fried in oil. The selection at this mobile stall is aplenty too—chicken, duck, salmon, tofu and more.

Jalan Serigala
Taman Abad
Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Photo Credit: Johor Kaki

#3 FAMOUS DART FEI BIAO NOODLE HOUSE

Fans of fried fish bee hoon rejoice because this one is for you! Famous Dart Fei Biao Noodle House’s legendary fried fish soup with thick bee hoon has received many praises for its delectable milky fish soup and generous portions of fresh fish meat.

87 Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/2
Taman Sutera Utama
Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
Daily: 8am – 4.20am

Photo Credit: OpenRice Malaysia

#4 HI WAN KUEY TEOW KIA

This family business is currently run by their second generation and this humble eatery has since made a name for itself among locals and Singaporeans who go over to eat the kuey teow kia for supper.

Jalan Sri Pelangi
Taman Pelangi
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Daily: 5.30am – 3.30pm

Photo Credit: Malaysia Best

#5 KEDAI MAKANAN SIN KIMDO

Is BBQ food your calling? If so, you have to visit Kedai Makanan Sin Kimdo. We are not joking when we say that this place is BBQ heaven where you can indulge in all the skewered meat you fancy. Some barbecue options you have there include chicken wing satay, oyster mushroom and squid.

25, Jalan Sutera
Taman Sentosa
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Daily: 5pm – 3.45am

Photo Credit: Johor Kaki

#6 MARMOLADA FOOD CENTRE

Near to KSL City Mall, Marmolada Food Centre is only opened for business after 5pm. Visitors can delight themselves in a wonderful barbecue selection, chicken rice, rojak and so on. It is a great place to rest your weary feet and settle for dinner after a day of shopping and fun.

Jalan Harimau
Taman Abad
Johor Bahru, Malaysia

#7 MEDAN SELERA MELDRUM WALK

Those who are not familiar with Johor Bahru can consider trying out the row of street stalls at Medan Selera Meldrum Walk, which is only 5 minutes walking distance from City Square Mall. You will find a mixture of Chinese, Malay and Indian stalls where you can watch the hawkers in action right in front of your eyes.

23 Jalan Meldrum
Bandar Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Daily: 5pm – 12 Midnight

Photo Credit: Jasmyne Goh

#8 RESTORAN WOON KIANG

Another well-known Kuey Teow Kia restaurant on our list, many have raved about their hearty noodles in piping hot herbal soup paired with side dishes which you can order at the stall. If you are not keen on innards, they also sell braised duck meat to go along with the noodles.

#G-06, Jalan Pandan 1
Pangsarpuri Impian, Stulang
Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Photo Credit: Yento Lee

#9 SAN LOW SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Those who are traveling in a group or with family can consider San Low Seafood Restaurant, a three-storey Chinese restaurant in Johor Bahru. Seafood dishes that are good for sharing include their signature Fried Bee Hoon, crabs of various styles and others.

Jalan Merah 1
Taman Pelangi
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +607 332 3869/ +607 334 3623
Daily: 4.30pm – 1am

#10 TAMAN PELANGI FOOD CENTRE

Peak hour starts after 6pm for the hawker stalls at Taman Pelangi Food Centre. Locals themselves visit this place for affordable and decent Malaysian fare. You can expect the usual local dishes such as mee hoon kuih, Hokkien mee and yong tau foo.

Junction of Jalan Perang and Jalan Sri Pelangi
Daily: 6pm – 12 Midnight

Photo Credit: reuelwrites

#11 TAMAN SRI TEBRAU HAWKER CENTRE

One of the most popular places for supper in Johor Bahru, Taman Sri Tebrau Hawker Centre is always lively at night. Visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to variety as they have everything from zi char dishes to classic Malaysian delights such as oyster omelette and char kuay teow.

Jalan Keris
Taman Sri Tebrau
Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Photo Credit: Malay Mail Online

#12 TAPAI TANG

Recommended by locals, do not be put off by Tapai Tang’s rundown appearance because this is a hotspot for supper. Many who visit them order their famous salted kampung chicken. The fresh chicken is first marinated in Chinese spices and herbs. Thereafter, it is wrapped in parchment paper before being covered in a blanket of coarse rock salt and then put into the oven for baking.

128 Jalan Chengai
Taman Melodies
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +607 333 3662
Daily: 10am – 4am

Planning to go for a day trip to JB? Here is what you can do there.

Visiting another country for holidays might be a luxury that most working adults are deprived of due to time and budget constraints, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t get away! Located just a 45-minute car journey away from Singapore is Malaysian city Johor Bahru, where a paradise of heavenly street food and unbelievably cheap retail therapy deals await.

From shopping at Johor Bahru City Square, eating at Meldrum Night Market to the various transportation methods available, here is a brief guide on a Day Trip to Johor Bahru.

WHAT TO DO IN JOHOR BAHRU

Source: Sky Scraper City

Johor Bahru City Square

Johor Bahru City Square’s sheer number of retail and dining options – and their massive discounted prices – has attracted groups of Singaporeans on a daily basis to come forth and do their shopping.

Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Darul Ta’zim, 80000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-226 3668
Daily: 10am – 10pm

Legoland Malaysia

Legoland Malaysia theme park is the perfect playground for your little ones. But who said the park is only meant for kids? Adults are too seen reliving their childhood memories at Legoland Malaysia. There are over 40 rides to keep you and your loved ones entertained throughout the day.

7, Jalan Legoland, Medini, 79100 Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-597 8888
Daily: 10am – 6pm

If you ever find yourself in Johor Bahru – a land where a truckload of delicious street food and shopping haven awaits – here are 10 Amazing Malaysian Street Food that you should try.

Source: Wang Zu Bu Luo

Wang Zu Bu Luo

There are plenty of massage parlours across Johor Bahru and Wang Zu Bu Luo is quite a reputable spa chain amongst Singaporeans and Malaysians alike. Their professional services range from ear candling, meridian massages to cupping.

38, Jalan Serampang, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Baru, Malaysia

WHAT TO EAT IN JOHOR BAHRU

Meldrum Night Market

Walking through Meldrum Night Market is virtually akin to time travel. Located just a stone’s throw away from Johor Bahru City Square, the rundown back alley is lined with vendors selling an exhaustive array of Malaysian delicacies. From Apam Balik Pancakes to Mee Hoon Kueh, there is so much food to sample.

Salahuddin Bakery

Salahuddin Bakery that has touched the hearts of generations with its freshly baked curry puffs and wood-fired bread loaves since 1937. Despite the convenience and availability of modern electrical and gas ovens, Saladhuddin insists to bake breads with their age-old wood fire oven to keep things original.

From specialty coffee shop Faculty Of Caffeine to Chaiwalla & Co. Container Cafe, here is a Guide to 10 Cafes in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

Vanilla Bean

Specialty coffee shop and patisserie Vanilla Bean is a pretty new face in Johor Bahru’s luxurious integrated marina, Senibong Cove. The intimate third-wave café boasts Asian-inspired waffles, espresso beverages, artisanal cakes and a splendid selection of all-day brunch items. P.s. Order their Teh Tarik Waffles!

HOW TO GET TO JOHOR BAHRU FROM SINGAPORE

Bus – Take bus 170 from Kranji MRT and it will take you to JB Sentral. A trip costs between S$1.50 to S$2.

Car – Drive through Causeway Woodlands Checkpoint or Second Link Tuas Checkpoint. Do ensure that your Singapore car’s petrol tank must be at least filled three quarters – or risk being fined a hefty amount of S$500. Toll charges do apply.

Train – Take a train from Woodlands Train Checkpoint and you will arrive JB Sentral within minutes. Tickets start from S$5 for a one-way journey.

Check out our travel guides to Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

With the vast availability and affordability of multiple cuisines, Singaporeans are evidently very spoilt when it comes to food. Yet, we find ourselves constantly lamenting that we do not know what to eat.

Should you ever find yourself sick of the choices in Singapore, perhaps it is time to make a trip across the causeway to savour all that Malaysia has to offer.

Johor Bahru is less than an hour away by car or bus, and is a foodie paradise with its amazing variety of street food.

From old-world Salahuddin Bakery to the obscure bustling Meldrum Night Market, here is our guide to 5 Secret Street Food Destinations in Johor Bahru, Malaysia that you should check out during your next day trip to Johor Bahru.

Read: 10 Must-Try Street Food in Johor Bahru

#1 HIAP JOO BAKERY & BISCUIT FACTORY

Family-run Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory sells an assortment of buns and cakes, but is most famous for their freshly baked banana cakes (RM4.80 – small, RM9.50 – large). The fragrant cake is sliced into smaller portions and served in takeout plastic boxes. We love how the cake is slightly crisp on the outside, yet soft and moist inside. It was definitely one of the best banana cakes we ever had.

The wining formula behind Hiap Joo Bakery’s irresistibly delicious baked goods is no secret – they take immense pride in baking buns and cakes in their age-old traditional wood fire oven with zero artificial enhancements and preservatives. As a result, these sweet treats should ideally be consumed fresh within three days.

Do note that butter and coffee cakes are only available on Thursday mornings.

#2 HUA MUI COFFEE SHOP

Established since 1946, Hua Mui Coffee Shop is one of Johor Bahru’s oldest eateries. The unassuming two-storey shophouse is a beloved breakfast haunt amongst natives, where both Chinese and Western cuisine are prepared and served here. Pair your soft-boiled eggs and grilled kaya butter toast with an aromatic coffee brew.

Eggs and toasts aside, the halal-certified traditional shophouse’s best-selling dish is its signature Hainanese Fried Chicken Chop. In an attempt to retain Hua Mui’s enchanting old-world charm authenticity, operations have remained retro and dishes are actually being delivered upstairs with a mechanical pulley system.

#3 MELDRUM NIGHT MARKET

Walking through the hectic Meldrum Night Market is almost akin to time travel. Located just a stone’s throw away from the modern infrastructure City Square, the rundown back alley is lined up with vendors selling a a mind-boggling array of Malaysian food. From Apam Balik Pancakes to Char Kway Teow, there is so much to pig out on.

While not everyone is comfortable with the idea of sampling street food due to questionable hygiene, it is still fun to take a stroll down Meldrum Night Market. We enjoyed watching the Malaysian hawkers whip up a storm in their own stalls, and it also offers an opportunity to learn about the locals’ livelihoods!

#4 SALAHUDDIN BAKERY

Opened since 1937, Salahuddin Bakery is possibly Jalan Dhoby’s oldest occupant. While most youngsters flock to the café-saturated neighbourhood for its various new café openings, it is Salahuddin Bakery that has touched the hearts of generations with its freshly baked curry puffs and wood-fired bread loaves. We are so glad that the bakery has remained unfazed by Jalan Dhoby’s gentrification.

Salahuddin Bakery is a testimony that passion can indeed overcome all barriers – including the test of time. Majority of its loyal customers have been visiting the Indian bakery since childhood days.

Despite the convenience and availability of modern electrical and gas ovens, Saladhuddin’s descendants insist to prepare breads with their almost ancient wood fire oven to keep things like they were before.

#5 SHOON HUAT BAK KU TEH

As its name suggests, Shoon Huat Bak Ku Teh is a specialty Bak Ku Teh diner. The flavour of the pork ribs soup served here at Shoon Huat is far from the peppery ones Singaporeans are familiar with, and basically, nothing is similar to the ones we usually have. Instead, the clear broth is characterized by its distinct herbal tastes.

Similar to most Bak Ku Teh stalls, Shoon Huat offers free top-ups of soups. You can also choose to add ingredients such as fish maw and tau kee into your soup.

Read: 10 Cafes in Johor Bahru You Must Visit

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.

One of the perks of being on a holiday is experiencing the different cultures and trying local foods offered by the country/ city. And street food is something that always gets us all excited.

If you ever find yourself in Johor Bahru – a land where a truckload of delicious street food and shopping haven awaits - here are 10 Amazing Malaysian Street Food that you should try.

#1 APOM BALIK

Apom Balik is essentially sticky rice flour pancakes with peanut shavings and sweetened corn sandwiched in between. Relish the sweet, chewy and crispy combination that will leave you wanting more.

These goodies are typically RM1 for two.

#2 SQUID ON STICKS

These squids found on the streets of Malaysia are hard to beat. Have them BBQ-ed or deep fried. While deep fried anything is great, we are more inclined towards the BBQ version that is brushed with special chilli sauce.

And guess what? It is just RM8 for a huge squid!

#3 CHEE CHEONG FUN

Chee Cheong Fun, or rice rolls, can be found at almost every dim sum restaurant or eatery in Singapore, but these ones from Malaysia boasts a smooth springy texture that you will not stop dreaming about.

Drenched in your choice or curry, black or red sauce, they are usually priced at RM5 per portion.

#4 CHWEE KUEH

Alas, another traditional delight! For the uninitiated, Chwee Kueh is a steamed rice cake garnished with diced preserved radish and served with chilli, and it is super popular in both Singapore and Malaysia.

The ones sold by the streets of Johor Bahru are typically RM4 for five pieces.

#5 FRIED CARROT CAKE

In Malaysia, the steamed radish cubes are heated in a pan before being mixed with egg yolk, then fried. Bean sprouts are sometimes tossed in to add crunch to the dish. And of course, eating it with chilli makes it even better.

A plate in Johor Bahru is typically RM4.

#6 MUAH CHEE

A favourite childhood snack for many who grew up in Singapore and/ or Malaysia, Muah Chee is essentially glutinous rice dough generously coated with sugared peanut shavings. The ones here at Johor Bahru are somewhat softer and gives that melt-in-your-mouth satisfaction.

A packet costs RM3.

#7 PENANG ASSAM LAKSA

This notable dish can be found at almost every corner of Johor Bahru’s Streets. One whiff of the Assam broth and we succumbed to the bowl of goodness. A good bowl of piping hot Penang Assam Laksa sure does wonders for the soul. More prawn paste, please!

The average price is RM4 per bowl.

#8 SMELLY TOFU

We get how the pungent smell might be a turn-off for many, there are many who dig it for its odour. These smelly tofu stalls are usually easy to spot from a distance, but the distinct fermented taste is honestly more savoury than anything else.

A box of smelly tofu is typically RM4.

#9 TRADITIONAL TEOCHEW KUEH

Since Malaysia also has a strong Chinese heritage, the vendors take pride in their cultural roots by preparing traditional Teochew kuehs from scratch with the most refined methods.

The most common ones are yam cakes, and they are usually at RM5 for two.

#10 RAMLY BURGER

The Ramly Burger is a Malaysian street burger and the ingredients used to prepare this local delicacy differ across stalls throughout Malaysia. It comprises either a beef or chicken patty and is usually cooked with cabbage, chilli, ketchup, margarine, egg and soy sauce etc.

For more recommendations, read our guide to 7 Dishes To Try At Johor Bahru’s Meldrum Night Market.

We are always on the prowl for mouth-watering authentic delicacies, even if it means having to travel across the national border. If you are in search of traditional Malaysian street food and are up for a gastronomic adventure, then head over to Johor Bahru’s Meldrum Night Market.

Located just a stone’s throw away from the Causeway and JB Sentral, Meldrum Night Market is tucked away in a back alley (accessible via the main streets of Jalan Wong Ah Fook and Jalan Meldrum). Open daily from 5pm – 12am, the hidden street food paradise is a must-visit.

From Malaysia’s heritage food Apam Balik to the Hokkien hand-pulled noodles Mee Hoon Kueh, here is our guide to 7 Dishes to Try at Meldrum Night Market in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

#1 APAM BALIK PANCAKE

Apam Balik Pancakes are essentially griddle pancakes made with baking powder, eggs, flour and coconut milk. While the contents typically vary across vendors of different origins, the pancakes at Meldrum Night Market are filled with peanut granules and sweet corn.

#2 CHAR KWAY TEOW

Char Kway Teow is a popular stir-fried seafood noodle dish with several variations across Malaysia. Unlike the sweet version in Singapore, Meldrum Night Market’s rendition is a semi savoury plate of aromatic flat rice noodles cooked over high heat with de-shelled blood cockles, Chinese chives, crunchy beansprouts, eggs, fresh shrimps and both light and dark soy sauce.

#3 LAKSA

The non-viscous spicy broth of Meldrum Night Market’s laksa is slightly clear with a distinctive coconut milk aftertaste. It is served with noodles of your choice and topped with beancurd skin, fish balls and long beans, and a dollop of sambal chilli on the side.

#4 MEE HOON KUEH

The Hokkien traditional hand-pulled noodles are typically served in clear, fragrant anchovy soups and tastes exactly like the Ban Mian that most Singaporeans are used to. The key difference lies in the shape of noodles, where Mee Hoon Kueh’s are oddly shaped and not stringy.

#5 OYSTER OMELETTE

Oyster Omelette might have originated from Taiwan, but has long become a comfort food in Malaysia and other Asian countries. Potato starch is added to the egg batter to give the omelette a thicker texture, and cooked together with a generous portion of tiny succulent oysters. The skin is cooked till a golden brown crisp and its insides are delightfully fluffy.

#6 RAMLY BURGER

The Ramly Burger is a Malaysian street burger and the ingredients used to prepare this local delicacy differ across stalls throughout Malaysia. It comprises either a beef or chicken patty and is usually cooked with cabbage, chilli, ketchup, margarine, egg and soy sauce etc. We are not sure if it is intended, but the one we had at Meldrum Night Market was without an egg.

#7 WANTON MEE

Meldrum Night Market’s wanton mee is a plate of springy noodles drenched in oyster sauce, topped with sliced char siu and garnished with garlic chives. The tasty broth and silky wantons are served in a side bowl while another separate saucer holds the chopped green chilli.

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.