As much as Singapore remains the foodie capital of the world, there is still much that our country’s diverse culinary landscape lacks in. Either they have been lost through time, or people’s preferences simply changed. Thankfully, much of these iconic foods are still very much alive in our neighbouring state, Johor Bahru.

If you are thinking of taking a day trip out to Johor Bahru without any intention of driving, then here are a few eateries for you to check out that are mostly easy to get to on foot.

From tasty nasi padang that promises to fire up your palate, an age-old bakery with the best banana cake in the country (supposedly) to good ol’ local breakfast dishes, here is our Johor Bahru day trip food itinerary.

#1 RESTORAN AH KOONG

A bowl of fishball noodles works wonders when you are craving for something light and comforting. Right across the border, there is an excellent fishball noodle restaurant located in the Taman Sentosa district of Johor Bahru by the name of Restoran Ah Koong.

At Restoran Ah Koong Prices are kept affordable and servings are generous to boot. What we love most about their food is the high-quality ingredients that they use—their fishballs contain no preservatives at all!

Out of all their many noodle options, we urge you to get their black noodles which are springy, tasty and aromatic thanks to the addition of fried pork lard.

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

#2 HIAP JOO BAKERY

An old-school bakery that remains, till this day, a hit among both locals and Singaporeans alike is Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory. Just a stone’s throw away from the customs, this humble bakery shop is never seen without a queue and for a good reason too—they are known to have the best banana cake in Johor Bahru!

13 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee
Johor Bahru
Tel: +60 7 223 1703
Mon to Sat: 7.30am – 5.30pm
Sun: 8.30am – 12pm

#3 HO SENG KEE

If you have yet to try authentic Malaysian-style wanton mee, one popular dining establishment to try it at is Ho Seng Kee which is conveniently located in City Square Mall. The wanton noodle house takes pride in making noodles from scratch in-house daily, using their own recipe.

What is interesting about Ho Seng Kee is that they also serve other creative styles of noodles such as their Homemade Pandan Mee. With both the classic and modern wanton noodle creations under one roof, you will never run out of options at this casual dining restaurant.

108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook
Level 6, City Square Johor Bahru Shopping Mall
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +60 012 710 7140
Daily: 10am – 9pm

#4 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 kaya toast and soft boiled eggs that are pretty decent too.

Conveniently located right opposite the popular, Hiap Joo bakery and biscuit factory, there is no excuse why you should give this cheap and good breakfast spot a miss.

8, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru,
80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Daily: 7am – 12pm

#5 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.

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.

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

#6 QIN GARDEN KOPITIAM

It’s hard not to love a dish as iconic as nasi padang. Essentially, it is plain rice with a smorgasbord of mouthwatering ingredients from saucy treats to fried delights ladled over top. Finding its roots all the way from Indonesia, Johor Bahru is no stranger to housing some of the best (and most affordable) nasi padang joints around.

Qin Garden Kopitiam along Jalan Trus is an absolute must-visit should you find the need to over-indulge. Do not let the simple hawker-like façade deceive you. The array of Nasi Padang dishes at Qin Garden Kopitiam will leave you with some tough decisions to make. Some of the eye-catching ones include Kupang (mussels fried in chilli and spices), Beef Rendang, Assam Pedas Fish, Chicken Curry, Crisp Fried Fish and Quail Eggs cooked in a spicy chilli paste.

12, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru 80000
(Closed on alternate Tuesdays)
Daily: 7am – 6pm

Nestled in the area of Taman Mount Austin, Ding Ding Ji Pai is an adorable cafe that specialises in Taiwanese food with solid mains such as Braised Pork Rice and Fried Chicken Cutlet, on top of numerous creative renditions of their signature winter melon milk tea—all costing no more than S$5 each.

Here’s why you should pay this eatery a visit on your next day trip to Johor Bahru!

Their menu boasts a wide selection of snacks, beverages, desserts and hearty mains, all of which are extremely pocket-friendly. On top of that, you’d be glad to know that there’s free wifi over at Ding Ding Ji Pai.

A dish synonymous to Taiwanese cuisine would be Lu Rou Fan, otherwise known as Braised Pork Rice.

Served with salted vegetables, a braised egg and a chunky piece of braised tofu, Ding Ding Ji Pai’s Rice with Braised Pork (RM7.90) reminded us of the ones we’d get in Taiwan. The tender pork boasted an appropriate balance of fat to lean meat ratio and the marinate was aptly rich without being overly cloying.

For something more indulgent, the Fried Chicken Rice (RM11.90) would go highly recommended by us. Accompanying a bowl of rice that has been cooked in a light braised sauce is a huge piece of boneless fried chicken cutlet as well as a helping of salted vegetables.

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, we could tell that no effort was spared in the preparation of the dish. The meat was extremely well-marinated and the skin had a flavourful, intense seasoning sprinkled over.

No Taiwanese meal will ever be complete without some creamy milk tea and you’d be glad to know that Ding Ding Ji Pai offers a stunning array of beverages such that you’d be spoilt for choice.

The Winter Melon Milk Tea (RM8.40) is one of their signature beverages and for good reason. The strong aroma of black tea balances out the creaminess and we thoroughly enjoyed the subtle taste of winter melon.

Other options you might wish to try include Passion Milk Tea (RM8.40) and Mango Honey Lemon (RM8.40).

Ding Ding Ji Pai
31 Jalan Austin Height 8/8
Taman Mount Austin, 81300 Johor Bahru
Johor, Malaysia
Tue to Sun: 11am – 12 midnight
(Closed on Mondays)

If you’re someone who loves a good cheesecake, then you have to make a deliberate trip down to Johor Bahru’s underrated cafe haven, Taman Mount Austin, to check out this new cheesecake shop.

Opened just recently, The Cheese Lab is a brand new addition to the slew of cafes in the area of Taman Mount Austin—a hidden enclave of cafes in Johor Bahru—and here they specialise in cheesecakes and utterly Instagram-worthy beverages. Here’s why it is worth checking out, especially if you’re a fan of pillowy-soft, creamy cheesecakes.

If you’re looking for a full-fledged meal, The Cheese Lab probably wouldn’t be the best option for they serve only one edible item here—the Signature Cheesecake Slice (RM16.90). Having just one item on their menu raised our expectations by a notch but you’d be glad to know that despite high expectations, the cheesecake did not disappoint.

Served with a helping of decadent and fluffy cream cheese, the cheesecake was aptly moist and sweet. The dessert boasts a light texture and we absolutely adore how incredibly rich the cake tasted despite the texture.

But the lack of variety on their edible menu is surely made up for with that of the beverage menu. Boasting a wide array of drinks ranging from hot coffee to gorgeous, “Insta-worthy” ice-cold ombré drinks, you can definitely count of The Cheese Lab to quench your thirst.

We opted for their Milk, Raspberry and Butterfly Pea (RM13), which sees 3 different layers of colourful liquid. At the bottom of the cup is a raspberry jam, followed by fresh milk and finally, a blue-hued butterfly pea mixture.

The Cheese Lab
39 Jalan Austin Heights 8/5
Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Daily: 1pm – 11pm

All Singaporeans know that Johor Bahru is the place to go when you want a short escape from all things expensive in Singapore. Everything is cheaper there — shopping, massages, transport, and most importantly, food!

There are a plethora of well-known cafes near the causeway that many of us Singaporeans love to visit. Aside from that, however, there are a number of other fantastic eateries deeper within Johor that we feel you need to check out. 

With that, here is our list of our 23 favourite cafes in Johor Bahru that you can refer to for your next day trip over the causeway.

Photo Credit: Birdfolks

ATLAS COFFEE EMBASSY 

The interior of this place is minimalistic and has great lighting to take amazing photos of your food for the gram. This place, like its name, says, is must-try for coffee as the barista behind these brews is none other than Malaysian Barista Champion JH Yee. Do try their Atlas Signature Blend coffee for an amazing coffee experience!

Taman Mount Austin
32 Jalan Austin Heights 8/7, Johor, Malaysia
Johor Bahru 81100
Tel: +60 7-358 7546
Daily: 8.30am – 7pm 

BASILICO

Basilico is a tiny Italian cafe that is neatly tucked away in the Mount Austin area. The lighting here is pretty dim — not so good for taking photos, but great if you want a cosy place to have a chill hang out session with some friends. Basilico’s aim is to sell authentic Italian food at affordable prices, and they’re definitely doing that right.

Taman Mount Austin,
17 Jalan Austin Heights 8/1, Johor, Malaysia
Johor Bahru 81100
Tel: +60 7-364 7463
Daily: 12pm – 10.30pm

BEV C

Popular industrial-themed Bev C Café is located on the upper level of a restored shophouse in Johor Bahru and it is a well-loved destination for cafe hoppers and foodies. Cool yourselves down from the scorching tropical heat with Bev C’s popular espresso Ice Cube Drink with Chocolate or dig into their best selling White Chocolate Truffle Pie.

54 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee
Johor Bahru 80000, Malaysia
Tel: +60 16-725 3530
Mon to Sun: 10am – 7pm
(Closed on Wednesdays)

BIG BITES CAFE

Big Bites Cafe is an artisanal café that is nestled within the café-filled enclave of Jalan Dhoby. Here, they specialise in coffee as well as a wide array of signature homemade Mille crepe cakes. For those of you who adore all things durian related, you need to try their Musang King Durian and it is one dessert that we would happily cross the border for in a heartbeat.

18 Jalan Ibrahim
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7221 1475
Mon to Fri: 10am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm

CHAIWALLA & CO. CONTAINER CAFE

Housed in a shipping container and situated in a public parking lot, Chaiwalla & Co. Container Cafe is a hipster paradise for cafe hoppers. You should definitely stop by to try their satisfying signature iced cold Thai Milk Tea, which is a much-needed remedy to combat the sweltering heat.

Lot 2810, Tan Hiok Nee Street
Johor Bahru 80000, Malaysia
Tel: +60 12-735 3572
Sun to Thu: 12pm – 12am
Fri to Sat: 12pm – 1am

Photo Credit: Creamery_JB

CREAMERY BOUTIQUE ICE CREAMS

Creamery Boutique Ice Creams serves up some really good ice creams, but what they truly are famous for is their massive lava cookie. When they say lava, they seriously mean lava. These cookies have molten chocolate cores, so once you cut it open, thick, creamy chocolate oozes out, just like a chocolate volcano.

Taman Mount Austin
33 Jalan Austin Heights 8/3, Johor, Malaysia
Johor Bahru 81100
Tel: +60 7-362 1300
Daily: 2pm – 10pm

DING DING JI PAI

You don’t need to take a plane to Taiwan if you’re hankering for some solid Taiwanese food; all you need to do is hop over the causeway to Ding Ding Ji Pai! We absolutely love their fried chicken; it’s the real deal! They also sell scrumptious, comforting rice bowls that really hit the spot.

FACULTY OF CAFFEINE

Faculty Of Caffeine’s decor is a tasteful blend of old and new furnishings. The coffee here is brewed with 100% Arabica beans and served in unique takeout cups that resemble eye charts. They also have a wide range of delicious brunch foods that tastes great with the coffee.

106, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru 80000, Malaysia
Tel: +60 16-713 2714
Daily: 9am – 5.30pm

FLOWERS IN THE WINDOW

Flowers In The Window is a cosy, picturesque cafe that promises a mixture of great food, beautiful interiors and Insta-worthy beverages. Boasting an indoor garden with rustic touches, the charming double-storey café has won the hearts of many ladies who make it a point to take their OOTDs there before leaving.

9, Jalan Dhoby,
Bandar Johor Bahru,
80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Mon to Sun: 10am – 8pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)

Photo Credit: gCafemtaustin

GCAFE

gCafe offers a wide variety of western style food such as salads, pasta, sandwiches, burgers and cakes. Our favourite dishes here has to be the Soft Shell Crab Pasta. They do their desserts and drinks really well too, and some of their customer favourites are the Lemon Cheesecake, Rosa Cafe Latte, Banana Crepe and Creme Brulee.

Taman Mount Austin
147, Jln Mutiara Emas 10/19, Johor, Malaysia
Johor Bahru 81100
Tel: +60 7-362 1261
Daily: 11am – 11pm

Photo Credit: muhdazizulhakim

JUST WANT COFFEE HOMIES 

Our favourite thing here at Just Want Coffee Homies has to be their brunch sets, which comprise a wide array of delicious brunch delights such as bagels, eggs, bacon and sausages. They also serve really good coffee, drinks and desserts such as Hot Sizzling Brownie and their Rose Latte.

Taman Molek,
Jalan Molek 1/27, Johor, Malaysia,
Johor Bahru 81100
Tel: +60 7-361 3338
Sun to Thur: 8.30am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 8.30am – 11.30pm

LA’FARINE

La’Farine is a gorgeous, newly-opened cafe in Mount Austin that serves up a delicious array of Western and local fare. They are also popular for their sinful, French-inspired desserts and freshly baked pastries that will definitely perk you up.

Photo Credit: Lamuse Coffee

LAMUSE  COFFEE 

Lamuse Coffee is a cosy cafe that serves western, Japanese and local fare for very cheap prices. Some classic local food that you should try here is their Nasi Lemak and Satay Chicken With Rice. They also have a newly launched Japanese menu that has classics such as Omurice Curry With Chicken Karaage and Chicken Katsu Curry.

Taman Desu Tebrau
28, Jalan Harmonium 23/13, Johor, Malaysia
Johor Bahru 81100
Tel: +60 7-351 8838
Daily: 7.30am – 6pm

LET’S GET CEREAL

This cereal-centric café is the perfect place to be at if you want to relive your childhood days. Here, they have over 20 local and imported cereal brands to choose from as well as a variety of flavoured milk to go with your cereal, making for one heck of a breakfast experience.

18, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru
80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 13-757 0703
Daily: 10am – 10pm

MACO CAFE AND BAKERY

This spacious, casual cafe specialises in traditional French pastries such as Mille Crêpes and Valrhona Chocolate Fondant Cake. They also dish out savoury French dishes and you can delight yourself in their all-time favourite Croque-Madame and other aromatic quiches.

65, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/2, Taman Sutera Utama
81300 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 13-727 3366
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 11pm
Fri to Sun: 11am – 11.30pm

MOK MOK BRUNCH AND BISTRO 

Mok Mok Brunch and Bistro is a gorgeous garden-themed cafe and here, they serve a mix of western and Asian fare which include rice bowls, burgers, soba, and brunch sets. A must-try has to be their signature Gyutan Bowl and for desserts, do try their famous Kumo Ultimo —  amazing pillowy cream cheese souffle pancakes that will satisfy any sweet tooth!

78, Jalan Pingai, Taman Pelangi
80400 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 18-270 6068
Daily: 11.30am – 11.30pm

OUR TOAST OUR TIMES

Our Toast Our Times is an old school cafe tucked away in a crevice of Mount Austin that serves up an array of comforting local and fusion dishes that sure to pique your interest. Ever thought of having both bacon and Nutella in your sandwich? That’s the kind of interesting food you can expect from this place!

Jalan Austin Heights 8/5, Taman Mount Austin
Johor Bahru 81100
Daily: 8.30am – 6pm

SHAKESPEARE MILKSHAKES

Shakespeare Milkshakes is the brainchild of the people behind The Replacement Lodge & Kitchen and this Scandinavian style cafe is a wonderful addition to the hipster enclave in Johor Bahru. Here, they specialise in decadent milkshakes, iced teas as well as a range of savoury croffles (croissant pressed between a waffle iron).

9 Jalan Trus
Johor Bahru 80000
Tel: +60 16 421 8530
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 12am

TASTEA

This rustic western cafe at Mount Austin serves up a variety of scrumptious nosh that is sure to warm both the heart and the belly. Besides their delicious brunch items, they also serve up some pretty damn good waffles that will leave you craving for more.

49, Jalan Austin Height 8/5
Taman Mount Austin, Tebrau, 81100
Tel: +60 010-766 0138
Mon to Thu: 12am – 4.30pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Fri to Sun: 12am – 4.30pm, 5.30pm – 11pm

Photo Credit: The Alley Malaysia 

THE ALLEY MOUNT AUSTIN 

The Alley makes their own in-house tea to ensure that they stand out from their competitors. A popular bubble tea item here would be their Royal No.9 Milk Tea, but what really got us excited are their Aurora Series drinks — Northern Lights and Morning Sunshine fruit beverages, which are the prettiest, most mesmerising drinks we have ever seen.

Taman Austin Heights
Jalan Austin Heights 1/8, Johor, Malaysia
Johor Bahru 81100
Tel: +60 16-726 9343
Daily: 11am – 1am

THE CHEESE LAB

Newly opened The Cheese Lab specialises in decadent, sinful cheesecakes that taste like a little piece of heaven. Aside from their cakes, they also have a variety of fruity, refreshing drinks that are perfect to combat the scorching heat.

39 Jalan Austin Heights 8/5
Taman Mount Austin, Johor Bahru 81100
Daily: 1pm – 11pm

THE REPLACEMENT LODGE AND KITCHEN

The Replacement Lodge & Kitchen is a café illuminated by its harmonious combination of white pastel presence and rustic wooden furniture. Not only is the overall design of the place visuaully pleasing, the food served here is pretty damn solid as well and this winning combination makes it the perfect cafe to chill and unwind at while on your day trip to Johor Bahru. 

33, 34 Jalan Dhoby
Johor Bahru 80000, Malaysia
Tel: +60 12-547 7885
Mon to Thu: 10am – 6pm
Fri to Sun: 9am – 11pm

VANILLA BEAN

Vanilla Bean is a speciality coffee shop and patisserie as well as an excellent addition to Johor Bahru’s luxurious integrated marina, Senibong Cove. The cosy third-wave café has a menu that includes Asian-inspired waffles, espresso beverages, artisanal cakes and a splendid selection of all-day brunch items.

Blk B, Pangsapuri Pinggiran Air
No.2 Persiaran Senibong,
Johor Bahru 81750
Tel: +60 7-380 4900
Sun to Tue: 8.30am – 6.30pm
(Closed on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays)

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

Be it for a short 3-day staycation or a day trip, Johor Bahru has (and will always be) one of Singaporean’s top destinations to go for retail therapy, café-hopping and a short but relaxing respite.

Situated just a 15 to 20-minute drive away from Woodlands Checkpoint, Taman Mount Austin is the hidden gem of Johor Bahru. With over 70 cafes and eateries, massage parlours and KTV joints galore, to say that you’d be spoilt for choice is an understatement. 

From Insta-worthy soft serve ice cream to lip-smacking KL-style Hokkien mee and ombre beverages, there is surely something to delight even the fussiest foodie in Taman Mount Austin!

LA’FARINE

If you’ve ever travelled to Europe, you’ll understand the joy that walking up to a pastry stand would entail. And lo and behold, this cosy cafe in Taman Mount Austin nailed the experience beautifully.

Combining the best of Western bakeries and Malaysia’s local cuisine, La’Farine offers diners a well-rounded experience, offering anything from humble plates of nasi lemak to artisanal French desserts.

Jalan Austin Heights 8/1
Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru
Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 19-343 1415
Daily: 9am – 12 midnight

HIGH SCHOOL KOPITIAM – OUR TOAST OUR TIMES

This classroom-themed café in Mount Austin will give you a major throwback to your schooling days. Exuding the vibes of a Taiwanese high school drama, this cafe takes on innovative twists to old-school delights.

We tried the Dark Rider Sandwich (RM9.90) which came with a daring combination of bacon, egg, cheese, vegetables and dark chocolate sauce. Some may fancy the mix of sweet and savoury ingredients, but it wasn’t something that we were particularly fond of. Their Cotton Candy Toast (RM6.50)—basically toast topped with marshmallows and chocolate sauce—had nothing much to shout about either.

57-G, Jalan Austin Heights 8/5
Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru
Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-359 5412
Daily: 8.30am – 6pm

PETALING STREET HOKKIEN MEE

If you’re simply looking for non-pretentious, comfort food for the soul, fret not for Taman Mount Austin has loads to offer as well. Newly-opened, you can expect a variety of zi char-style food at 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).

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

RESTORAN HUA MUI

Our personal favourite to visit for classic JB-style chicken chop is located right across the border, but little did we know that they have another outlet in Taman Mount Austin as well. Restoran Hua Mui serves a myriad of Western and as well as local cuisine.

Their Hainanese Chicken Chop is our go-to and a hot pick amongst the crowd—a large piece of golden-brown chicken chop fried to an utmost perfection sits atop a savoury brown sauce, accompanied by peas and a handful of potato wedges.

9 Jalan Austin Heights 8/3
Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru
Johor, Malaysia
Daily: 8.30am – 8pm

THE CHEESE LAB

Having opened just recently in late January 2019, The Cheese Lab is an utterly Instagram-worthy eatery that you should check out if you’re in the area.

Their menu focuses primarily on gorgeous drinks, such as the Milk, Raspberry and Butterfly Pea (RM13), which sees layers of colourful liquids that your eyes can feast on. Of course, also don’t forget to also order their Signature Cheesecake (RM16.90). Fluffy, moist and incredibly rich at the same time, cheesecake-lovers will definitely be pleased.

39 Jalan Austin Heights 8/5
Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru
Johor, Malaysia
Daily: 1pm – 11pm

URBAN ARTISAN CAFE

If you’ve been dying to try AquaS, a popular dessert parlour originating from Sydney, but have never gotten the chance to, Urban Artisan Cafe over in Mount Austin is a pretty darn good (and reasonably cheap) alternative to try.

Their twist cones and waffles come in various colours, making it totally Instagram-worthy. The cafe rotates their ice cream flavours every week, and you can expect unique flavours such as Oceanic Sea Salt and Valrhona Chocolate.

47, Jalan Austin Heights 8/5
Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru
Johor, Malaysia
Tue to Sun: 2pm – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)

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.

Johor Bahru’s progressive cafe scene is seeing a large number of Singaporeans making plans to visit these concept cafes over the weekends since many are easily accessible by walking or public transport from the immigration checkpoint.

On our latest trip to Johor Bahru, we made our way to what is possibly our favourite cafe there thus far—Mok Mok Brunch & Bistro. Just a 15-minute drive from the checkpoint, the cafe is where you escape from the mayhem of city life for a refreshing change as it is decked out in greens and surrounded by glass walls for natural sunlight to filter in.

At Mok Mok Brunch & Bistro, guests can also look forward to fresh produce that are sourced from local farms and an exciting range of rice bowls and aesthetically pleasing desserts that are sure to impress even the most discerning foodies.

Its nature-inspired interior design seeks to provide a welcoming space for friends to gather over excellent food and coffee and it is not surprising to find many guests taking their OOTDs at the stylish and light-filled cafe.

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Go to the cafe with an empty stomach, for you have to try their Signature Bowls which features your choice of meat placed over a very special homemade rice recipe. We opted for the crowd favourite Gyutan (RM28) and for the uninitiated, that is the Japanese term for grilled beef tongue.

But do not be put off by the sound of it yet! This Japanese delicacy is certainly worth a try and what you get at Mok Mok Brunch & Bistro is slices of savoury beef tongue with spring onion and chopped chilli on a bed of signature rice and a drizzle of chilli sesame oil and shoyu. Every mouthful was extremely flavourful and we honestly cannot wait to visit them again to try some of their other rice bowls.

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When we were ready for dessert, the highly recommended Kumo Ultimo (RM22) caught our immediate attention. Comprising cream cheese shuffle pancakes that are paired with cookie crumbs, flavoured mousse, ice cream and your preferred topping, this sweet treat is nothing but pure indulgence.

Boasting a melt-in-your-mouth interior that was fluffy and bouncy, there was nothing to nitpick about this dessert at all.

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The cafe also serves a range of drinks, with some that has been created to look good for social media such as the Galactic Dream and Masala Chai Latte. Besides that, they also offer the usual coffee, tea and soda options too.

Mok Mok Brunch & Bistro
78, Jalan Pingai, Taman Pelangi
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +60 18 270 6068
Daily: 11.30am – 11.30pm

Opened by successful bakery chain Lavender, L.table is a full-service western restaurant in Johor Bahru that is part of a multi-concept space (also comprising the bakery, bistro and a cafe) at their Taman Pelangi Flagship store.

L.table’s team of chefs are trained to whip up hearty western-style dishes that are not overly pretentious yet presentable so it looks atheistically pleasing to the eyes. The restaurant prides itself on using only the best quality of ingredients that are all natural with the likes of organic Himalayan rock salt, free-range chicken and bronze-wire cut Italian pastas.

The dimly lit restaurant’s cosy ambience makes it a great spot for celebrating special occasions among couples and friends but you should also expect to be seated amongst large group of families as the wholesome food there can be enjoyed by both the young and old.

Starting off with a light appetiser, the Hearty Chicken Chowder (RM12.30) is a comforting option that came with generous bits of ingredients such as carrots, potatoes and peas so you know you are getting more than just plain soup.

While the soup was delicious, the same could not be said about the complimentary buttered bread that came with it—the toast was hard and even dipping it into the soup was futile.

The “Har Jiong” Chicken Burger (RM20.75) takes on an Asian approach which we appreciated. For those who are not familiar with Chinese cooking, ‘har cheong’ is essentially fermented shrimp paste and it is widely used for marinating chicken to make prawn paste chicken.

We were impressed with how succulent and full-flavoured the chicken patties were and the substantial meal came with piping hot deep-fried fries as well.

For something light to nibble on, we would highly recommend the Lemongrass Chicken Wings (RM15.10). Highly aromatic from the spices used to coat the chicken wings, the layer of fried skin offers a combustion of sweet, savoury and garlicky flavours.

Moving onto what will please the sweet tooths—desserts! Among the decent selection of desserts, we went for the Chantilly Cream Pancakes (RM19.80) which came with three stacked pancakes drizzled with chocolate sauce and topped off with a dollop of Chantilly cream. Alongside some nuts, you will also find various cut fruits such as strawberries, blueberries and bananas.

Those who are keen on dropping by have to take note that there is a minimum spending of one order per person (starter, side, main or dessert).

L.table by Lavender
64, 66 & 68, Jalan Serampang
Taman Pelangi
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +60 07 339 1333
Mon to Fri: 11am – 4pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 5pm, 6pm – 11pm

Sangkaya is popular Malaysian coconut creamery with over 30 outlets in the country. Stepping into Sangkaya on a sunny day is like a breath of fresh and cool air. The café is nicely air-conditioned with a very comforting vibe. It is a nice retreat and break-stop if you are strolling around the area!

Sangkaya focuses mainly on coconut ice cream and a variety of other desserts. Go for the Signature Coconut Ice Cream (RM9.90) where you can choose 4 different scoops of coconut ice cream served in a half coconut shell.

We tried the Cha Yen (Thai Milk Tea), Bandung, Teh Tarik and of course, Coconut. The great thing about the ice cream here is that you get to go crazy with the free unlimited toppings. We went for some corn and crushed Oreos to complete our bowl.

We washed down the creamy ice cream with a cup of their Coconut Water (RM4.90). The drink was fresh and they even included actual coconut flesh inside.

The next time you visit Malaysia, do try Sangkaya’s famous coconut ice cream!

Just a short 3-minute walk from City Square Mall in Johor Bahru, Kam Long Curry Fish Head is a top choice of many locals and Singaporeans who frequent the eatery for its affordable and delicious Curry Fish Head.

Whether you are visiting on a weekday or weekend, there is always a snaking queue here. The reason is simple—the curry fish head is unique and pocket-friendly! At just S$7 for a small portion (good for 2 to 4 people), you get a bang for your buck for this huge and delicious bowl of curry packed with incredible flavours!

You need to add this to your itinerary the next time you visit Johor Bahru. Kam Long Curry Fish Head is truly a gem!

It is no surprise that this little food joint is so popular. With a simple search online, you will find tons of reviews of the amazing curry fish head here.

The prices here are so affordable. For a mere RM24, you get a massive portion of the curry fish head that is more than enough to feed 2. We found that the small fish head portion was just right for us as we were especially ravenous after queueing for about half an hour.

You have to get to the restaurant early as they run out around mid-afternoon. The curry fish head comes with a fresh fish head, beancurd skin and lots of vegetables! The fish is oh-so-fresh and the tender flesh falls apart off the bone easily.

The curry is a whole new level of awesome and tasted nothing like we have ever tasted. It is so delicious that we were spooning it into our mouths directly! It wasn’t too spicy but packed a punch, for sure.

Is Kam Long Curry Fish Head worth a visit? Definitely. This unique Curry Fish Head will change the way you feel about the dish.

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

Cereal cafes are all the hype now and during our team’s recent trip to Johor Bahru, there was one such cafe that caught out attention as we walked past the stylish boutique cafe. At Let’s Get Cereal, this is where you will find more than 20 local and imported cereal brands that will remind you of your childhood breakfast.

Patrons get to choose among six pre-mixed cereal bowls or they can also customise one that is to their liking. But besides the food and beverages, the cafe shares a space with local fashion label, Costura. Yes, this is also a retail haven for fashionistas and those who are into independent brands!

Drop by Let’s Get Cereal for a simple afternoon snack to cool off from the humid weather or just swing by for some retail therapy if the usual shopping malls are starting to bore you. 

The first thing you will notice upon stepping into Let’s Get Cereal is the magnificent display of cereal boxes on the wall. Featuring crowd-favourites such as Honey Stars, Fruit Loops, Koko Krunch and many others, it is almost impossible not to find your favourite cereal brand there.

The front part of the cafe is dedicated to all the cereal fans and the back room behind the red brick wall is where you will find Costura’s range of clothing and accessories.

Eager to create our own cereal bowl, we decided to go for their DIY option where guests are allowed to pick two different types of cereals (Local – RM6.90/ Imported – RM10.90/ Mix – RM8.90), a topping and your choice of milk. There are more than 15 toppings for you to choose from!

Our first cereal bowl creation comprises Chocolate Cheerios, Reese’s Puff, M&Ms and low fat milk (RM10.90). Although there is nothing special in particular about the taste, we loved the mix of chocolate and peanut bits which was not overly sweet as it complemented the refreshing low fat milk.

For something more Instagram-worthy, we decided to go for Apple Jacks, Kellogg’s Crunchy Nut Peanut Butter Clusters, marshmallow and strawberry milk for our next order. The pastel pink hue of the strawberry milk certainly gives it an extra ‘wow’ factor in terms of presentation but the taste is nothing extraordinary.

While the food does not impress at Let’s Get Cereal, the boutique cafe is still a fantastic addition to Johor Bahru’s collection of cafes for you to rest your feet because of its near proximity to the immigration checkpoint and photogenic interior.

Let’s Get Cereal
No. 18, Jalan Dhoby
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +6016 7676 344
Sat to Thu: 10am to 7pm
Fri: Closed

For more recommendations, read our Johor Bahru guides to discover the best places to visit.

Looking for more cafes in Johor Bahru?

With the surge of new cafes across the border, cafe-hopping is no longer confined to our sunny shores. From the folks that brought you The Replacement Lodge & Kitchen and Faculty of Caffeine, Shakespeare Milkshakes is a wonderful addition to the hipster enclave in Johor Bahru.

This Scandinavian-style café specialises in decadent milkshakes (that isn’t for the weak). Besides sweet treats, look forward to a range of savoury croffles (croissant pressed between a waffle iron) and a wide selection of hot beverages and iced tea that will keep you coming back for more.

When it comes to Instagram-worthy interiors and flat lay-worthy food, Shakespeare Milkshakes is your best bet. Time to cross the border for this beautiful cafe in Johor Bahru!

Chocolate lovers can go all out with the café’s Kinder Bueno Specialty Shake (RM18). The milkshake comes with a chocolate dipped glass encrusted with nuts on the outside, filled to the brim with a rich dark chocolate shake and topped with a savoury cheese stick, salted cookie, and a mini Kinder Bueno Chocolate.

Even though the shake was simply delicious and not overly sweet, it might be overwhelming for one. That’s a lot of sugar for one person!

The café’s Salted Caramel Affogato (RM18) features fluffy waffles sprinkled with gula melaka crumbs, vanilla soft serve lined with salted caramel sauce, a mini Kinder Bueno and a shot of espresso. The whole idea is to drizzle the espresso over the waffles and ice cream. But with so much going on the plate, the different elements did not seem to work out very well.

However, Shakespeare Milkshakes’ Beef Pastrami and Cheese Croffle (RM10) is a must-order! A croffle is essentially a croissant pressed between a waffle iron. Sink your teeth in a crispy puffed pastry stuffed with beef pastrami, sweet onions and packed with cheese.

Pair the croffle with the refreshing Watermelon Lychee Ice Fruit Tea (RM10) for the perfect afternoon snack. The medley of fruity tea and savoury croffle was a match-make in heaven.

Shakespeare Milkshakes is a great stop over for a sweet fix after a long day of shopping and feasting on street food in Johor Bahru. As we all know, there is always room for desserts.

Shakespeare Milkshakes
9 Jalan Trus
Johor Bahru 80000
Tel: +60 16 421 8530
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 11pm
Sat and Sun: 12pm – 12am

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best cafes in Johor Bahru.

Fancy a cosy space to rest your weary feet after a full day of walking and eating around Johor Bahru’s food streets? Well then, look no further than Big Bites Cafe.

Nestled within the cafe-filled enclave of Jalan Dhoby, Big Bites Cafe is an artisanal cafe in Johor Bahru that specialises in coffee as well as a wide array of their signature homemade Mille crepe cakes. Those in search of something a little more hearty can also indulge in their mains that include pasta, pizzas and even a variety of chicken-centric dishes.

Nothing beats lounging about in a comfortable, air-conditioned cafe with a freshly brewed cuppa and a sweet treat to match so be sure to include this cafe in your next JB itinerary.

Located right opposite the popular Chaiwalla & Co. Container Café, Big Bites Cafe occupies a two-storey shophouse and features both upstairs and downstairs seating. The interior itself is decked out in a minimalistic shade of black with some wooden furnishings.

For those who are not particularly fond of overly sweet desserts can opt for the Matcha Azuki (RM9.50++). This crepe cake is only mildly sweet with most of its sweetness coming from the Azuki beans.

Although we were not entirely blown away by it, we must say that it did possess a pleasant aroma of matcha and a subtle bitterness which complemented the sweet red bean pretty well.

For those of you who adore all-things durian related, the Musang King Durian (RM12.50++) is just the thing you need to perk you up. Boasting a strong aroma of durian, this instantly caught our attention.

As we began digging into this decadent cake, the first thing that was revealed to us was a luscious durian puree slathered between each crepe layer with fibrous bits included to offer some textural variety. Bonus points for using real durian in their crepe cakes!

The cafe’s proximity to Johor Bahru’s Immigration Checkpoint makes it a great pit stop for those who are seeking respite from the humid weather; we definitely recommend their King Musang Mille crepe cake to all fans of durian!

Big Bites Cafe
18 Jalan Ibrahim
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7221 1475
Daily: 9am – 7pm

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best cafes in Johor Bahru.