Johor is so much more than an affordable shopping haven for Singaporeans, or a one-day trip to Legoland. With a Sultan of their own and Johor Bahru being the second-largest city in Malaysia, it’s no surprise that this state has its own authentic flavours and cuisines. From mouth-watering Ikan Bakar (grilled fish) to trendy cafes, there’s so much Johor food to be savoured.
Here are some of the best places where you can find famous local dishes and other exciting foods in case you’re ever up for a little food-hunting!
1. New Kukup Seafood Restaurant
Located in Kukup, New Kukup Seafood Restaurant is known to be the oldest floating seafood restaurant in the city. Feast on fresh seafood while you enjoy the dazzling sea views. They offer all kinds of seafood, like crabs, shrimps, fish, clams and squid, cooked to perfection with the method of your choosing. It is recommended to try their classic lime juice with sour plum, a great beverage to wash down all that yummy food!
Address: MY Johor No.1, Kukup Laut, 82300
Operating Hours:
Monday – 10:00am to 8:00pm
Tuesday – 10:00am to 8:00pm
Wednesday – 10:00am to 8:00pm
Thursday – 10:00am to 8:00pm
Friday – 10:00am to 8:00pm
Saturday – 10:00am to 8:00pm
Sunday – 10:00am to 8:00pm
Contact Information: 07-696 0216
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6SJq67DZpmmcbd5T7
2. Restoran Johor Riau
This seafood restaurant in Pontian is famous for its Malay-style Ikan Bakar, which is something you don’t want to miss out on when you’re in Johor. Eat like a local at Restoran Johor Riau, which serves not only grilled seafood but also delicious local food like nasi campur (mixed rice).
Address: J48, Tanjung Piai, 82300 Kukup, Johor
Operating Hours:
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – 11:00am to 8:00pm
Wednesday – 11:00am to 8:00pm
Thursday – 11:00am to 8:00pm
Friday – 11:00am to 10:00pm
Saturday – 11:00am to 10:00pm
Sunday – 11:00am to 10:00pm
Contact Information: 012-673 7631
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ts87gehyERwJHiba7
3. IT Roo Cafe
IT Roo Cafe is best known for its award-winning chicken chop, coined by The Star as the “Best Chicken Chop in Malaysia” back in 2003. This dish can be prepared in two ways—grilled or deep-fried. The cafe welcomes everyone as it is halal-certified, and even the Sultan eats here!
Address: 17, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor
Operating Hours:
Monday – 11:00am to 8:15pm
Tuesday – 11:00am to 8:15pm
Wednesday – 11:00am to 8:15pm
Thursday – 11:00am to 8:15pm
Friday – 11:00am to 8:15pm
Saturday – 11:00am to 8:15pm
Sunday – 11:00am to 8:15pm
Contact Information: 07-222 7780
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/xAf7jKmSkm68Mv7v6
4. Restoran Hua Mui
Another place that has been blessed by the Sultan’s presence is Hua Mui, a coffee shop situated in old downtown JB, only a 5-minute drive from City Square. This Hainanese coffee shop offers an extensive range of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Western cuisines. Remember to try out their famous Hainanese coffee and signature fried chicken chop.
Address: 131, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor
Operating Hours:
Monday – 8:30am to 5:30pm
Tuesday – 8:30am to 5:30pm
Wednesday – 8:30am to 5:30pm
Thursday – 8:30am to 5:30pm
Friday – 8:30am to 5:30pm
Saturday – 8:30am to 5:30pm
Sunday – 8:30am to 5:30pm
Contact Information: 07-224 7364
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/c1LzitzdkMhnv8mw6
5. Restoran Woon Kiang
Woon Kiang is a legend in Johor Bahru with over 80 years of experience! They also specialize in making kuey teow with a recipe found nowhere else, a perfect time capsule that captures the authentic taste of kuey teow 80 years ago. Customers can also enjoy typical Chinese cuisine that complements a bowl of kuey teow in herbal soup, perfect for a complete experience.
Address: Jalan Pandan 2, Taman Stulang, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor
Operating Hours:
Monday – 9:30am to 3:30am
Tuesday – 9:30am to 3:30am
Wednesday – 9:30am to 3:30am
Thursday – 9:30am to 3:30am
Friday – 9:30am to 3:30am
Saturday – 9:30am to 3:30am
Sunday – 9:30am to 3:30am
Contact Information: 07-220 0310
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/UP7zuHVYc1pCAa4e8
6. G. Cheong Fun Restaurant
Established in 1999, G. Cheong Fun is a veteran in the art of making springy chee cheong fun. Moreover, they’re still an incredibly popular chee cheong fun spot despite the many years that has passed! Their success is so immense that they had to occupy 2 shop lots just to accommodate their customers. Once you taste their chee cheong fun, don’t hesitate to drizzle it with their sauce for a complete transformation of flavours.
Address: 新山, 176, Jalan Pahlawan 2, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, 81300 Skudai, Johor
Operating Hours:
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – 6:30am to 4:00pm
Wednesday – 6:30am to 4:00pm
Thursday – 6:30am to 4:00pm
Friday – 6:30am to 4:00pm
Saturday – 6:30am to 4:00pm
Sunday – 6:30am to 4:00pm
Contact Information: 018-473 4118
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/DEVZdrMo8fqHo6A98
7. Lefko – A Board Games Cafe
True to its name, Lefko is a cafe in Johor that provides hundreds of fun and exciting board games for you to enjoy while you dine. Bring a group of friends to this interesting eatery and bond the old-school way—with board games. Enjoy their Western cuisines such as pasta, burgers and fries. It is also said that they make a mean latte.
Address: 17A, Jalan Eko Botani 3/5, Tmn Eco Botanic, 79100 Nusajaya, Johor
Operating Hours:
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – 3:00pm to 11:00pm
Wednesday – 3:00pm to 11:00pm
Thursday – 3:00pm to 11:00pm
Friday – 3:00pm to 11:00pm
Saturday – 3:00pm to 11:00pm
Sunday – 3:00pm to 11:00pm
Contact Information: 07-287 8587
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Qkj9AR6xZunrmSQd8
8. Restoran Min Corner
The traditional taste of Malay kuih and Chinese pastries is a nostalgic taste that many locals are fond of. Did you know that Restoran Min Corner is the perfect place for food nostalgia? You’ll be able to find delicious Malay kuihs, pastries and local snacks that are all handmade. Moreover, you’ll also find local delicacies such as mee rebus, nasi lemak, char kuey teow and many more.
Address: 110, Jalan Pahlawan 2, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, 81300 Skudai, Johor
Operating Hours:
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – 6:30am to 5:00pm
Wednesday – 6:30am to 5:00pm
Thursday – 6:30am to 5:00pm
Friday – 6:30am to 5:00pm
Saturday – 6:30am to 5:00pm
Sunday – 6:30am to 5:00pm
Contact Information: 012-768 1573
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/gaKh2LvwHLGzVJhu7
9. Wah Cai 3-in-1 Chinese Cake
Who knew that you could deep fry durians into tasty fritters! Although it isn’t too much of a local surprise considering one of our national delicacies is fried bananas. Now, you can enjoy the molten gooeyness of durian in the form of a crunchy treat. But Restoran Wah Cai 3-in-1 not only serves Durian fritters, but also offer other delicacies such as Chinese rice cakes and Cempedak. These treats also come fried and they’re guaranteed to be delicious, making them the perfect afternoon snack.
Address: 86, Jalan Pahlawan 2, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, 81300 Skudai, Johor
Operating Hours:
Monday – 11:00am to 4:00pm
Tuesday – Closed
Wednesday – 11:00am to 4:00pm
Thursday – 11:00am to 4:00pm
Friday – 11:00am to 4:00pm
Saturday – 9:00am to 4:00pm
Sunday – 9:00am to 4:00pm
Contact Information: 019-750 5616
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/cNJ7jfYRFUuoFrXD7
10. Baliban Braised Duck
Baliban Braised Duck is famous for its duck meat! After all, cooking duck meat can be rather complex as it is easy to overcook it. However, Baliban Braised Duck ensures you only get the best duck that is guaranteed super tender and ultra-smooth. Braised Duck isn’t their only speciality either because their Braised Pork Leg is equally as delicious. It seems that the head chef is truly a master in the art of braising meats because Baliban Braised Duck remains a favourite amongst the locals even today!
Address: Johor, Johor Bahru, 6719409, MY JOHOR SKUDAI 1.5244786, 103邮政编码: 81300
Operating Hours:
Monday – 8:30am to 4:00pm
Tuesday – 8:30am to 4:00pm
Wednesday – 8:30am to 4:00pm
Thursday – 8:30am to 4:00pm
Friday – 8:30am to 4:00pm
Saturday – 8:30am to 4:00pm
Sunday – 8:30am to 4:00pm
Contact Information: 017-763 2188
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/sAPQvpNV9ZR298UZ9
Now that we’ve gotten a glimpse of all the fantastic foods Johor has to offer, don’t hold back on your next food hunt!
