Driving across the border for some yummy Malaysian food? You’re in luck, because the Johor Bahru district stretches across 1063km2 of land, which means there are more than enough restaurants for foodies to enjoy. Whether you’re cruising around with GetGo or in your own car, take a look at some of our recommendations for fantastic eateries in JB 😋
01 • Hai Kah Lang Seafood Noodles
The restaurant’s name means “people from the sea”, so it’s no surprise that the essence of the bountiful ocean flows through this place. With a promise to only serve freshly caught seafood, this Michelin franchise delivers rich and bold flavours in all its dishes.
🍽️ What I ate here: I slurped down a bowl of Fish Head Milk Soup with noodles (18.90RM/6SGD) and topped it off with an Iced Milo (5.90RM/2SGD). The meal was so hearty that I nearly passed out from a food coma while driving home 😵💫
📍 Address: 173, Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
⏰ Opening hours: Sun to Thur, 8am – 10pm | Fri & Sat, 8am – 12am
🍴 Halal status: Not halal
🌐 Website: haikahlang
02 • Dusk by Mok Mok
Anybody allergic to minimalist cafe designs will love the colourful atmosphere at Dusk by Mok Mok. Every picture you take here practically screams “post me on Instagram!”, not to mention their delectable dishes.
The restaurant prides itself on aesthetics, and it shows in the presentation of their desserts and Western fusion meals; the Beef Burger with Onion Fries (30RM/9.50SGD), partially opened like a clam revealing the treasure within, looks more like an art piece than food. My advice for eating here: Go early. Lunchtime is when the fight for parking starts, and trust me, you’re not gonna win.
📍 Address: 49, Jalan Perang, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
⏰ Opening hours: Daily, 10am – 10pm
🍴 Halal status: No pork, lard, or alcohol, but not halal-certified
🌐 Website: DuskbyMokMok
03 • Pin Ming Xuan Dim Sum
When I eat Dim Sum with my family in Singapore, our wallets often cry out in despair because of how much we order. At Pin Ming Xuan, your bank accounts will be considerably happier, as most dishes are between 5RM – 15RM (1.50SGD – 5SGD). From Szechuan Chilli Oil Dumplings (9.90RM/3.10SGD) to Corn Dumplings (8.90RM/3SGD), Ginkgo Porridge (8.90RM), and even Braised Chicken Feet with Peanuts (10.90RM/3.50SGD), you’ll have your fill of choices and food when you dine here.
📍 Address: 10, Jalan Serigala, Taman Century Garden, 80250 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
⏰ Opening hours: Daily, 7.30am – 4pm
🍴 Halal status: Not halal
🌐 Website: PinMingXuan
04 • Made on Monday HQ
You can never have enough hangout spots, and Made on Monday is the restaurant for free-spirited bohemians. From its unassuming exterior, street-fashion-clad staff, and laid-back interior design, you wouldn’t guess that this cafe specialises in gourmet Western dishes. Sit at the al fresco seats and feast on a Boston Lobster set (147RM/45SGD) or a Smoked Beef Brisket Burger (47RM/14.50SGD) and enjoy the live-singing session.
🍽️ What I ate here: After driving for so long, I indulged myself with a Smoked Beef Brisket (46.20RM/14.40SGD), and my sibling had a Classic Big Cheese (40.90RM/13SGD). It was the right amount of heart-clogging calories to satisfy us without feeling jelak.
📍 Address: 71A, Jalan Abdul Samad 1, Sri Gelam, 80100 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
⏰ Opening hours: Sun to Thur, 11.30am – 1am | Fri & Sat, 11.30am – 2am
🍴 Halal status: Halal
🌐 Website: madeonmonday.com
05 • Jadi Baru Botak
If I were asked to name a restaurant that PM Wong frequents, I wouldn’t be able to answer. But if you asked a JB local for a place that Malaysian politicians go to, most would say Jadi Baru Botak. The King of Malaysia was photographed eating here, so you know the food is top-notch.
🍽️ What I ate here: Of course, I couldn’t leave without trying the dishes that the King of Malaysia had. I had the small Asam Pedas (40RM/12.50SGD), some Lala Soup (20RM/6SGD) as a palate cleanser, and then a plate of crispy Ikan Goreng (20RM). The smell had me drooling in a very un-elegant way, but at least now I can tell my friends that I ate food fit for a king 👑
📍 Address: 145, Jalan Lumba Kuda, Tanjung Puteri, 80300 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
⏰ Opening hours: Mon to Sun, 11am – 3.30pm, 5pm – 8pm | Closed on Wednesdays
🍴 Halal status: Halal
🌐 Website: Botak Asam Pedas JB
06 • Simpang Arang
If you were napping in history class, you probably wouldn’t remember who the indigenous Orang Asli are. As the OG Malaysians and Singaporeans, many of them eventually assimilated into other ethnic groups, but not the family who runs this place.
Located in a kampung east of Legoland, Simpang Arang is a place for people looking to escape the bustling city. The moment you sit down, curious Orang Asli kids will approach you and yap about their day. Their cute charm and innocent naivety can lift the lowest of spirits. If you’re interested in experiencing kampung life, or just need a break from the corporate rat race, this rustic restaurant is perfect for you.
📍 Address: 25, 81550 Gelang Patah, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia
⏰ Opening hours: Daily, 11am – 10pm
🍴 Halal status: No pork or lard, but not halal-certified
📞 Contact: +60 19-785 6739
07 • Bisteka JB
Eating at hawker centres all the time gets boring, so as a little treat, consider dining at the luxurious Bisteka. With elegant private rooms and stunning glass domes available for reservation, all kinds of refined celebrations can take place here. Get a 6-course Royal Afternoon Tea Set (98RM+/30.60SGD+) while catching up with friends, or celebrate an anniversary with a 10-course European dinner (488RM+/153SGD+). Spend that money and practice self-care 💅✨
📍 Address: 4, Jalan Beringin, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
⏰ Opening hours: Wed to Sun, 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm | Tue, 6pm – 11pm | Closed on Mondays
🍴 Halal status: No pork or lard, but not halal-certified
🌐 Website: thebisteka.com
08 • Thong Bowl
Paradigm Mall is the largest mall in the Johor region, so it shouldn’t be surprising that you can find Malaysia’s “Biggest Commercial Beef Noodle” and “Biggest Commercial Milk Tea” here. Thong Bowl’s Super Beef Bowl (99.90RM/31SGD) and Mega Signature Milk Tea (29.90RM/9SGD) are larger than my face and can easily feed 4 people. If you’re travelling with a large family (or a small army), you’ll definitely get your money’s worth here.
🍽️ What I ate here: I went alone, so I couldn’t eat their giant beef bowl because I like having my stomach intact. I did have their A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Noodle (59.90RM/19SGD), and I was extremely happy with the tenderness of the meat. All in all, chef’s kiss 😙🤌
📍 Address: Lot HY-01, Level G, Paradigm Mall, Lbh Skudai, Taman Bukit Mewah, 81200 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
⏰ Opening hours: Daily, 11am – 10pm🍴 Halal status: Halal
🌐 Website: thongbowl.com
09 • Warung Makanan Penang
My most blasphemous take is that Penang has better char kway teow than Singapore. IYKYK 🤭, but if you haven’t tried the Penang version, then this is your chance to be enlightened.
For just 11RM (3.50SGD), you can get a heaping plate of smoky, wok-hei goodness at Warung Makanan Penang. Craving duck eggs in your dish? Order them with your char kway teow for a 2RM (0.60SGD) increase. You can’t get unpreserved eggs in Singapore, so take this opportunity to try it at a low price.
📍 Address: Pelangi Hawker Centre, Jalan Perang, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
⏰ Opening hours: Daily, 5pm – 11pm
🍴 Halal status: Not halal
📞 Contact: +60 16-709 4421
10 • Nasi Kandar Marwah
It’s not a JB food guide without mentioning a nasi kandar joint, and my pick is just around the corner from AEON Mall Tebrau City. Air-conditioned and spacious, Nasi Kandar Marwah stands out from other nasi kandar places for its fast service and mouth-watering dishes. Because of its higher standards, the price of one plate can be costly (30RM+/9SGD+), but when you’re starving and craving something delicious, money’s the last thing on your mind.
📍 Address: The Harbour @ Austin Green, Jalan Mutiara Emas Utama, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
⏰ Opening hours: Sun to Thur, 7am – 12am | Fri, 7am – 1pm, 2.30pm – 12am
🍴 Halal status: Halal
🌐 Website: Nasi Kandar Marwah Austin
(Featured photo by: Penang Culture)
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