Places to Eat in Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru's days as a temporary post along your journey across the border are behind it. It is quickly developing into somewhat of an intriguing destination. The development of the food scene is, in part, responsible for its newfound appeal. Fond favourites and compelling new ideas and dishes fill up the streets of this busy town.

Breakfast

Breakfast – easy decision – some Kaya toast with a steaming cup of staunch Hainanese coffee. What better place to get your hands on this cultural classic than the famous Kin Wah restaurant& Alternatively, Hua Mui restaurant is a fine competitor.

Vegetarians, get excited! We stumbled across this unbelievable little place called Annalakshmi. Intensely flavourful Indian dishes are whipped up by volunteers, most of whom are local mothers. They charge no price for your meal and ask only that you donate whatever you feel you want to. What a concept!

Lunch

Lunch is just another reason to get some more curry in your belly. Kerala Curry House will do everything every curry has done to you before, and maybe more. The establishment oozes charm and fills you with a sense of cultural wonderment and appreciation. Eat on banana leaves, try not to scoff down crispy poppadoms and relish in the fullness of the moment. Eat to your hearts content – fish, chicken, mutton or vegetarian curry. Kerala Curry House is so much of everything. You simply must go there. It is located on Jalan Storey Road.

Local Food

An iconic dish of the town mee rebus. It’s tangy, rich flavour is as fresh in our memories today as it was on the day that we tried it. The dish is comprised of noodles and sprouts that are doused in a nutty gravy. Fresh lime and green chilli bring it all together. Get over to Stulang Laut for this dish on Stuland Darat Street.

Chicken curry puffs. Durian puffs. Vegetable Puffs. Puffs. Ah, what a worthwhile endeavour this was for us. Get your fill of these incredible puffs at the CSS Stall, a little stand on the corner of Jalan Badik and Jalan Badik 1. The owner is full of tales and charm – take the time to have a short conversation with him.

Pisang goreng – what a surprising sensation! Dip your banana fritter in soy and chilli and dips and experience the complex and strangely addictive substance. The woman who makes them, Mawar, is located on Jalan Sungai Chat Road.

Partygoers do not preclude themselves from the delights of the city with late night antics and irregular eating habits, some might be pleased to know. A late night bowl of wonton noodles is the go-to for most attendees at Restoran Ah Piaw. Spicy, filling and wonderfully satisfying. The restaurant only opens at 4pm and closes at 10pm the next day!

Cafes and Coffee Houses

Lets talk sweets. The Hiap Joo Bakery cannot be missed. While the bakery serves up a host of delicious treats, the bustle that you will witness as you wait amidst the eager customers is for one thing – banana cake. Get ready for everything you know about bananas and cake to change.

Cookie and ice-cream sandwiches are always special, and the ones at The Creamery along Jalan Austin Height 8/3 are no exception. The desert treats are pure decadence, and will only set you back between MYR 10 and MYR 20. Alternatively, a visit to Moonlight Cake House along Jalan Permas 10/5 road is sure to satisfy your hankering. They are open every day, and until 1.00 AM! However, that level of unrestricted access can lead to unnecessary guilt and equally unnecessary morning runs. So, watch out!

Fine Dining

The list of high-end establishments include the respected Chez Papa, a French restaurant renowned for its soupe de tomatoes and poulet cordon bleu. With really quite reasonable prices, cost per head is around MYR 60. The restaurant is located on Jalan Jaya street.

Italian fine dining at Tosca Italian Trattoria is a bit more expensive (around MYR 100 per head) but has incredible views, along with incredible food. If you can spare it, make the trip to the Hilton Hotel and spoil yourself a little!

Western and International Food

International options for food extend beyond these two and include places like Craftz, a local pub with more craft beers that you can conceive of, and places like Café BLD where buffet lunches are packed with countless dishes from all over the world! Both of these establishments are well worth the time and money you will spend there.