Warning: Don’t read this while hungry.
Searching for the best dim sum JB spots? Nothing beats crossing the Causeway for good eats — and Johor Bahru always delivers. While there’s plenty to explore, let’s be honest: Food is half the reason we go.
Whether you’re a fan of classic har gow, crispy fried yam puffs, or just want an excuse to eat yourself into a food coma, this list has got you covered. From no-frills kopitiam legends to stylish modern takes, these 14 dim sum joints are well worth the journey!
💜 Stay Up To Date:
– 25 Best Things To Do In Kaohsiung: A Local Guide For First-Timers
– Tokyo DisneySea Guide: Rides, Tickets, Costs & What’s New (25th Anniversary)
– Italy ATM Withdrawal Guide: Bancomats, Fees & Tips for Tourists
Before you get ready to feast, exchange and lock in the best MYR rates anytime, anywhere. Say goodbye to bad rates and hello to more foodie adventures across the causeway!
TL;DR: Best Dim Sum JB At A Glance
| Spot | Area | Signature | Price From | Halal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cha Lao Dim Sum | Holiday Villa / KSL | Portuguese egg tarts | Wallet-friendly | No |
| Gim Cheng Dim Sum | Taman Daya | Char siew bao, lo mai gai | From 2 MYR (~S$0.60) | No |
| Say Yes HK Dim Sum | Taman Sutera Utama | Har gow, chee cheong fun | Mid | No |
| Tasixi | Perling / Eco Botanic / Bukit Indah | Har gow, steamed pork ribs | Mid | No |
| D’Shanghai Dim Sum | KSL / Permas / R&F / Pelangi | Xiao long bao | Mid-high | No |
| Pin Ming Xuan | Taman Century Garden | 3-in-1 porridge, custard buns | Mid | No |
| Hijrah Dim Sum | Taman Melodies | Siew mai, har gow, lo mai gai | Mid | Yes |
| Jiah Xiang Dim Sum | Mount Austin / Sentosa / Kulai | Cheong fun, egg tarts | Mid | No |
| Restoran Kak Kak | Taman Maju Jaya | Egg tarts, cheong fun | Super affordable | No |
| Shan Vege Dim Sum | Taman Ekoperniagaan | Vegetarian har gow, mock char siew | Mid | No (vege) |
| Restoran Gui Yuan | Taman Johor Jaya | Chee cheong fun, lo mai kai | Wallet-friendly | No |
| Dim Sum Empire ⭐ NEW | Taman Abad (near KSL) | Salted egg yolk bun, chicken rice wine bao | Mid | No |
| Sek Bao ⭐ NEW | Mount Austin + Eco Botanic | Black truffle char siew bao, salted egg lava bun | From 12 MYR / 2pc (~S$3.60) | No |
| Hock Chiang Hin ⭐ NEW | Bandar JB (near CIQ) | Char siu bao, 50+ yrs | ~3 MYR / basket (~S$0.90) | No |
Table of Contents
- Why JB Dim Sum Is Worth The Causeway Run
- Cha Lao Dim Sum
- Gim Cheng Dim Sum
- Say Yes Hong Kong Dim Sum
- Tasixi
- D’Shanghai Dim Sum
- Pin Ming Xuan
- Hijrah Dim Sum
- Jiah Xiang Dim Sum
- Restoran Kak Kak
- Shan Vege Dim Sum
- Restoran Gui Yuan
- Dim Sum Empire (NEW)
- Sek Bao (NEW)
- Hock Chiang Hin (NEW)
- Bonus Travel Tips For Your JB Adventure
Why JB Dim Sum Is Worth The Causeway Run
Same dish, half the price. A basket of har gow that runs S$6 in Singapore goes for roughly 6–8 MYR (~S$1.80–S$2.40) across the Causeway once you factor in the exchange rate. Multiply that by a 6–8 basket order for two, and you’ve already covered your tolls.
But it’s not just the price. JB’s dim sum scene runs from 50-year-old kopitiams where aunties still wheel pushcarts, to modern HK-style cafés serving Instagram-perfect salted egg lava buns. The variety is wider than most Singapore spots, and the queues, while real, move faster than Tim Ho Wan on a Saturday.
Paying in JB: When the cashier asks, “Pay in SGD or MYR?”, always pick MYR. Paying in SGD sounds convenient, but the shop’s terminal sneaks in a 3–7% markup on the conversion. Pay in MYR with a card like YouTrip and you get the actual exchange rate with no FX fee — that’s usually the difference between two extra baskets and none.
📖 Related Guide: SKS City Mall JBCC: What’s Inside JB’s Newest Mall
1. Cha Lao Dim Sum
Image Credits: @jeonphoria__ on Lemon8
For those who love their dim sum a little luxe, Cha Lao Dim Sum, conveniently located right next to KSL mall, offers a contemporary take on the traditional yum cha experience. With its clean and modern interiors, prompt service, and selection of over 35 varieties of authentic Cantonese dim sum, it’s perfect if you want something a notch above your regular joint.
Must-tries include their creamy Portuguese egg tarts, stir-fried radish cake and steamed black sesame buns (just to name a few!)
- Address: G-6, Ground Floor, Holiday Villa, 260, Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM, daily.
📖 Related Guide: Best Breakfast in JB (2026): 22 Must-Try Spots For Every Craving
2. Gim Cheng Dim Sum
Image Credits: Tripadvisor
Open since 2008, Gim Cheng Dim Sum is a no-frills, high-volume favourite for locals. Expect a bustling atmosphere, stacks on stacks of steaming baskets, and an unbeatable variety of classics like the char siew bao to lotus leaf glutinous rice.
It may seem a little overwhelming at first, but you’ll notice that there is method to the madness: three stations, each dedicated to either steamed, deep-fried, or the more substantial porridge and bao varieties.
Bonus: prices are very wallet-friendly, so come hungry! Arrive early (like, 7 AM early) to snag a table and beat the crowd.
- Address: 2, Jalan Sagu 36, Taman Daya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
- Opening Hours: 7 AM – 1 PM, daily. Closed on Wednesdays.
📖 Related Guide: 21 Things To Do In Mount Austin JB | Food & Activities
3. Say Yes Hong Kong Dim Sum
Image Credits: @jing.ningg on Lemon8
Step into Say Yes Hong Kong Dim Sum, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back to an old-school shophouse restaurant. Their offerings are Hong Kong–style, which means thinner skins on dumplings, ultra-crispy fried items, and silky smooth chee cheong fun.
The restaurant is clean, spacious, and great for families. Our verdict? Yes, a thousand times, yes!
- Address: 66, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/3, Taman Sutera Utama, 81300 Skudai, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
- Opening Hours: 8 AM – 4:30 PM, daily
📖 Related Guide: 25 Trendy JB Cafes To Visit Right Now
4. Tasixi
Image Credits: @ongleonard1 on Lemon8
A more traditional spot, Tasixi serves up old-school charm with a huge selection of classic dim sum. You’ll find everything from har gow to steamed pork ribs and crispy beancurd prawn rolls here.
But unlike the typical pushcarts you get at traditional joints, the friendly staff at Tasixi will bring around trays of steamer baskets and plates filled with all your favourites. The variety here is impressive, and it’s a great place for adventurous eaters looking to go beyond the basics.
Our challenge? Pick the unfamiliar items off the trays and try them out — they’ll taste amazing regardless!
📍 Taman Perling
Address: 11, Jalan Camar 1/3, Taman Perling, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 4 PM, daily.
📍 Eco Bontani
Address: 58, Jalan Eko Botani 3/2, 79100 Gelang Patah, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 4 PM, daily.
📍 Taman Bukit Indah
Address: 18, Jalan Indah 15/1, Taman Bukit Indah, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 7 AM – 5 PM, daily.
📖 Related Guide: 15 Things To Do In The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey JB
5. D’Shanghai Dim Sum
Image Credits: dshanghaimy.com
Located inside KSL Mall, D’Shanghai is a convenient option if you’re looking for a reliable pick-me-up between your shopping. Their portions are generous, the vibe is more upscale, and they’re known for their xiao long baos (soup dumplings).
Plump, juicy and comes in a variety of unique flavours, must-tries include the rice wine, fresh scallop and genki baos, which features a unique herbal flavour thanks to its use of angelica root.
If you’re not in the area but would like to try this establishment out, you’d be pleased to know that there are other outlets to choose from as well!
📍 大上海KSL分店 DShanghai KSL City Mall
Address: L2-132, KSL City Mall Branch, 33, Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM, daily.
📍 大上海百万镇总店 DShanghai Permas Jaya
Address: G-56, Jalan Permas 15/1, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, 81750 Masai, J.B., Johor Bahru, 81750, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri, 8 AM – 3:30 PM; Sat & Sun, 7 AM – 3:30 PM
📍 大上海富力广场分店 DShanghai R&F Mall
Address: G-114 -116, R&F Mall, Jalan Tanjung Puteri, 80300 Johor Bahru
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri, 10:30 AM – 7 PM; Sat & Sun, 10:30 AM – 9 PM
📍 大上海彩虹花园分店 DShanghai Taman Pelangi
Address: 2, Jalan Abiad 1 ,Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6 PM – 12 AM, daily
📖 Related Guide: 27 Things To Do In JB On Your Weekend Getaway
6. Pin Ming Xuan
Image Credits: @dericaaaaaa on Lemon8
If you’ve got a bit of time to spare, then this dim sum establishment is definitely worth the wait. Located just minutes away from KSL Mall, Pin Ming Xuan is a popular option not just among Singaporeans who cross the border, but also locals looking for an authentic yum cha fix.
We love its vibrant and retro interior, and of course, its selection of fresh plates. Order their 3-in-1 porridge (featuring chicken egg, salted egg, and century egg) for a creamy, umami-packed bowl, their custard buns, as well as their Sze Chuan chilli oil dumplings for that added fiery kick to your meal.
Wash it all down with a comforting cup of kopi or milo before calling it a day!
- Address: 10, Jalan Serigala, Taman Century Garden, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
- Opening Hours: Friday – Monday, 7:30 AM – 4 PM, Tues – Thurs, 8 AM – 4 PM.
📖 Related Guide: Train to JB Guide: How To Travel From Singapore To JB In 5 Minutes
7. Hijrah Dim Sum
Image Credits: @jing.ningg on Lemon8
Looking for halal dim sum in JB? Hijrah Dim Sum is your go-to. This Muslim-friendly spot offers all the classics — siew mai, har gow, lo mai gai, and more!
Expect a full-fledged menu of noodle and rice dishes as well if you’re feeling extra hungry or travelling with bigger groups of people. Once you’re done, feed your second stomach at one of the many cafes in the area (we’ve featured a couple of these popular spots in this guide, too!)
- Address: 42, Jln Beringin, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
- Opening Hours: 12 PM – 10 PM, daily. Closed on Mondays.
📖 Related Guide: Car Rental JB Guide For Singaporeans: Everything You Need to Know
8. Jiah Xiang Dim Sum
Image Credits: Johor Bahru (JB) 早餐点心
For those headed up to Mount Austin, Jiah Xiang offers a solid variety of plates made with super-fresh ingredients. Their cheong fun is a fan favourite — smooth, springy, and generously filled. Plus, their porridge, egg tarts, and fried radish cake are to-die-for.
They have two other outlets located around JB, just in case you prefer to have a couple more options!
📍 Mount Austin
Address: N 113 N, 115, Jalan Mutiara Emas 2A, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 7 AM – 3 PM, daily.
📍 Taman Sentosa
Address: Lot 1, Ground Floor, Block F, Plaza Sentosa Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening Hours: 24 hours, daily
📍 Kulai
Address: Pusat komersial Indah, 229 & 230, Jalan Kiambang 15, Bandar Indahpura, 81000 Kulai, Johor
Opening Hours: 7 AM – 3 PM, daily
📖 Related Guide: JB Food Guide: 20 Places To Eat In Johor Bahru
9. Restoran Kak Kak 佳佳点心茶楼
Image Credits: @nataniapriska on Lemon8
As you can tell by now, we really love our old-school dim sum joints — there’s something so comforting and delicious about seeing small plates and bowls stacked on top of one another, all piping hot and ready to go. And Restoran Kak Kak offers just that.
Located a short walk from KSL, this spot serves up freshly made dim sum, from flaky and creamy egg tarts to freshly made cheong fun. Prices are super affordable, and the most unassuming part? Their iced kopi. It’s potent, delicious, and everything you need to kickstart your morning in JB.
- Address: 9, Jalan Maju, Taman Maju Jaya, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
- Opening Hours: 6 AM – 1:30 PM, daily. Closed on Tuesdays.
📖 Related Guide:Best JB Massage Spots For Your Weekend Getaway (With Prices)
10. Shan Vege Dim Sum
Image Credits: @kangsmilesx on Lemon8
If you’re looking for a vegetarian-friendly dim sum spot, look no further than Shan Vege. This spot offers a surprisingly rich variety of vegetarian alternatives to the classic dim sum fare like har gow, siew mai, and even mock meat char siew cheong fun!
The perfect choice for those travelling with vegetarians, or for those who wish to embrace a meatless lifestyle (without giving up on their favourite dim sum).
- Address: 19, Jln Ekoperniagaan 1/2, Taman Ekoperniagaan, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
- Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM, daily. Closed on Wednesdays.
📖 Related Guide: 15 Things To Do In Komtar JBCC
11. Restoran Gui Yuan
Image Credits: Tripadvisor
If you’re craving dim sum in Johor Bahru that hits the sweet spot between tradition and flavour, Restoran Gui Yuan is your best bet. Beloved by locals and visitors alike, this no-frills spot is all about getting straight to the good stuff.
Don’t be fooled by the modest setting — the food is consistent, affordable, and made fresh daily. Their chee cheong fun is silky smooth, the siew mai are juicy and perfectly seasoned, and their signature lo mai kai is a flavour bomb worth waking up early for!
- Address: 27, Jalan Dedap 8, Taman Johor Jaya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
- Opening Hours: 7 AM – 12 PM, daily.
📖 Related Guide: Lok Lok Near Me: 9 Best Lok Lok JB Stalls
12. Dim Sum Empire
⭐ New for 2026 — recently opened spot doing authentic Ipoh-style handmade dim sum, and a quieter alternative to the KSL-area chaos.
Image Credits: @toastwithyou_ on Lemon8
Calmer than most JB dim sum spots, and the service is more attentive — closer to a sit-down restaurant than a kopitiam. Try their signature dishes: Char siu bao (soft, fluffy, the standout), truffle spinach dumplings, salted egg lava buns, and fresh har gow.
Reservations recommended on weekends via their Facebook page.
- Address: 187, Jalan Harimau, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru (opposite Caltex, near KSL)
- Opening Hours: Tue–Fri 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM; Sat–Mon 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Unique offerings: True to its “Taste of Ipoh” theme — traditional Ipoh white coffee and speciality teas to pair with your order
📖 Related Guide: Escape Room JB Guide: Prices, Themes, More
13. Sek Bao 吃饱卖包
⭐ New for 2026 — Hong Kong-style café chain with nostalgic 1980s retro vibes and authentic handmade dim sum and buns.
Image Credits: @jbgotlobang on Lemon8
15 minutes from Tuas checkpoint — a fusion HK-style spot doing traditional tea-house mains alongside handmade dim sum. Try their Signature buns: black truffle char siu bao (13.80 MYR / 2pc, ~S$4.20), jade custard bun, and emerald salted egg lava bun (12 MYR / 2pc, ~S$3.60). The black truffle char siu bao is the order.
Other standouts include their Hong Kong plate noodles, salted fish meat patty rice, and wok-fried dishes with proper “wok hei”. And of course, dim sum classics like braised chicken feet (11 MYR, ~S$3.30), lychee prawn balls, and siu mai (12.20 MYR, ~S$3.70)
Finish your meal off with some Sea Salt Coffee (a.k.a. “Hamsup Coffee”) or classic HK-style silky milk tea. Note: not halal-certified
- 📍 Eco Botanic: 14A Jalan Eko Botani 3/2, 79100 Iskandar Puteri — 8 AM – 5 PM daily
- 📍 Mount Austin: 17, Jalan Austin Heights 7/5, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru — 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM, daily
📖 Related Guide: Go-Kart JB: 9 Best Tracks To Race (With Prices)
14. Hock Chiang Hin 福振兴餐室
⭐ New for 2026 — one of the oldest and most legendary dim sum establishments in JB, serving traditional handmade dim sum since the 1940s. Top pick if you’re crossing via Woodlands.
Image Credits: L MK on Google Reviews
A proper old-school kopitiam that’s been pumping out dim sum for over 50 years. The crowd skews local-aunty-uncle at 7:30 AM, which is exactly the energy you want.
Menu highlights:
- Big Meat Pau 大肉包: Signature item — fluffy skin, generous savoury-sweet pork filling
- Lor Mai Gai: Hearty sticky glutinous rice with chicken
- Stuffed tofu and cabbage rolls: Standout picks from regulars
- Ginger chicken wings: Fragrant speciality, harder to find elsewhere
Pro tip: Go early. Popular items sell out by 11 AM even though they officially close at 2 PM. Walkable from City Square if you’ve just cleared CIQ on foot — perfect first stop before the rest of the day.
- Address: 18, Jalan Siu Nam, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru
- Style: Old-school Fuzhou-style — meaty, filling, slightly sweet (not the contemporary HK style)
- Price range: 1.80–3.50 MYR per item (~S$0.55–S$1.05) — extremely affordable
📖 Related Guide: 15 Things To Do In City Square JB
Bonus Travel Tips For Your JB Adventure
- Beat the queue at CIQ: Cross before 9 AM on weekends, or after 11 AM on weekdays. The QR-code lane is faster than the autogate for most travellers.
- Cash vs card: Most JB dim sum spots take card now, but smaller kopitiams (Gim Cheng, Kak Kak, Gui Yuan) are cash-only. Bring 100–200 MYR (~S$30–S$60) in small notes.
- Pay in MYR, not SGD: If the cashier or terminal asks “would you like to be charged in SGD?”, say no. The shop’s terminal will mark up the rate by 3–7%. Always pay in MYR and let your card (YouTrip or any no-FX-fee multi-currency card) do the conversion at the real rate.
- Halal travellers: Hijrah Dim Sum is your only fully halal spot on this list. The rest serve pork.
📖 Related Guide: 15 Best JB Hotels From S$46/Night
Dim Sum… And Then Some
From 2 MYR char siew baos at Gim Cheng to truffle-laced lava buns at Sek Bao, JB’s dim sum scene covers every craving and every budget. Pick your crossing, pick your area, and pick your basket count carefully — because once the steam baskets land, restraint goes out the window.
Heading to JB? Pay in MYR with YouTrip and skip the FX fees and DCC traps. Not a YouTrooper yet? Get a free YouTrip card + S$5 YouTrip credits with code <YTBLOG5>!
Then, head over to our YouTrip Perks page for exclusive offers and promotions — we promise you won’t regret it. Join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and Community Group (@YouTripSquad) for travel tips, event invites, and more!
Happy travels!
Related Articles:
Touch ‘n Go Guide In Malaysia: Everything You Need To Know
SGD To MYR Rate Today: Best Exchange Rates, Forecast & Where to Change Money
Money Changer Near Me: 14 Best Money Changers In Singapore
