Get ready to indulge in the best flavours JB has to offer, from local favourites and street food to lavish buffet spreads.
Looking for the best JB food? Whether you’re a foodie on a day trip from Singapore or exploring Johor Bahru over the weekend, this guide highlights 20 must-visit spots. From local street food to hearty brunch cafes, hawker gems, tze char, and JB restaurants near the checkpoint, we’ve rounded up exactly what to eat in JB — including prices, locations, and opening hours.
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JB Food Guide At A Glance:
Summary of our recommendations, Including Which of these food places are close to the checkpoints!
| JB Food Recs | Type | Area / Nearby landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| IT Roo Cafe | Local Food | Near Johor Causeway Checkpoint, CIQ |
| Hiap Joo | Local Food | Near JB City Square |
| Kam Long Ah Zai Curry Fish Head | Local Food | Near JB City Square |
| Restoran Woon Kia | Local Food | Near Johor Causeway Checkpoint, CIQ |
| Restoran Ya Wang | Local Food | Near JB City Square |
| Restaurant Teck Sing | Local Food, Tze Char | Near KSL |
| Cedar Point Food Centre | Local Hawker Centre | Near KSL |
| Taman Sri Tebrau Hawker Centre | Local Hawker Centre | Near KSL |
| Restoran Kin Hua | Local Food, Breakfast & Brunch | Near JB City Square |
| Restoran Hua Mui | Local Food, Breakfast & Brunch | Near JB City Square |
| Restaurant Shoon Huat | Local Food, Breakfast & Brunch | Near KSL |
| Restoran Kacang Pool Haji | Local Food, Breakfast & Brunch | About 12 mins drive from Johor Causeway Checkpoint, CIQ |
| Onn Kitchen | Local Food, Breakfast & Brunch | About 10 mins drive from Johor Causeway Checkpoint, CIQ |
| The Replacement | Cafe & Brunch | Near JB City Square |
| Bev C JB | Cafe & Brunch | Near JB City Square |
| Ong Shun | Local Food, Tze Char | About 8 mins drive from JB City Square |
| Makan Kitchen @ DoubleTree by Hilton | Buffet | Near JB Sentral |
| Project Smoked | Unique dining experience, American BBQ | Near The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey |
| 初中一校 High School Kopitiam | Unique dining experience | Mount Austin |
| TEBRAU Food Truck Park | Unique dining experience, Street Food – Local and Western | Mount Austin |
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JB Street Food and Local Specialities:
For a taste of local Malaysian JB flavour, here are some of our top recommended eateries
1. IT Roo Café
Image Credits: TripAdvisor
Established in the 1960s, IT Roo Café is renowned for its Hainanese Chicken Chop, often hailed as the best in town. The dish features a crispy fried chicken chop smothered in a choice of black pepper or mushroom sauce, served alongside fries and coleslaw.
Located near Jalan Dhoby’s heritage shophouses, it’s a popular stop for both locals and Singaporean day-trippers. IT Roo Cafe is located conveniently close to the Johor Causeway Checkpoint.
Address: 17 Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor.
Location close to the Johor causeway checkpoint.
Opening Hours: Daily, 11 AM – 8:30 PM.
Price: Hainanese Chicken Chop: 18.50 MYR / ~S$5.58
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2. Hiap Joo Bakery
Image Credits: AsiaOne
Hiap Joo Bakery, a century-old establishment, is famous for its charcoal-baked banana cakes. These moist, fluffy treats are baked in a traditional wood-fired oven, imparting a unique smoky flavour. The bakery also offers an array of other pastries, but the banana cake remains the star attraction, often selling out quickly. It’s a must-visit for those exploring the best food in JB.
Address: 13 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor
Location close to Johor Causeway Checkpoint.
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 5 PM
Price: Banana Cake: 13 MYR for 10pcs / ~S$3.92
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3. Kam Long Ah Zai Curry Fish Head
Image Credits: @eatbooksg on Instagram
Kam Long Ah Zai is a legendary spot specialising in curry fish head, a dish deeply rooted in Johor Bahru since 1983. Served in a claypot, the dish features a generous portion of fish head simmered in a rich, spicy curry with vegetables. Expect a tangy, spicy broth soaked with cabbage, tofu puffs, and thick fish head slices.
The restaurant’s popularity means it often has long queues, but the flavourful experience is well worth the wait.
Address: Address: 74 Jalan Wong Ah Fook, 80000 Johor Bahru
Located close to the Johor Causeway Checkpoint
Opening Hours: 8 AM – 4 PM (or until sold out)
Price: Fish Head Curry (M): From 32 MYR / ~S$9.65
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4. Restoran Woon Kiang (Kway Teow Kia)
Image Credits: Uncover Asia
Kway Teow Kia, a Johorean delicacy, features flat rice noodles in herbal soy broth with braised duck, tofu, and offal. The restaurant’s late operating hours make it a popular supper spot, and its consistent quality has earned it a loyal customer base.
Address: SH-G-06, Taman Impian Stulang, Jalan Pandan, Taman Stulang Laut, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Located close to Johor Causeway Checkpoint CIQ
Opening Hours: 5 PM – 2:30 AM
Price: Kway Teow and sides: From 9 MYR / ~S$2.71
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5. Restoran Ya Wang
Image Credits: @_sharleenang_ on Lemon8
The OG of herbal roast duck and the official consultant to Dian Xiao Er in Singapore, Ya Wang famed for its herbal roast duck, featuring tender meat infused with a blend of Chinese herbs. The dish is a harmonious blend of savoury and aromatic flavours, making it a must-try for fans of TCM-flavoured roasted meat.
Address: 44, Jalan Segget, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Located close to the Johor Causeway Checkpoint CIQ.
Opening Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM, closed on Wed.
Price: Herbal Roast Duck Rice: 15 MYR / ~S$4.30
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6. Restaurant Teck Sing
Image Credits: Eateryummy
Restaurant Teck Sing is a well-loved Chinese eatery in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, known for its tze char, local home-style cooking. The star of the show here is their signature Paper Baked Herbal Chicken. Imagine tender, juicy chicken, marinated in fragrant Chinese herbs, then wrapped in parchment and baked for hours.
Other crowd favourites include Curry Fish Head, Deep-Fried Fish with Sambal, and Hakka-style Stewed Pork with Salted Vegetables. The restaurant can get crowded, so to avoid long queues, you can choose to avoid peak dining hours.
Address: Address: 3&5, Jalan Sutera 1, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia.
Opening Hours: Daily, 11 AM – 9 PM (Last order: 8:30 PM)
Price: Paper Baked Herbal Chicken 37.60 MYR / ~$S11.35
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JB Hawker Centres:
7. Cedar Point Food Centre
Image Credits: Miss Tam Chiak
A true local gem, Cedar Point offers an array of wok-fried seafood, BBQ, and classic Malaysian dishes. Try the grilled stingray with sambal for a smoky, spicy kick. The place comes alive at night—great for supper hunters.
Address: Jalan Musang Bulan, Taman Century, 80250 Johor Bahru
Opening Hours: 6 PM – 12 AM
Price: Grilled Stingray: 22 MYR / ~S$6.30
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8. Taman Sri Tebrau Hawker Centre
Image Credits: @valvalvalllll on Lemon8
One of JB’s largest open-air hawker centres, it’s packed with dozens of stalls. Don’t miss the oyster omelette—crispy edges, gooey centre, and generous oysters. Also, try kway teow kia and satay for variety.
Address: Jalan Badik 1, Taman Sri Tebrau, 80050 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 5 PM – 11 PM
Price: Oyster Omelette from 10 MYR / ~S$3.02
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JB Breakfast & Brunch Spots:
9. Restoran Kin Hua
Image Credits: Johor Foodie
A favourite for locals and tourists alike, Kin Wah dishes out authentic kopitiam breakfast — fluffy kaya toast, runny eggs, and kopi. Their nasi lemak and economical bee hoon also offer a simple yet satisfying start to the day.
Address: 8 Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru
Opening Hours: 5:30 AM – 5:30 PM, closed on Tues.
Price: Kaya Toast & Soft-Boiled Eggs Set: From 12 MYR / ~S$3.62
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10. Restoran Hua Mui
Image Credits: @hxxmy on Lemon8
Restoran Hua Mui has been around since 1946, offering timeless Hainanese-Western fare. Their signature Hainanese Chicken Chop features a perfectly deep-fried chicken cutlet slathered in brown gravy, served with fries and a side of coleslaw. The old-school charm of the wooden staircase and marble tables adds to the nostalgic experience.
Enjoy kaya toast, Hainanese-style Western dishes, and kopi-o in an airy colonial-era setting, perfect for early risers and breakfast lovers.
Address: 131 Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru
Opening Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM
Price: Hainanese Fried Chicken Chop: 20.90 MYR / ~S$6.30
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11. Restaurant Shoon Huat
Image Credits: @fatherfaiths on Lemon8
Begin your day with a comforting bowl of Shoon Huat’s famed herbal bak kut teh, a local favourite in Taman Sentosa. The rich, aromatic broth is infused with traditional Chinese herbs and slow-cooked with tender pork ribs, & garlic for hours, resulting in a deep, nourishing flavour.
The restaurant is beloved by locals who return regularly for its authentic taste and generous portions. Pair your meal with a bowl of fragrant rice and beancurd skin for the full breakfast experience.
Address: 11, Jalan Sutera 1, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Tues to Sun, 8:30 AM – 8 PM; Mon, 8:30 AM – 6 PM.
Price: Signature Bak Kut Teh for 1 pax: 16 MYR / ~S$4.83
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12. Restoran Kacang Pool Haji
Image Credits: @lirenebay & @wantwoeatmsia on Instagram
If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting breakfast in Johor Bahru, Restoran Kacang Pool Haji is the place to try. This humble eatery has built a reputation for serving one of JB’s most iconic dishes — Kacang Pool.
Inspired by the Egyptian dish Ful Medamesa, Kacang Pool is a rich, flavourful bean stew made with fava beans, minced meat, and aromatic spices. It’s served with a sunny-side-up egg and a thick slice of toast bread for dipping into the stew. The resulting flavour is a savoury, slightly nutty, and hearty breakfast that many enjoy.
Address: 12, Jalan Dato Jaafar, Taman Dato Onn, 80350 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Daily, 7 AM – 12 AM.
Price: Kacang Pool Daging at 7 MYR / ~S$2.11
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13. Onn Kitchen
Image Credits: @johorfoodie on Instagram
If you’re hunting for the best Roti Prata (or Roti Canai), Onn Kitchen should be high on your list. This humble eatery in Kampung Bahru has built a loyal following for its Roti Canai, often hailed as one of the best in JB.
Each piece is perfectly crispy yet soft, served on a classic steel tray with flavourful dhal curry, fish curry, and sambal. Note, their Roti Canai is only available before 11:30 AM!
Beyond roti, Onn Kitchen is a great spot for Nasi Lemak, Mee Goreng, and Teh Tarik. In the evening, the restaurant also offers a variety of other Western food like Chicken Chop. Thus making it a popular choice throughout the day.
The open-air seating, casual vibes, and fast service make it an undoubtedly local experience.
Address: 29A, Jalan Tarom, Kampung Bahru, 80100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 7 AM – 12 AM, Closed on Fridays.
Prices: Roti Kosong starts at 1.50 MYR / ~S$0.45
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14. The Replacement – Lodge & Kitchen
Image Credits: Klook Travel
Located in the heritage stretch near JB Sentral and City Square, The Replacement is a white-themed brunch café famous for its creative fusion dishes. Their minimalist interior and house-roasted coffee make it a cosy pit stop after customs.
It’s one of JB’s most Instagrammable food destinations and often packed on weekends, so go early for the best seats.
Address: 33 34, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Mon to Sun, 9 AM – 4:30 PM; Fri, 9 AM – 5 PM.
Price: BNB French Toast: 27.90 MYR / ~S$8.41
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15. Bev C JB
Image Credits: @jayday9750 on Lemon8
Bev C JB is a concept store-meets-cafe located just minutes from City Square and JB Sentral. It’s perfect for travellers who want a unique cafe experience near the checkpoint.
The Sea Salt Chocolate Tart is a must-try, balancing rich dark chocolate with a hint of salt. The café’s edgy industrial vibe and fashion-forward interiors make it Instagram-worthy.
Image Credits: Yelp
Aside from desserts, they also offer pasta dishes, coffee, and pastries. It’s a chill oasis right in the heart of the city buzz.
Address: 54 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM
Price: Coco Banana Pie: 16 MYR / ~S$4.83
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16. Ong Shun
Image Credits: Eatbook
For a no-frills but flavour-packed seafood feast in Johor Bahru, try Ong Shun Seafood Restaurant. Located at Jalan Abdul Samad, this eatery has gained a loyal following for its delicious halal-friendly zi char dishes that won’t break the bank.
Their signature dish is Moonlight Kuey Tiao, a silky-smooth flat noodle dish topped with a golden raw egg yolk. For seafood, try their Butter Cream Prawns, Salted Egg Squid, and Steamed Fish.
Overall, Ong Shun isn’t fancy; it’s an old-school eatery utilising Chinese-Malaysian style cooking for a quick seafood fix.
Address: 67, Jalan Abdul Samad, Kampung Bahru, 80100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 1 PM – 12 AM, Closed on Mondays
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Buffet in JB:
17. Makan Kitchen @ DoubleTree by Hilton
Image Credits: Eat. Drink. Hilton.
Craving a feast? Makan Kitchen offers one of the best and most popular buffets in JB with local favourites, Indian curries, and live cooking stations. Makan Kitchen at DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru is famous for its buffet dining experience; its menus offer a quick glimpse into Malaysia’s diverse culinary heritage.
With live cooking stations featuring Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan flavours, diners can indulge in an extensive spread representing the country’s gastronomic diversity. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets are available, with a mix of Local and Western.
Ideal for families and hotel guests seeking variety and quality.
Address: 12 Jalan Ngee Heng, Johor Bahru
Opening Hours: Buffet Dinner: 6 PM – 10:30 PM
Price: Buffet: 108+ MYR / ~S$31+
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Unique Dining Experiences in JB:
18. Project Smoked
Image Credits: @ky.ng on Lemon8
Project Smoked in Johor Bahru is a spot you should check out if you are a fan of slow-cooked barbequed meats. This place is an American-style barbeque smokehouse, bringing bold flavours and prime cuts to hungry carnivores.
The menu boasts juicy Angus beef ribs, smoky pulled pork, and perfectly charred Kurobuta pork spare ribs. Each piece is cooked low and slow, delivering a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. There are classic sides to go with the meats like coleslaw, tater tots and cornbread.
But what better to go with barbeque than some refreshing beer? Project Smoked has an impressive craft beer selection, curated to complement their smoky meats – from hoppy IPA to smooth stouts.
The laid-back atmosphere, exposed brick walls, and rustic vibes make it the perfect place to kick back and feast with friends.
Address: 224, Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening Hours: Mon to Thurs: 12 PM – 3 PM & 5 PM – 10 PM; Fri- Sat: 12 PM – 11 PM; Sun: 12 PM – 10 PM. Closed on Tues.
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19. 初中一校 High School Kopitiam
Image Credits: @kopi0kosongpeng on Lemon8
High School Kopitiam is a nostalgic Taiwanese-themed brunch café nestled in Mount Austin. Styled like a retro classroom, the café features wooden desks, chairs, and a large chalkboard adorned with charming hand-drawn doodles.
While the menu spans various brunch items, the highlight here is their creative selection of toasts. A crowd favourite is their High School Chicken Chop Signature Sandwich, served between slices of fluffy charcoal toast for a unique twist on a classic comfort food.
Address: 57, Jalan Austin Heights 8/5, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM
Price: High School Chicken Chop Signature Sandwich: 16.90 MYR / ~S$5.10
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20. Tebrau Food Truck Park
Image Credits: TEBRAU Food Truck Park on Facebook
For a dining experience that breaks away from the usual restaurant, Tebrau Food Truck Park offers a dynamic, open-air foodie experience in Johor Bahru.
Located in Taman Desa Tebrau, this lively spot hosts a rotating lineup of more than 10 food trucks, each serving up a mix of Malaysian street food and international bites.
Image Credits: SETHLUI
Dig into Nasi Ganja, bursting with spices, crispy banana fritters or a refreshing Milo Shaved Ice. The atmosphere is vibrant, with groups gathering under twinkling lights, live performances and plenty of casual seating.
Address: Jln Harmonium 24/1, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Daily, 5 PM – 11:30 PM.
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So, What to Eat in JB?
Image Credits: Lifestyle Asia
Now you’re no longer lost when looking for the best places to eat in JB! From iconic street eats to cafes, seafood tze char to kopitiams, the Johor Bahru food scene offers endless variety. We also covered which of these eateries are close to checkpoints and popular landmarks.
So next time you’re wondering what to eat in JB, bookmark this guide and bring your appetite across the Causeway (along with your YouTrip card!).
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Happy travels!
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