Forget everything you know, here are some of JB’s hidden gems you must check out!
While there is no lack of good food for us here in Singapore, it doesn’t hurt to explore what Johor Bahru (or JB for short) has to offer on the other side of the causeway. We often complain about travelling from one end to another in Singapore for our favourite food, but when all of these comes at only ⅓ of the price in JB, distance is no longer a problem.
JB is known for their up-and-coming food scene, so we’ve taken the liberty to round up the hipster cafes, hidden gems and local favourites you need to check out. Prepare your stomach for a gastronomical feast unique to JB!
Jalan Dhoby/Jalan Trus
EH HE Cafe
Located right next to the famous Hiap Joo Bakery, this cafe-cum-gallery will transport you back to the 60s. Think retro cabinets, lamps, furniture and even oldies being played in the background to complete your nostalgic experience.
If you’re looking for a traditional breakfast, don’t miss their Nasi Lemak (RM 7.90) that comes with a crispy battered chicken wing and Hainanese Chicken Rice (RM 16). For something light, they also have the traditional kaya toasts and half boiled eggs that are quite comparable to the ones at Yakun. Since it is a cafe, expect to see modern fusion dishes such as Sambal Chili Cheese Fries (RM 9.90), Thunder Tea Spaghetti (RM 13.90) and western staples like a classic Chicken Chop (RM 15.90).
1, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru
Opens daily 7am to 5pm
IT Roo Cafe
Dubbed the “Best Chicken Chop in Town”, this humble cafe sees truckloads of locals and tourists visiting their old-school shophouse. Getting a seat can be an ordeal in itself, but we promise you that the food will make up for it.
There are two types Hainanese chicken chop at IT Roo – grilled or deep fried (RM 14). We recommend trying both as they are equally as good. The grilled version is juicy and charred to perfection while the fried one manages to be light and tender despite being fried till crisp.
Each plate comes with a choice of black pepper or mushroom sauce, homemade potato wedges and coleslaw. For a heartier meal, get the IT Roo Fried Rice (RM 7.90) on the side to share, it’s a simple one but you’ll be amazed at how delicious it is.
17, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru
Opens daily 10am to 9pm
Kam Long Curry Fish Head
This unpretentious kopitiam sells only one dish – claypot curry fish head, and yet their queue never ends. Be prepared to wait in line before indulging in a pot of extremely addictive curry broth with tau pok (deep fried beancurd), vegetables and of course, fresh red snapper.
Their service is efficient and you can choose your serving size: individual (RM 18), small (RM 22), medium (RM 33) or large (RM 44), and it’ll be served in less than 10 minutes. The broth may appear too rich and coconutty, but is in fact perfectly light and fragrant with just the right amount of spice.
Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru
Opens daily 8am to 5pm
Faculty of Caffeine
This cozy hideout along Jalan Trus is no ordinary cafe – their menu is extensive, yet somehow they managed to get everything spot-on. Boasting a unique industrial concept with a dark color scheme and dim lights, Faculty of Caffeine also serves up high quality coffee along with their delicious fusion dishes.
Don’t leave without trying their Aglio Olio with Beef Bacon (RM 22) and Korean Fried Chicken with Pancakes (RM 23.90). The pasta is perfectly seasoned and fragrant whilst the latter is a nice change from the standard chicken and waffles – the tangy and spicy sauce complements both the chicken and pancakes really nicely so you don’t have to worry about it being too jelat. If you’re craving for some Japanese fare, they’ve got you covered. Get their Tempura Don (RM 22.90), which offers thick, crispy strips of chicken, prawn, vegetables and an onsen egg.
Treat yourself to Madam Lim’s Brownie, a homemade chewy brownie topped with vanilla ice cream and crunchy granola or Bana-nuts – an ingenious creation of bananas, peanut butter and croissant.
106 Japan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru
Opens daily, 9am to 6pm
Restoran Ya Wang
Take a break from your cafe-hop for a meal at one of the pioneer places that sells herbal roast ducks in JB. As you step into the restaurant, the friendly servers will greet you with a smile and take your order.
Slightly different from the usual Roast Duck, this duck has a juicier flesh and is served drenched in the herbal sauce. If roasted duck is not enough to fill your stomachs, you can go for their Zi Char and double-boiled soups too.
28 Jalan Senget
Opens daily 8am to 6pm
Taman Pelangi / Taman Sri Tebrau
Cafe Racer by GrillBar
It’s easy to spot this cafe’s fire-engine red door along the row of shophouses. This motorcycle-themed cafe has a rustic industrial feel to it – there are a few motorcycles for show in the corners and wheels hanging upside down decorating the ceiling. The cafe occupies two levels and it’s forever serving a full crowd.
Their food reminds us of an American diner, with larger than usual portions (by cafe standards at least). Share the onion ring blossom that comes with a breadcrumb-like batter or for something unique try the Rendang Ox Croquette (RM 18). For mains, their Classic American Burger (RM 25) will satisfy all carnivores, while the Chicken Bolognese (RM 25) served in a shovel will make for some Instaworthy flatlays.
Amazing food, coffee and decor – this should be high up on your list of cafes to check out.
72, Jalan Pingai, Taman Pelangi
Opens daily from 12pm – 12am
Zainal’s Place
They serve up a variety of Malay classic dishes such as Nasi Lemak, Nasi Campur, Ayam Penyet but their Mee Rebus steals the show. This little coffee shop has officially been voted as having the best Mee Rebus in Johor, so be prepared to have the tastiest version you’ll ever have in your lifetime.
Here, you can choose to upgrade your bowl with either prawns (RM 7) or bone marrow (RM 15), otherwise their standard bowl is enough to win over your tastebuds. The egg noodles in thick, gooey and spicy broth is garnished with chili, egg and a sprinkle of their special crunchy fried bits, which makes all the difference in the dish.
89, Jalan Keris, Taman Sri Tebrau, Johor bahru
Opens daily
K Fry Urban Korea
Located right at the outskirts of Taman Pelangi is this highly-raved Korean eatery known for consistently good food and excellent service. If you have an intense craving for Korean fried chicken, you definitely won’t regret heading there.
Choose from spicy, soy and garlic crispy fried chicken, and for something more sinful order their Cheesy Fried Chicken Bumbak.
It’s a pile of boneless fried chicken served with crispy fries, honey mustard cream and stringy cheese on a hotplate grill to keep the cheese gooey and warm. Heads up; this dish is so popular that you can now call to reserve the dish! The Budae Jjigae is also a must-try; there are chunks of chicken ham, smoked duck, chicken thigh, mushrooms, ramen and a slab of cheese stringing the whole dish together.
260, Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Abad
Opens daily 12pm to 2am
Mount Austin
The cafes around Mount Austin and Taman Molek area are great for that weekend afternoon chill out session. Think gourmet coffees, delicious brunch menus and mouthwatering desserts in a laid-back environment. It’s the place to be if you’re looking for a gourmet yet relaxed dining experience with influences from Melbourne’s cafe scene.
Atlas Coffee Embassy
Don’t be fooled by its nondescript exterior; push open the door and step into a whole new world of Japanese-Scandinavian themed interior. There’s no need to worry about making it in time for breakfast here – they have an all-day breakfast menu.
Feast on acai bowls, pancakes, french toast and their breakfast platters. We recommend going for the BELT pancake if you can’t decide between a savoury or sweet option. Served up in a cast iron pan, the warm, slightly dense dutch pancake with slices of crisp bacon and a sunny side up will definitely make your trip down worthwhile.
They also take their coffee seriously, using only beans from Common Man Coffee Roasters, so rest assured that you will be getting cups of quality here.
32, Jalan Mount Austin, Taman Mount Austin
Opens daily 8.30am to 7pm
Creamery Boutique Ice Cream
Known for their lava cookies and over 50 homemade ice cream flavours, this ice cream boutique from Bangkok does not disappoint. They have outlets in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and one back home, but of course you’ll get it for slightly cheaper across the causeway.
Choose from a chocolate, matcha, brownie or cream cheese lava filling and pair it with your choice of ice cream (RM 16.90). Skip the boring flavours like vanilla and chocolate, and head straight for their renditions of local favourites such as Horlicks, Milo, Piko Piko (tiramisu with Kopiko candy) and Thai Milk Tea.
Prepare your phones for the Instagrammable lava effect and then dig into this decadent dessert.
P.S. You won’t regret pairing the chocolate lava cookie with their Thai Milk Tea ice cream.
Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru
Opens daily 2pm to 10pm
Palladium Cafe
With full-length glass windows, white countertops and natural light against their teak communal tables, it’s hard not to feel as if you’re in a cafe along the streets of Melbourne.
They only serve coffee and cakes, perfect for that afternoon pick-me-up. Go for their Pandan Cheesecake with Gula Melaka (RM9.90), which strangely reminds us of ondeh-ondeh, only more decadent and satisfying.
Don’t leave without trying the Palladium Signature Coffee (RM 16.90) because you probably won’t be able to find a cup of iced dark chocolate with homemade espresso gelato elsewhere.
Jalan Ekoflora 1, Taman Ekoflora
11.30 am to 11.30pm
Off The Beaten Track
Onn Kitchen
Onn Kitchen is home to JB’s best roti canai, which is our equivalent of prata. The place reminds us of a hipster Malaysian warung – think old wooden furnitures, modern menu graphics and authentic local food.
They’re known for their fluffy and slightly crisp roti canai (RM 1.50) but their dipping sauces of chili paste, dhal and fish curry steal the show. All three are equally delicious for dunking, and the curries are actually free-flow so you can help yourself to as many servings as you want.
Of course, there are also other classics including Mee Siam, Mee Soto, Lontong, Nasi Lemak and the likes. Make sure to come early for breakfast as this place is usually teeming with locals at 8.30 am on the weekends. They also have a different menu for lunch and dinner if breakfast isn’t your thing.
29A, Jalan Tarom, Johor Bahru
Opening Hours 7am -12 am
Closed on Fridays
Kopi Keju
This shop specializes in this sinful Indonesian dessert and their own unique drink concoctions. If you are not familiar with this dessert, the classic Goreng Pisang Cheese (RM 9.90) is essentially deep-fried bananas covered in batter and then topped with cheese shavings and condensed milk.
There are a ton of variations for you to choose from, but the highlights are definitely their Oreo Cheese, Red Velvet, Pandan Gula Melaka and Cinnamon Roll (RM 13.90). Pair that with their signature Blue Lagoon (RM 5) drink or their spot-on Thai Milk Teas. There’s not much to explore in the area, but this sweet and savory dessert combo is well worth that journey down.
34 Jalan Nibong 17 Taman Daya
12pm to 10pm
Closed on Fridays
Kapten Steamboat & Grill
Located at the hipster hideout, Kilang Bateri, is this affordable steamboat and grill buffet. The spread is full of fresh seafood, meatballs, marinated meats and a selection of cooked food to complete your meal.
They are reasonably priced to the locals there but to us Singaporeans, it literally is a steal at SGD10 (RM 30++) for a weekend lunch. They also offer a discounts for Kids and Senior Citizens dining. That’s the price you pay for both hotpot and BBQ buffet with free-flow drinks and desserts.
83, Jalan Tampoi, Bandar Baru Uda
Opens daily 12pm to 10pm
Wak Kentut Nasi Lemak
If you’re one who feels that one measly chicken wing is always never enough with your Nasi Lemak, this place is for you. With a name that literally means ‘fart shop nasi lemak’, this run-down warung sells the simplest tasting nasi lemak with their famous fried chicken.
The fried chicken here is double boiled and then deep fried, so the skin is crunchy and the flesh is kept tender and moist. It’s a typical self-service stall – you select the chicken piece (RM 3.50), they cut it up for you and ‘plonk’ it on your plate. Drop by during breakfast or lunch, when everything is still fresh and in stock!
44, Jalan Susur Kulai 2, Taman Kulai Besar
Opens daily 5pm to 12am
