【Special Report】Johor Bahru Food Scene Unveiled! 5 Must-Try Local Restaurants Loved by Real Foodies
Explore JB’s vibrant food scene with these 5 essential eateries. Whether it’s curry laksa or crispy dim sum you crave, this guide highlights the best of Johor Bahru in 2025.
[Live from Johor Bahru – Exclusive Report] Johor Bahru, a vibrant city in southern Malaysia, is brimming with culinary gems that are just waiting to be discovered. While many eateries gain quick fame online, only a few manage to win the hearts of locals and tourists alike. So, which restaurants truly represent the best of Johor Bahru food? After days of fieldwork, interviews, and countless taste tests, our food investigation team has finally compiled the Top 5 Johor Bahru Food Recommendations for 2025. These aren’t just places to eat—they’re places to remember.
1. Padi Kopitiam Jalan Trus｜The Trio of Coffee Aroma, Fried Noodles, and Nostalgia Awakens Your Taste Journey
Stepping into Padi Kopitiam feels like walking straight into the collective memory of Johor Bahru locals. This charming café, rich with vintage vibes, does more than just please your eyes—it wins your heart through its authentic flavors. Specializing in a variety of Malaysian-style dishes, their golden, crispy yet soft fried bananas and the addictive Tom Yum-inspired “mouse noodles” perfectly capture the essence of “Nanyang flavors.” Moreover, their signature house-roasted fragrant rice coffee fills the air and lingers delightfully on your palate, making it a perfect spot to savor, snap photos, and lose yourself in nostalgia. Whether you come for breakfast or dinner, Padi Kopitiam offers an inviting atmosphere that combines taste, culture, and memories.
Location: Ibrahim International Business District, 82-B1, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80888 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
Opening Hours: Daily 8AM – 9PM
2. Restoran Yew Swee｜A Laksa Lover’s Paradise, With a Rich Broth That Instantly Captivates – Johor Bahru Food Recommendations
If you’re hunting for an authentic, soul-satisfying bowl of laksa in Johor Bahru, Restoran Yew Swee is the undisputed champion. Though the exterior might seem modest, the flavors inside speak volumes. Their signature laksa broth is a labor of love, simmered slowly for over six hours using shrimp shells, coconut milk, and a blend of fragrant spices, creating a deep, rich curry base. The dish is generously topped with tofu puffs, fresh clams, bean sprouts, and more—each bite layering flavor and texture. Don’t forget to add their special sambal chili and a squeeze of calamansi lime to elevate the experience further. With over 20 years of history, Yew Swee is a beloved staple where locals queue up daily for a comforting and hearty meal.
Location: 64, Jalan Harimau Tarum, Taman Century, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
Opening Hours: Monday to Wednesday 8AM – 4PM; Saturday 7:30AM – 4PM (Closed Sundays)
3. Hai Kah Lang｜The Champion of Seafood Rice Noodles, Every Bowl Worth Remembering
Famous for “freshly cooked seafood,” Hai Kah Lang stands out as a must-visit in Johor Bahru for seafood lovers. They source premium seafood directly from Sabah, ensuring top quality and freshness in every dish. With over 30 customizable ingredients, you can craft your perfect bowl of noodles. Their fish head noodles boast a fresh, subtly sweet flavor, served with a choice of clear broth or creamy milk-based soup—both bursting with rich taste. The highly recommended combo includes large prawns, scallops, and flower crabs, creating a feast reminiscent of an underwater party. Beyond the flavors, their meticulous attention to cooking precision and elegant presentation makes dining here an experience both delicious and Instagram-worthy.
Location: 173, Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
Opening Hours: Daily 8:30AM – 9:30PM
4. Ah Meng Kue Teow｜A Bowl of Hot Soup Steeped in 30 Years of Tradition and Flavor – Johor Bahru Food Recommendations
When it comes to preserving authentic tastes, Ah Meng Kue Teow is a shining example of dedication and tradition. For over three decades, this humble stall has maintained the secret of their homemade broth, simmered to perfection, alongside freshly chopped pork offal daily. Whether you prefer their clear soup kue teow or the dry version with spicy chili sauce, each bite transports you back to the comforting flavors of home. The recommended pork kidney and liver combination is tender and free from any off-putting odor, delighting seasoned diners. Adding a generous serving of crispy pork lard chips elevates the dish to a near-divine level. This place is a true testament to how passion and patience create unforgettable culinary heritage.
Location: 112, Jalan Meranti, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
Opening Hours: Thursday 7:30AM – 5PM; other days until 7:30PM (Closed Mondays)
5. Pin Ming Xuan｜The Art Gallery of Dim Sum, Where Every Bite is Meticulously Crafted and Every Moment Tender
Pin Ming Xuan is one of the rare Cantonese restaurants in Johor Bahru that insist on “dim sum with craftsmanship.” Every piece is handmade, freshly steamed, and served with care, earning rave reviews from all corners. Dishes like salted meat dumplings, molten salted egg yolk buns, and supreme shrimp dumplings are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Each bite of the molten lava custard bun bursts with rich creaminess, while the crispy taro rolls leave a lasting impression. The restaurant also thoughtfully offers a wide range of vegetarian options to accommodate diverse dietary needs. Although the wait time can exceed 15 minutes, the exquisite quality of every bite makes it well worth the patience.
Location: 10, Jalan Serigala, Taman Century Garden, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8AM – 4PM; Weekends 7:30AM – 4PM
In Johor Bahru, Food is More Than Just a Meal—It’s a Way of Life
These five eateries don’t just represent the culinary culture of Johor Bahru; they embody the city’s collective memories and warmth. Without flashy decor, their strength lies in authentic flavors and heartfelt service that win over every diner’s soul. If you haven’t yet checked them out, make your next weekend or holiday trip a delicious journey—because Johor Bahru’s food scene never disappoints.
