Johor; the southernmost state of Peninsular Malaysia, is a treasure trove of culinary delights. Its unique blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences has created a food scene that is both diverse as it is vibrant. From traditional Hainanese Chicken Chop to halal Dim Sum, Johor's local favourites offer a tantalising taste of the region's rich cultural heritage. Whether you are a seasoned foodie or a curious traveller, these 12 local favourites will take you on an unforgettable gastronomical adventure.
For over 75 years, Restoran Hua Mui has remained a culinary landmark in Johor, famous for its original Hainanese Chicken Chop. This unique fusion dish showcases the restaurant's mastery in localising Western cuisine and has successfully attracted diners and repeat customers for decades.
The Hainanese Chicken Chop here features a tender piece of chicken, which is deep-fried to perfection, and then drizzled with their signature Hainanese sauce. It is served alongside green peas, onions, roasted tomatoes, and crispy potato wedges, making it a distinctive Hainan-style cuisine that stands out from other chicken chop varieties you may find elsewhere. The central kitchen has been approved for halal status by JAKIM, and the restaurant is currently in the process of obtaining individual halal certification for each branch in Johor Bahru. Meanwhile, all locations are pork-free.
By bus: Take the JB Sentral Bus F100 to Wisma Peladang Bus Station. From there, it is a short five-minute walk to the restaurant.
By car: From the popular City Square Mall, it is about a three to five-minute drive to the restaurant. If you are driving, you will find parking spots around the restaurant, but bear in mind the roads may be busy and parking spots may be limited.
Address: No. 131, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor.
Hours: 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Phone: +607-224 7364
Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory is a true classic in Johor known for its rich history, being present for over a century now. Established back in 1919, this historical bakery has been delighting customers with its traditional baked goods for 105 years. At the heart of its enduring popularity is their famous banana cake, baked to perfection in a century-old wood fire oven.
The banana cake at Hiap Joo is nothing short of legendary to say the least. Its decadent texture is moist yet fluffy and not overly dense. This perfect balance makes the cake melt in your mouth, with a harmonious blend of banana flavour and a subtle sweetness. While the banana cake is the star attraction, Hiap Joo's other offerings are equally noteworthy. Their old-school buns, butter cake, and cake rusks have also earned a loyal following amongst regular customers, and each treat demonstrates the bakery's commitment to traditional recipes and time-honoured baking techniques. The bakery is halal-certified, and its carefully selected ingredients ensure a Muslim-friendly experience.
By bus: Take the JB Sentral Bus T13 and get off at Wisma Peladang (Opp). From there, it is just a short two-minute walk to the bakery.
By car: From the City Square Mall, the bakery is only a three to five-minute drive away, and is located nearby to Restoran Hua Mui. If you are driving, be prepared to park a little further away and walk from there, as parking spots near the bakery are limited.
Address: 13, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor.
Hours: 7:30AM – 5:00PM
Phone: +607-223 1703
Restoran ZZ Sup Tulang is renowned for its mouthwatering Mee Rebus and Sup Tulang Gearbox (lamb shank soup). The restaurant offers more than just delicious food options, whilst also providing a unique dining experience where diners can enjoy their meals in a traditional atap house, immersing themselves in a cosy, authentic atmosphere. The restaurant's commitment to providing high-quality dishes at affordable prices has also made it a favourite among locals and tourists alike. Additionally, this restaurant has three locations in Johor: Jalan Petri 5/1 Kampung Bahru, Jln Medan Aliff Harmoni 1/1 Taman Damansara Aliff, and Jalan Setia Tropika 1/15 Taman Setia Tropika. It is halal-certified and proudly Muslim-owned.
Needless to say, its signature Sup Tulang Gearbox is a must-try dish as it sets the restaurant apart from others. This unique soup features stubby lamb shank bones that have been precisely cooked to remove gaminess, resulting in a rich, flavorful broth that is hearty and comforting. What makes this dish truly special is the eating experience it offers - diners are provided with a straw to slurp the sweet, nutrient-rich bone marrow from within the bones. This unique approach not only adds an element of fun to the meal but also ensures that diners can enjoy every last bit of flavour from the dish.
By bus: Get on the JB Sentral Bus T13 to Pusat Khidmat Pelanggan TNB JB (Opp). From there, it is a slightly longer 22-minute walk to the restaurant.
By car: From the nearest main transportation hub in Johor Bahru—JB Sentral, it is about a 10-12 minute drive to the restaurant. Driving might be a better option - you will also find limited parking spots available opposite the restaurant.
Address: 20, Jalan Petri 5/1, Kampung Bahru, 80100 Johor Bahru, Johor.
Hours: 7:00AM – 12:00AM (Closed on Fridays)
Phone: +6011-1056 7209
Nasi Ayam Kee Chup stands out for its commitment to perfecting just one dish: the soy sauce chicken rice. This restaurant does not have a menu and sells only this simple yet delicious dish, earning it a reputation for serving some of the best Nasi Ayam Kee Chup in the area.
The freshly cooked chicken is a delight; crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside. The secret lies in their homemade marinade, which infuses the meat with a caramelised sweetness and a well-balanced saltiness. Complementing the chicken is the equally impressive rice as the carrier to the dish. The famous chicken rice shop is muslim friendly and serves fragrant rice infused with lemongrass, ginger, and shallots, then cooked to perfection in a rich chicken broth, paired with its signature tender soy sauce chicken to create a truly satisfying meal.
By bus: Take JB BMJ bus number P101 to Galleria, Persada bus station. From there, it is just a one-minute walk to the restaurant.
By car: The restaurant is roughly a seven to 10-minute drive from JB Sentral. If you are driving, you will find parking spots around the restaurant, but may sometimes be required to park a little further away and walk over.
Address: 24A, Jalan Dato Dalam, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor.
Hours: 11:00AM – 4:00PM (Closed on Tuesday)
Phone: +6019-669 2133
Pondok Santapan Larkin is likely the best choice for those seeking authentic Malay cuisine in Johor. This beloved restaurant has made a name for itself by offering a diverse array of traditional Malay dishes. The menu featured everything from the rich and spicy Laksa Johor to the crispy Lempeng Asam Pedas, the iconic Nasi Lemak, and the delicate Roti Jala. What sets Pondok Santapan Larkin apart is not just the variety of its offerings, but also its affordability, making it accessible to a wide range of diners across budgets, and proudly a Muslim-owned business.
While every dish at Pondok Santapan Larkin is worth trying, two standout dishes deserve a special mention. Laksa Johor; a regional specialty, is a must-try for its unique blend of flavours. Using the original recipe of Johor Laksa with a thick gravy, this dish is sure to make you come back for more. Roti Arab is also another bestseller here, featuring a uniquely puffed-up bread that is slightly sweetened, making it a perfect treat with curry or kaya.
By bus: Hop on the JB Sentral bus number T10 or T13 to the Larkin Sentral station. From there, it is just a six-minute walk to the restaurant.
By car: This restaurant is about a five-minute drive from the Larkin Sentral Bus Terminal. If you are driving, you may find several parking spots near the restaurant.
Address: No. 8, Jalan Puyuh Larkin Jaya, Larkin, 80350, Johor.
Hours: 7:00AM – 12:00PM (Closed on Friday)
Phone: +6012-745 0560
Restoran Kacang Pool Haji is another Muslim-owned business known for its signature dish – Kacang Pool; a Malay-style bean stew that is a local favourite in Johor. This dish consists of a blend of broad beans, minced beef, and a variety of aromatic spices, topped with a fried egg for extra flavour. The preparation process is key to its unique taste where the broad beans are first boiled and stirred, then simmered with the mince and spices, which effectively removes bitterness from the beans. The result is a comforting, savoury stew that is both satisfying and full of flavour.
The Kacang Pool is usually served with diced onions and green chilli, as well as a squeeze of tangerine juice, which adds a refreshing note to break up the richness of the stew, ensuring it is flavorful without being too greasy. For those looking to explore more, the restaurant's Lontong Goreng is another must-try. This dish features chunks of rice cake, tempeh, fried tofu, and an assortment of vegetables, fried to perfection.
By bus: Hop on the JB Sentral T13 bus, which will take you straight to Kacang Pool Haji bus station.
By car: Likewise, from the Larkin Sentral Bus Terminal, it is approximately a five-minute drive to the restaurant. If you are driving, you may find limited parking spots available around the restaurant.
Address: Jalan Sabar, Taman Dato Onn, 80350 Johor Bahru, Johor.
Hours: 7:00AM – 12:00AM
Phone: +6013-737 7997
Mat Corner Nasi Ambang has successfully established itself as a culinary landmark in Johor since its opening in 2000. Now run by the founder's three sons, this Muslim-owned stall has earned a reputation for serving some of the best Nasi Ambang in town.
Each plate features their signature sambal, a spicy chilli jam that is a signature in Malay cuisine. This sambal delicately blends spicy, savoury and sweet notes, with aromatic spices. The fried chicken that accompanies the dish is equally impressive. It is usually crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and subtly infused with mild spices. It is precisely this unique combination with the rice, sambal, and well-cooked fried chicken that creates a harmonious dish that has kept customers returning to Mat Corner for over two decades.
By bus: Get on the JB BMJ bus number P104 to Sekolah Kebangsaan Bandar UDA 2. From there, it is approximately a four-minute walk away.
By car: The stall is roughly a 15-minute drive away from JB Sentral. If you are driving, you may find parking spots available around the stall.
Address: 22, Jalan Padi Mahsuri 13, Bandar Baru UDA, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor.
Hours: 10:15AM – 3:30PM (Closed on Fridays)
Phone: +6019-724 4798
Hijrah Dim Sum JB offers a unique fusion of traditional Chinese Dim Sum to cater Muslim dietary requirements. This innovative approach has earned them the ‘Best Halal Dim Sum Johor Bahru Restaurant’ award, cementing their position as a must-visit restaurant for both locals and tourists. What sets Hijrah Dim Sum JB apart is their creative twist on classic dim sum dishes, replacing pork with chicken to make their offerings halal-friendly without compromising on taste or authenticity.
Diners can indulge in a wide array of dim sum dishes, each with its own halal twist. Standout dishes include Crystal Shrimp Dumplings, Steamed Chicken Buns, BBQ Chicken Cheong Fun. The Steamed Siew Mai, typically a pork dish, is replaced with chicken, while the Molten Custard Salted Egg Buns strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savoury. These dishes not only cater to Muslim diners but also appeal to those who wish to explore new flavour combinations in familiar dim sum formats.
By bus: Get on the JB Sentral bus number F100 to Opp Holiday Plaza. From there, enjoy an eight-minute walk to the restaurant.
By car: From JB Sentral, the restaurant is about a 10-12 minute drive away. Parking spots are available nearby if you are driving.
Address: 42, Jalan Beringin, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor.
Hours: 12:00PM – 10:00PM (Closed on Monday)
Phone: +6016-668 0258
Gerai Ayong is renowned for its exceptional Ikan Bakar (grilled fish). The stall has thrived for over four decades thanks to the owner, Ayong’s dedication to perfecting the Ikan Bakar.
The Ikan Bakar at Gerai Ayong is a Muslim-friendly stall that serves pork-free dishes. It’s masterpiece, grilled fish is a symphony of flavour that blends crispy and tender textures to perfection. Chunks of chilli and onion add both heat and crunch to every bite. The special sweet and sour sauce that it is served with, adds a unique Nanyang flavour to the dish that keeps customers coming back for more. The stall also offers other noteworthy dishes that are heavenly for seafood lovers including the Sotong Kangkong, Sotong Bakar and Sambal Kerang, each prepared with the same attention to detail and dedication to flavours that has made the stall's Ikan Bakar famous.
By bus: Hop on the JB BMJ bus number P101 to Maktap Sultan Abu Bakar station. From there, enjoy a seven-minute walk to the restaurant.
By car: Gerai Ayong is located approximately 10-15 minutes from JB Sentral. Parking spots are available around the stall, but be prepared for busy roads and limited spaces available.
Address: Jalan Mohd Amin, Straits View, 80200 Johor Bahru, Johor.
Hours: 4:00PM - 11:00PM (Closed on Wednesday)
Phone: +6013-775 4488
Restoran BP Bariani Power is a well-known Muslim-owned restaurant that specialises in one of Malaysia's most beloved dishes: the Nasi Briyani. This restaurant has gained quite a reputation for serving some of the best Nasi Bariani in Johor and has been around for many years.
Their beef and lamb briyani are superb options that exemplify the restaurant’s mastery of flavours and textures. Meat is cooked to tender perfection and bathed in a rich, flavorful gravy that is complemented with creamy, moist, and springy rice, creating an amazing combination of aromas, textures and flavours that make every bite a sensory experience.
Photo Credit: FB Restoran BP Bariani Power
By bus: Hop on the BMJ bus number BP001 to Taman Soga bus station. From there, take a six-minute walk to the restaurant.
By car: From the Batu Pahat Bus Terminal, the restaurant is roughly a seven-minute drive away. If you are driving, you will find parking spots available around the restaurant.
Address: 18, Jalan Tukas 2, Taman Soga, 83000 Batu Pahat, Johor.
Hours: 9:30AM – 5:00PM (Closed on Monday)
Phone: +607-438 8987
Murtabak Majid Special Cheese No.1 has revolutionised the traditional murtabak by introducing ‘Murtabak Cheese’. This Muslim-owned business serves innovative creation that combines the familiar comfort of murtabak with the irresistible allure of melted cheese, making it a dish that has quickly become a local favourite.
The Murtabak Cheese here is a true culinary masterpiece. The murtabak is cooked until it has a golden, crispy crust that gives a satisfying crunch in every bite. Underneath the crispy shell is a gooey, stretchy cheese with a rich, lingering creamy texture. The uniqueness of this dish lies in the subtle sweetness in the meat filling that complements the salty-sweet texture of the cheese. This interplay of flavours and textures creates a multi-dimensional eating experience that keeps cheese lovers coming back for more.
By bus: Get on the Larkin Sentral Bus T22 to Perbadanan Islam Johor (Opp) station. From there, take a six-minute walk to the restaurant.
By car: From the Larkin Sentral Bus Terminal, it is about a five to eight-minute drive away. If you are driving, you will find parking spots near the restaurant, but be prepared for busy roads and limited spaces.
Address: 38 Lot, 5581, Jalan Kurniawan, Kampung Kurnia, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor.
Hours: 12:00PM – 7:00PM
Phone: +6012-756 3245
Mughni Saujana Cafe, more fondly known as ‘Warung Sebelah Rumah Menteri Besar’ (The Stall Beside the Chief Minister's Residence), is a beloved culinary institution in Johor since 1991. This Muslim-owned stall has made a name for itself with two classic Malay dishes: Nasi Lemak and Lontong Kering. While their Nasi Lemak offers a delicious and budget-friendly meal option, Lontong Kering is the real highlight.
The cafe's Lontong Kering is a local favourite, which is consistently praised for being one of the best meals in Johor. This traditional dish features rice cakes or ketupat wrapped in banana leaves and served with a rich, savoury peanut gravy called kuah kacang that perfectly complements the subtle flavour of the rice. Despite its humble appearance, this stall attracts a large number of customers, which speaks volumes about the quality of its food.
Photo Credit: FB Daily Johor
By bus: Hop on the JB Sentral Bus T10 or T14 to SMK IJ Convent JB, and from there, the cafe is a 13-minute walk away.
By car: The cafe is just 5-7 minutes drive away from Komtar JBCC, a shopping destination located in the main tourism district of Johor Bahru. Driving to the cafe might be a better option, but be prepared to park a little further away and walk to the stall.
Address: 8, Jalan Abdul Rahman Andak, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80100 Johor Bahru, Johor.
Hours: 7:00AM - 12:00PM (Closed on Fridays and Saturdays)
All that said, it is no surprise that Johor's food scene presents as a vibrant tapestry of flavours, textures, and culinary traditions. From the crispy Hainanese chicken chop at Restoran Hua Mui to the cheezy murtabak at Murtabak Majid Special Cheese No.1, each dish tells a unique story of Johor's rich cultural heritage. Whether you are craving a traditional Malay breakfast, halal Dim Sum, or a delicious ikan bakar meal, Johor has something to satisfy every palate. So pack your bags and embark on a gastronomic adventure through Johor, where your taste buds are guaranteed to thank you.
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