exploring the culinary scene in johor bahru? discover diverse dining options, from beloved local spots to hidden gems, all while feeling welcome and comfortable. this guide highlights restaurants known for their delicious food and inclusive atmosphere.
classic flavors and nostalgic charm
it roo café: a chicken chop institution
it roo café, nestled in johor bahru's historic downtown, has been a local favorite for decades, serving up its renowned chicken chop since its establishment.
forget about qr code ordering here; it's all about classic, comforting service.
the café is famous for its golden fried crispy or grilled chicken chop, which comes with a choice of rich mushroom or zesty black pepper sauce. each plate is served with a refreshing coleslaw and hearty potato wedges.
many consider it roo café their go-to spot for comfort food.
topping the chicken chop with two sunny-side-up eggs elevates the dish, creating a taste of home with high-quality ingredients and satisfying sides.
the unpretentious atmosphere adds to the nostalgic experience, making it a solid choice when exploring tan hiok nee.
the café's simplicity is part of its charm. the food is straightforward, focusing on highlighting the natural flavors of the chicken.
some reviewers prefer the mushroom sauce over the black pepper, and surprisingly, the teriyaki baked chicken often receives higher praise than the best-selling chicken chop. while both chicken chops are tender and juicy, some find the batter of the best-seller lacking a bit of excitement.
if you're unsure what to order, the baked teriyaki chicken chop with mushroom sauce is often recommended.
the potato wedges, though sometimes overly salty, are strangely addictive, possibly due to their freshness. the overall vibe is great, with basic yet satisfying food that keeps customers coming back.
the chicken chop is consistently praised for being crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfectly balanced in flavor.
even knowing it's a popular tourist spot, many still find it worthwhile to visit, especially in the evening when the crowds are smaller. the interior evokes a nostalgic kopitiam feel, enhancing the authentic experience.
while the deep-fried chicken chop with black pepper sauce is a popular choice, some find it merely average.
the black pepper sauce may lack a strong pepper flavor, and the potato wedges, while not the typical pillowy soft fries, offer a slightly tougher texture. however, the koay teow cantonese, while having the expected gooey gravy, may lack taste and aroma, though the koay teow itself offers a pleasant wok-fried aroma.
overall, while it roo café might satisfy curiosity, the average taste might not inspire a revisit for some.
however, the old-school vibes and the quality of the chicken itself remain appealing. the chicken chop, juicy and flavorful, pairs well with the sauce, and the thin coating doesn't overpower the taste of the chicken. while the coleslaw and wedges might be bland, the overall experience can still be positive, prompting a return visit for those craving a classic chicken chop.
however, some visitors have reported disappointing experiences with icy-cold service from abrupt and unfriendly staff.
while the food might not always make up for it, particularly if the chicken chop doesn't suit your taste, the sides, especially the wedges, can be impressive.
the black pepper sauce is a nice addition, though the restaurant can become crowded during peak hours. price-wise, it's on the higher side compared to other places in jb.
duck specialties and herbal infusions
restoran ya wang: a haven for duck lovers
restoran ya wang is a must-visit for those craving expertly prepared duck dishes in jb.
renowned for its herbal roast ducks, it's considered a pioneer in this culinary style. fans of dian xiao er's herbal roast ducks will be pleased to know that restoran ya wang is the chain's advisor.
the restaurant offers generous portions of duck meat, roasted pork, and char siew in a comfortable, air-conditioned environment.
the duck is tender, and the flavorful gravy complements the rice perfectly. the hotplate tofu is another popular choice, praised for its soft texture and delicious taste.
considering the amount and quality of food, many find it to be excellent value for money.
the tender, flavorful duck paired with springy noodles infused with the subtle sweetness of herbal dang gui sauce is a must-try for mee kia lovers. adding braised duck wings enhances the nostalgic taste. the duck is often described as amazing, with fast service and a well-mixed sauce.
the duck leg comes generously coated in sauce.
if you prefer crispy duck, this might not be the place, as the duck is tender rather than crispy. the sauce is slightly sweet, though not as intensely herbal as some might expect. the wantan side is respectable, and the char siew is well-charred but also a bit sweet.
reducing the sweetness of the duck sauce and char siew marinate could enhance the overall balance of flavors.
however, some detect a hint of msg. the restaurant is often crowded, especially on weekends, so visiting before lunch is recommended to avoid long queues.
while some find the duck not as good as before and the roasted pork too fatty, the garlic stir-fry vegetable and fried egg are generally well-received. despite these inconsistencies, the roasted duck remains a must-order dish.
the char siu, with its perfect blend of meat and fat, is often a highlight.
the roasted pork is another notable dish. however, some visitors have reported a decline in food quality and taste, particularly with the roast duck, which can be chewy and lack the distinctive dang quai flavor. the char siu can also be dry and chewy. the roast suckling pig is often the only consistently praised dish.
these inconsistencies raise questions about potential issues with training or an influx of foreign workers, impacting the overall quality and consistency of the food.
traditional malay cuisine and diverse flavors
sedap corner: a long-standing malay restaurant
sedap corner, a well-regarded malay restaurant on jalan abdul samad, has been serving traditional malay delights for almost 30 years.
the diverse menu includes western and thai cuisine in addition to its authentic malay dishes. the spacious setting, with both indoor and outdoor seating, creates a calming and relaxing atmosphere enhanced by lush landscaping.
the restaurant is known for still offering malay kuehs in the evening, and the pond with turtles is a particular favorite among children.
however, some visitors have found the food boring and the staff unwelcoming, with no greetings upon arrival. despite this, the restaurant offers clean toilets and a surau, as well as sufficient parking.
some customers have reported disappointing experiences with slow service and wrongly served food, with staff acting nonchalant and offering no apologies.
this has led to frustrations and a lack of desire to return. while the atmosphere can be nice, the service can be inconsistent.
the service at sedap corner is sometimes described as top-notch, with a pleasant and ambient atmosphere. however, portion sizes can vary significantly between the menu and the actual food served.
some customers have reported being forced to take extra items they didn't order, leading to disputes with the manager and accusations of cheating customers.
despite being regulars for years, these incidents have left a bad taste in the mouths of some customers.
while some dishes are delicious, others, such as the fried fish and beef, can be too salty. overall, experiences at sedap corner can be inconsistent, with service and food quality varying significantly.
almizan satay house: a satay haven with a legacy
almizan satay house, located in johor bahru's kampung malayu majidee, has been a beloved destination for satay enthusiasts for over 40 years.
the spacious and convivial atmosphere makes it a popular choice for families and groups. the satay pit is a central feature, where skilled satay masters expertly grill skewered meats over hot charcoal.
the mutton satay is often cooked perfectly, with a tender interior and a slightly seared exterior.
the peanut sauce is thick and flavorful, complementing the skewers perfectly. the staff is polite and helpful, creating a casual and welcoming vibe. the portions are generous for the price, and the food is served hot and fresh.
ordering meals is done through a qr code, though some users have found the app not fully functional, requiring them to pay at the counter.
the nasi ayam sambal is presented beautifully, with the chicken rice served on a plate resembling a plant base pot. the sambal is sweet and slightly spicy, and the rice is covered with egg, pattya-style, preventing it from becoming soggy.
the chop choi, however, can be disappointing, lacking seasoning and needing more flour to thicken the gravy.
some find the taste overall too sweet, resembling sirap rose. the restaurant has attempted nice presentation, but improvements are needed. the satay is juicy and larger than standard satay sizes, and the service is friendly and good.
while some find the satay average compared to nearby stalls, others crave it, though they have been disappointed by dryness, toughness, and coldness.
the satay at other outlets may be better. the boss is known for being very nice, and families often enjoy the chicken and mutton satay. the small area in front of the restaurant provides parking. first-time diners often find the food served hot, fast, and smooth, exceeding expectations.
zainals place: a mee rebus institution
zainals place is a popular spot famous for its mee rebus, dating back to its establishment.
the dish is praised for being less starchy while maintaining the traditional gooey finish. they also offer variations like stewed sheep bones and other malay dishes. customers appreciate the authentic taste and cleanliness, despite slightly higher prices. the friendly staff and fresh food make it worth the cost.
the mutton is succulent and melts in your mouth, pairing perfectly with steaming hot rice.
while drawn in by the crowds, some have found the presentation appealing but the flavor balance not quite right, with a slightly modest portion size. however, the service is impressively fast, and finding a seat is usually easy. while not everyone's top pick for mee rebus, it's a decent option for a quick meal.
the beef rendang is often described as the best ever, soft, tender, not oily, and packed with flavor.
the mee rebus has an old-school taste, and the teh tarik is also good. the place is very clean, and the service is friendly and polite. prices are affordable, though slightly on the higher side compared to malaysian standards.
however, some customers have reported outrageous prices for simple meals, leading to formal complaints.
while the place is clean and the food tasty, the prices can be higher than in singapore. others have found the soto bihun and mee rebus tasty and affordable, with fast service and a basic setting.
some have criticized the quality of the rose syrup water, finding it diluted and not sweet.
the food quality may not be consistent, and some believe the restaurant relies more on its old branding than the current food quality. overall, experiences at zainal place can vary widely, with some praising the food and service, while others criticize the high prices and inconsistent quality.
the pinggan cafe johor bahru: modern dining with family friendly features
the pinggan cafe johor bahru is a spacious and comfortable restaurant catering to families, offering a prayer room and a kids' play area.
it features an extensive menu with western and local dishes, generous portions, and efficient service. the modern and relaxed ambiance provides a tranquil dining experience.
the menu has everything from burgers and steaks to pasta and seafood. the food is tasty, the portions are big, and the prices are reasonable.
the staff are friendly, and the atmosphere is relaxed, making it perfect for casual meals with friends or family. the cafe is known for its delicious food, generous portions, and reasonable prices.
while the restaurant can get crowded and noisy, especially with children, the playroom is a great touch for families.
however, some customers have found certain dishes, such as the nasi goreng kampung kambing and spicy crispy chicken chop, too salty. the honey lemon ice can also be too sweet.
adding a call button at the table could improve service. the atmosphere is lively and active, and the restaurant is wheelchair accessible.
the bbq grilled lamb carbonara and cheesy fried chicken chop are often recommended. the restaurant is easy to find with plenty of free parking.
ordering is done via qr code, offering a wide variety of choices. however, some customers have reported issues with extra rice not being as expected and dishes not being spicy as requested.
the chicken fillet may be cooked perfectly, but the breading can be bland, and the black pepper sauce average.
issues with seafood pasta have also been reported, with seafood components being removed due to allergies and then replaced with minimal seafood. the pasta can taste average, with only a hint of salted egg.
the prices for drinks have also been criticized as being too high. overall, experiences can be disappointing, though the service staff is generally good. however, some have found the food worth the money, with decent flavors, affordable prices, and good service.
warung saga: traditional flavors with mixed reviews
warung saga is a traditional village eatery established and a favorite for locals seeking lontong kering and tauhu goreng.
the authentic flavors of johor's lontong kering can be savored here, making it a valuable experience for food enthusiasts. the recently renovated space has a nostalgic atmosphere, but the food options can be limited, and the prepared dishes can be cold.
pricing is affordable and reasonable, with good tempeh and large cups of tea.
however, recent reviews have been critical, with some finding the lontong unpalatable, the kuah lontong tasting of black pepper, and the kuah kacang being salty and burnt. this marks a significant decline from past experiences, leading some to vow not to return.
post-covid visits have been disappointing, with lontong kering, mee siam, mee goreng, nasi ambeng, and nasi lemak tasting unlike their original versions.
the sambal is often too sweet, and the dishes resemble indonesian cuisine more than johorean fare. this has led to disappointment and a hope for improvement to preserve the authentic johorean dishes.
the nasi lemak has also been disappointing, with burned rice.
the mee hailam's taste has also declined. however, the restaurant is known for its malay cuisines and village-style atmosphere, with beautiful design featuring legendary actors and figures. the atmosphere is quiet and peaceful, and the location is in a secluded area with easy parking.
the lontong kering, mee rebus, and tauhu bakar are popular dishes, with the mee rebus being spicy and to many customers' taste.
the staff is attentive and keeps the restaurant clean and tidy, leading to recommendations.
mee rebus house: a noodle shop specializing in mee rebus
the newly opened mee rebus house is a great place to try mee rebus, featuring various ingredients to choose from.
arriving early is recommended, as the dish often sells out. the service is often described as spectacular, even when arriving close to closing time.
the portions are generous, with plenty of meat in the mee rebus daging. the mee rebus gearbox comes with two tulang.
the restaurant is clean with plenty of seats, and a surau and clean toilet are available. however, the staff can seem unenthusiastic. while the prices are reasonable, the dishes are sometimes not served hot, impacting enjoyment. some find the food okay but have had better elsewhere.
the unique decor, particularly the hand-drawn sketches, is appreciated.
the gravy should be piping hot. sometimes, customers are asked to collect their food themselves despite the lack of other customers. some find the mee rebus ayam lacking in gravy and chicken portion. the taste is just okay, not very impressive. for the same price, better options may be available.
however, others have praised the mee rebus, finding it rich and flavorful, with crispy chicken reminiscent of keropok from rojak.
the place is nice and cozy with free wifi, and ordering and payment are done electronically. a traditional plain mee rebus and ice tea are often recommended. the nasi lemak is also fantastic, with a shiok sambal tumis. the mee rebus has a homey taste, though it may be a bit pricey.
the portion sizes are quite big. communication can be a problem due to limited english, but the mee rebus is yummy and delicious.
the restaurant is instagrammable, converted from an old house. mee rebus daging and mee rebus sotong are popular choices.
roslin beriani house: a biryani destination
roslin beriani house in johor is a must-visit for those craving rich and flavorful malaysian dishes.
known for its delectable beriani gam, the restaurant offers tender and aromatic basmati rice served with flavorful chicken, beef, or mutton curry. the menu includes malay-style dishes like rendang, curry squid, fried chicken, and traditional kuih desserts. with reasonable prices and authentic flavors, it's a top choice for a satisfying meal in johor.
despite being a public holiday and expecting a big crowd, the food is served quickly.
the waiter is helpful in ensuring everyone gets a table and seat. the beriani kambing is considered tastier than at renowned restaurants elsewhere. it's a traditional malay briyani, not the same as indian briyani. the meal is excellent, with fragrant beriani rice and delicious recipes.
the ayam merah and kambing are favorites. complimentary acar, curry, and papadom are also offered.
however, the portion sizes can be modest. the briyani is served on glass plates, reminiscent of childhood. the kuah and acar sayur are also praised. the restaurant is usually crowded during lunch, so arriving at the right time is recommended.
the services are fast and good, and the restaurant is clean and organized.
while some prefer their dad's briyani, the gravy and lamb are very good. the price is reasonable, and the crowd is manageable around 12 pm. the beriani rice is aromatic, and the dishes are delicious, with the ayam merah and kambing being particularly good.
free acar, curry, and papadom are offered. the best nasi briyani lembu is often claimed here, with a set of chips, pineapple, and curry. the staff is friendly, and there is plenty of parking. the beriyani is not too heavy but tastes great, with the mutton beriyani being a favorite.
drinks are good, and the prices are reasonable.
kacang pool haji: a simple stall with a hearty dish
kacang pool haji is a small stall at selera johor plaza larkin in johor bahru, known for its hearty bean stew served with generous portions of bread.
the kacang pool is praised for its big and flavorful taste, with the eggs fried to perfection. despite initial skepticism, many have been pleasantly surprised by the deliciousness of the dish.