8 most popular restaurants and eateries for local food in Johor Bahru

Restoran Ya Wang is widely regarded as an institution for herbal roast duck in JB. The restaurant is a pioneer in herbal roast duck, with reviews by loyal customers frequently praising the tender and succulent meat infused with a blend of Chinese herbs. 

Address: 44, Jalan Segget, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia

IT Roo Café is a quintessential old-school Hainanese eatery. Since the 1960s, it has been serving what many claim to be the “best chicken chop in town”. The café’s rustic charm and signature dish make it a favourite among Johor Bahru locals and Singaporeans for a hearty meal.

Address: 17, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia

Visit any Oriental Kopi outlet in JB and you’ll be met with snaking queues. Well-loved by many, this joint preserves Malaysian kopitiam’s distinctive culture and flavour. Find an extensive selection of dishes including Nanyang curry, char kuey teow and Hainanese chicken rice. Save room for dessert as its Portuguese egg tart is a favourite among many. Freshly handmade daily, these treats feature a flaky and crispy pastry filled with a sweet caramelised egg filling.

Oriental Kopi (Multiple locations)
Address: 30, Jalan Dedap 22, Taman Johor Jaya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Visit Restoran Hua Mui’s flagship store and find dishes featuring a blend of British and Hainanese fair, such as Hainanese chicken chop featuring tender chicken that’s fried until beautifully golden brown. Other nostalgic classics are available too, including laksa, Hainan kambing (mutton) soup and wat tan hor. The latter is a hearty dish comprising flat rice noodles doused in a silky egg gravy.

Restoran Hua Mui (Multiple locations)
Address: 131, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

This popular spot offers an extensive selection of Malaysian breakfast favourites. Take your pick from its laksa and mee hoon kueh to peanut butter French toast. Its nasi lemak is a popular choice, featuring a plate packed with coconut rice, fried egg, fried anchovy and boneless chicken. Wash these dishes down with a cup of its signature Kopiloco coffee.

Kopiloco by 1993
Address: 64 & 65, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Read more: Home away from home: 12 charming hotels for a weekend getaway in Johor Bahru

Head to Roast and Coffee for traditional kopi and local fare. Opt for its signature Nanyang breakfast set and dig into its soft boiled eggs, and double butter and kaya toast. The set also comes with a side of kopi-o. Along with breakfast favourites its extensive menu also features local favourites like the nasi beryani rendang ayam, mee rebus with otak, and salted egg chicken kampung fried rice. Here, you’ll also find innovative takes on traditional drinks—for one, the coconut ho kar sai offers a blend of coffee, rich cocoa and coconut.

Roast and Coffee
Address: 62 & 63, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Fans of roasted meats can head to Meng Meng Roasted Duck and savour its signature dang gui-marinated ducks that have been roasted over charcoal until tender and aromatic. On top of its roasted meats, the restaurant also offers zi char dishes such as egg omelette with onion, fried tofu and crispy deep-fried fish.

Meng Meng Roasted Duck (Multiple locations)
Address: 5-1H, Jalan Austin Heights 3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

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