[Special Report | JB Food Edition] Johor Bahru, a city where culture meets culinary creativity, has once again amazed us in 2025 with its explosion of flavors. After thorough scouting and interviews with locals and loyal customers, our media team has curated the 【 Top 5 Johor Bahru Food Recommendations 】. From nostalgic flavors to modern reinventions, each eatery stands out not only for its dishes but also for its storytelling. If you’ve been wondering where to eat in Johor Bahru, this is the ultimate guide you’ve been waiting for.
1. Padi Kopitiam (Jalan Trus)｜A Nostalgic Bite of Yesteryear in the Old Town
Step into “Padi Kopitiam,” located in the heart of Johor Bahru’s historic district, and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a time capsule. With its wooden decor and vintage setup, this café is steeped in old-school charm, attracting both locals and tourists chasing that nostalgic vibe. Don’t miss their signature golden banana fritters—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and not overly oily—each bite brings back the cozy memories of childhood afternoons. Their Tom Yum Fried Rat Noodles are another crowd favorite, perfectly marrying Thai-style spice and local stir-fry depth. And the namesake “Padi Coffee”? A smooth blend of rice aroma and coffee richness—comforting, flavorful, and uniquely Johorean.
Location: Ibrahim International Business District, 82-B1, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80888 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
Opening Hours: Daily 8:00AM – 9:00PM
2. Restoran Yew Swee｜Laksa Lovers’ Heaven with a Rich, Creamy Kick – Johor Bahru Food Recommendations
When it comes to legendary Laksa in JB, “Restoran Yew Swee” is an icon. Nestled quietly in Taman Century, this old-school eatery has been simmering their curry broth daily for decades. Their curry laksa base—creamy from coconut milk and infused with over ten spices—is deeply aromatic and surprisingly light on the palate. Loaded with juicy clams, bouncy tofu puffs, silky bean curd sticks, and delicate fish cakes, each bowl is a festival of flavors. The owner begins prepping the broth as early as 4AM every day, ensuring every serving carries the essence of home-cooked passion.
Location: 64, Jalan Harimau Tarum, Taman Century, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
Opening Hours: Mon–Wed 8:00AM – 4:00PM; Sat 7:30AM – 4:00PM (Closed on Sundays)
3. Hai Kah Lang｜Design-Your-Own Seafood Noodles with Ocean-Fresh Goodness
Calling all seafood lovers—“Hai Kah Lang” is your paradise! The moment you walk into this specialty seafood noodle spot, your eyes are met with tanks of live crabs, scallops, Sabah prawns, squid, and more. You get to mix and match your ideal seafood combo and pick your soup base (clear, curry, or creamy milk). Top it off with your noodle of choice—vermicelli, kuey teow, or yee mee—and you’ve got a bowl that’s 100% personalized. The crowd-favorite milk broth is luxuriously creamy and rich in umami, perfectly balancing the freshness of the sea. “Hai Kah Lang” isn’t just a meal—it’s a multi-sensory seafood adventure.
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｜30 Years of Tradition in Every Comforting Slurp – Johor Bahru Food Recommendations
Tucked inside Taman Melodies, “Ah Meng Kue Teow” might not have flashy signage, but it boasts a loyal customer base who’ve grown up eating here. With over 30 years in business and now helmed by the second generation, the shop stays true to its roots—no MSG, no shortcuts, just quality ingredients and time-honored methods. The soup is clear yet rich with pork bone essence, and the star version includes pig kidney and liver—perfectly cleaned and delicately cooked for a silky texture. Add crispy pork lard (free to take!) for that extra punch. For many, this place is more than just a noodle stall—it’s a bowl of childhood memories.
Location: 112, Jalan Meranti, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
Opening Hours: Thurs 7:30AM – 5:00PM; Other Days until 7:30PM (Closed Mondays)
5. Pin Ming Xuan｜Cantonese Dim Sum, Crafted with Heart and Heritage
If you’re a fan of dim sum, you can’t miss “Pin Ming Xuan.” Located near KSL, this dim sum house takes pride in handcrafting every dish—from translucent Har Gao to lava custard buns that ooze with golden filling. Try their crispy taro dumplings and pan-fried radish cakes with that perfect golden crust. What makes them stand out even more? Their wide range of vegetarian dim sum, which is equally flavorful and thoughtfully made—ideal for bringing your elders or plant-based friends. Weekend mornings here are all about sipping hot Chinese tea and savoring every bite in a calm, elegant space—it’s more than just breakfast, it’s a soulful ritual.
Location: 10, Jalan Serigala, Taman Century Garden, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
Opening Hours: Weekdays 8:00AM – 4:00PM; Weekends 7:30AM – 4:00PM
Johor Bahru Cuisine is More Than Just Food—It’s a Taste of Time, Culture, and Connection
Every dish in Johor Bahru tells a story. From alleyway kopitiams to long-standing noodle stalls, the flavors here are soaked in history, emotion, and cultural pride. Whether it’s the rice-scented coffee at Padi Kopitiam or the time-tested soup at Ah Meng, each bite connects you to the heartbeat of the city. So if you’re planning a foodie trip to JB, or just want to rediscover your own hometown with fresh eyes (and an empty stomach), use this list as your delicious roadmap. Let your taste buds lead the way—you might just fall in love with JB all over again.
