100 Johor Best Heritage Food Places to Eat · JB Hawker Guide · DIY Food Trip Planner

(✍ Updated 31 Aug 2024) After 12 years of full time writing over 3,000 posts and tasting, re-tasting many more Johor hawker food stalls, I have updated the Johor Kaki Top 100 for 2024. I personally tried and tasted each and every recommendation several times.

Newly discovered stalls have been added. Some stalls have closed and I have delisted (dropped) some stalls from the previous (2020) edition. The first edition was my book Find Dining with Johor Kaki published in 2016.

👆Click on the photographs for full details like GPS, telephone, taste notes, stories etc on each Top 100 hawker.

👆Restoran Selera Selatan 🏡 Jalan Rosmerah 2/13 (opposite Ang's Laksa), Taman Johor Jaya 🕑 Roti canai from 7:00am till sold out (usually about 10:30am but sometimes by 9:00am). Selera Selatan serves nasi campur for lunch till 3:30pm. Sunday off.

👍 One of my favourite roti canai in Malaysia and Singapore. A simple shop lot restaurant. The roti fried with peanut oil are crisp and light but moist and chewy inside. The dahl can be spiked with sambal for added spicy hot, sweet and anchovy flavours. They make great roti plaster crowned with lovely runny eggs.

👆Fendi Roti Canai 🏚 Jalan Persiaran Teratai (at Flat Cempaka 5), Taman Cempaka, Johor Bahru 🕗 6:30am to 12:00 noon

👍 Street side food stall at the Cempaka flats with hyperlocal atmosphere. Chill with locals over teh terik with crispy roti canai, old school nasi lemak in banana leaf, traditional Malay snacks and sweet desserts (kueh).

☝Bukit Chagar Roti Canai | Jalan Tengku Azizah, Bukit Chagar, Johor Bahru | 7:00am - 11:00am

👍 Bukit Chagar roti Canai has been around for over 30 years and I have been eating here for at least 15. I like such little corner food stalls that sell a range of affordable, comforting staples like fried bread (roti), mee Siam, fried rice, noodles, etc., for breakfast. Known for their roti Canai made with flour and margarine, fried with vegetable oil, the well browned bread is crisp and fluffy, while moist and tenderly chewy inside. I love "kosong" though they have egg, onion, and meat filled murtabak options. Eaten with a mildly spicy watery vegetable curry with optional sambal. Their well spiced, tender saucy beef rendang is good with their roti.

Tags: Halal, Bukit Chagar, Roti Canai,

👆Zainal Place 🏡 89, Jalan Keris, Taman Sri Tebrau, Johor Bahru (opposite church and Wisma Tionghua) 🕙 7:00am to 5:00pm

👍 A quality traditional mee rebus recipe well loved by the people of JB for nearly a century. Zainal's is just one of eight popular family run stalls and shops continuing the Hj Wahid / Wak Baidali mee rebus heritage. The mee rebus sauce is thick, nutty, savoury with slight spice and sweet taste. Eaten with blanched yellow noodles and fried crisps which add texture to the dish.


👆Warung Zarahman 🏠 Junction of Jalan Masai Lama and Jalan Berkek 🕙 Mon - Sat 6:00am to 11:00pm | Sun 6:00am to 11:00am  

👍 Excellent breakfast pit stop with local warung ambiance. Many traditional dishes on the menu - mee rebus, lontong, nasi lemak, nasi briyani (on Fridays), all good.

👆JJ Mee Rebus 🏡 Jalan Bakawali 76, Johor Jaya 🕖 11:30am - 3:00pm (Sun off)

👍 A humble street side stall serving an old style mee rebus. It's simply blanched yellow noodles doused with a umami savoury sweet sauce made with shrimp, potato, tapioca and spices. Topped with fried crackly fritters which added crisp and graininess to the soft noodles. Simply simple and delicious.

👆A. B. Rahmat Stall 🏠 Taman Sri Tebrau Hawker Centre, Jalan Keris, Taman Sri Tebrau, Johor Bahru 🕐11:00am to 2:00pm (nasi ambang on Weds only)

👍 A.B. Rahmat's nasi ambang is one of those meals that fill your stomach and still leave you hungry for more. All the elements from the fried chicken to the little crispy fish, crunchy vegetables and spicy sambal chili combine together deliciously.

👆Mat Corner Nasi Ambang 🏚 22, Jalan Padi Mahsuri 13, Bandar Baru Uda, Johor Bahru 🕐 10:30am - 3:00pm (Fri off)

👍 Probably the best known in Johor of the Javanese dish, nasi ambang. It is traditionally a communal meal eaten together at gatherings. 

Commercially, it is individual servings consisting of a mound of plain white boiled rice splashed with two kinds of spicy relish - one more umami savoury, the other more zesty hot. Comes with choice of freshly fried chicken or beef rendang, or combo of both. There is a clutch of stir fried fleshy vegetables, fried shredded coconut flesh, the defining Javanese garnishes of fried tempe and small salted fish. 

Mat Corner does not provide the fried noodles usually seen in other nasi ambang places. 

Served on a plate lined with banana leaf or in a traditional triangular banana leaf bundle, I love this all in one, delicious meal at Mat Corner.

Tags: Nasi ambang, Bandar Baru Uda

👆Dann's Cafe 🏡 42, Jalan Sagu, Taman Daya 🕐 11:30am to 6:30pm

👍 Little lovingly run family style cafe serving traditional local dishes like laksa Johor, tauhu goreng, Hyderabadi style biryani and more. I enjoyed all of it and love the homely comfortable ambiance here.

👆Nasi Lemak Wak Kentut | Jalan Susur Kulai 2, Taman Kulai Besar, Kulai, Johor | 5:00pm to 9:00pm 12:00 midnight (Sunday off)

👍 One of two most popular nasi lemak in Kulai (the other is Yellow Corner). Simple, no frills - just fried chicken, cucumber, anchovies, nuts, coconut rice and sambal but everything on the plate is nice 😁


👆Yellow Corner Nasi Lemak | Jalan Pinang 1, Taman Kota Kulai, Kulai, Johor | 8:00pm to 12:00 midnight

👍 Yellow Corner is indeed a nice place for a simple delicious meal, and a good homely place to chill with family and friends. This is a local Kulai folk favourite.


👆Mughni Saujana Cafe (Warung Sebelah Rumah Mentri Besar) 🏠 8, Jalan Abdul Rahman Andak, Bandar Johor Bahru 🕘 7:00am - 12:00 noon (Friday off)

👍 Mughni Saujana Cafe (or Warung Sebelah Rumah Menteri Besar) is a great place for delicious nasi lemak with a full range of side dishes in an authentic local setting. Prices are reasonable.


👆Mana Lagi | 569, Jalan Persisiran Perling 1, Taman Perling, Johor Bahru | 6:00pm to Midnight (Friday off)

👍 We always enjoyed our nasi lemak at Mana Lagi. This is one of JB locals' favourite places for nasi lemak. Where else, but Mana Lagi 😄

👆Click on the photographs for full details like GPS, telephone, taste notes, stories etc on each Top 100 hawker.

☝ Nasi Kukus D'Cempaka (Nasi Kukus Gulai Kawah) | Gerai No. 11, Medan Selera Taman Cempaka, Taman Cempaka, Johor Bahru | 10:00am - 10:00pm (Monday off)

👍 Excellent Kelantan style steamed rice served with freshly deep fried spice marinated chicken, curry chicken feet, various curries and spicy sambal sauces. They also serve nasi kak wok which is similar to nasi kukus but with chunks of chicken instead of whole thigh or wings at the side. There are also options of mutton and beef. There are side dishes like solok lada - large fleshy chili pepper stuffed with fish paste and grated coconut. Cooked by simmering in coconut milk. Great flavours and good value for money. The best nasi kukus I know in JB. Kelantanese owned business located in a public operated hawker centre.

👆Putu Piring Larkin Dan Kuih-Muih | Family home along Jalan Langkasuka near the T-junction at Jalan Langkasuka and Jalan Chenderawaseh, Johor Bahru | 12:00 noon to 6:00pm (Sunday off)

👍 Simple, heartwarming, delicious sweet hand made traditions. Fresh ingredients, made while you wait, eat it light and fluffy while steaming hot.

👆Warung Mahmoodiah | Along Jalan Madmoodiah in open space just behind Johor Bahru Hokkien Association building and the ESSO petrol station in JB | 6:00am to 12:00 noon (Fri, Sat and Public Holidays off)

👍 A good place for an authentic Malaysian warung style breakfast from the wide range of delicious traditional food to the kampung ambiance.


👆Cendol King! | Jalan Meranti Merah, off the Tebrau Highway, just outside the Maybank Branch Tebrau in Taman Melody | 10:30am to 6:30pm (no fixed day off)

👍 The undisputed Cendol King! of Johor Bahru rules for over 30 years simply by staying faithful to the traditional recipe. It's one of the best things RM2 can buy in JB.

👆 Cendol House | Along Jalan Rahmat near the junction of Jalan Merdeka and Jalan Berlian, Johor Bahru | 11:00am to 7:00pm (Monday off)  

👍 An excellent one stop to enjoy many delicious traditional Malay dishes, snacks and desserts. I like the street side yet homely ambiance here. The nasi ambang here is one of JB's best.

👆Click on the photographs for full details like GPS, telephone, taste notes, stories etc on each Top 100 hawker.

☝Otak Shiduoli 🏠16 Jalan Maju, Taman Maju Jaya, Johor Bahru 🕛 6:30am - 12:00 noon (Tues off)

👍 Plump, succulent otak otak rich in spice, coconut and fish flavour wrapped in attap leaves grilled on the spot and served piping hot. The little shop also has old style nasi lemak, fried bee hoon, dry mee siam, fried fritters as well as the usual Nanyang kopi and teh.

👆 Nasi Padang stall Qin Garden 沁园咖啡馆 | 7, Jalan Dhoby, Johor Bahru | 11:00am to 2:00pm for Nasi Padang (alternate Fridays off)

👍 Local JB folk's choice. Wide range of choices, well executed dishes, nicely balanced flavours, reasonable prices, quaint old downtown ambiance.

👆Nasi Padang Tampoi 巴东咖哩 | 86-H, Batu 3½, Jalan Tampoi, 81200, Johor Bahru | 10:30am to 2:30pm (Sunday off)

👍 Humble little shop serving well loved Nasi Padang here for over 30 years. Over 20 freshly cooked dishes and we love every one that we've tried so far. Fresh ingredients, well executed, mild well balanced flavours, reasonable prices.

👆Roslin Beriani House | 14, Jalan Rebana, Kebun Teh, Johor Bahru | 8:00am to 8:30pm (Sunday off)

👍 Nasi beriani fans, this is a Must Try. Tender spice perfumed rendang on flavoursome aromatic basmati rice, the taste reminds me of the famous Mohd Shah nasi beriani in Batu Pahat.

👆Kerala Restaurant | 55, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak Susur 1/1, Wadi Hana, 80000 Johor Bahru | 8:30am to 4:00pm (Sunday off)

👍 One of JB's oldest Indian restaurants still serving traditional Kerala dishes on banana leaves. Home cooked style dishes with fresh ingredients and gently spicy aromatic flavourful spices.


👆Sweet Banana | Off Jalan Stulang Laut (opposite 3-storey flats and old Chinese Temple) | 1:00pm to 6:00pm (Sunday off)  

👍 Sweet Banana Pisang Goreng stall as tasty as ever and now better than ever with cosy seating and ample parking 😄 The best getting even better. Everything is good, and my favourites are fried mung bean, tofu and mushroom.

👆Pisang Mawar | Off Jalan Sungai Chat, next to Galeri Mawar and Kedai Bunga Kim Florist (nearby landmarks are Thistle Hotel and Johor Clock Tower) | 11:00am to 6:00pm

👍 Pisang Mawar is a must try for its fame, and personally, I like the food here too, especially their pisang goreng kicap 😄

👆Warung Pokok Ceri | Jalan Duke in downtown Johor Bahru (Across the road from Persada Johor [convention centre] and Puteri Pacific Hotel) | 7:00am - 10:00pm (No rest day)  

👍 Get a taste of Kelantan food here in Johor Bahru. Plenty of traditional dishes here from the Peninsula east coast states. My favourite is their fresh charcoal grilled fish.


👆 Warong Hijau / Warong Pokok Ceri Nasi Lemak 🏡 Off Jalan Lingkaran Dalam at junction of Jalan Inche Besar Zubaidah and Jalan Yusof Taha 🕘 8:30am to 2:30pm (Fri off)

👍 A good hyperlocal place for a true Malaysian breakfast - mee rebus, mee siam, nasi lemak, mee goreng etc. This is a good example of small makeshift Malaysian style street side eateries set up under trees - in this case, cherry trees. The food are freshly cooked, especially the chicken which are fried in small batches, so it is always piping hot. Warong Hijau is one of the rare food stalls in Johor that offers the uniquely Johor dish, Laksa Johor (but on weekends only). The family owned warong is run by warm, friendly folks. 

Tags: Nasi Lemak, Laksa Johor, Halal, Kampung Mohmoddiah

👆Kedai Makan Rahmat | 3, Jalan Pantai, Kampung Pasir Putih, Pasir Gudang, Johor Bahru | 10:30am to 3:30pm 

👍 Unique seaside Johor restaurant with a special signature dish found only in Johor. Whether you like the fried siakap (barramundi) or not, the whole experience is worth a visit 😄

👆Bubur Nasi Istimewa No. 1 | 91, Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru | 6:00 pm to 12:00 midnight (Monday off)  

👍 Experience JB street food at an institution long enjoyed by locals. Humble rice porridge with simple sides, yet it is so delicious and satisfying.

👆Daud Kambing Soup | Stall in Meldrum Walk in downtown Johor Bahru | 5:00pm to midnight

👍 Meldrum Walk is the best place in JB for sup kambing as there are half a dozen stalls here. If you like your kambing soup medium bodied and mildly spicy, you will like Daud Kambing Soup. There are lots of choices of different lamb parts too.


👆Al Mizan Satay House 🏚 Ptd 64399, Jalan Tebrau Kampung Ubi, Taman Persiaran Ekoperniagaan, Johor Bahru 🕑 3:30pm to 11:00pm 

👍 A favourite among locals, the meat is well marinated, nicely grilled over charcoal and eaten with a good nutty sweet spicy peanut sauce.

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👆Mobile Pasar Malam Hae Piah Ji or Fried Prawn Fritter stall 🏠 At a different night market location every night

👍 This popular little stall selling hae piah ji or deep fried prawn fritters always have a long line of people waiting.


👆Kompia stall in Hong Chun kopitiam (四眼光饼) 🏡 Restoran Ong Bo, 73, Jalan Pendekar 2, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, 81300 Skudai ☎ 014 382 9624 🕐 8:00am to 2:00pm (Mondays off) 🕚 8:00am to 12:00 noon on Sat & Sun

👍 Traditional Fuzhou kompia made the old way i.e. everything by hand and baked in a small charcoal fired tandoor style oven. Maybe there are nicer ones in Sitiawan and Sibu, the "Little Fuzhous" of Malaysia but this one is the best there is in Johor for authentic kompia.

👆Hiap Joo Bakery and Biscuit Factory 协裕面包西果厂 | 3, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, 80000 Johor Bahru | 7:30am to 5:30pm (Sunday off)

👍 Hiap Joo bakery is one of the defining shops of the Johor food scene. You must try their banana cakes at least once. Whether or not you join Hiap Joo's legion of fans who keep coming back, you will have at least experienced a piece of JB food heritage. A most delicious food icon, to boot.


👆No name mobile Penang rojak stall on motorbike | Along Jalan Maju next to Pelangi shopping centre in Taman Maju Jaya (this mobile stall moves around in various locations and pasar malams) | Mobile - only hours of the Pelangi location given here. Mon and Tues - 12:30pm to 3:45pm; Weds to Sun - 12:30pm to 5:00pm (Thurs off)  

👍 Give this Penang rojak a try - exquisite taste on the back of a moped. The cut fresh fruits are "dry" and that caramel sweet and crustacean savoury sauce is so addictive. Try it to believe it.


👆Restoran Wah Cai Fried Durian 華仔三合一招牌炸年糕 | 86, Jalan Pahlawan 2, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah (TUTA), Skudai, 81300 Johor Baru | 7:00am to 4:30pm

👍 Simply an outstanding street food experience not to be missed. Durian is in season all year round here - a good place to initiate durian novices too.


👆Moons Cafe | 28, Jalan Impian Emas 4, Taman Impian Emas, Skudai | 8:30am to 8:30pm (Tues off)

👍 Third generation (no pork, no lard) local delights cafe serving flavourful local favourites like excellent nasi lemak, lontong, satay, hor fun, fried kway teow, etc., and even simple steaks. The spritely founding matriarch in her 80s is still very much hands on to ensure everything is up to her fastidious standards. I especially love their handmade Teochew and Nyonya kueh.


👆Wee Hoi 惠海 Kopitiam | 6, Jalan Kacang Panjang, Gelang Patah, Johor | 6:00am to 5:00pm (closed on Thursday). Bao arrive around 1:30pm and sold out by 2:00pm  

👍 You know... fancy food fads come and go like mist in the morning. Queues appear and are gone in 6 months. But, people have been queuing for grandma's bao for years now. Wee Hoi 惠海 bao is one more good reason to visit rustic Gelang Patah for food.


👆No name famous kueh stall in Kim Wah kopitiam | Jalan Senai 10, Kampung Baru, Senai, Johor Bahru (right next to pedestrian overhead bridge) | 10:30am to 3:00pm (Weds off)

👍 Be sure to pack these delicious traditional snacks home like a smart local 😄 Some of the Hakka kueh are very hard to find anywhere else.

👆Restoran Chua Kee 蔡記海鲜 | No 1 Jalan Kacang Panjang, Gelang Patah 81550, Johor Bahru | 11:30am to 11:00pm (Weds off)

👍 A long time Gelang Patah local favourite which also draws customers from Johor Bahru and Singapore. This is a good place for crab dishes.

👆Sin Bee Hiang Chicken Rice 新味香雞飯 | 49, Jalan Kuning, Taman Pelangi, Johor Bahru, (Agape Food Court) 愛加倍 | 9:30am to 1:30pm (Monday off)  

👍 One of best kampung chicken rice that I have tried anywhere, so far.

👆Restoran Tong 东肉骨茶馆 | 41, Jalan Hang Lekir 10, Taman Skudai Baru, Skudai, Johor | 9:00am to sold out (usually around 2:30pm). Opens at 08:00am on weekends. (Rest days are not fixed. Rest for a week every two months.) Call 07-558-5367 to check.

👍 This is one of the Must Eat chicken in Johor.


👆Teck Sing 德星 | 3 & 5, Jalan Sutera Satu, Taman Sentosa, Johor Bahru | 11:00am to 10:00pm daily

👍 The chicken was so tender it fell apart with gentle tucks. The moist and juicy flesh fell off the bones easily and melted quickly with gentle chewing. The herbal fragrance was mild and subtle. The dominant flavour was the natural sweetness and hints of savouriness of the young kampung chicken.


👆 Fong Yem Hainanese Chicken Rice stall 🏠 Fong Yem Coffee at intersection of Jalan Dedap 13 and Jalan Dedap 18, Taman Johor Jaya, Johor Bahru (opposite RHB Bank) ⏰  9:30am till sold out (usually by 1:00pm) Weds closed

👍 I like Fong Yem's roast chicken the most after trying so many through the years.

👆衛生園茶餐室 | 78A, Jalan Hang Tuah, Taman Sri Tiram, 81800 Ulu Tiram | 7:30am to 4:30pm (Closed at noon on Sunday | Tues off)

👍 When you are on your way up north to Kota Tinggi, Mersing, Desaru or Sungai Rengit, 衛生園茶餐室 is a very good old school breakfast pit stop which mainly only locals know about. 衛生園 is just a little independent coffee shop with a limited range of dishes. The food and drinks are nice but just the staple coffee, tea, toasts, chwee kueh, and such. Nothing like the large corporate type brands which have become ubiquitous in Johor Bahru. And, here's the thing. With current trends, independent coffee shops may soon be a thing of the past, that exists only in our memories. Let's support and enjoy the service of independent coffee shops as long as possible.

Tags: Ulu Tiram, Nanyang Kopi,

👆Seng Steam Fish Restaurant 成蒸鱼与肉骨茶 | 100, Jalan Kris, Taman Sri Tebrau, Johor Bahru | 8:00am to 3:00pm (Monday off)  

👍 Must try the unique boneless fried fish here. You cannot find it anywhere else except here and it is delicious!

👆  Ang Moh Pork Organ Soup 紅毛豬雜湯 🏠 Intersection of Lorong Bedik and Jalan Dato Mohammed Seth, Tampoi ⏰ 7:30am - 3:00pm (alternate Tues off)

👍 Ang Moh Pork Organ Soup 紅毛豬雜湯 is a humble stall relying simply on fresh ingredients for their fish and pork organ soup. Ah Bing and his family are masters in preparing the fish and pork, and turning them into delicious dishes.

👆Kway teow soup (stall inside Restoran Tua Thow) | Susur 4, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak (next to ex-Shell petrol station), Johor Bahru (filter left once you pass the Esso station, otherwise you cannot enter the side lane) | 7:30am to 2:30pm (Fridays off)  

👍 Tasty traditional fish and pork soup at one of JB people's old favourite food stalls. Fresh fish, seafood and pork in clear, clean tasting broth preferred by Tua Thow's loyal following.

👆 唐记鸡丝河粉 Tang Kee Chicken Hor Fun 🏠 Old Eight in One Restaurant 八合一美食中心. No. 31, Jalan Ros Merah 2/2, Taman Johor Jaya 🕥 8:30 am to 2:30 pm (Closed on Tues)

👍 Why do I recommend 唐記雞絲河粉 Tang Kee Ipoh chicken hor fun in JB? Because, it was equally good compared with the best that I have tasted in Ipoh.

👆Lai Kee Fish Ball Noodles 来记西刀鱼丸 | 90, Jalan Pahlawan 2, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah (TUTA) | 7:30am to 3:00pm (Alternate Weds off)  

👍 One of my favourite fish ball shops in Johor. The hand made pure ikan parang (wolf herring) fish balls have just the right firm tender texture and briny sweet flavour. The noodles feel and taste great with the savoury lardy spicy sauce. The fish cakes and bean curd crisps make good sides. No gimmicks - just a great old school food experience in JB.

👆 Lao Tee Kue Teow 老弟潮州粿条汤 | 295, Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa, Johor Bahru | 9:00am to 2:00pm (Tuesday off)  

👍 If you want to know what is the JB comfort dish Teochew kuey teow thng 潮州粿条汤, try it at one of the JB people's old favourites at Lao Tee Kue Teow.

👆Ah Hua 亚华 kway teow soup (Restoran Sekee 司機) | 30, Jalan Segget, Johor Baru Town | 8:30am to 2:00pm (Fri & Sat off)

👍 There is nothing fanciful here at Ah Hua. No gimmicks. Just darned good, good ol' Teochew kway teow soup. And, in that way delights me always.

👆Ah Wha Eating House Teochew kway teow thng | 45, Jalan Rotan Bakau, Taman Ria, Masai | 8:30am to 2:30pm (Weds off)

👍 Well loved, popular heritage stall offering traditional flavours with fresh ingredients expertly prepared and executed. Authentic nostalgic taste and atmosphere, a favourite of 老新山 Old JB folks. Good value for money in Plentong / Masai.

👆Ngew Seng Kwi 阿贵 (prawn mee stall) | Larkin Bus Station Food Centre, 3rd storey | 11:30am to 2:30pm  

👍 If you are a Singapore old timer and want to reconnect with the old Singapore prawn mee, you got to come here.

👆Ah Song Hakka Mee Stall 亞松客家麵 (at Cedar Point Food Centre) | 10 Jalan Musang Bulan, Taman Abad, Johor Bahru | 7:45am to 1pm (Mon off)

👍 Hakka noodles are hard to find in JB and fortunately Ah Song serves a very good one. Fresh fish balls, tofu, stewed minced pork, lard and noodles done al dente i.e. springy to the bite.


👆Heng Heng 兴兴 | 766, Taman Anggerik, Jalan Parit Mesjid, Pontian, Johor | 9:00am to 6:00pm (Fridays off)

👍 If you are a Pontian wanton mee fan, try Heng Heng at least once as it is here where the Pontian style was created by the owner's father. Enjoy a taste of culinary history 😄

👆Restoran Chin Chin 晶晶云吞面 | Junction of Jalan Lawang and Jalan Kaloi, Skudai (next to MPJBT building) | 7:30am to 4pm. Thursdays off

👍 Tucked away in Skudai, Chin Chin is one of JB's favourite duck egg wanton noodles with a signature gentle spring to the bite. The soft crunch of the eggy slender noodles can be addictive. Comes with old school aromatic lard, dark sauce, and spicy hot options. If you are a wanton mee fan, this decades old shop is a Must Try.


👆許记云吞面 stall in Koon Chong kopitiam | Jalan Kelewang in Taman Sri Tebrau (opposite Wisma Tionghua) | 7:00am to 2:00pm (Weds off)

👍 Simple and nice traditional old school wantan noodles at humble coffee shop stall. My favourite wanton mee in the downtown JB area. Superb egg noodles with a good spring to the bite. Char siew is the lean type but otherwise everything wise is spot on for me 👌

👆 Sin Kee 新记云吞面 | Jalan Bakek Jaya Utama, Pontian, Johor | 10:00am to 5:45pm (Thurs off)  

👍 Sin Kee is one of the flag bearers of the Pontian style of wanton mee. Whether you like the ketchup-chili sauce or not, I think you will be impressed with Sin Kee's signature springy egg noodles. If you are coming to Pontian for a food trail, you need to include Sin Kee in your itinerary.


👆 Kedai Kopi Xuu Yau 品苑云吞面 🏠 Junction of Jalan Tan Hiok Nee and Jalan Pahang, Johor Bahru 🕙 7:00am - 3:00pm

👍 Love the crunchy texture and taste of the egg noodles. Worth the 10 plus minutes walk from City Square Mall to here in "Culture Street" (Jalan Tan Hiok Nee) for Kedai Kopi Xuu Yau's wanton mee.


👆Tien Tien Lai Kopitiam 桃园面家 🏠 59, Jalan Bakawali 50, Taman Johor Jaya, Johor Bahru (beside Sports TOTO outlet) ☎ +6012 289 2035 ⏰ 7:30am - 3:00pm (Thurs off)

👍 The only flying wanton mee left in JB but, to me the best thing about 桃园面家 is their springy lively egg noodles and robust well balanced sauce with a nice spicy kick.


👆 金山楼云吞面 | 3, Jalan Seri Impian 1, Taman Impian Emas, Skudai | 8am - 9pm (Thurs off)

👍 The closest thing to the best wanton mee of Kuala Lumpur though slightly tuned to milder Johor palates. The crunchy noodles are house made. The savoury, slightly sweet fatty char siew which are roasted in-house, felt like melting in the mouth.

👆Tampoi Ah B Wanton Noodles 淡杯阿B全蛋云吞面 🏡 34, Jalan Dato Muthuthambi, 81200 Tampoi 🕐 10:00am to 5:00pm (Fri off)

👍A simple lovingly made wanton mee with nice gently al dente egg noodles, well balanced robust sauces and all the details like wantons, soup, chili and lard crackles in place.

👆Restoran Kiang 十五楼亚坚 | Jalan Permas Sepuluh, Bandar Baru, Permas Jaya, Masai, Johor Bahru | 7:00am to 5:00pm daily

👍 The closest thing in JB to Singapore mee pok but with a lot more choices of fresh add-ons including fresh oysters and clams. Funny how we can miss our comfort food when home is just 1 kilometre south.


👆 Loke Tien Yuen Restaurant 乐天园酒家 🏡 55, Jalan Abu Bakar, Mersing, Johor ☎ +607 799 1639 🕐 12:30pm to 3:30pm and 6:30pm to 8:30pm   

👍 A must try in seaside town Mersing. Vintage Nanyang style coffee shop serving very well executed classic Cantonese dishes with fresh ingredients. A gem worth the drive from JB. Pre-booking by phone ☎ +607 799 1639 is a must before coming to avoid disappointment as the restaurant is usually full house.


👆Restoran Fei Long 肥龙鱼头餐饮室 🏠 25, Jalan Teratai 4, Taman Johor Jaya, Johor Bahru ⏰ 6:30am to 10:00pm (closed on Monday)

👍 Fei Long is a good place for a nice fish soup - the soup is tasty, the fish is fresh and well prepared, the place is comfortable, the service is sincere and the price is reasonable.


👆 大豐麵粉粿 Kedai Makanan Mee Hoon Kueh 🏠 4, Jalan Molek 2/2, Taman Molek, Johor Bahru 🕘 10:30am - 9:00pm (Monday off)

👍 大豐麵粉粿 is a mee hoon kueh stalwart of JB - it is a favourite of locals and I love it too. Still staidly faithful to the traditional processes and recipe.


👆 Kungfu Mee Hoon Kueh 真功夫手工面粉粿 🏠 G-09 Bistari Impian, Jalan Serantau, Taman Dato Onn, Johor Bahru 🕘 10:00am - 7:00pm (close at 2pm on Monday)

👍 Champion kueh of Johor and Singapore mee hoon kueh shops. The dried anchovy soup, sayur manis (mani cai) and minced pork balls are nice too. Just excuse the generic factory made fish balls and pork balls 😄

👆Restoran Min Kee 明记茶室 | Lorong 1, 81400 Senai, Johor, Malaysia (off Jalan Senai 10) | 5:30am to 2:00pm (Weds off)

👍 If you are in the Senai area, Min Kee is a place for a solid laksa and good coffee. The laksa is creamy with coconut milk and loaded with aromatic spices.

👆Restoran Monyet 猴子面美食中心 | 3, Jalan Selesa 1, Taman Selesa, 81400 Senai, Johor | Tues to Sun 7:00am to sold out (around noon) | Mon to Sat 6:00pm to 11:00pm

👍 I am so glad to know about Monyet noodles. I will surely be back as I love Monyet's hand made rat tail noodles - it's the only place I know that still makes this. Monyet coffee shop is a good place for stop over on the way to Senai Airport, Kulai or Johor Premium Outlets.

👆Foon Zhong Foon Yew Curry Laksa 寬中辣沙 🏡 Stulang Walk (off Jalan Stulang Laut opposite the old 3-storey flats and Chinese temple), Johor Bahru ☎ +6016 741 1504  🕙 9:00am to 8:00pm (Monday off)

👍 One of the most famous curry laksa stalls in JB. Creamy sweet and mildly spicy curry eaten with lots of yong tau fu type side dishes.


👆Tampoi Laksa 淡杯辣沙 🏡 17, Jalan Dato Muthuthambi, Tampoi, Johor Bahru 🕢 5:00pm to 11:00pm (opens daily but no see ham on Mondays)

👍 One of JB people's long time favourites. Kumpung style street side dining. Old school curry laksa with coconut milk and anchovy stock base. Also well known for their cuttlefish kang kong and blanched blood cockles.

☝陈记国泰辣沙 Tan Kee Cathay Laksa | 149, Jalan Lumba Kuda, Bukit Chagar, Johor Bahru 📞 +6017 790 6910 | 8am - 2pm (Mon & Tues off)

Tucked at the quieter Jalan Lumba Kuda side of the JB CIQ, this decades old laksa stall is named after the old Cathay cinema in the area. Run by a senior couple who kept to their old recipe all these years. Rich coconut milk well flavoured by spices and the bowl is choke full ingredients like tofu, fried fish ball, crisp fried tofu skin, and critically, fresh blood cockles. I like the tofu they use here which is soft and has a fragrant soy bean aroma.

👆Yew Swee 友水 | 64, Jalan Harimau Tarom, Taman Century, Johor Bahru | 8:00am to 4:00pm (Sunday off)  

👍 Amazing little nondescript shop in Johor Bahru that offers a surprising range of umami flavour packed staples. Restoran Yew Swee has the top band of laksa, kway teow soup, lor mee, mee hoon kueh, and their oversized prawn cracker is very good too.

👆Mok Gao Beef Noodles 莫九牛肉面 🏡 31, Lorong Ismail, Taman Kulai, Kulai, Johor 🕑 4:30am to 3:00pm

👍 An iconic must-try beef noodle for beef lovers, worth the hour long drive to Kulai from JB or Singapore. Be there by 9:00am, otherwise you will have to settle for pork or seafood 😄 Kulai folks not only love this shop. They are proud of it.

👆鼎记牛腩粉 Din Kee Beef Noodles | 56, Jalan Indah 1, Taman Bukit Indah, Johor Bahru | 8:30am to 7:30pm

👍 This is my favourite beef noodle in JB and Singapore now. Lots of generous strips of tender flavourful beef with delicious noodles in rich beefy sauce.


👆Ah Kaw 亚九咖哩鱼头 | 33 Jalan Perang, Taman Pelangi, Johor Bahru | 12:00 pm to 3:30pm | 6:00pm to 10:00pm (Tuesday off)

👍 San Low bee hoon is one of the unique, must try dishes of Johor Bahru. Ah Kaw, the dish's creator's restaurant, is a good place to try it.


👆Uncle Pou Wok 补锅佬菜馆 (Mount Austin branch) | 105, Jalan Mutiara Emas 10/19 Taman Mount Austin, Johor, Malaysia (branches in Taman Bukit Indah and Permas Jaya) | 11:30 am to 3:00 pm | 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm

👍 Uncle Pou Wok does a consistently good rendition of KL style Hokkien mee (tau lok meen). Plenty of wok hei, lard, lard cracklings, and rich savoury sweet flavours. I also like Uncle Pou Wok's poached kampung chicken and fried salted egg bitter gourd.


👆Hwa Mei 华美亚B Bak Kut Teh | 146, Jalan Lumba Kuda, Bukit Chagar, Johor Bahru | 08:30am to 2:00pm (Monday off)

👍 One of JB's oldest brand of bak kut teh with its own unique style and loyal local following. Tender but firm meat in a brown savoury, salty, slightly herbal, light bodied broth.

👆Shoon Huat Bak Kut Teh 顺发肉骨茶 | 11, Jalan Sutera Satu, Taman Sentosa, Johor Bahru | 8:00am to 8:00pm (closed at 5:00pm on Monday)  

👍 Johor Bahru has very many bak kut teh shops. Check out this original 顺发 flagship shop in Taman Sentosa that has the most BKT branches in Johor. Fresh pork in clean tasting, mildly savoury broth with subtle herbal notes.

👆Kiang Kee Bak Kut Teh 强记肉骨茶 | Batu 8, Jalan Mawai, Kota Tinggi, Johor | 7:30am till 12:00 noon (Mon and Tues off)

👍 The most famous bak kut teh in Johor which you must try at least once. The windy drive, the anticipation, the queue, anxiety when looking for a seat in a full house, the bubbling hot broth, leading to the climax of delicious bak kut teh, it's all part and parcel of the Kiang Kee experience.

👆Restoran Sze Hwa 古来世华肉骨茶 | 2, Jalan Seruling 1, Taman Sri Kulai Baru 2, Kulai, Johor | 8:00am to 1:00pm and 2:00pm to 9:00pm (Monday off)

👍 The original Kulai style bak kut teh. Fresh, meaty, flavoursome, savoury, slightly garlicky, herbal broth. Reasonably priced in a small town setting.

👆MIS Restaurant 士古来鴨肉 | 31, Jalan Emas Putih Dua, Taman Sri Skudai, Johor Bahru | Weds to Mon 10:00am to 8:30pm | Tues 10:00am to 4:00pm

👍 Skudai Duck Mee is a Johor institution serving delicious old style Teochew braised duck. This shop is one of the top brands that put Johor food on the Malaysia food map. One of Johor's Must Try.

👆Sin Hai Cheng Teochew Braised Duck 🏠 26 & 28, Jalan Emas Putih 2, Taman Sri Skudai 🕛 11:00am to 9:00pm (Weds off)

👍 Established in 1983, Sin Hai Cheng serves old school Teochew braised duck with a gentle savoury sauce that complements the tender fresh duck's subtle gaminess. SHC serves a wide range of side dishes including duck blood curd. This shop is a favourite among locals.

Tags: Skudai, Braised Duck

👆Kedai Bak Kut Teh Hin Hock 兴福肉骨茶 | Jalan Dato Mohammed Seth, Tampoi, Johor Bahru | 08:30am to 3:30pm (Mondays off)  

👍 To me, Hin Hock 兴福 and their unique poached fish is one of the old names and dishes that define the good food scene in Johor. Customers select fresh fish in ice which is then cooked by dunking in boiling water. The poached fish is served half submerged in a pool of savoury blended sauce and smothered in a mound of freshly fried garlic bits. The poached fresh fish is soft tender and its natural sweetness is complemented by the savoury sauce and slightly bitter savoury fried garlic. The sides of vegetables, tofu and bak kut teh are nice too. Yeah.... bak kut teh is a side dish here, poached fish is the star act.

Tags: Tampoi, Fish

👆San Lou Cafe 三楼咖啡屋 🏚 Jalan Stulang Darat (ground floor house unit at 3-storey flats facing inside), Johor Bahru ☎ +6012 791 7868 ⏰ 7:00am to 2:00 pm (closed on Thurs)

👍 I am so pleased to have lunch at San Low Cafe 三楼咖啡屋 at the historic 3 storey flats at Stulang Darat. It's a great place for an authentic JB foodie experience with homely Teochew dishes expertly executed with fresh ingredients.

👆三楼粿條仔 (San Lou or 3-storey) Kway Teow Kia | Along Jalan Stulang Darat, Johor Bahru | 5:30pm to midnight  

👍 This is one of my favourite kway teow kia stalls in Johor. The braised items have the right level of sweet savoury herbal flavours. The informal street side ambiance makes the experience even more enjoyable.

👆Meng Fang Food Stall 茗芳粿條仔 (Cedar Point Food Centre) 🏡 Jalan Musang Bulan 2-16, Taman Century, Johor Bahru 🕐 6:30am to 2:00pm (Thursday off)   

👍 Love coming here for KTK in the morning. Parking is easy, the place is comfortable and the food is delicious 😄 All the pork offal are well cleaned, nicely braised, clean tasting and bouncy soft to the bite. They have exotic items like fallopian tube, pork blood curd, etc., which are all very well done.

☝ Taman Tasek Keuy Tiao Kia 南滨园粿条仔 | Gerai 4, Jalan Tasek, Taman Tasek, Johor Bahru | 7am - 2pm (Sun & Mon off)

👍 Founded in 1984 as a push cart under a big tree here in quiet Taman Tasek. A lot has changed here, the place is now a small hawker centre and the tree greatly trimmed. But, it's still the same Lee couple running the kway teow kia stall here. All the pork, skin and innards, and they have a lot, are well cleaned and well braised in soy sauce. They still make their own fried shallot and chili sauce. Serve it all with soft slender rice noodles in a gently savoury broth. JB people comfort food at its best.

Tags: Kway Teow Kia, Taman Tasek,

👆Rong Shu Xia Kway Teow Kia 榕树下粿条仔 | Jalan Cermat 2, Taman Maju Jaya, Johor Bahru | 7am - 1pm (Weds off)

👍A good kway teow kia stall. The innards were all well prepared, so there is not funky smell or taste, none. The textures were generally on the slightly firmer side, so great if you are those who like more chew to your bite - I prefer this over the overly soft, over braised type. Soup and braising stock have slight Chinese spice taste and smell. RSX's double barrel of secret weapons - their lard, shallot oil, & soy sauce blend, and their chili sauce.

Tags: Kway Teow Kia, 

👆Sin Huat Ikan Bakar 星發鐵板燒 🏡 Jalan Loo Hong Joon, Kampung Baru Pandan, Johor Bahru 🕐 6:30pm to 11:00pm (Sunday off)  

👍 A relaxing kampung style place to enjoy one of the best ikan bakar in JB. The fish and seafood are very fresh, and grilled with a savoury spicy house made sambal chili. The delicious food is skilfully prepared by the owner chef with 20 years' experience.

👆Click on the photographs for full details like GPS, telephone, taste notes, stories etc on each Top 100 hawker.

👆Sin Kee Ikan Bakar @ Cedar Point Food Centre 🏡 Cedar Point Food Centre, Jalan Musang Bulan 2-16, Taman Century, Johor Bahru 🕙 6:00pm to 10:00pm 

👍 Fresh seafood, great sambal and good grilling skills make Sin Kee Ikan Bakar a Must Try for BBQ seafood lovers. Cedar Point food centre is a little old and run down but it has a few interesting food stalls.

👆Sin Tao Yuan Grill Fish 兴桃源铁板烧鱼 🏠 Junction of Lorong B-1 and B-6, Pekan Nanas, Johor ☎ +6012 765 1335 🕚 Tue to Fri 5:00pm to 9:00pm | Sat & Sun 3:00pm to 10:00pm (closed on Mon)

👍 Sin Tao Yuan's grilled seafood is worth the hour long leisurely drive to Pekan Nanas (from JB). Best to call ahead and book your seafood so that you are sure to get what you want. Fresh seafood, lovely sambal chili, masterful chef, everything is good here 😄


👆Restoran Jay Bee Garden J.B. 園咖哩鱼头小食馆 | 165, Jalan Pendekar 2, Taman Skudai Bahru (near Taman Ungku Tun Aminah), Johor | 10:30am to 3:00pm and 5:30 to 8:30pm (Monday off)

👍 Just like mum's cooking. A talented mum. Fresh hand picked ingredients, expertly executed dishes, informal ambiance, reasonable pricing.

👆Kam Long Restaurant 亚福街金龙阿仔咖喱鱼头 | 74, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Johor Bahru | 8:00am to 4:30pm

👍 Perhaps, the definitive Chinese style curry fish head in JB. Uber fresh red snapper fish in an inexplicably delicious sweet spicy savoury curry broth.


👆Pachem Thai Food 🏠 2, Jalan Dedap 15, Johor Jaya, Johor Bahru, Johor ☎ Tel: 012-757 1343 ⏰ 12:00 noon - 6:00pm (Sunday off)

👍 My go to place for authentic Thai food in JB. Food is nice (nicer than the touristy parts of Bangkok), the restaurant is humble (furnishings are basic) and prices are reasonable.


👆 笨珍三不卖野味 🏠 Lot 757, Jalan Kukup, Pontian, Johor (about 200m south from Parit Mosque) ☎ +6012 765 2782 (as the meat is wild caught, phone booking is ideal) 🕙 11:00am - 5:00pm

👍 This Watermelon Boar 西瓜猪 of Pontian - it tastes like Spain's Iberico pork, no kidding.

👆Ban Heong Seng 万香城 (☎ 016-757-1887 ☎ 07-237-5194 to book 1 day in advance as the dishes need to be prepared hours ahead of serving) 🏡 113, Jalan Impian Emas 22, Taman Impian Emas, Skudai, Johor 🕙 Lunch & dinner  

👍 Kudos to owner Mr Tan and family for keeping this centuries old tradition alive. They deserve our support. Enjoy delicious food and keep traditions burning bright. Why not have a beggars emperors' party at Ban Heong Seng? Overseas guests coming? This is another JB place to impress them with 😄

👆Restoran Lapan Dua Dua 822 超级鸭王 | 36, Jalan Nakhoda 1, Skudai, Johor Bahru | 7:30am to 7:00pm (Thursdays off)

👍 I love this dang gui roast duck because I like the herbal flavour of dang gui as well as duck, and Lapan Dua Dua roasts their golden brown birds very well. Pricing is reasonable too.

👆 Ming Ji 明记港式烧腊饭档 🏠 2, Jalan Abiad 1, Taman Pelangi, Johor Bahru 🕐 11:00am - 2:00pm (Fri off)

👍 If you are looking for KL style char siew in JB, you can get a nice version at Meng Kee HK Roasts at Kakilang Kopitiam. He has the fatty as well as lean cuts, expertly roasted with caramelised savoury sweet sauces enveloping the juicy meats. Meng Kee's siew yok and fried chicken are also very popular.

👆Click on the photographs for full details like GPS, telephone, taste notes, stories etc on each Top 100 hawker.

👆槟城干妈亚叁拉沙 (God Mom's Penang Asam Laksa) 🏡 No 149, Jalan Permas 1, 81750 Masai, Johor ☎ +6018 572 8278 🕐 1:00pm to 7:00pm (Fri off)

👍 Now with 槟城干妈亚叁拉沙, I don't have to wait for my next Penang trip to enjoy a good Penang asam laksa. Indeed, I can boldly say that this is as good, if not better, than some asam laksa I've tasted in Penang.


👆Bong Family Home Cooked Authentic Penang Asam Laksa 黄家住家正宗槟城亞參啦沙 🏚 9, Jalan Teratai 4, Johor Jaya 🕑 10:00am - 6:00pm (Mon off)

👍 Take your time to enjoy the authentic Penang asam laksa and bo bo cha at the 黄家 family home. It's probably the most exquisitely delicious food you can buy for RM5 and RM3 respectively in Johor Bahru. Must Try.

👆Volcano 火山 Coffee House 🏡 Jalan Sri Paya, Kampung Sri Paya, Kelapa Sawit, Kulaijaya 🕑 05:00am to 2:00pm (Sunday off)

👍 Kulai people's favourite. Fresh homestyle meal loaded with ingredients prepared in the traditional way and enjoyed in a friendly homely kampung ambiance.


👆Hainanese Congee (porridge) stall in Multi Mart 满地好 kopitiam 🏡 Corner kopitiam at the junction of Jalan Harimau and Jalan Harimau Akar, Taman Century, Johor Bahru 🕑 7:00am to 2:00pm

👍 This is a heart and body warming porridge just like at home. If you are visiting JB, skip the hotel breakfast for this 😄

👆Pandan Mutton Soup 班蘭羊肉湯.晏子高风第一羊 🏠 22, Jalan Pegaga 3, Kampung Pandan, Johor Bahru ☎ +607 351 8416 🕛 6:00am to 3:00pm

👍 This is the most famous and well loved Hainanese mutton soup shop in JB. Eating in a kampung house adds to the unique experience of enjoying Pandan Mutton Soup.


👆Joo Yee (Tan Kee Pelangi) | Jalan Biru (stall in hawker centre opposite San Low seafood restaurant), Taman Serene, Johor Bahru | 7:00am to 5:00pm  

👍 This is a unique JB style of ABC with chocolate syrup topping. This is one cool old school dessert place locals go to for a mid-morning or afternoon tête-à-tête.

👆Ngee Heng Chwee Kueh Mobile Stall 義興水粿 | Motorbike number JAM1315 at 1, Jalan Perang, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru ☎ +6012 737 7970 🕗 7am - 11am

👍 Third generation chwee kueh stall that doesn't change its recipe or methods, yay! Authentic steamed rice cakes made from milled rice grains, so we can taste the sweetness of rice with every bite. The rice cakes are soft tender but slightly denser than average industrial ones. The savoury cai poh topping comes with lard and vegetable oil options. A well loved and trusted hawker safeguarding tradition and heritage.

Tags: Chwee Kueh,

👆Chef Ong Salmon Fish Head Soup & Sashimi 三文鱼头鱼片汤 | Jalan Permas 10/5, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, Masai, | 10:30am to 3:00pm | 5:00pm to 10:00pm (Thurs off)  

👍 My friends are so right - Chef Ong's Penang Hokkien prawn mee in Permas Jaya is too good to miss. Thanks for the tip off. If you are a prawn mee lover, you must come and try this - now.


👆 Butterworth Boy Prawn Mee 北海仔虾面 🏠 189, Jalan Rawa, Taman Amira, 81200 Johor Bahru 🕗 7:00am to 1:00pm (Closed on Monday)

👍 At this any price point, I can't think of a better place than JB Taman Perling's 北海仔虾面 stall to indulge in prawn noodles with rich robust prawn stock and large fresh sea Tiger prawns.

👆Click on the photographs for full details like GPS, telephone, taste notes, stories etc on each Top 100 hawker.

👆Makanan Hakka 士乃大众 | 292, Jalan Utama 2, Taman Bintang Utama, 81400 Senai, Johor | 9:00am to 4:00pm (Weds off)

👍 There are many bitter gourd soup shops dotted across Johor, especially in JB. It's been 5 years and I finally came full circle to the original shop (in 2016) that created one of the dishes synonymous with Johor. I strongly recommend 士乃大众 in Senai. It's worth the hour drive from JB.

👆Fried Oyster Omlette Oh Chien 蚵煎 | Stall 37 in Meldrum Walk in downtown Johor Bahru (behind Jalan Wong Ah Fook and next to City Square Mall) | 5:00pm to midnight

👍 This is probably the definitive oh chien stall in Johor Bahru. Fresh juicy oysters smothered with a soft egg wrap with slight crisp outside.


👆Gerai Makanan Pelangi City 彩虹城 | Stall no. 11, Taman Serene Food Centre, Jalan Biru (opposite the famous San Low seafood restaurant) | 6:00pm to midnight (Tues off)

👍 Pelangi City is the little zhi char stall that can deliver like a restaurant. They have signatures like fried chai poh fish and Indonesian curry prawn. Just be warned that it's in a dark, dingy area (opposite the famous San Low restaurant). It is the lone stall operating at night in the little hawker centre, so can it feel rather quiet.

👆Restoran Kak Kak 佳佳点心茶楼 | No. 9, Jalan Maju, Taman Maju, Johor Bahru 報紙街 | 5:00am to 12:00 noon (Tues off)

👍 Highly recommended friendly pit stop to carb up, get caffeine and freshen up for the drive up north to Malacca or Kuala Lumpur. Plenty of choices, freshly made. Just need to be early as crowds are expected, especially on weekends.


👆Restoran Gim Cheng 锦成茶楼 | 2 Jalan Sagu 36, Taman Daya | 7:00am to 2:00pm (Weds off)

👍 A local JB folk favourite. Cosy, simple place for nice, freshly made kopitiam style dim sum at affordable prices.

👆满庭芳茶餐室 | Jalan 6, Kelapa Sawit, Kulaijaya, Johor | 7:00am to 3:00pm (Weds off)  

👍 Delicious taste of Hakka tradition. Fresh ingredients, everything hand made, eaten hot straight from the steamer.

👆古来大樹下擂茶 | 古來21哩大樹下擂茶 | 英姐擂茶 | Off Jalan Susur Kulai 5, Taman Nam Tak, Kulaijaya, Johor (across the road from Petronas station) | 11:00am to 2:00pm (Thurs off)

👍 Hometown people's choice of refreshing lei cha and meaty yong tau fu in Kulai. Definitely, one of the authentic top eats in Kulai with kampung ambiance.

👆Click on the photographs for full details like GPS, telephone, taste notes, stories etc on each Top 100 hawker.

👆Chai Huat Heng bakery 再發興餅家 | 902, Jalan Bakek, Pontian Kechil, Johor | 8:30am to 9:00pm

👍 This is a good place to pick up some of the best traditional hand made Chinese biscuits for gifts at reasonable prices. Be sure to drop by during your next Pontian trip 😄

👆Tai Chiang Coffee Shop 大眾茶餐廳 | 7 Jalan Jelawat, Taman Saleng Jaya, Senai, Johor | 7:00am to 5:00pm

👍 Enjoy old Nanyang style coffee, eggs and toast with friendly locals in a rustic Malaysian small town coffee shop. I am grateful that we can still enjoy the wholesome experience that hasn't changed much in the last 60 years.


☝ Kheng Guan Hiong 瓊源香 🏠 15, Jalan Limau Kasturi, Taman Suraya Indah, Pontian, Johor 🕓 5:30am to 4:00pm (closed on Monday)

👍 Kheng Guan Hiong's kopi has a unique flavour and aroma - but responses to it are subjective. Some think it is the best kopi in the world while others are indifferent to it. Personally, KGH's kopi leaves the most memorable flavour of all coffee that I've tasted so far.

👆Kedai Tuak Awam 🏡 Along Jalan Sulaiman, downtown Johor Bahru, Malaysia (across Jalan Wong Ah Fook from Komtar JB. Near Tropical Inn) 🕑 10:00am to 4:00pm  

👍 Want to know what is tody? You can check it out here 😄🍻 It has a quite a kick 😄 It tastes like Korean rice wine but is fermented coconut flower bud sap. This drink is no longer available in Singapore.

👆Jade Garden Seafood Corner 🏡 Lorong Siakap 1, Sungai Rengit, Pengerang, Johor 🕐 11:00am to 10:00pm

👍 In my humble opinion, Jade Garden Seafood Corner is now bigger and better than before. A good place for live lobsters.


👆 Super Lobster 龍皇海鮮樓 🏠 7,9,11 Jalan Jenahak 1, Sungai Rengit, Pengerang, Johor ☎ 07 8246 108 ☎ +6016 663 0690 🕗 11:00am - 10:00pm

👍 Super Lobster Restaurant 龍皇海鮮樓 in Sungai Rengit is worth a try for their live lobster and crab dishes. A worthy alternative to Jade Garden.



These are the 100 readers' choice of most popular JB hawker food after personally tasting and writing nearly 4,000 articles about food stalls and shops during my decades of eating and 12 years of blogging in Johor. 

None are copy and paste from other people's work.

Wish you Happy Eating. Please share with me your recommendations so that I can visit your favourite stalls and update this list for more people to enjoy it.

Please share with me your favourite stalls to be considered for the next edition 😀

Fifth edition: 1 Sep 2024

Fourth edition: 29 Jul 2022

Third edition: 4 May 2020
Second edition: 3 Nov 2018

First edition: 1 June 2016

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Written by Tony Boey

CLOSED & DELISTED STALLS / RESTAURANTS

👆CLOSED Warung Kurniawan | Along Jalan Kurniawan opposite Sekolah Agama Kebun Teh, Johor Bahru | 12:00pm to 7:00pm  

CLOSED One of the best places in Johor Bahru to enjoy delicious traditional food like soto and tulang, and mingle with locals at a street side stall for an authentic Malaysian experience. Sharing a table with strangers friends we have not met is the norm :-D

👆 CLOSED Restoran Causeway Nasi Padang Ina | At row of old shophouses off Jalan Lingkaran Dalam near the junction with Jalan Sultan Ibrahim (across the road from Jalan Ah Siang) (Stone's throw from Gran Fiesta Bistro - formerly De Bali Bistro) | 11:00am to 2:00pm (nasi padang) and 6:00pm to midnight (ayam penyet and asam pedas)  

CLOSED Lots of delicious nasi padang selection that make lunch something to look forward to for many people working around the area. Their beef rendang is one of the best in JB.

👆CLOSED. EHHE Art Cafe 中間旁邊 | No. 1, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru. Junction of Jalan Trus and Jalan Tan Hiok Nee | 7:00am to 4:00pm daily

CLOSED In terms of all roundedness i.e. chicken, sauce, rice, dips, soup and dining environment, Ehhe would be tops for me.

👆CLOSED Come & Eat 吃又来潮州粥 | 34-2-A, Jalan Stulang Darat (shop lot at foot of 3-storey flats facing the highway), Johor Bahru | 4:00pm to 8:00pm (Monday off)  

CLOSED A humble place to come and eat a hearty home style traditional Teochew porridge dinner. So many good side dishes here - braised duck, braised pork, steamed fish, signature asam fish (Thurs only), home style vegetable dishes and more.

CLOSED 👆肆源小炒 🏠 Junction of Jalan Masai Lama and Jalan Bunga Ros (directly opposite Masai bus and taxi terminal), Johor Bahru ⏰ 9:00am to 3:00pm (Weds off) 

CLOSED  Mr Tay's hor fun was... wow. Besides the usual prawn, pork and fish cake slices, Mr Tay added in some tender chicken breast meat. The wok seared rice ribbon noodles have nice wok hei.

CLOSED 👆Pasar Kia Char Kuey Teow 巴沙仔炒粿条面 🏠 Jalan Musang Bulan 2-16, Taman Century, Johor Bahru (when you step into Cedar Point from the car park, Pasar Kia Char Kuey Teow is on you right at the far end inside) ⏰ Daily 5:30pm to 10:30pm

CLOSED  Four generations and 48 years, Pasar Kia char kuey teow 巴沙仔炒粿条面 is still well loved in Johor Bahru.

👆 CLOSED Kedai Makanan Sang Heng 甡兴茶餐室 | 7 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Johor Bahru Town (beside OCBC JB branch) | 7:00am to 1:00pm (Saturdays off)

CLOSED (Stall holder passed away in Dec 2016.) If you are a noodle lover, you got to check out Uncle Ah Seng's delicious old school Teochew mee. Not many places in JB or Singapore does noodles this good any more.

👆CLOSED Plentong 阿仙 | Jalan Bunga Seroja, Taman Plentong Baru, Masai, Johor | 5:00pm to 10:00pm (Sunday off)

CLOSED as owner retired. Plentong 阿仙 is a good place for nice old style fried noodles packed with wok hei 镬气 and also crispy fried chicken. We enjoyed watching a master hawker in action while soaking in the rustic kampung feel.

👆CLOSED Hay Chooi Coffee Shop 海水餐室 | 174, Jalan Lambah, Taman Tasek, Johor Bahru | 10:30am to 2:00pm (Sunday and Public Holidays off)

CLOSED as owners retired. If you eat out and still want the taste of home, get Ah Mah's cooking at Hay Chooi Coffee Shop. Fresh ingredients, cooked over charcoal fire by grandma just like at kampung homes.

👆CLOSED as owners retired. Qiu Bo Curry House 秋波咖喱之家 | 2, Jalan Mutiara, Taman Mutiara, 81800 Ulu Tiram, Johor | 11:30am to 3:00pm (Sunday off)

CLOSED Worth the drive to Ulu Tiram for one of Malaysia's best curry fish head and curry pork ribs. The other dishes on the menu are above average too.

👆 CLOSED Mok Chai Hainanese Beef Noodle 莫才牛肉粉.猪肉面 | 365, Jalan Kenanga 29/9, Bandar Indrahpura, Kulaijaya (in commercial centre off Persiaran Indahpura Utama near AEON Jusco) | 7:00am to 2:30pm (Monday off)

CLOSED Mok Chai is one of a handful of traditional Hainanese style beef noodles around Johor Bahru or Singapore that still serves the gooey beefy brown sauce (instead of the dark soy sauce and starch nonsense which I can't appreciate).

👆CLOSED Wah Yew 华友潮式蒸鯧魚專賣店 | 41, Jalan Perang, Taman Pelangi, Johor Bahru | 11:00am to 2:30pm & 5:30pm to 9:00pm ☎+607 334. 5176

CLOSED No frills old school traditional Teochew restaurant suitable for families. Popular for their steam fishes, braised dishes e.g. duck, fish porridge in claypot, oyster omelette, fried hor fun with good wok hei, siew mai, ngoh heong, and orh nee. Everything is made at the restaurant with fresh ingredients.

👆CLOSED Restoran Leong Seng Huat 两成发 | Off Jalan Simbang (next to Pizza Hut), Taman Perling, Johor Bahru | 7:00am to 3:00pm

CLOSED A tasty Penang char kway teow in JB which is better than the average that I have tasted in Penang.

👆DELISTED Banafee Café (not Banafee Village nearby which is run by the same owner) | Jalan Datuk Abdullah Tahir (directly opposite New York Hotel) | 3:00pm to 3:00am

DELISTED Banafee's ayam penyet really kick butts but this place won't be winning any prizes for cleanliness or ambiance. It is ok for me but don't say I never warn you :P If your preference is for tender juicy ayam penyet with a slight crisp outside, I recommend Banafee café.

👆DELISTED Ah Lee Kampung Chicken Rice 亚李菜园鸡饭 | Junction of Jalan Badik and Jalan Badik 1, Taman Sri Tebrau, Johor Bahru | 4:00pm to 12:00 midnight  

DELISTED Kampung chicken specialist among JB's top chicken rice stalls. The tender, juicy chicken is a favourite of JB locals.

DELISTED 👆Seng Huat Fish Soup 成发 | Junction of Jalan Tun Abdul Razak and Jalan Kebun Teh Lama (near Danga City Mall), Johor Bahru | 7:15am to 4:00pm (Sunday off)  

DELISTED Street side fresh sea bass specialist serves good solid broth and is generous with fish in the soup. The noodles in the tossing sauce are great too.

👆DELISTED 飘香 in Kedai Makan Kee Kim Huat 纪金发 | 80, Jalan Badik, Taman Sri Tebrau, Johor Bahru | 10:30am to 3:30pm11:00am to 10:00pm (Monday off)

DELISTED Claypot chicken rice loaded with ingredients cooked the old way with charcoal. Everything done from scratch and we get that crispy crust that defines good claypot chicken rice.

👆DELISTED Seng Kee 成记 inside Kee Kim Huat coffee shop 纪金发茶餐室 | 80, Jalan Badik, Taman Sri Tebrau, Johor Bahru | 6:00am to 11:00am (the chicken curry often runs out by 09:30) (Monday off)  

DELISTED A good place to try the unique Malaysian style of combining smooth thin sah hor fun with flavoursome spicy curry chicken.

👆DELISTED Kedai Makanan Ah Soon Bak Kut Teh 亚顺肉骨茶 | 141, Jalan Keris Satu, Taman Sri Tebrau, Johor Bahru | 8:00am to 3:00pm (Mondays off)

DELISTED JB people's long time favourite for bak kut teh and sesame oil chicken. The broth is mildly herbal allowing the natural sweetness of the fresh pork to shine. Their sesame oil chicken is also a crowd puller.

DELISTED 👆Restoran Kampar CS 豬腸粉 | 12, Jalan Dedap 13, Taman Johor Jaya, Johor Bahru | 7:00am to 4:00pm (Monday off)

DELISTED A unique hand made Kampar style chee cheong fun worth trying and you might fall in love with it too ;-D Real rice flavour in the grainy soft ribbons. Lots of sauces and side dishes to go with the delicious fun.

DELISTED 👆Fa Shao Curry Boar 发嫂山猪肉咖喱山豬肉 Stall in Restaurant Chee Hwa 聚华茶餐室 | 2, Jalan Temenggong 11, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, Johor Bahru | 5:30pm to 11:00pm (Tuesdays off)

DELISTED If you have an adventurous palate and want to try wild boar meat, Fa Shao is one stall that you must try in Johor Bahru. Both the curry and pepper soup versions are available, so this is a good place to get your fix 😄

👆DELISTED Teck Lai 德来 Fish Noodles | Jalan Gaya 25, Taman Gaya, Ulu Tiram, Johor Bahru (Hou Kee kopitiam) | 6:30am till sold out usually by 1:00pm

DELISTED One of my favourite fish noodle soup. Fresh fish, fresh noodles, tasty broth, spicy power chili sauce.

DELISTED 👆锦旺雲吞面 wanton mee | Stall in 新天满 Xin Thianman kopitiam, Jalan Permas 4/4, Taman Permas Jaya, Johor Bahru | 6:30 am to 1:30 pm (Alternate Thurs off)  

DELISTED This is a unique wanton mee stall with its special signature "black" char siew. Everything else on this plate of wantan mee from the tossing sauce, springy egg noodles to the savoury broth and meaty wantans are also good.

DELISTED 👆Kacang Pool Haji 🏚 Gerai 3, Medan Selera Larkin, Susur 5, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, Johor Baru (next to Bomba Larkin fire station) 🕢 7:00am to 1:00am daily  

DELISTED 👍 Try Kacang Pool Haji - it's a wonderful, unique tea or supper time snack. This unique JB interpretation of the Middle Eastern staple is packed full of beefy flavours and enjoyed with a sunny side up and thick greased toast.

DELISTED 👆 Ah Chuan Fish Soup 阿全鱼湯 🏠 Restoran Starfood Corner. 124-126, Jalan Sri Pelangi, Taman Pelangi, Johor Bahru ☎ 017-7780087 ⏰ 8:00am to 1:00pm

DELISTED I find a good bowl of fish soup with a bowl of plain white rice very satisfying and comforting. One of my favourites is at Ah Chuan in Starfood coffee shop in Taman Pelangi. Simple broth of chicken and fish bone. Fresh fish and added umami flavour from dried sole fish powder or ti poh.

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