Best dim sum spots in JB
Whenever I plan a trip to Johor Bahru, I’ll always include a dim sum eatery in my itinerary as it’s one of the more affordable and well-varied options. Even if you’re going with a big group of friends or family, you won’t have to worry, as the expansive menu will offer everyone something to enjoy. If you’re like me, check out this guide to the best dim sum spots in JB for cheap and good dian xin near the customs.
The current exchange rate is RM1 = ~S$0.30 as of 26 May 2025.
1. Restoran Gim Cheng
Restoran Gim Cheng is a name that almost always pops up whenever you search for the best dim sum in Johor Bahru. With over 50 varieties of dim sum, all freshly made and under $2, it’s no wonder this eatery is so popular. If you prefer steamed to fried goods, try the Prawn Dumpling (RM6.60) and Pork and Vegetable Dumpling (RM6.30). The former features a juicy, meaty prawn filling packed to the brim! Alternatively, their Fried Wanton (RM6.60) and Carrot Cake (RM7) are equally delicious if you don’t mind a deep-fried treat. We especially enjoyed the Carrot Cake that starred a thin, crispy batter with a soft bite within.Â
Read our Restoran Gim Cheng feature.Â
Address: 2, Jalan Sagu 36, Taman Daya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: Thurs-Tue 7am to 1pm
Restoran Gim Cheng is not a halal-certified eatery.
Restoran Gim Cheng: Long-Queue JB Eatery With Fresh Dim Sum Under $2
2. Jiah Xiang Dim Sum
Jiah Xiang Dim Sum is another popular dim sum eatery with four outlets in JB. We visited the one at Plaza Sentosa as they open 24 hours every day—you can drop by whenever you want. Better yet, most items are priced under RM9 here! Our top two picks are the Golden Bao (RM7.80+), AKA liu sha bao, and Kataifi Mango Shrimp (RM7.80+). The salted egg custard buns boast a molten middle, while the latter is made using noodle-like strips of filo pastry combined with a sweet mango and fresh shrimp centre.Â
Read our Jiah Xiang Dim Sum feature.Â
Website | Full list of outlets
Jiah Xiang Dim Sum is not a halal-certified eatery.
Jiah Xiang Dim Sum: Popular 24/7 Eatery Near KSL City Mall JB
3. Restoran Kak Kak
If you’re in the vicinity of Plaza Pelangi, consider Restoran Kak Kak, a dim sum spot that’s been around for more than 30 years. Their dumplings are handmade and served on a roving dim sum cart for a traditional touch. All you have to do is point at what you want on the tray and wait for the staff to place the goods on your table! Prices are kept wallet-friendly too, with many items starting at just RM2.50+. We started with their Lotus Bao (RM2.50+), then tried the Har Gao (RM5.50+), loaded with prawns and chives. One of my favourites was the Stuffed Eggplants (RM5.50+): well-marinated ground pork mix neatly stuffed in a slice of fried eggplant.
Read our Restoran Kak Kak feature.
Address: 9, Jalan Maju, Taman Maju Jaya, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: Wed-Mon 6am to 1:30pm
Website
Restoran Kak Kak is not a halal-certified eatery.
This JB Restaurant With $0.70 Dim Sum Has Been Around For More Than 30 Years
4. Tasixi Hong Kong Dim Sum
Image credit: Foong Yee Loh via Google Maps
For those starting their day in JB early, head down to Tasixi Hong Kong Dim Sum, which opens at 6:30am daily. Get a bowl of Century Egg Porridge (RM5) first to ease the stomach, and move on to smaller bites such as the lesser-seen Black Pepper Chicken Siew Mai (RM7) or hearty Stuffed Bean Curd (RM6.70). Otherwise, their menu also sees some interesting fried goods; the Oyster and Salted Egg Yolk Rolls (RM9.50) and Fried Mango Prawn Rolls (RM9.50) are just some examples.
Address: 11, Jalan Camar 1/3, Taman Perling, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 6:30am to 4pm
Website
Tasixi Hong Kong Dim Sum is not a halal-certified eatery.
5. Changman Dim Sum
Image credit: Andrew Chan via Google Maps
For something a little different, visit Changman Dim Sum, a famed restaurant with over 1,500 Google reviews at the time of writing. You probably can’t find what they have in Singapore, with interesting items such as the Egg Roll Chicken (RM8.80) and Sesame Salad Youtiao (RM8.80). The former is essentially chicken wrapped in a thin omelette with what looks like a kelp knot, while the latter features you tiao cut into bite-sized pieces, and doused in a roasted sesame sauce. Even the siew mai is slightly different here; they serve Spicy Siew Mai (RM8.50) in a basket of three.Â
Address: 24G, Jalan Bestari 7/2, Taman Nusa Bestari, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 7:30am to 2am
Website
Changman Dim Sum is not a halal-certified eatery.
6. D’Shanghai Dim Sum
Image credit: lynn Lynn via Google Maps
Speaking of unique offerings, D’Shanghai Dim Sum is also one for the books: they have the usual steamed and fried goods served with a fun twist. Take the Crispy Avocado Rolls (RM11) and Rice Wine Xiao Long Bao (RM9.40) as examples; the latter features a basket of three red dumplings, infused with real red wine. There’s also the Fresh Scallop Xiao Long Bao (RM9.90), a seafood alternative to your typical pork XLB. We’re the most curious about Deep-Fried Honeycomb Taro (RM8), though, a sweet-savoury combination that’s said to be crispy on the outside and creamy within.Â
Website | Full list of outlets
D’Shanghai Dim Sum is not a halal-certified eatery.
7. Chao Lao Dim Sum
Image credit: @eatwhatah
Air-conditioned with plenty of round tables for big groups, Chao Lao Dim Sum is the kind of restaurant you bring your family to. All items are served on a pushcart here, with a bunch of them priced at RM8.80++: Portuguese Egg Tart, Sesame Ball with Peanut, and Steamed Beancurd Roll with Pork. After you’re done with these appetisers, we recommend getting some Porridge (RM6++) paired with Fried Sweet and Sour Pork (RM15++) to share with your dining companions, then ending it on a high with the popular Durian Puff with Filo String (RM15++).
Address: G-6, Ground Floor, Holiday Villa, 260, Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 9am to 5pm
Website
Chao Lao Dim Sum is not a halal-certified eatery.
8. Tian Xin Lou
Image credit: Randomstuffsg via Google Maps
Tian Xin Lou has two outlets at Jalan Dhoby and Jalan Maju, but we recommend the latter as it opens till 1am every day. Start your meal with their signatures: Sichuan Eggplant (RM8.90), Preserved Eggs Mai (RM7.50), and Fresh Shrimp Rice Noodle Rolls (RM8.90). Their chee cheong fun also comes in classic and char siew flavours if seafood isn’t your jam. The real deal here, though, is the polarising Durian Bao (RM13.90), also available in a fried version for RM13.90. Each order comes with three buns!Â
Jalan Dhoby outlet
Address: 25, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 7am to 8pm
Jalan Maju outlet
Address: No.27 & 27A, Jalan Maju, Taman Maju Jaya, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 6am to 1am
Website
Tian Xin Lou is not a halal-certified eatery.
9. Restoran Onggi Dimsum
Image credit: Jess0506 via Google Maps
Restoran Onggi Dimsum is a casual eatery with a wide selection of dim sum, all costing no more than RM11. If you’re not sure what to get, we encourage you to start with the crowd-favourite Steamed Sweet Potato Lava Buns (RM6.80), starring creamy sweet potato filling—a fun twist to your usual salted egg custard! Then, get the Curry Ribs Noodles (RM10.80) to substantiate your meal, and end off with the sweet Osmanthus Jelly Cake (RM7).
Address: 42, Jalan Dedap 24, Taman Johor Jaya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: Fri-Wed 7am to 3:30pm
Restoran Onggi Dimsum is not a halal-certified eatery.
10. Pin Ming Xuan Cantonese Dim Sum
Image credit: tan shi ying via Google Maps
Rated 4.1 stars on Google from over 1,000 reviews at the point of writing, Pin Ming Xuan Cantonese Dim Sum is another popular restaurant in JB that’s worth a visit. They are known for the Pan Fried Carrot Cake (RM6.90++), a golden brown carrot cake that’s crispy on the outside and tender within. Their Golden Corn Custard Bun (RM7.90++) also sells like hotcakes; these buns are essentially custard bao packed with corn bits for added sweetness and texture. We recommend enjoying your buns and fried goods with the refreshing Chinese Famous Puer Tea (RM3.50++), or a cup of Hor Ka Sai (RM6.90++) for a caffeine kick.Â
Address: 10, Jalan Serigala, Taman Century Garden, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: Tue-Thurs 8am to 4pm, Fri-Mon 7:30am to 4pm
Website
Pin Ming Xuan Cantonese Dim Sum is not a halal-certified eatery.
Where to get the best dim sum in JB
We hope our curated guide to the best dim sum spots in Johor Bahru comes in handy for those planning a pitstop for a quick brekkie, or a fun late-night supper with friends.
For more good eats in Johor Bahru, read our guide to the best JB seafood restaurants. We also have a guide to the best JB zi char places, where you can indulge in chao ta bee hoon, fish head curry and more.
10 JB Zi Char Places Worth Crossing The Causeway For, Including Chao Ta Bee Hoon And Fish Head Curry
Feature image adapted from Andrew Chan via Google Maps.
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