Tea Garden is a popular Nanyang kopitiam chain in Johor Bahru
Image credit: Tea Garden Komtar JBCC
As a Malaysian living in Singapore, I never head back to JB on the weekends without stopping for some local food. One spot I’d recommend to Singaporeans is Tea Garden, a Nanyang kopitiam chain that’s been around since 2005.
Image credit: Lin Eva via Google Maps
Their newest outlet at KOMTAR JBCC sits right next to JB City Square, which makes it an easy stop after crossing the border at the Johor Bahru CIQ checkpoint.
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The chain has multiple outlets across Johor Bahru and neighbouring districts, and holds two Malaysia Book of Records titles: one for the most baked herbal chicken sold in a year and another for the most Hainanese milk tea sold in a year. Those two items are also what it’s best known for.
Image credit: bear zucca via Google Maps
The Hainanese Milk Tea (RM8.90) is made with Ceylon black tea and is said to be aromatic and well-balanced, without being too sweet. If you prefer your drinks stronger, the Hor Kar Sai (RM9.90) is a kopi with Milo powder added, giving it a bittersweet, chocolate-malt flavour.
Image credit: Tea Garden Komtar JBCC
For mains, the record-holding Baked Herbal Chicken with Rice (RM24.90) gets you a whole chicken thigh wrapped in paper and baked with herbs and red dates, served in a soup with a strong herbal aroma. Other dishes on the menu include Penang-style Char Kway Teow (RM18.90) and T.G Special Fried Rice with Spices (RM18.90)—the latter is stir-fried with prawns, chicken, egg, curry leaves, and chilli.
Image credit: Hikari via Google Maps
There’s also a spread of other Malaysian staples, including Nasi Lemak (RM9.90), Laska Johor (RM19.90), and Spicy Lou Shu Fan Dry (RM17.90).
Tea Garden’s toasts are worth a look too. Options include Steamed Cocoa Bread (RM5.90)—fluffy cocoa bread that’s gently steamed and served with butter and kaya, as well as Cheese & Egg Toast (RM10.50), which comes with a side of crispy golden fries.
For more places to eat across the causeway, check out our guide to the best cafes in Johor Bahru. If you’re crossing early, our list of JB breakfast spots has 20 places that open before 10am.
Address: KOMTAR JBCC, Level 2, Lot No. 233, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 9am to 10pm
Website
Tea Garden is halal-certified.
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Feature image adapted from Tea Garden Komtar JBCC and Lin Eva via Google Maps.
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