Popular food chains that are not in Singapore but in Malaysia
There’s no doubt that Singapore is a food paradise, but a trip to Malaysia once in a while is almost necessary to feast on their wallet-friendly offerings. Since you’ve travelled all the way there, it’d be a better idea to visit eateries that you can’t find back home. Here’s our guide to some of the most popular food chains in Malaysia that are not in Singapore.
The current exchange rate is RM1 = ~S$0.30 as of 25 June 2025.
Table of Contents
1. Sushi Mentai
Image credit: @sushimentaiindonesia
If you frequent Malaysia, you would have seen Sushi Mentai at one point of your trip. The sushi chain has more than 40 outlets scattered across the country, and they are one of the most popular ones as they serve up a range of sushi on a conveyor belt at just RM1.80++ and RM2.80++. For the former category, there are 25 kinds to choose from: Takoyaki, Tuna Mayo, and Spicy Chicken Floss are just some examples. For something more filling, get a bowl of their Tanuki Udon (RM8.80++) or Spider Don (RM16.80++) instead; the latter features soft shell crab tempura atop a warm bed of rice. FYI, there are more than 10 branches in Johor Bahru alone, so drop by one of their restaurants for affordable Japanese fare.
Website | Full list of outlets
Sushi Mentai is not a halal-certified eatery.
2. Chili’s
Image credit: @northbakeandsights
If the name Chili’s rings a bell, it’s probably because the popular American diner chain used to be in Singapore for about a decade, until they closed all their outlets in 2019. If you miss dining at Chili’s, good news, you can still visit any of the 10 branches in Malaysia. Start with their Seafood Trio (RM57.90), starring crispy calamari, bite-sized dory bits, and deep-fried prawns. Then, move on to their Crispy Chicken Tacos (from RM35.90) that come with your choice of two or three pieces. Each soft shell comes packed with beef bacon, diced tomatoes, melted cheese, fresh lettuce, honey-chipotle sauce, and house-made ranch. It’s also served with seasonal rice and black beans.
Website | Full list of outlets
Chili’s is not a halal-certified eatery.
3. MyKori
Image credit: @conanrose97
There’s nothing like kakigori, AKA Japanese shaved ice dessert, to beat the heat. MyKori serves up 20 kinds of kakigori, and some popular ones include Pistachio Yogurt (from RM17), Oolong Peach Tea (from RM15), and Strawberry Cheesecake (RM15). If you’d like to alternate between hot and cold desserts, get one of their croffles as well; the simplest of the lot is Maple Sugar (RM9), while there’s also the savoury Chicken Slice and Cheese (RM10) that’s drizzled with creamy cheese sauce.
Website | Full list of outlets
MyKori is a halal-certified eatery.
4. Johnny’s Restaurant
Image credit: @yaanaeats
Johnny’s Restaurant is the ideal place to bring your family for a solid meal. For those visiting early for breakfast, start easy with their Fish Porridge (RM10.85++), featuring tender fish fillets and crispy garlic bits. Alternatively, the crowd-favourite BBQ Chicken with Noodle (RM10.90++) is an equally delicious choice that’s also available in a beef version at RM11.90++. For something a little different, we recommend trying the Ravioli Soup with Bee Hoon (RM9.90++): vermicelli in a clear broth with prawn ravioli, bean sprouts, spring onions, and fried garlic.
Website | Full list of outlets
Johnny’s Restaurant is not a halal-certified eatery.
5. Big Apple Donuts & Coffee
Image credit: @eats_with_yaz
For a quick midday snack to have on the go, grab some doughnuts and coffee from Big Apple Donuts & Coffee. The display sees more than 20 kinds of doughnuts, where you can get a box of six for RM21 or a dozen for RM39. There are both sweet and savoury options here, and some interesting ones include IMY, which is a combination of pandan chocolate glaze, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese filling. There’s also Hey Cheese, a white chocolate doughnut topped with grated cheese. For coffee lovers, you’ll enjoy Tira Cinno, a tiramisu-chocolate doughnut with coffee cream within.
Website | Full list of outlets
Big Apple Donuts & Coffee is a halal-certified eatery.
6. Kenny Hills Bakers
Image credit: @kennyhillsbakers
Kenny Hills Bakers is a bakery slash cafe that’s been around since 2014, and they have grown to open more than 10 branches in Malaysia at the time of writing. The perfect brunch includes their Eggs Flamenco (RM29.68++), starring spiced tomato coulis topped with two oven-baked eggs, chickpeas, and turkey chorizo with toast on the side. If you’re heading down between 8am and 6pm, make sure to try one of their signature sandwiches. There are croissants and bagels to choose from; the Smoked Salmon Bagel (RM29.68++) with cream cheese and capers is a safe bet, while the Roast Chicken and Avocado Croissant (RM27.56++) will keep you full till your next meal.
Website | Full list of outlets
Kenny Hills Bakers is not a halal-certified eatery.
7. Gigi Coffee
Image credit: @gigicoffeemy
We have Zus Coffee in Singapore now, but Gigi Coffee has yet to reach our shores with their unique lineup of beverages. In case you didn’t know, they are one of the most popular food chains in Malaysia! This coffee chain takes their pistachio game seriously, where you can try the popular Pistachio Cream Latte (RM15) and even Dubai Pistachio Chocolate (RM16) in a drink. What caught our attention, though, was the Monday Blue Cookies Latte (RM14), a concoction of espresso, fresh milk, and blue lemon syrup that’s perfect to beat the Monday blues. There are plenty of classic options too, of course, ranging from an Americano (RM9) and Caffe Latte (RM12), to Almond Macadamia Latte (RM14) and Seasalt Caramel Macchiato (RM16).
Website | Full list of outlets
Gigi Coffee is a halal-certified eatery.
8. Taco Bell
Image credit: @snflwrrrndwtr
2008 was the year Taco Bell bade farewell to Singapore, leaving many fans of the popular chain crestfallen. The Bell Rice Bowl (RM10.95) is a Malaysia-exclusive that features Mexican seasoned rice with your choice of protein, sambal, seasoned black beans, tangy salsa, fresh lettuce, and some nacho chips. You can also get Crispy Chicken Tenders (RM8.95) on the side for added protein, or Loaded Nachos (RM15.95) to share with your friends. There’s salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and nacho cheese in this! As for your choice of protein, choose from grilled chicken, ground chicken, seasoned ground beef, or black beans.
Website | Full list of outlets
Selected Taco Bell outlets are halal-certified.
9. RT Pastry
Image credit: RT Pastry House @ SS15 via Google Maps
One of our favourite ways to end a trip to Malaysia is visiting a bakery for fresh, affordable bakes. RT Pastry is one for the books if you love bread as much as we do. Their Butter Rice Cake (RM10.80 for five), which is essentially a soft, chewy cake that’s mainly made using butter and sugar, has been selling like hotcakes. Otherwise, get their Tiramisu Cup (RM11.20) that’s perfect to have on the way back to Singapore as it’s conveniently stored in a mini cup and comes with a spoon.
Website | Full list of outlets
RT Pastry is not a halal-certified eatery.
10. The Chicken Rice Shop
Image credit: @followmetoeatla
The Chicken Rice Shop needs no introduction. As the restaurant’s name suggests, chicken rice is the main deal here. There are three variations to suit all kinds of palates: Steamed Chicken (from RM11.90), Crispy Roast Chicken (from RM11.90), and Soy Sauce Chicken (from RM11.90). It’s a must to get some sides to pair with your chicken—veggies, beancurd, and soups are just some of the items on their expansive menu. If you don’t know what to get, we recommend the Braised Egg and Braised Tofu (RM5.95), as well as Hong Kong Kai Lan with Oyster Sauce (from RM11.95) for the best dining experience.
Website | Full list of outlets
The Chicken Rice Shop is a halal-certified eatery.
Guide to the best food chains in Malaysia that are not in SG
The next time you’re planning a trip to Malaysia, our guide to the best food chains in Malaysia that are not in Singapore will surely be of help. But if you can’t travel to Malaysia any time soon for these eateries, read our guide to the best Malaysian food in Singapore instead. We also have a guide to the best Johor Bahru cafes if coffee and desserts are your thing.
30 Malaysian Food Places In Singapore For Curry Chee Cheong Fun And Famous Nasi Lemak
Feature image adapted from @kennyhillsbakers, @gigicoffeemy, @followmetoeatla, and @sushimentaiindonesia.
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