Malaysia Overseas Guides

12 JB City Square Food Spots For Famous Egg Tarts, Korean Fried Chicken And More

17th December 2024

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JB City Square food guide

Johor Bahru (JB) is just a quick train or bus ride from Woodlands Checkpoint, making it a great day trip or overnight stay for those looking to get away. If you’re crossing the border soon, save this JB City Square food guide in case you need some recommendations on where to eat! We’ve rounded up 12 best JB City Square food spots for famous Korean fried chicken and more.

The current exchange rate is RM1 = ~S$0.30 as of 16 December 2024.

Table of Contents

JB City Square food guide
Best food at JB City Square

1. Din Tai Fung

Din Tai Fung is a hot favourite among Singaporeans, and I’m sure many out there agree that their baskets of XLB are one of the best. But if you’re not careful, you might order way too many of those precious soup dumplings and get a shock at the counter. Here’s a pro tip: visit their JB City Square outlet and order your fill of their signature Shrimp and Pork Dumpling (RM17.45++ for six), which works out to just under $1 per piece. You’ll also find other variants that are not found in Singapore such as Prawn with Salted Egg (RM46.23++). Their noodles are also cheaper here, including the popular Spicy Shrimp and Pork Wonton Dry Noodle (RM25.47++) and Spicy Sesame and Peanut Sauce with Shrimp Noodle (RM26.89++).

Unit: Level 2, Lot J2-06, 07, 08, 09
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 9:30pm
Website
Din Tai Fung JB City Square is not a halal-certified eatery.

2. Oriental Kopi

Oriental Kopi sports a long queue at almost any time of the day. They’re most known for their Oriental Egg Tart (RM9.80 for two), which are uber flaky and buttery. These come with an eggy custard centre that’s smooth and not too sweet. Another must-try is the Oriental Kopi Cincau Ice (RM10.50) and Oriental Mocha (from RM9.90); the former is made with three types of coffee beans, and served overflowing in a tall mug, while the latter boasts a good mix of malty chocolate and roasted coffee flavours. Their Double Butter Kaya Toast (RM4.90) is also worth ordering, as it stars thick butter chunks and house-made kaya stacked between thin slices of toast.

Read our Oriental Kopi Singapore review.

Unit: Level B1, Lot MB-07
Opening hours: Daily 9am to 10pm
Website
Oriental Kopi is not a halal-certified eatery.

Oriental Kopi Review: Famous Malaysian Cafe Opens In SG With Popular Nasi Lemak And More

3. CHAGEE

It’s not a trip to JB without visiting CHAGEE, a famous tea chain that almost every Singaporean loves, or has at least tried once in their lifetime. For something simple and refreshing, get the crowd-favourite Jasmine Green Milk Tea (from RM11.90), boasting a floral scent with every sip you take. If you enjoy a richer and smoother mouthfeel, I recommend trying the Da Hong Pao Cold Brew (RM14.90) instead; this series is more premium than the rest. Else, the Camella Oolong Perfume Lemon Tea (RM15.90) is equally great for a mix of citrusy flavours with strong oolong.

Unit: Level B1, Lot MB-10A
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 9:30pm
Website
CHAGEE is a halal-certified eatery.

4. Auntie Anne’s

Strangely, Auntie Anne’s always tastes better in JB than in Singapore. Plus, you get to choose from 20 different pretzel flavours at their Malaysian branches! If you’re a sweet-to-savoury kind of person, get the Choco Eclairs (RM8.50) or Caramel Almond (RM8). Otherwise, I encourage you to get the Jalapeno (RM8) and Triple Cheese Chicky Pepperoni Pretzel (RM9.50) as these aren’t available in Singapore!

Unit: Level B1, Lot MKB1-03
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 10pm
Website
Auntie Anne’s is a halal-certified eatery.

5. Meng Meng Roasted Duck

You can have Meng Meng Roasted Duck at hawker stalls in Singapore, but dining at a restaurant in its home country hits differently. If you’re visiting in a group, splurge on the Roasted Duck with Chinese Herb (RM134++), a showstopping whole duck cooked with dang gui AKA angelica root. Besides duck, you’ll also find other roast meats on the menu, including Roasted Honey Pork (RM68++) and Crispy Roasted Pork (from RM68++).

Unit: Level 3, Lot MF21A-22
Opening hours: Daily 10:30am to 10pm
Website
Meng Meng Roasted Duck is not a halal-certified eatery.

6. Arashi

Image credit: Arashi Shabu-Shabu, City Square JB

Hotpot lovers can head down to Arashi for affordable offerings, where a pot of Arashi Spicy Sichuan costs RM14++ while Arashi Tomato is priced at RM12++. FYI, there are more than 10 broths to choose from here! The Boneless Ribeye Shabu Set (RM112.90++) is ideal for two diners, comprising a broth of your choice, a ribeye platter, and a veggie platter. If you prefer to get the ingredients separately, there are plenty of options including the Mix Salmon and Chicken Combo (RM39.90++), Tender Handmade Meatball (RM12.90++), and Mix Murhsoom (RM19.90++) platter. Finish your meal with some deep-fried Taro Ball (RM10.90++), served with six pieces.

Unit: Level 2, Lot J205
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Website
Arashi is not a halal-certified eatery.

6. Bornga Korean Restaurant

Image credit: Bornga@ Johor City Square

South Korean BBQ chain Bornga opened its doors in Singapore and Malaysia a while back. If you’re good with spice, try their Spicy Woosamgyeop (RM78++): thinly sliced beef loin strips served in the restaurant’s signature spicy sauce. Packed with a light aroma and flavour that doesn’t weigh down your palate, one serving of this addictive beef is definitely not enough. Pair your meat with the piping hot Suntofu-jjigae (RM28++) that comes with either pork or seafood, or a hearty bowl of Dolsot Bibimbap (RM28++) topped with a colourful variety of veggies.

Unit: Level 3, Lot MF-23
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Website
Bornga is not a halal-certified eatery.

7. Ming Ang Confectionery

Image credit: Veronica Him

Ming Ang Confectionery is a popular Malaysian brand that specialises in fresh Chinese pastries. They’ve been around since 1992, and are most known for their traditional pastries such as Tausa Peah (RM1.30) and Heong Piah (RM1.60). Other popular picks are the Golden Milk Pastry (RM4.90) filled with pandan jam and the Salted Egg Yolk Biscuit (RM5.80) for a sweet-savoury combination.

Unit: Level 3, Lot M3-04
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 10pm
Website
Ming Ang Confectionery is not a halal-certified eatery.

8. KyoChon

Image credit: 샤나Shaana

Korean fried chicken fans can head to KyoChon to sort out their cravings. The popular Korean chain offers affordable fried chicken sets all day. Indulge in the Honey Garlic Series (from RM14.50), which you can choose your preferred parts such as the drumsticks, wings, or even boneless. Else, check out their Red Pepper Series (RM14.50) if you can handle spice and punchy flavours well.

Unit: Level 3, Lot J3-17
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 10pm
Website
KyoChon is a halal-certified eatery.

9. Penyet Express

Image credit: Khairur Azhan

Penyet Express first started in 1990 as a humble street stall selling ayam penyet. Today, the brand has multiple outlets in Malaysia, including one in JB City Square! The casual diner is popular for their “Penyet” Smashed Fried Chicken, which costs RM12.50 for the breast and RM13.50 for the drumstick. You can also get their Fried Tilapia Fish (RM13.50) or “Penyet” Fried Pomfret Fish (RM18.90) if you’re not big on chicken. Make it a complete meal by topping up RM3 for rice and soup!

Unit: Level B1, MB03, 04 & 05
Opening hours: Daily 10:30am to 10pm
Website
Penyet Express is a halal-certified eatery.

11. Ho Seng Kee

Image credit: Lionel Kok

You don’t have to travel far for legit Malaysian-style wonton mee; you’ll find it here at Ho Seng Kee, a well-known brand that has been around since 1936. Their Gourmet Wantan Mee is at a wallet-friendly RM15, though you can get the bigger bowl at RM22 if you’re extra peckish. Besides the classic wonton noodles, you’ll also find unique dishes such as Meat Free Cutlet Dry Curry Mee (RM24) and Unagi Protein Mee (RM55). You get to choose from a range of flavours for your noodles too, including Original White, Black Spicy, and White Tomato.

Unit: Level 6, Lot J6-07, J6-07A, J6-08 & J6-08A
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 8:30pm
Website
Ho Seng Kee is not a halal-certified eatery.

12. Kimdo BBQ

Image credit: Trotting Horse

Kimdo BBQ is one of my personal faves whenever I visit JB City Square. While not the cheapest, their grilled-to-order skewers are always fresh and delicious, pairing perfectly with their house-made sambals. Prices start from RM2.50 for a stick of Long Bean or Ladyfinger, but most of the skewers are priced around RM3 to RM5. I highly recommend their grilled Squid (seasonal price) if you see it on the glass display, as it’s always well-cooked. Each piece is priced according to weight, so make sure you ask for the final cost before you go ahead.

Unit number: Level 3, Lot J3-19B
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 10pm
Website
Kindo BBQ is a halal-certified eatery.

Best food at JB City Square

Drop by City Square during your next trip to JB, and go restaurant-hopping to make full use of the cheaper prices. For those planning a trip soon, read our guide to the best Johor Bahru cafes. Alternatively, check out the best breakfast spots in JB.