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 the best JB City Square food spots for famous Korean fried chicken and more.
The current exchange rate is RM1 = ~S$0.30 as of 26 February 2026.
Din Tai Fung is a hot favourite among Singaporeans, and I’m sure many out there agree that their XLB are one of the best. Order your fill of their signature Pork Xiao Long Bao (RM18.97++ for six), or take it up a notch with the Crab Roe Xiao Long Bao (RM28.45++ for six) or Truffle Pork Xiao Long Bao (RM19.83++ for six). If you’re a fan of dumplings and noodles as a pair, get a bowl of Sesame & Peanut Sauce Wonton Noodle (from RM26.29++) too.
Unit number: 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.
Oriental Kopi sports a long queue at almost any time of the day. They’re known for their egg tarts, which are now available in Taro Egg Tart (RM12.80 for two); the perfect combination of 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, featuring thick chunks of butter and house-made kaya stacked between thin slices of toast.
Read our Oriental Kopi Singapore review.
Unit number: Level B1, Lot MB-07
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am to 10pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am to 10pm
Website
Oriental Kopi is a halal-certified eatery.
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), which boasts a floral scent with every sip you take. If you enjoy a richer and smoother mouthfeel, I recommend trying the Tie Guan Yin Cold Brew (RM12.90) 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 number: Level B1, Lot MB-10A
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 10pm
Website
CHAGEE is a halal-certified eatery.
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 (RM8.20). Otherwise, I encourage you to get the Jumbo Cheese Sausage (RM13.70) and Cheezzy Jalapeno Smoked Sausage Nuggets (RM13.70) instead.
Unit number: Level B1, Lot MKB1-03
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 10pm
Website
Auntie Anne’s is a halal-certified eatery.
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 (RM16.80), 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 (RM15.80) and Crispy Roasted Pork (RM15.80).
Unit number: Level 3, Lot MF21A-22
Opening hours: Daily 10:30am to 10pm
Website
Meng Meng Roasted Duck is not a halal-certified eatery.
Hotpot lovers can head down to Arashi Shabu-Shabu for affordable offerings. A pot of Arashi Spicy Sichuan costs RM16++ while Arashi Tomato is priced at RM14++. FYI, there are more than 10 broths to choose from here! The Boneless Ribeye Shabu Set (from RM61.90++) is ideal for two diners and includes a broth of your choice, a ribeye platter, and a veggie platter.
Unit number: Level 2, Lot J205
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Website
Arashi Shabu-Shabu is not a halal-certified eatery.
South Korean BBQ chain Bornga opened its doors in Singapore and Malaysia a while back. For a value-for-money BBQ experience, opt for the 2 or 3 People Combo Set (RM298++), which comes with premium meat cuts, stew, rice, and drinks. Alternatively, try the Bornga Ogyeop Bossam (RM85++), featuring steamed—not grilled—pork belly accompanied with veggies and sides.
Unit number: Level 3, Lot MF-23
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Website
Bornga is not a halal-certified eatery.
Ming Ang Confectionery is a popular Malaysian brand that specialises in fresh Chinese pastries. They’ve been around since 1992 and are known for their traditional pastries such as the Golden Milk Pastry (RM4.90) filled with pandan jam and the Salted Egg Yolk Biscuit (RM5.80), the perfect sweet-savoury combination.
Unit number: Level 3, Lot M3-04
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 10pm
Website
Ming Ang Confectionery is not a halal-certified eatery.
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.
Unit number: Level 3, Lot J3-17
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 10pm
Website
KyoChon is a halal-certified eatery.
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.
Unit number: Level B1, MB03, 04 & 05
Opening hours: Daily 10:30am to 10pm
Website
Penyet Express is a halal-certified eatery.
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. 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.
If the queue at Oriental Kopi is too long, consider Hock Kee Kopitiam, where you can get similar offerings at wallet-friendly prices. Start with the Steamed Chicken Rice (RM13.90) for a safe bet, or the Rendang Chicken Drumstick with Rice (RM11.90) if you prefer bolder flavours. Then, round off your meal with the Signature Sunshine Egg Tart (RM4.80) or the Matcha Egg Tart (RM6.80), a classic treat zhnged up with green tea.
Unit number: Level 4, Lot J04-08 & 09
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 10pm
Website
Hock Kee Kopitiam is a halal-certified eatery.
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.
Feature image adapted from Arashi Shabu-Shabu, City Square JB and Khairur Azhan via Google Maps.
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