If planning a Johor Bahru trip to hit all the must-try food spots feels daunting, we’ve got you covered. From hearty bagel breakfasts to indulgent zi char feasts, this two-day JB food itinerary is packed with delicious stops to help you make the most of your trip.
The current exchange rate is RM1 = ~S$0.30 as of 26 March 2025.
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Since you’re probably starving by the time you’ve crossed the border, we reckon your breakfast spot should be somewhere near the customs. But it’s also got to be somewhat filling to make up for all that empty space in your stomach. And so we’ve landed on Palates & Bagels By T.A.M, a cafe that’s a short 10-minute drive from the JB checkpoint.
They offer three signature bagels: Original (RM6++), Parmesan Cheese (RM8++), and Flavoured (RM7++), which come with toppings such as Cranberry, Mixed Black Sesame, and Pumpkin Seeds. We’re a fan of their savoury bagels, specifically the Ah Seng (RM30++). This rendition is stuffed with a thick prawn patty, egg, caramelised onions, and sliced cheddar.
Read our Palates & Bagels By T.A.M coverage.
Address: 10 Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 6pm
Website
Palates & Bagels By T.A.M is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
After that hearty breakfast, you’re going to need a pick-me-up. We recommend Space Cafe, a hidden gem in Holiday Villa Johor Bahru City Centre Hotel.
The best thing about Space Cafe is their extensive menu. Don’t miss the Caramel Biscotti Coffee (RM18+), served with house-made honeycomb candy for added sweetness and crunch. Stir in the espresso for a perfect blend of rich milk, sweet caramel, and bold coffee. Alternatively, the Orange Americano (RM18+) offers a creamy, refreshing twist with house-made cold brew and a zesty citrus finish.
Read our Space Cafe coverage.
Address: Holiday Villa, G-11, 260, Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 9pm
Tel: +60 17-663 7562
Website
Space Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery.
If you’re planning on visiting Mount Austin during your day trip, we recommend stopping by the area’s Restoran Uncle Pou Wok for lunch.
This popular zi char haunt among Singaporeans offers Malaysian classics such as KL Hokkien Mee (RM12.50+), which boasts thick, udon-like noodles stir-fried with prawns, slices of fish cake, cuttlefish, and lap cheong. Every slurp of the dark noodles was smoky, as they had been kissed by wok hei. Kids and adults alike would also enjoy their Sweet & Sour Pork (RM20+), which stays crunchy despite being coated in a sticky, tangy sauce.
Address: 103, Jalan Austin Heights 3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 3pm, 5:30pm to 10pm
Tel: +60 19-857 6900
Website
Restoran Uncle Pou Wok is not a halal-certified eatery.
For those with a sweet tooth, drop by Ukiyo Cafe for dainty French-Japanese cakes in a pretty-in-pink space. Located in Mount Austin, it’s just a short walk from Restoran Uncle Pou Wok or any nearby lunch spot.
Here, the Genie (RM22++) is a popular pick: this is a fudgy matcha cube with a rich dark chocolate middle, an instant hit for most matcha fans. Alternatively, try the Mount Nimba (RM26++), made with raspberry creme brulee, cocoa nibs, and milk chocolate mousse. Order a cup of Caffe Latte (from RM13++) to go along with the sweet treats, and you have afternoon tea sorted.
Read our Ukiyo coverage.
Address: 17-02, Jalan Austin Heights 8/3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 12pm to 7pm
Tel: +60 12-936 9760
Website
Ukiyo Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery, but their food contains no pork or lard.
A satisfying dinner is a must for any day trip, and so we recommend you check out Restoran Teck Sing, widely considered one of the best zi char restaurants in JB.
With more than 70 items on the menu here, you’re simply spoiled for choice. Favourites with the crowd here are Egg with Salted Turnips (from RM12), Curry Fish Head (RM48), and Sambal Kang Kong (from RM13), said to be served with a house-made sambal. Don’t forget to order the star dish Paper Baked Chicken (RM36.60), which sees chicken cooked in its own essence and a secret sauce blend, zhnged-up with herbs including red dates, goji berries, and dang gui, AKA angelica root.
Read our Restoran Teck Sing coverage.
Address: 3&5, Jalan Sutera 1, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Fri-Sun 11am to 8:30pm
Website
Restoran Teck Sing is not a halal-certified eatery.
Should you still have room for supper, you can make a final stop for the day at Broloklok.
This lok lok eatery, which opens till 2am every day except Wednesday, prices their skewers from just RM1/~S$0.30. You can enjoy items such as tiger prawns, bacon-wrapped enoki mushrooms, chicken wings and more here, all of which can be paired with a range of free-flow sauces.
Read our Broloklok coverage.
Address: 41, Jalan Mutiara Emas 2A, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Thurs-Tue 7pm to 2am
Website
Broloklok is not a halal-certified eatery.
Nimmies Pastry Cafe is arguably one of JB’s most famous cafes, known for their gorgeous Bali-inspired decor that blends raw industrial aesthetics with classic vintage elements. They are also known for their excellent pastry and brunch items, making this the perfect place to start your second day.
One of the cafe’s standout items is the Crombolloni, which comes in four flavours: Nutella (RM22++), Taro (RM20++), Kinder Bueno (RM24++), and Pistachio Berry (RM25++). If you’d like a savoury breakfast instead, you’ve got the likes of Arab Maghreb Shakshouka (RM29++) and Chicken Cutlet Green Pesto Tagliatelle (RM38++) to fill you up in no time.
Read our Nimmies Pastry Cafe coverage.
Address: 171, Jln Beringin, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 11pm
Website
Nimmies Pastry Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
A five-minute walk away from the previous location is Hiritsu Coffee Roastery. They’re known for their hand brew bar, where baristas meticulously craft drinks from scratch. This cafe is also relatively near KSL City Mall, so it would be convenient to do some shopping there after you grab a pick-me-up.
Try unique drinks such as the Shaddock Gathered Coffee (RM18+)—a refreshing cold brew mixed with tonic water and pomelo, topped with creamy foam. For something fruity, go for the Running Peach (RM18+), blending cold brew, tonic water, lime, peach, and edible ginger flower. If you’re craving a sweet snack, don’t miss the Bring Me Go Croffle (RM18+) or the Matcha Financier (RM12+).
Read our Hiritsu Coffee Roastery coverage.
Address: 89, Jalan Beringin, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 9am to 7pm
Website
Hiritsu Coffee Roastery is not a halal-certified eatery.
For a hearty lunch in the area, drop by K-Fry Urban Korean at Holiday Villa Johor Bahru City Centre. While the eatery has several branches across Malaysia, this one is particularly beloved, with a 4.8-star rating from over 16K Google reviews.
K-Fry specialises in sizzling cheesy fried chicken prepared right before your eyes. One of the best flavours to get is the Honey Mustard Cheesy Fried Chicken (RM74.20++), a sweet-tangy crowd-pleaser that feeds up to four, featuring 12 boneless pieces smothered in sauce and served with molten mozzarella. Other standout flavours include the sweet-spicy Yangnyeom and their signature Spicy Cheesy option.
Read our K-Fry Urban Korean coverage.
Address: 260, Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 11pm
Tel: +60 7-266 0902
Website
K-Fry Urban Korean is a halal-certified eatery.
Fans of matcha will love Slow Day Cafe, a popular spot in Mount Austin with drinks and desserts inspired by Japanese tea.
The trendy Strawberry Matcha (RM17.90) is a good pick, featuring three beautiful layers of sweet strawberry compote, fresh milk, and a matcha shot. For something that’ll wake you up in no time, get the Matcha Espresso (RM17.90), a nice blend of robust coffee and umami matcha. For eats, try the Genmaicha Cake (RM28), which has aromatic nuttiness distinctly different from matcha, with hints of roasted brown rice
Read our Slow Day Cafe coverage.
Address: No. 2-01, Jalan Austin Heights 7/8, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 12pm to 8pm, Fri-Sun 12pm to 12am
Website
Slow Day Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery.
While claypot lala has become a sensation in Singapore, the OG in Johor Bahru is still worth the trip. Head to Mount Austin’s popular Dai Tao Lala to taste the authentic dish that started it all.
The Dai Tao Signature Soup with Clams (RM38+) is a standout—watch as staff prepare it tableside, flambeing ginger, garlic and Shaoxing wine before adding aromatic seafood broth. The result is a rich, fragrant soup brimming with plump, sweet clams, balanced by earthy fried garlic and a hint of ginger that enhances their natural brininess. You can make your soup even more flavourful by adding sides such as Baby Octopus (RM16.90+), Lobster Balls (RM10.90+), Thousand Layer Tripe (RM18.20+) and more.
Read our Dai Tao Lala coverage.
Address: 49, Jalan Austin Heights, 8/5, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 5pm to 3am
Tel: +60 12-601 1788
Website
Dai Tao Lala is not a halal-certified eatery.
Should you still have room for supper, consider Jiah Xiang Dim Sum, a 24/7 eatery that offers affordable yet delicious dim sum.
Some dim sum classics you can get here include Char Siu Cheong Fan (RM7+), Siew Mai (RM7+), Liu Sha Bao (RM7.80+), and Fried Carrot Cake (RM8.50+), all of which hit the spot, even in the wee hours of the night. Don’t leave without trying the Kataifi Mango Shrimp (RM7.80+), where thin, noodle-like strips of filo pastry encase a mango and shrimp centre.
Read our Jiah Xiang Dim Sum coverage.
Address: Ground Floor Block F, Plaza Sentosa, Lot 1, Jalan Sutera 1, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours
Website
Jiah Xiang Dim Sum is not a halal-certified eatery.
We hope our itinerary will leave you feeling sated and satisfied after two days of JB food. For more cafes there to check out, read our best Johor Bahru cafes guide. For breakfast places, read our 15 best JB breakfast spots guide.