Johor's Hidden Old-School Food Spots
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If you’re planning a trip to Johor Bahru, food should definitely be at the top of your list. The city is filled with hidden local gems — from spicy curry fish head to grilled seafood, traditional desserts, and nostalgic coffee shops — each offering a unique taste of Malaysia.
To make your culinary journey smooth and convenient, Excellent Transport and Travel Services provides comfortable charter van services. You can easily explore multiple food spots in one day without worrying about directions or parking.
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Restoran Sulam Curry Fish Head
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| Image credit: celinemy |
pin_drop 51, Jalan Sulam, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim
When it comes to Johor Bahru’s signature curry fish head, Restoran Sulam is a top favorite. The thick, aromatic curry, tender fish meat, and steamy rice create a comforting local meal.
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| Image credit: celinemy, Izato S H, Restoran Sulam Curry Fish Head, Norah Suleman |
They also serve curry mutton, fried chicken, and vegetable curry — every dish rich with spices and authentic Malaysian flavor.
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Larkin Bakar Putu Piring
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| Image Credit: Nik Salmiah Nik Ismail |
pin_drop 46, Jalan Langkasuka, Larkin Jaya, 80350 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim
Famous for its freshly grilled traditional Malay dessert, this Putu Piring stall in Larkin attracts long queues every night. Soft rice cakes filled with warm palm sugar and topped with grated coconut make it irresistible.
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| Image credit: Nik Salmiah Nik Ismail, Mohamed Azman Md Nor, AJ Afham, Khairul Ahmad |
The smoky aroma adds a special touch, making it one of the best local snacks for supper.
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IT Roo Café
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| Image Credit: Yong Hwa Goo |
pin_drop 17, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim
Located in downtown Johor Bahru, IT Roo Café is a nostalgic coffee shop best known for its “Best Chicken Chop in Town.” The crispy fried chicken drenched in homemade sauce, served with fries and egg, blends Western style with Malaysian taste.
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| Image credit: Yong Hwa Goo, Shanna Gandicela, Boon Leong Chong, Andy |
The cozy ambiance makes it a great spot to enjoy an afternoon coffee or casual meal.
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Baliban Braise Duck
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| Image Credit: Lim YuFeng |
pin_drop 17, Jalan Kilang Nenas, Batu 8½, Taman Sutera Utama, 81300 Skudai, Johor
Teochew Braise Duck is beloved by locals for its rich, flavorful gravy and tender duck meat. The perfectly braised dishes — from duck to pork leg and tofu — are comforting and full of depth.
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| Image Credit: Lim YuFeng, Amos, Chong Chong Tan, Jessen Yeo |
| It’s a must-visit for those who appreciate authentic Teochew-style slow-cooked flavors. |
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Restoran Min Corner
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| Image Credit: Tiger Sai |
pin_drop 110, Jalan Pahlawan 2, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, 81300 Skudai, Johor Darul Ta'zim
Restoran Min Corner is known for its handmade traditional Chinese and Nyonya kuih (cakes). Their carrot cake, glutinous rice, and coconut desserts are freshly made daily.
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| Image Credit: Tiger Sai, Michelle Soh, Kelvin Lim, Tee Ken Hong |
Each bite carries decades of tradition, offering a simple yet heartwarming taste of home.
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Restoran Wah Cai 3 In 1 Chinese Cake
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| Image Credit: Shawn Tye |
pin_drop 86, Jalan Pahlawan 2, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, 81300 Skudai, Johor Darul Ta'zim
Wah Cai’s 3-in-1 fried Chinese cake is a local legend. The crispy golden crust wraps soft yam, sweet potato, and sticky rice cake — a combination that’s crunchy, chewy, and sweet all at once.
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| Image Credit: Shawn Tye, Angel Kho, i'm kid, Yokefu Wok |
It’s a crowd favorite for tea time and often draws long queues for good reason.
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Sin Huat Ikan Bakar
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| Image Credit: Andy Chen |
pin_drop 8, 51, Jalan Loo Hong Joon, Kampung Baru Pandan, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
Seafood lovers can’t miss Sin Huat Ikan Bakar. Their grilled fish served on hot plates with spicy sambal sauce is mouthwatering.
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| Image Credit: Andy Chen, See Yie Yang, Shing Yi Yap, Michelle Cen |
Pair it with grilled squid, prawns, or clams for a full-on seafood feast — best enjoyed at night with friends and laughter.
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Tua Thow Restaurant
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| Image Credit: edtayjb |
pin_drop Jalan Tun Abdul Razak (Susur 4), Taman Bakti, 80100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim
Tua Thow Restaurant is a humble noodle soup shop famous for its rich pork broth and silky kway teow noodles. Each bowl is packed with fresh ingredients — pork slices, liver, and meatballs — bringing out that comforting homemade flavor.
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| Image Credit: Google, Pohboon Yeo, mohd yuzaimi mohd yusof, Ling Ling |
It’s a nostalgic taste that has warmed generations of Johoreans.
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