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I’ll be honest, Johor Bahru isn’t my first choice for a holiday. The only reason I go over, like most Singaporeans, is because it’s near and cheap. There isn’t much happening in JB, but there’s always good food around each corner.
Unlike the lists you see online, these are places I would go again AND have a decent rating (4 and above, with at least 50 reviews) on Google Maps.
I regard Google Maps reviews as the most unbiased rating, so unless something especially hits the spot, the places on this list must pass the court of public opinion.
I’ve tried every restaurant on this list personally, multiple times, and will update it as I keep doing so.
Note
- All Google ratings are at the time of review
- Prices include tax
Now, as much as I like them, I don’t generally believe in food worth traveling for. Here are the restaurants by location so go to anyone near you, and you won’t regret it.
Awa Mee Bar (Paradigm Mall)
Google map rating: 4.7
On the fourth floor of the mall, I was craving non-western food when I found this relatively unique offering. It was almost full on a Sunday afternoon and I ordered their signature dry noodles with tonkutsu soup (RM 31.2)
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I went for the non-spicy version because my stomach is weak and I’m a pussy, but asked for their chili on the side.
The soup came in a hot stone bowl and contained pork slices, tofu, cabbage, meatballs, tomato, surprisingly crunchy corn, and beancurd skin. It was flavorful yet gentle on my tastebuds., a welcome change from all the over-seasoned mamak food.
The noodles tasted like ordinary pan mian and came with deep-fried battered enoki mushroom that I felt was a little dry. Probably meant to be dipped into the soup. I did feel the portion for the noodles was a little small, but in contrast, the soup was generous.
Dingji Chee Cheong Fun Foodtruck (Mount Austin)
Google map rating: 4.3 (Link)
This humble food truck serves an array of fried food and chee cheong fun (rice noodle rolls). You take a metal plate and tong and pick your favorites. There is a single small table you can eat at, but it's not going to be the most comfortable way to eat.
You can choose between red sauce, brown sauce, and curry sauce. I asked the owner for his recommendation, and he said a mix of red and brown sauce. He also gave me some curry sauce on the side. The curry sauce turned out to be my favorite.
I couldn't remember exactly what I got, but the whole plate cost me a very affordable 11 RM.
As I chow down on the delightful assortment of fried fritters and two rolls of chee cheong funs, the owner lamented to me how his two sons didn't want to continue the business. Guess it's the same problem in both Singapore and Malaysia.
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or read review
Maizeland (Mount Austin)
Google map rating: 4.6 (Link)
This lovely and clean cafe has aircon and fast wifi and a killer Crispy Salted Egg Chicken Chop (20.8 RM). You can choose two sides. I chose fried egg but somehow I got a scrambled egg.
The chicken chop was crispy and the rice was really fragrant. I love the little red chili in the salted egg sauce for a dash of spiciness. I only wished they would give me a larger portion of rice.
O Moi Cafe (Mount Austin)
Google map rating: 4.9 (Link)
This is such a hidden gem and wasn't crowded at all when I was there. The owner was very service-orientated. The place has great aircon and fast wifi, and you won't be rushed even after you finish your food.
I ordered the XO Noodles with Pork Chop (17.75 MR). While the portion was a little small (although am thinking this is a me problem), the crispy pork cutlet and the savory noodles were a match made in heaven.
Relative to other hyped restaurants, this place was quiet and had aircon and wifi. The service was impeccable, with the owner assuring me I could take my time and relax even after I had finished my meal.
Padi Kopitiam (Jalan Trus)
They have outlets at Mount Austin and Taman Impiam Emas too.
Google map rating: 4.6 (Link)
This is simply the perfect place for Singaporeans who love to try Malaysian food but want the comfort of a clean and air-conditioned place. I must have eaten here the most in my visits to JB because there's such a wide variety of my favorites.
They have toast and half-boiled eggs for breakfast and nasi lemak for lunch or dinner. Even their chee cheong fun was great. I usually top up the meal with their Black Bean Soya Milk (5.9 RM). Their banana cake and goreng pisang were excellent too.
This isn't the cheapest place compared to other eateries, but you are paying for the comfort and service.
IT Roo Cafe (Jalan Dhoby)
Google Map rating: 4.1 (Link)
Jalan Dhoby is commonly known as the place where silly Singaporean’s go and eat overpriced food. It’s true but that’s okay.
But, it’s near the checkpoint and the food is good. I go there all the time and happily pay the premium. Beats paying the Grab cost to go out of the way.
IT Roo Cafe is one of those well-known shops, known for its fried chicken chop. I’m also glad that it’s one of the few casual diners that has air conditioning.
My usual order is the Chicken Chop with 2 Eggs (22.26 RM) and the Seafood Fried Rice (12.61 RM). Note that this is quite a lot of food and one person should just order either one.
You have a choice of various sauces but I always go for the mushroom sauce which comes with mushroom slices. The chicken chop comes with thick potato wedges, coleslaw, and a slice of tomato and cucumber.
Flower in the Window (Jalan Dhoby)
Google Maps rating: 4.3 (Link)
I’m a sucker for aesthetically pleasing cafes because coffee in places like this in Singapore cost a pinkie finger. This cafe is chill with plenty of dried flowers and a rustic vibe.
Let’s face it, you are not in places like this for food or even the coffee. The coffee and pastries are alright, but nothing a quality cafe wouldn’t serve. I got an iced latte. I wouldn’t eat a meal at places like this, because I’m all about local food.
There’s decent aircon on the first floor, but feels weak on the second. Wifi is good but I didn’t see any usable power outlets (I was sitting on the first floor), which makes it inferior to places like Offee Cafe.
I would still highly recommend at least visiting once since the vibe here is quite different from the other cafes around.
Tagged jalan dhoby johor bahru mount austin