What Food To Try in Johor Bahru and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Johor Bahru for 2024.
National currency: Malaysian Ringgit, symbol — RM (international currency code MYR).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Johor Bahru cafes and restaurants
$2.3
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $1.72
$19.3
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $12.86
$3.4
Combo Meal
Starting from $3.22
What to Try in Johor Bahru
Must-try Dishes
Nasi Lemak - Coconut Rice (fragrant and creamy) - This beloved dish features rice cooked in coconut milk, accompanied by sambal, crispy anchovies, peanuts, and a boiled egg. Often enjoyed for breakfast, you'll find locals tucking into this comforting staple at roadside stalls early in the morning.Kway Teow - Stir-Fried Flat Rice Noodles (wok hei goodness) - Smooth flat rice noodles stir-fried with shrimp, Chinese sausage, and chives, delivering a smoky flavor. A common street food choice, it's best ordered late-night at hawker centers where it’s served piping hot.
Takeaway Kampong Chicken Rice - Traditional Chicken Rice (succulent and aromatic) - Poached chicken served with fragrant rice and spicy chili sauce, a gratifying meal for lunch or dinner. Locals prefer to eat it when they need a hearty yet light option after a long day.
Laksa Johor - Johor Laksa (spicy and creamy) - A unique version of laksa made with thick rice noodles and a rich coconut-based fish gravy. It's commonly enjoyed at family gatherings or special occasions, with each bowl showcasing a blend of local flavors that reminds me of home.
Roti John - John's Bread (savory and crispy) - A crispy sandwich stuffed with minced meat, onions, and egg, griddled to perfection. Often found at night markets, it’s a perfect after-dinner snack that locals can't resist despite the fullness.
Hokkien Mee - Hokkien Noodles (thick and rich) - This dish features thick yellow noodles cooked in a savory broth with prawns, pork, and squid, reflecting Johor's Chinese heritage. Locals typically indulge in it for dinner, often favoring a side of sambal for added zest.
Asam Pedas - Spicy and Sour Fish Stew (tangy and robust) - A fiery tamarind-based fish stew that combines spices and vegetables, typically served with rice. Enjoyed during the rainy season, it's comforting and filling, making it a favorite among locals for family meals.
Keropok Lekor - Fish Crackers (crispy and chewy) - A street food favorite, these deep-fried fish crackers are made from a mix of fish and sago flour, often enjoyed with a tangy dipping sauce. It’s customary to munch on them while chatting with friends, making every bite a nostalgic experience.
Desserts & Drinks
Cendol - Cendol (cool dessert) - A refreshing blend of pandan-flavored rice flour noodles, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup, often topped with shaved ice. Locals enjoy this cool treat especially during hot afternoons or after meals to cool down, especially at street food stalls. Kopi O - Kopi O (black coffee) - Strong coffee brewed with robusta beans and served black with sugar, often enjoyed steaming hot during breakfast. It's not unusual to see groups of friends gathering in coffee shops early in the morning, sharing stories over their cups.
Z trang - Z trang (local fruit punch) - A vibrant mix of fresh local fruits like watermelon, pineapple, and passionfruit, often served icy cold in glass jars. Perfect for quenching thirst during hot days, you'll spot it among locals at hawker centres. By the way, don't forget to ask for it "natural"; otherwise, they might add extra syrup!
Kuih Lapis - Kuih Lapis (layered cake) - This colorful steamed rice flour cake is delicately layered with coconut milk, sugar, and pandan flavoring. Typically served at family gatherings or festive occasions, you'll find it offered during celebrations and has a delightful chewy texture.
Teh Tarik - Teh Tarik (pulled tea) - A frothy tea made with black tea and condensed milk, skillfully poured back and forth to create a creamy foam. Found in almost every kopitiam (coffee shop), it's a must-have during evening hangouts, usually accompanied by some local snacks. Locals often enjoy watching the ‘pulling’ technique which showcases the skill of the server!
Food and Groceries in Johor Bahru
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $0.67 |
| Bananas | $1.12 |
| Oranges | $2.59 |
| Potatoes | $0.68 |
| Apples | $2.52 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.57 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $2.74 |
| Imported Beer | $3.39 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $12.86 |
| Milk 1L | $1.47 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $7.55 |
| Chicken | $4.74 |
| Cigarettes | $3.86 |
| Rice | $1.04 |
| Local Cheese | $12.42 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
In Johor Bahru, dining can be quite an expressive affair, especially around typical mealtimes. Lunch, for instance, usually spills from 12 PM to 2 PM, with lines forming outside popular spots—it's like a mini-pendulum swinging from the desire to eat to the urgency of fitting in as many meals as possible during the workday. Street vendors and restaurants come alive during this time, with the scent of grilled satay lingering in the air and the sounds of sizzle creating an inviting atmosphere.
You’ll find that prices vary widely depending on the dining district. For example, a bowl of hearty laksa can range from RM 6 at a crowded kopitiam in Taman Sentosa to RM 18 in a more upscale setting at a mall. This dynamic showcases how areas like Taman Sugai, with its bustling hawker centers, offer affordable options for anyone looking to taste local flavors on a budget. Plus, keep an eye out for the season—during the festive periods, like Aidilfitri, prices can spike due to demand, so it’s wise to plan around that.
One payment custom that often trips up visitors is not having exact cash. While card payments are becoming more common, especially in malls and restaurants, many street vendors still prefer cash and sometimes won’t have a way to break larger notes. Ensuring you carry small denominations (like RM 1 or RM 5) is a smart practice—I’ve seen more than one hungry tourist stuck without exact change while trying to snag a fresh nasi lemak.
When dining, don’t worry about tipping; it’s not customary here. Instead, rounding up your bill or leaving small change can be considered generous, but it’s rarely expected. An authentic local habit to keep in mind is sharing food. Many Johor Bahru residents order several dishes to share among friends or family, creating a lively dining experience rather than a singular plate-for-one format.
Best hours to visit local eateries usually fall outside the typical rush times, particularly if you want to avoid long waits. Early or late lunch times can yield quicker service, around 11:30 AM or after 1:30 PM. For fulfilling your cravings without the throngs, consider making reservations where possible, especially at popular restaurants, to ensure you snag a table.
With so much life and vibrancy encapsulated within each meal shared, Johor Bahru's food scene reinforces a sense of community and connection that resonates throughout the city. As newer spots pop up, influenced by younger generations embracing global flavors, I suspect we’ll see even more evolution of these dining habits—we’re in for some exciting culinary times ahead!
You’ll find that prices vary widely depending on the dining district. For example, a bowl of hearty laksa can range from RM 6 at a crowded kopitiam in Taman Sentosa to RM 18 in a more upscale setting at a mall. This dynamic showcases how areas like Taman Sugai, with its bustling hawker centers, offer affordable options for anyone looking to taste local flavors on a budget. Plus, keep an eye out for the season—during the festive periods, like Aidilfitri, prices can spike due to demand, so it’s wise to plan around that.
One payment custom that often trips up visitors is not having exact cash. While card payments are becoming more common, especially in malls and restaurants, many street vendors still prefer cash and sometimes won’t have a way to break larger notes. Ensuring you carry small denominations (like RM 1 or RM 5) is a smart practice—I’ve seen more than one hungry tourist stuck without exact change while trying to snag a fresh nasi lemak.
When dining, don’t worry about tipping; it’s not customary here. Instead, rounding up your bill or leaving small change can be considered generous, but it’s rarely expected. An authentic local habit to keep in mind is sharing food. Many Johor Bahru residents order several dishes to share among friends or family, creating a lively dining experience rather than a singular plate-for-one format.
Best hours to visit local eateries usually fall outside the typical rush times, particularly if you want to avoid long waits. Early or late lunch times can yield quicker service, around 11:30 AM or after 1:30 PM. For fulfilling your cravings without the throngs, consider making reservations where possible, especially at popular restaurants, to ensure you snag a table.
With so much life and vibrancy encapsulated within each meal shared, Johor Bahru's food scene reinforces a sense of community and connection that resonates throughout the city. As newer spots pop up, influenced by younger generations embracing global flavors, I suspect we’ll see even more evolution of these dining habits—we’re in for some exciting culinary times ahead!