Johor Bahru Food Guide: What to Eat and Where to Order

Local tip

The best food is found in hawker centers and neighborhood kopitiams outside the immediate CIQ and JB Sentral mall area, where prices are roughly 30% cheaper. Carry cash and small Ringgit notes (RM1, RM5, RM10) as most traditional stalls do not accept cards or e-wallets. Peak breakfast hours in kopitiams run from 08:00 to 10:00, while many famous lunch stalls sell out by 13:30.

Best Laksa Johor in Johor Bahru

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Laksa Johor @ Plaza Larkin

LarkinThis stall is widely considered the gold standard for commercial Laksa Johor. The gravy is impeccably thick and the spice balance is exactly as heritage recipes dictate.

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Warung Saga

Kampung MahmoodiahWarung Saga is a legendary breakfast spot where the Laksa Johor tastes like a home-cooked family meal. It is a no-frills setting that prioritizes flavor over aesthetics.

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ZZ Sup Tulang

Kampung BahruFamous for bone marrow soup, ZZ also serves a very credible Laksa Johor in a lush, garden-like setting. It's a great spot for those who want to try multiple Johor specialties in one sitting.

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The Jiran Cafe

Taman MelodiesA modern cafe that treats heritage recipes with reverence. Their Laksa Johor presentation is cleaner than hawker stalls but the flavors remain uncompromisingly traditional.

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Laksa Johor Mami

LarkinOften used interchangeably with the main Plaza Larkin stall, "Mami" refers to the specific recipe and matriarchal cooking style that defines the Larkin laksa legacy.

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Selera Johor

Plaza LarkinAnother strong contender in the Larkin Laksa ecosystem, offering a slightly different spice profile but maintaining the mandatory thick consistency.

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Warong Terbalik

SkudaiA popular spot for students and locals in the Skudai area, offering great value without compromising on the heritage recipe.

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Laksa Johor D'Zun

Taman PerlingServes a very traditional version that focuses on the "ulam" (fresh herbs) variety, which is crucial for the authentic Laksa Johor experience.

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Hutan Bandar MBJB Stall

Jalan Kolam AyerPerfect for a post-morning-walk breakfast. The open-air setting fits the rustic nature of the dish.

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Laksa Johor @ Food Court Angsana

TampoiA convenient air-conditioned option for those who want a quick bite while shopping.

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Restoran Selera

Jalan Dato' DalamA classic Malay restaurant that has been serving the city center crowd for decades.

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Warung Kak Ani

LarkinA neighborhood favorite that serves a very small batch each day. Once it's gone, it's gone—usually by 11:00 AM.

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Restoran Bunga

Stulang LautPair this with a walk along the Stulang Laut waterfront. Their Laksa Johor is known for a slightly more refined gravy texture.

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Bumbu Asli

Taman Kolam AirBumbu Asli is known for high-quality Malay cuisine. Their Laksa Johor is praised for its rich use of fish meat in the gravy, giving it a superior texture.

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Al Ansar Café

Permas JayaThis is a "locals' secret" for authentic Laksa Johor. The preparation is traditional, and the condiments are always fresh and vibrant.

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Kedai Makan Haji Wahid

Angsana MallWhile their Mee Rebus is the main draw, their Laksa Johor is a reliable and accessible version for those already shopping at Angsana.

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Seri Bayu Laksa Johor

Taman Sri TebrauUseful for travelers staying in the Pelangi/Tebrau area who don't want to travel all the way to Larkin.

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Kedai Laksa Johor

Taman Kolam AirA small, dedicated laksa shop that focuses purely on this dish, ensuring high turnover and fresh gravy.

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Warung Jiran

Taman MelodiesShares the location with The Jiran Cafe but often refers to the more casual stall setup. Authentic and highly recommended by locals.

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Warung Kak Rose

Taman Adda HeightsKnown for its generous portions and very spicy sambal belacan accompaniment.

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Best Mee Rebus Johor in Johor Bahru

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Mee Rebus House

Taman MelodiesWidely considered the "premium" choice for Mee Rebus in JB, offering a cleaner, air-conditioned environment and a very consistent, high-quality gravy.

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Mee Rebus Haji Wahid

Larkin SentralThe most famous name in the Mee Rebus world. While they have many branches, the Larkin stall maintains a historic, high-turnover charm.

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Zainal's Place

Taman Sri TebrauAnother heavyweight in the Mee Rebus scene. Their gravy is known for being slightly sweeter and very smooth.

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Mee Rebus Stulang Laut

Taman Dataran LarkinOriginally from the Stulang Laut area, this stall is famous for its thick gravy and the addition of crispy fritters that soak up the sauce.

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Roslin Mee Rebus

Kebun TehA neighborhood gem that locals swear by. It's often less crowded than the big names but offers comparable quality.

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Mee Rebus Power

KempasA well-known stall in the Kempas area that lives up to its name with a very robust and spicy gravy.

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Mee Rebus Tulang @ Larkin

LarkinSeveral stalls in Larkin Sentral offer the tulang version. Look for the one with the largest display of bones.

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Mee Rebus D'Zun

Taman PerlingA local favorite in the Perling area with a very balanced spice profile.

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Restoran Singgah Selalu

Danga BayWhile more of a seafood/mixed rice destination, their Mee Rebus is a solid nighttime option for those staying near Danga Bay.

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Best Nasi Lemak in Johor Bahru

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Nasi Lemak Hantu

Taman PelangiFamous for its "Spicy Level" options and its modern, trendy vibe. The **Nasi Lemak Ayam Cili Api** is the star for those who crave intense heat.

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Tudong Saji

LarkinKnown for its generous portions and authentic Malay village vibe. The rendang is highly recommended as a side.

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Charcoal Sutera

Taman Sutera UtamaOffers a more refined, cafe-style Nasi Lemak using Basmathi rice, which is lighter and more aromatic.

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Restoran Mana Lagi

Taman PerlingA massive, bustling eatery where the "customization" is king. You can choose from dozens of side dishes to accompany your coconut rice.

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Nasi Lemak Cikgu

Taman MolekPopular among office workers in the Molek area for its consistent flavor and efficient service.

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Nasi Lemak @ ZZ Sup Tulang

Kampung BahruTheir Nasi Lemak is a robust version, often paired with their famous bone marrow soup side.

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Nasi Lemak @ Bumbu Asli

Taman Kolam AirHigh-quality ingredients and a particularly fragrant coconut rice.

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Restoran Mak Mah

Kota Tinggi/JBTraditional Malay food specialist, excellent nasi lemak sets.

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Nasi Lemak @ Mount Austin Area

Mount AustinGood for evening supper while exploring the Mount Austin nightlife.

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Nasi Lemak @ JB Sentral Area

City CenterIdeal for travelers on the move; look for the most crowded stall near the bridge.

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Nasi Lemak @ Selera Johor

Plaza LarkinReliable, traditional version within the Larkin food collective.

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Nasi Lemak @ The Jiran Cafe

Taman MelodiesModern presentation with traditional flavors, excellent fried chicken.

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Alang Tunggal Nasi Lemak

Pusat BandarWidely cited as the best Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng Berempah in the city center. The chicken is always freshly fried and the sambal has the perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

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Yummy Nasi Lemak House

Taman CenturyA legendary institution in JB known for its consistent quality. Their rice is particularly fragrant, and the addition of papadom to the plate is a signature touch.

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Restoran Serai Kampung

Taman Kebun TehKnown for its home-style Malay cooking. Their sambal is particularly complex, using a blend of spices that have been perfected over a decade.

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Nasi Lemak Wak Kentut

Kulai/JBDespite the humorous name, this is a serious contender for the best fried chicken. Their "double-fried" method ensures an incredibly crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy.

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Nasi Lemak Telur Bungkus Asiah Power

City CenterFamous for the "Telur Bungkus" (rice wrapped in an omelette), which adds a rich layer of flavor and texture to the coconut rice.

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Warung Mahmoodiah

Kampung MahmoodiahA humble roadside stall that is always packed with locals. Their fried chicken is traditional Malay style—simple, flavorful, and not overly oily.

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Nasi Lemak @ Warung Saga

Kampung MahmoodiahAuthentic home-cooked style, best enjoyed in the morning.

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Best Otak-Otak Muar in Johor Bahru

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Otak Shiduoli

Taman Maju JayaThe most legendary otak-otak shop in JB. They are famous for the "moistness" of their fish paste and the perfect level of char on the leaves.

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Otak-Otak JB

TampoiFamous for their innovation, specifically the **Otak-Otak Bun**. They also supply a large portion of the frozen otak-otak sold to travelers.

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Otak-Otak Cheng Boi

Various LocationsCheng Boi is a Muar institution that has authorized agents throughout JB. It is widely considered the most "pure" fish-to-paste ratio brand.

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Hiang Kee Seafood

Stulang LautWhile a seafood restaurant, their grilled-to-order otak-otak sticks are a mandatory starter for every table.

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Todak Seafood

Telok JawaFamous for its seaside location; the otak-otak here is particularly seafood-forward and spicy.

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Bazar Karat

City CenterA great place to try "street-style" otak-otak in the evening. Look for the stalls with the most smoke.

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Xiao Di Otak-Otak

Taman CenturyA local favorite for takeaways, known for having larger chunks of fish in the paste.

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Otak-Otak Ah San

SkudaiKnown for their spicy version which uses more chili than the standard Muar recipe.

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Otak-Otak 661

Taman PerlingReliable neighborhood stall with a loyal following in the western part of the city.

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City Square Food Republic

City CenterClean, air-conditioned option for travelers near the CIQ.

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Taman Pelangi Night Market

Taman PelangiThe Tuesday market has several specialist otak-otak vendors selling fresh and frozen varieties.

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Taman Melodies Area Stalls

Taman MelodiesHome to several long-standing Malay stalls that include otak-otak in their daily breakfast offerings.

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Skudai Night Market

SkudaiA massive market where you can find unique variations like **Otak-Otak Popiah**.

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San Low Seafood

Taman PelangiA massive seafood destination where the otak-otak is consistently fresh due to high turnover.

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Restoran Hua Mui

Jalan DhobyThe classic Hainanese coffee shop serves grilled otak-otak sticks that pair perfectly with their butter coffee.

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KSL City Mall Food Court

Taman CenturyConvenient spot to grab a few sticks while shopping.

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Paradigm Mall JB Stalls

SkudaiModern kiosks selling "heritage" brands in a mall setting. Convenient for bulk buying.

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JB Sentral Street Vendors

City CenterIdeal for a quick snack before boarding a bus or train to Singapore.

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Best Bak Kut Teh in Johor Bahru

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Soon Soon Heng Bak Kut Teh

Taman CenturyThis is the most famous "tourist" spot, but it holds up. The broth is a light, well-balanced herbal style that is very approachable. Their customization list is one of the most extensive in the city.

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Hwa Mei Bak Kut Teh

City CenterA legendary spot with over 50 years of history. They use a traditional charcoal fire, resulting in a deeper, more robust herbal profile compared to modern chains.

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Kedai Bak Kut Teh Hin Hock

TampoiFamous not just for its herbal BKT but also for its **Poached Fish** side dish. The broth here is slightly sweeter and very clean.

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Restaurant Shoon Huat

Taman YountenA favorite among locals for its earthy, well-balanced herbal notes. It is less "aggressive" than the dark Klang style, making it great for a morning meal.

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Kedai Makanan Ah Soon

Taman Johor JayaOne of the pioneers of charcoal-fire BKT in the Johor Jaya area. The broth has a distinct depth that is hard to replicate with gas stoves.

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Restoran Hoh Bak Kut Teh

Taman Mount AustinA great spot to combine a traditional meal with exploring the modern cafes of Mount Austin. Their soup is robust and very herbal.

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Restoran Chiam Hua

SkudaiKnown for a lighter, Teochew-leaning broth that highlights the freshness of the pork.

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Restoran Yap Seng Bak Kut Teh

Taman PerlingSpecializes in a silken, full-bodied broth that is reminiscent of the traditional Klang style but with a JB twist on the side dishes.

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Ah Hong Bak Kut Teh

Taman CenturyA reliable alternative to Soon Soon Heng for those who want a quieter atmosphere with similar quality.

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Restoran Soon Loy

Mid Valley Southkey AreaOffers a very delicate herbal soup, ideal for those who find traditional BKT too overwhelming.

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Restoran Sang Heng

Taman MelodiesA local neighborhood favorite with a very loyal following for their traditional claypot presentation.

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Cedar Point Food Court BKT Stall

Taman PelangiExcellent for dinner; the BKT stall in this food court is famous for its **Dry Bak Kut Teh**.

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Restoran 59

Taman Johor JayaFamous for its massive claypots and the addition of generous amounts of pig's trotter (Ter Kar) in the broth.

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Shun Fa Bak Kut Teh

Taman Desa TebrauA reliable chain with many branches. The original Sri Tebrau branch is known for its consistent quality and smoky, charcoal-simmered broth.

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Restoran Ah Peng Bak Kut Teh

Taman PelangiKnown for its generous portions and its excellent **Dry Bak Kut Teh**, which features a rich, dark sauce with a hint of dried cuttlefish.

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Ah Soon Bak Kut Teh

Taman Johor JayaNot to be confused with Kedai Makanan Ah Soon; this stall in the hawker center is known for its value.

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Ba Jie Bak Kut Teh

Mount AustinA modern take on the dish, offering very clean cuts of meat and a balanced herbal profile.

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Restaurant Kota Zheng Zong Bah Kut Teh

Taman PelangiFamous for its Kota Tinggi origins, this branch brings the deeply herbal, "thick" soup style to the city center.

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Restoran Yi Jia

SkudaiPart of a larger restaurant group, offering a very consistent and well-documented flavor profile.

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Kiang Kee Bak Kut Teh

Kota Tinggi (Famous Day Trip)While 45 minutes away, it is the most famous BKT in the region. Many JB locals drive here on weekends for the "Zinc Roof" experience.

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Best Kacang Pool in Johor Bahru

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Kacang Pool Haji

Stulang LautA popular branch for those who want to enjoy the dish with a sea breeze. The quality is consistent with the Larkin original.

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Medan Selera Larkin

LarkinThis food court houses several independent Kacang Pool vendors who have been operating for decades.

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Food Court Paradigm Mall

SkudaiOffers a reliable version of the dish for shoppers in the Skudai area.

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Food Court KSL City Mall

Taman CenturyA convenient option for day-trippers; usually found in the Malay food section.

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Food Court Mid Valley Southkey

SouthkeyA high-end food court environment serving a very respectable version of the Johor favorite.

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JB Sentral Area Street Vendors

City CenterQuick and efficient for a filling snack before a long journey.

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Restoran Kacang Pool Haji

Larkin (Original)The undisputed pioneer and king of Kacang Pool in Malaysia. This is the original branch that defined the dish's flavor profile for the nation.

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Best Roti Canai in Johor Bahru

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Roti Canai @ Restoran Hua Mui

Jalan DhobyThe classic Hainanese coffee shop serves a very dependable roti canai that pairs perfectly with their charcoal-toasted bread side orders.

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Restoran Selera Selatan

Taman Johor JayaKnown for exceptionally crispy roti that is often served pre-cut (roti potong) for ease of dipping. Their fish curry is a standout accompaniment.

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XiangHua Roti Canai

Taman Johor JayaA rare and popular "Chinese-style" roti canai spot. The roti is famously less greasy and has a unique, biscuit-like crunch.

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Fendi Roti Canai

Taman CempakaA long-standing street stall where the owner's flipping technique results in many thin, crispy layers.

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Gerai Pak Ya

Taman KempasA reliable 24-hour stall that is the go-to for many night-shift workers and early birds in the Kempas area.

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Restoran Kapitan

Jalan Wong Ah FookFamous for its massive **Roti Tissue**, which is a paper-thin, sweetened cone that can stand over two feet tall.

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Roti Canai @ Restoran Onn Loke

Taman MelodiesA local favorite in the Melodies area known for its very thick and spicy dhal.

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Roti Canai @ Taman Molek

Taman MolekPopular for quick office breakfasts; look for the stall with the longest queue near the banks.

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Roti Canai @ Mount Austin Area

Mount AustinGood for a late-night snack after visiting the Mount Austin water park.

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Roti Canai @ Taman Perling

Taman PerlingA reliable neighborhood hub for authentic, no-frills roti canai.

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Roti Canai @ Larkin Area

LarkinThe stalls here often serve their roti with a side of sambal parang (fish sambal), a Johor specialty.

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Roti Canai @ Tampoi Area

TampoiServes a high-energy breakfast for the industrial workforce; portions are often larger.

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Roti Canai @ Bandar Baru Uda

BBUA massive Malay food hub with several excellent roti canai specialists.

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Roti Canai @ Pasir Gudang

Pasir GudangFamous for "heavy" breakfast sets that include roti canai paired with mutton curry.

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Restoran Shyang Kopitiam

Taman Mount AustinAnother Chinese-style option that offers creative fillings like cheese, kaya, and even chocolate.

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Warung Roti Canai Bukit Chagar

Bukit ChagarThe most famous roti canai in the city. Their dough is thicker and fluffier than average, and they are renowned for not being overly oily.

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Onn Kitchen

Kampung BaruRun by the same family as the Bukit Chagar stall, Onn Kitchen offers the same legendary recipe in a more spacious and comfortable setting.

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Restoran Zaidi Roti Canai

Taman AnggerikA clean and well-organized eatery that is famous for its **Roti Sarang Burung**. It's a great spot for families.

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Dapo' Khaleeda

Taman AbadA modern favorite that went viral for its aesthetically perfect "Bird's Nest" roti. The yolks are consistently runny, making for a rich dipping experience.

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Roti Canai @ Skudai Area

SkudaiGreat value for money, catering to the large student population.

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Best Ais Kacang and Cendol in Johor Bahru

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Cendol House

Taman PelangiA dedicated cendol specialist offering variations like **Cendol Pulut** (with glutinous rice) and **Cendol Durian**.

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Azmie Wawa

Kampung Melayu MajideeFamous for its "ABC Special," which includes a generous scoop of ice cream and a unique blend of syrups that isn't overly sweet.

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Joo Yee

Taman PelangiA legendary spot for old-school ice kacang. Their shaved ice is exceptionally fine, and they still use traditional toppings like home-cooked red beans.

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Yong Yong Dessert Restaurant

Taman Berkley/JBKnown for its massive portions and its signature **Chocolate ABC**, which is a chocolate lover's dream with extra syrup and cocoa powder.

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