Johor, the southernmost state of Peninsular Malaysia, is a treasure trove of culinary delights. Influenced by Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan traditions, its food scene is as diverse as it is vibrant. From classic Hainanese chicken chop to halal-friendly dim sum and rich bone broths, Johor’s local favourites reflect the state’s layered cultural heritage.
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveller, these local favourites promise an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.
Restoran Hua Mui
For more than 75 years, Restoran Hua Mui has stood as a culinary icon in Johor, best known for its original Hainanese Chicken Chop—a dish that perfectly showcases the localisation of Western cuisine in Malaysia.
The chicken is deep-fried until golden and tender, then generously drizzled with Hua Mui’s signature Hainanese brown sauce. It is served with green peas, onions, roasted tomatoes, and crispy potato wedges, creating a nostalgic yet distinctive flavour profile that sets it apart from modern chicken chop variations.
The restaurant’s central kitchen is approved for halal compliance by JAKIM, and all outlets are pork-free. Individual halal certification for each branch in Johor Bahru is currently in progress.
Getting There
- By bus: JB Sentral Bus F100 → Wisma Peladang (5-minute walk)
- By car: 3–5 minutes from City Square Mall (parking may be limited)
Address: No. 131, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone: +607-224 7364
Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory
Established in 1919, Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory is one of Johor’s most beloved heritage bakeries. For over a century, it has delighted generations with traditional baked goods prepared using time-honoured techniques—most famously, its banana cake baked in a wood-fired oven that has been in use for decades.
The banana cake is moist, fluffy, and perfectly balanced in sweetness, allowing the natural banana flavour to shine. Beyond this crowd favourite, the bakery also offers old-school buns, butter cake, and crunchy cake rusks, all made with the same dedication to tradition.
Hiap Joo Bakery is halal-certified, making it a Muslim-friendly stop for visitors.
Getting There
- By bus: JB Sentral Bus T13 → Wisma Peladang (Opp), 2-minute walk
- By car: 3–5 minutes from City Square Mall (limited parking nearby)
Address: 13, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru
Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone: +607-223 1703
Restoran ZZ Sup Tulang
Famed for its hearty Mee Rebus and legendary Sup Tulang Gearbox, Restoran ZZ Sup Tulang offers both comfort food and a memorable dining experience. Guests dine in a traditional atap house, creating a cosy kampung-style ambience that enhances the meal.
The star attraction, Sup Tulang Gearbox, features lamb shank bones slow-cooked until the broth is rich and flavourful, with all traces of gaminess removed. Diners are given a straw to sip the bone marrow directly from the bone, making the experience both interactive and indulgent.
Muslim-owned and halal-certified, Restoran ZZ Sup Tulang has multiple outlets across Johor, though the Kampung Bahru branch remains a favourite.
Getting There
- By bus: JB Sentral Bus T13 → Pusat Khidmat Pelanggan TNB JB (Opp), 22-minute walk
- By car: 10–12 minutes from JB Sentral (limited parking available)
Address: 20, Jalan Petri 5/1, Kampung Bahru, 80100 Johor Bahru
Hours: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Closed Fridays)
Phone: +6011-1056 7209
