Joanna James
Malaysia's border town, Johor Bahru may be a thriving tourist hub, but the locals are very possessive of their traditional meals. Which, lucky tourists are able to savour as they wander around exploring and enjoying these must patronise eateries.
This humble food stall has been running since 1970; it's located in a simple housing scheme and is exceedingly popular amongst the locals. Loads of newspaper cutting cover the wall as testimony to the restaurant being highlighted and lauded for its delicious food. The family-run business is now in the hands of third generation management and shows no signs of slowing down!
Noted as a popular Chinese restaurant in Johor Bahru the Xuan Restaurant is you oriental elixir to savouring some of the best authentic Chinese dishes in Johor Bahru. Located at Berjaya Waterfront Hotel Johor Bahru, the restaurant is chic and laidback with a traditional Chinese ambience, setting the mood right for tucking into traditional delights cooked to perfection.
This little eatery is located within a stall that's close to the immigration centre. The place may be small, but its big on reputation and is always packed with loads of happy customers. All you need do is order a plate of the famous roti canai, to become the newest fan of the family run business which is in operation for over 20 years. Part of the thrill is not in only eating the roti but watching the process of making it, where the soft dough is kneaded pulled, stretched and wound into little discs before being cooked on a hot skillet.
Enjoy the kind of hearty meals your mom would cook, with a stop at Restoran Kin Hua. A range of traditional Malaysian favourite comfort foods such as nasi lemak, mee rebus, mee siam etc. is on the menu. Breakfast boasts a range of kuih which can be coupled with the eateries very popular coffee – which by the way is brewed and served right throughout the day. The best eatery to savour kaya toast, this restaurant should be your morning pick-me-up.
Pokok Cerry – as the locals call the eatery is only a little roadside stall, but what a punch it packs in terms of popularity for serving one of the best nasi lemak dishes. The sambal is the star and makes the nasi stand out amongst others, the sweet and not too spicy flavours are perfect for pairing with the fragrant rice which is cooked in coconut milk and comes accompanied by crispy slivers of golden chicken.
This bakery stubbornly hangs onto traditional methods of baking and is located right smack in the city centre. All sounds rather romantic, does it not, especially the name! The ovens are wood fired and probably the reason for the fab tastes, the bakery is most famous for its soft fluffy banana cakes which disappear almost as soon as they are packed.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
