JB’s Top 5 Must-Try Foods for First-Time Visitors

jb must-try food

Johor Bahru, or JB for short, is a bustling city in Malaysia known for its vibrant food scene. The city offers diverse flavors and dishes that will delight any foodie. If you’re a first-time visitor to JB and not sure where to start, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll introduce you to JB’s top 5 must-try foods that will give you a taste of what the city has to offer.

JB Must-Try Food #1 - Nasi Lemak

jb must-try food

Nasi Lemak is a traditional Malay cuisine that is a must-try for anyone visiting JB. The dish consists of fragrant coconut rice, sambal, anchovies, peanuts, and a boiled egg. In addition, some places served it with fried chicken or beef rendang. Nasi Lemak can be found all over JB, but one of the best places to try it is at Restoran Hua Mui, a popular spot that has been around since the 1940s. Their Nasi Lemak is served with a side of crispy fried chicken and is not to be missed.

Nasi Lemak is considered the national dish of Malaysia, and for a good reason. It is a dish all Malaysians love, regardless of race or religion. The dish comprises several components, each adding to the overall flavor profile. The rice is cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves, which gives it a sweet, floral aroma. The sambal, made from chili paste, onions, and shrimp paste, adds a spicy kick to the dish. The anchovies and peanuts provide a salty crunch, while the boiled egg adds a creamy texture.

Restoran Hua Mui is a popular spot for Nasi Lemak because of their perfectly cooked chicken. The chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside and pairs perfectly with the fragrant coconut rice. The restaurant also offers a variety of other Malaysian dishes, such as Hokkien mee and Hainanese chicken chop.

JB Must Try Food #2 - Mee Rebus

jb must-try food

Mee Rebus is a Malay noodle dish served in a spicy gravy made from sweet potato, shrimp paste, and spices. The dish is often topped with boiled eggs, fried shallots, and green chilies. It is a popular dish in Malaysia and is a must-try for anyone visiting JB. One of the best places to try Mee Rebus in JB is at Zainal place which has been serving the dish for decades. Their Mee Rebus is rich and flavorful and will leave you wanting more.

The dish is rich and hearty, and the sweet potato gravy adds an unmatched depth of flavor. The gravy is made by boiling sweet potatoes, onions, garlic, and spices and blending them into a smooth paste. The paste is then cooked with shrimp paste and tamarind juice, which gives it a sweet and tangy flavor.

Warung Selera Kampung Melayu is located at Taman Sri Tebrau. Their recipe has been passed down from generation to generation. This dish’s combination of flavors and textures is truly a delight for the senses.

JB Must Try Food #3 - Otak-Otak

jb must-try food

Otak-Otak is a popular street food in Malaysia made from fish paste, coconut milk, herb, and spices. The puree will be wrapped in banana leaves and grilled over an open charcoal fire to perfection. The result is a smoky, fragrant, and delicious snack perfect for any time of the day. The banana leaves help to infuse the dish with a smoky flavor, and the fish paste gives it a soft, slightly chewy texture.

Otak-Otak is a dish that is loved by Malaysians all over the country. It is a popular snack that can be found in almost every night market and food court. One of the best places to try Otak-Otak in JB is at Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory, a local institution that has been around since 1919. Their Otak-Otak is made fresh every day and is not to be missed.

Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory is a local institution in JB that has been around since 1919. The bakery is known for its traditional buns and biscuits, but their Otak-Otak is also a must-try. The bakery grills their Otak-Otak to perfection, giving it a slightly charred exterior and a juicy, flavorful interior. The dish is perfect for a mid-day snack or a late-night bite.

JB Must-Try Food #4 - Kacang Pool

jb must-try food
Image Credit: Myresepi

Kacang Pool is a unique dish to JB and a must-try for anyone visiting the city. Kacang Pool is a dish unique to JB and said to have originated from the Indian Muslim community in the city. The dish consists of kidney beans in a spicy tomato sauce, served with a side of toasted bread. It is often topped with a fried egg and a sprinkle of cheese. The dish is often topped with a fried egg and a sprinkle of cheese, which adds richness to the overall flavor.

One of the best places to try Kacang Pool in JB is at Kacang Pool Haji, a popular spot that has been serving the dish for over 40 years. Their Kacang Pool is rich and flavorful and will leave you wanting more.

Kacang Pool Haji is a popular spot in JB that has been serving the dish for years. The restaurant is located in Larkin and is known for its rich and flavorful Kacang Pool. The dish is served with toasted bread, a fried egg, and a sprinkle of cheese and is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

JB Must-Try Food #5 - Laksa Johor

jb must-try food
Image Credit: Kiwiknews

Laksa Johor is a dish that is unique to the state of Johor and is a must-try for anyone visiting the city. The dish consists of thick noodles in a rich and creamy gravy made from fish broth and coconut milk. It is often served with a side of cucumber, onions, and sambal. One of the best places to try Laksa Johor in JB is at Sotong Bakar Kota Tinggi, a popular spot that is known for its flavorful and authentic Laksa Johor.

Laksa Johor is a dish that is unique to the state of Johor and is said to have originated from the royal kitchens of the Johor Sultanate. The dish is made by cooking thick noodles in a rich and creamy gravy made from fish broth and coconut milk. The gravy is often flavored with herbs and spices, giving it a complex and delicious flavor.

Sotong Bakar Kota Tinggi is located in the Kota Tinggi area of JB and has been serving the dish for over 40 years. Their Laksa Johor is made with fresh and high-quality ingredients, giving it a rich and authentic flavor. The dish is often served with a side of cucumber, onions, and sambal, which adds a spicy kick to the overall flavor.

Conclusion

JB is a food lover’s paradise, with many delicious and unique dishes to try. There is something for everyone, from the sweet and savory Kaya Toast to the spicy and fragrant Laksa Johor. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, be sure to add these top 5 must-try foods to your list when visiting JB. You won’t be disappointed!

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