Johor Bahru (JB) is a paradise for food lovers, especially those eager to start their day with a memorable breakfast. With a blend of traditional Malaysian delights, modern café fare, and fusion dishes, breakfast in JB offers something for every palate. From iconic nasi lemak to innovative creations like soft-shell crab spaghetti, this city is bursting with culinary surprises.
Detailed Menu
| Dish Name | Description | Where to Try | Approx. Price (MYR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nasi Lemak | Coconut milk rice served with sambal, anchovies, peanuts, boiled eggs, and fried chicken. | Warung Pokok Ceri, Kampung Baru Majidee | 3 – 8 |
| Roti Canai | Flaky flatbread paired with dhal, curry, or sambal for dipping. | Hiap Joo Bakery | 2 – 5 |
| Kaya Toast & Eggs | Toasted bread spread with kaya (coconut jam) and served with half-boiled eggs. | Restoran Hua Mui, Jalan Trus | 5 – 10 |
| Hainanese Chicken Chop | Breaded chicken with sweet-sour sauce, served with fries and coleslaw. | Restoran Hua Mui, Jalan Trus | 15 – 20 |
| Mee Rebus | Noodles in a thick, flavorful gravy with boiled eggs, tofu, and bean sprouts. | Hj Wahid Mee Rebus, City Square area | 5 – 8 |
| Dim Sum | Steamed or fried dumplings filled with shrimp, pork, or vegetables. | D’Shanghai Dim Sum, Taman Mount Austin | 15 – 25 per set |
| Big Breakfast Platter | Eggs, sausages, toast, baked beans, and hash browns. | People & Places Café, Taman Abad | 20 – 30 |
| Smoothie Bowls | A blend of fruits, topped with granola, nuts, and chia seeds. | Space Café, Holiday Villa area | 18 – 25 |
| Char Kway Teow | Stir-fried flat rice noodles with prawns, bean sprouts, and egg in a rich soy-based sauce. | Kim Wah Kopitiam, near JB Sentral | 6 – 10 |
| Pastries & Coffee | Freshly baked croissants, danishes, paired with espresso or cappuccino. | Nimmies Pastry Café, Taman Melodies | 12 – 20 |
This table provides a snapshot of what to expect when exploring breakfast in JB, with dishes ranging from local classics to café-style offerings.
Nasi Lemak
No breakfast in JB is complete without nasi lemak, a dish that captures the heart of Malaysian cuisine. This aromatic coconut milk rice comes served with spicy sambal, fried anchovies, peanuts, and boiled eggs. Many locals enjoy it with fried chicken or sambal squid for a protein boost.
Where to Try:
- Warung Pokok Ceri in Kampung Baru Majidee is a hotspot for authentic nasi lemak, loved for its rich sambal and crispy fried chicken.
- Prices start at just RM3, making it an affordable yet fulfilling option for breakfast.
Roti Canai Breakfast in JB
Roti canai is another staple that dominates the breakfast in JB scene. This flaky, buttery flatbread is usually paired with dhal, curry, or sambal. Its crispy exterior and soft, fluffy layers make it a comforting dish to start your day.
Where to Try:
- Hiap Joo Bakery not only offers fantastic pastries but also serves a delectable roti canai that pairs wonderfully with their fresh coffee.
- Expect to pay between RM2 to RM5 for a satisfying plate.
Kaya Toast and Eggs
For those who enjoy a simpler breakfast, kaya toast with half-boiled eggs is a timeless choice. The toast, slathered with kaya (a sweet coconut jam) and butter, melts in your mouth when paired with the runny eggs and soy sauce.
Where to Try:
- Restoran Hua Mui is renowned for its butter kaya toast, offering a nostalgic dining experience in the heart of JB.
- A hearty plate costs around RM5 to RM10.
Modern Café Breakfast
Johor Bahru’s vibrant café scene has something for fans of Western-style breakfasts. Big breakfast platters featuring eggs, sausages, toast, baked beans, and hash browns are a popular choice. Those with a sweet tooth can indulge in freshly baked croissants, danishes, and fluffy pancakes.
Where to Try:
- People & Places Café serves a farm-to-table big breakfast platter in a modern, artistic ambiance.
- Nimmies Pastry Café stands out with its exceptional pastries and creative offerings like the soft-shell crab spaghetti.
- Prices for these upscale meals range from RM20 to RM30.
Fusion Dishes
JB’s breakfast scene thrives on its multicultural roots, with fusion dishes that showcase the best of Malay, Chinese, and Indian flavors. Mee rebus, a noodle dish in thick gravy, and dim sum are popular options that represent this diversity.
Where to Try:
- Hj Wahid Mee Rebus near City Square serves one of the most flavorful versions of this noodle dish.
- D’Shanghai Dim Sum in Taman Mount Austin offers a variety of steamed and fried dim sum options, perfect for sharing.
- Prices are typically RM5 to RM25, depending on the dish.
Smoothie Bowls
For the health-conscious, JB has a growing number of cafés serving smoothie bowls, avocado toast, and vegan-friendly dishes. These meals are perfect for a light yet nutritious start to the day.
Where to Try:
- Space Café, located in the Holiday Villa area, offers beautifully crafted smoothie bowls topped with granola and chia seeds.
- Prices for these healthful options range from RM18 to RM25.
Affordable Eats
One of the best things about breakfast in JB is how affordable it can be. Roadside stalls and local kopitiams (coffee shops) serve hearty portions at pocket-friendly prices. A meal of nasi lemak or peanut butter toast with a cup of kopi o often costs less than RM10.
Affordable Recommendations:
- Kim Wah Kopitiam near JB Sentral offers local favorites like Char Kway Teow and kopi.
- Warung Pokok Ceri remains a budget-friendly gem, popular with locals.
Breakfast Spots Near Key Attractions
Many of JB’s top breakfast locations are conveniently located near attractions, making it easy to fuel up before exploring the city. For instance, Restoran Hua Mui is close to Johor Bahru City Square, while People & Places Café is near cultural landmarks like the Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple.
Menu and Locations
| Dish Name | Description | Where to Try | Price Range (MYR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nasi Lemak | Coconut rice with sambal, chicken, and sides | Warung Pokok Ceri | 3 – 8 |
| Roti Canai | Flaky flatbread with dhal or curry | Hiap Joo Bakery | 2 – 5 |
| Kaya Toast & Eggs | Toast with kaya and butter, served with eggs | Restoran Hua Mui | 5 – 10 |
| Big Breakfast Platter | Eggs, sausages, toast, baked beans, hash browns | People & Places Café | 20 – 30 |
| Dim Sum | Steamed or fried dumplings | D’Shanghai Dim Sum | 15 – 25 |
Insider Tips for Enjoying
To make the most of your breakfast experience:
- Arrive early at popular spots to avoid crowds.
- Try local specialties like nasi lemak or mee rebus for an authentic taste of JB.
- Ask locals for recommendations—they often know hidden gems.
Locations And Operating Hours
| Establishment | Signature Dish | Address | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nam Seng Wanton Noodle | Wanton Noodles | 1008A Toa Payoh North, Che Kitchen, S318998 | Daily: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Mr & Mrs Mohgan’s Prata | Crispy Prata | 300 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427551 | Wed–Mon: 6:30 AM – 1:30 PM; Closed on Tue |
| Tiong Bahru Bakery | Croissants, Kouign-Amann | 56 Eng Hoon St, #01-70, Singapore 160056 | Daily: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Common Man Coffee Roasters | Avocado Toast, Full Breakfast | 22 Martin Rd, #01-00, Singapore 239058 | Daily: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Ya Kun Kaya Toast | Kaya Toast with Soft-Boiled Eggs | 18 China St, #01-01 Far East Square, S049860 | Daily: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Wild Honey | English Breakfast, Mediterranean Eggs | 333A Orchard Rd, #03-01, Singapore 238897 | Daily: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Chye Seng Huat Hardware | Coffee, Waffles | 150 Tyrwhitt Rd, Singapore 207563 | Daily: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Kith Café | Breakfast Wraps, Pancakes | 9 Penang Rd, #01-01, Singapore 238459 | Daily: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Brawn & Brains Coffee | Oven-Baked Molten Eggs, Smoked Salmon | 100 Guillemard Rd, Singapore 399718 | Daily: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Toast Box | Nasi Lemak, Peanut Butter Toast | Multiple outlets across Singapore | Daily: 7:30 AM – 9:30 PM |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the must-try traditional dishes for breakfast in JB?
You should try nasi lemak, roti canai, and kaya toast with soft-boiled eggs for an authentic local experience.
Are there vegetarian options for It?
Yes, many cafés and restaurants offer vegetarian dishes like vegan nasi lemak, smoothie bowls, and avocado toast.
What is the best time to enjoy It?
Breakfast spots typically open around 7:00 AM. For popular locations, arriving early helps avoid long queues.
Are there affordable breakfast options in JB?
Absolutely! Local eateries and roadside stalls offer budget-friendly options, with meals starting as low as RM3.
Conclusion
Johor Bahru’s breakfast scene is as diverse as it is delicious, offering something for every craving and budget. Whether you’re indulging in traditional dishes, savoring a modern café spread, or enjoying a budget-friendly meal, breakfast in JB is an adventure you won’t want to miss. So, the next time you find yourself in JB, make sure to start your day with a culinary treat that reflects the city’s vibrant culture.
