Food is the heart of Singapore – we’re essentially a melting pot of different cuisines and cultures. But if you want to explore food options beyond our shores, possibilities await just across the causeway in Johor Bahru. From traditional local food to cafe classics, there are plenty of family friendly places to eat in JB.
Where do you begin? We’ve curated a list of some recommended places you can bring the kiddos to on your next long weekend getaway!
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Ask any Singaporean which is the hottest cafe on the block and Founder’s Cafe will likely be on at the tip of everyone’s tongue. The all-day eatery is popular for its vibes, attributed to plenty of greenery, wall murals and natural lighting seeping in. Their gastronomical offers are equally enticing – from pizzas and pastas to picture-perfect desserts like their Tiramisu Cake and flavored donuts.
Founder’s Cafe, Tiong Nam Tebrau, 45, Jln Tiong Emas, Kawasan Perindustrian Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, +60 7-360 9101, thefounderscafemy.com
Who can deny a good old burger and fries combo? The fast-food solution to both young and old takes no greater form than at Lazy Monday HQ. WIth both indoor and outdoor seating, you and the little ones can enjoy sinking your teeth in greasy and juicy patties, with the option of adding on toppings like sambal, jalapenos and turkey bacon. They’re even open until midnight so you can have it as a late night snack.
Lazy Monday HQ, FP5W+W2, 71A, Jalan Abdul Samad 1, Sri Gelam, 80100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, www.facebook.com/lazymondaykitchen
For some light bites in between your shopping adventures, wind down at Space Cafe, a clean and minimalist joint tucked away in Holiday Villa Johor Bahru City Centre Hotel. This cozy spot has fresh pastries for dine-in and to-go, as well as caffeine options for the adults, like the Caramel Biscotti Coffee for an early morning kick.
Space Cafe, G11, Space cafe, 260, Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, +60 17-663 7562, www.instagram.com/space.johor
Roasted duck can get pricey in Singapore, but take advantage of the exchange rate and enjoy the delicacy at a more affordable price tag when in Johor Bahru. Restoran Ya Wang is one such restaurant where you can find duck in multiple delicious ways. Braised or roasted, you decide. Of course, their other Chinese dishes will complete your family meal together.
Restoran Ya Wang, 44, Jalan Segget, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, +60 7-224 8624
Another cafe hotspot in JB is none other that Rowan & Parsley. A rustic aesthetic complemented with a mysterious garden is the backdrop to your meal of classic options like hot wings, pasta and eggs benedicts. There are tons of seating arrangements available too, so you can cater for both an intimate setting or a large party.
Rowan & Parsley Food Atelier, 17, Jalan Cenderai 20, Taman Perindustrian Kota Puteri, 81750 Masai, Johor, Malaysia, +60 11-1005 4747, www.facebook.com/rowan.parsley
You don’t need to fly yourself and the family all the way to Hong Kong for yummy dim sum. Just across the causeway lies New Hong Kong Restaurant, which is a staple in Cantonese cuisine since 1954. Their years of legacy are attributed to their menu options like dim sum, dumplings, wanton noodles, desserts and mooncakes!
New Hong Kong Restaurant, 69a, 69b & 69c, Jalan Ibrahim Sultan, Stulang Darat, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, +60 7-222 2608, nhkrestaurant.com
You’ll be able to spot many locals and tourists at The Replacement Lodge & Cafe – its appeal is undeniable. Natural lighting floods the clean interiors that are perfect for friend groups, couples and families. Even more satisfying are their menu options of Western and Asian fare, like their sweet potato fries and soft shell crab bun.
The Replacement Lodge & Cafe, 33, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, +60 12-547 7885, www.facebook.com/thereplacementlandk
Sama Restaurant is a new eatery in JB that serves up local cuisine at its best. Their signature dish is the Nasi Ayam Belado, a mouthwatering mix of fragrant rice, fried chicken and a multitude of sauces. Explore more flavors through dishes like Mango Salmon Fillet and Thai Scallop Prawn Vermicelli. Yum!
Sama Restaurant & Cafe, 36, Jln Beringin, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, +60 11-5417 1009, www.samarestaurantcafe.com
Freshness is top priority at Basilico Restaurant, a warm and welcoming Italian Restaurant in JB. Here, you and the little ones can have pastas and pizzas of your dreams, with options ranging from the Squid Ink Tagliolini with Jumbo Prawns to the Italian sausage pizza. A no-frills concept that will satisfy your tastebuds and make you feel like you’re in Italy, even if just for a short while.
Basilico Restaurant, 17, Jalan Austin Heights 8/1, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, +60 7-363 4902, atbasilico.carrd.co
Sure, you’ve probably heard of dog and cat cafes. But an alpaca cafe? Not something you come across everyday. Clouds Cafe is Johor Bahru’s first and only cafe where you can be up close and personal with the furry creatures while you savor sweet desserts, which will undoubtedly delight the little ones. Best part? There’s no entry fee so you just pay for food or drink, and they will even offer you treats to feed the alpacas!
As Clouds Cafe, 32, Jalan Nakhoda 2, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, 81300 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia, +60 11-2669 8262, www.instagram.com/ascloudsjb
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