Everytime when we talk about Johorean food, we can’t think of any other food other than Mee Bandung, Nasi Biryani Gam, Laksa Johor, Mee Rebus, Kacang Pool,….and the list goes on. Here, we are going to list down top 5 Johorean Food and where to find them within the state, as a guidance for your next food travels.

 

1.  Laksa Johor

Photo Courtesy : Gingybite

For those who don’t know, unlike any other type of Laksa, Laksa Johor uses spaghetti instead of noodles or bihun. The gravy is thick, almost resembling the texture of a paste, and is made of ground Ikan Tenggiri or Ikan Parang, coconut milk, Asam Keping, as well as a blend of spices including kerisik, lemongrass and galangal. It is garnished with slices of onion, bean sprouts, mint leaves, daun kesum (Vietnamese coriander), and julienned cucumber and white radish. Most importantly, to Sambal belacan on the side, with lime juice squeezed over it before savouring.

 

Bumbu Asli is a place to look for in Johor Bahru to find your ideal Laksa Johor. Affordable price ranging from RM5.00 to RM8.00. Nothing fancy about the restaurant, a simple set up of an old restaurant with wooden tables and plastic chairs. The restaurant opens everyday except it’s closed every alternate Sundays, from the early 7.00AM to 4.00PM.

 

Location: No.36-L Jalan Kolam Ayer Johor Bahru, Johor, 80100, Malaysia, 80100, Johor Bahru, Johor

 

2. Mee Bandung

Photo courtesy : Gee Hut

Originating from Muar, mee bandung consists of yellow noodles served with a thick, flavourful broth made of chilli, onion, spices, shrimp paste, and dried shrimp. The dish is also accompanied with slices of meat, prawns, fish cakes, squid, and hard-boiled egg.

 

Where else can we find the authentic Mee Bandung none other than in Muar itself. Where to get? Drive your way to Mee Bandung Abu Bakar Hanipah. As a Johorean myself, I would totally recommend this restaurant to the people who are seeking for the authentic Mee Bandung Muar. The dish per plate is RM5.00 (as of in 2016 the last time I visited). It is located on the ground floor of Kheng Jai Wee Kuan Building. The stall opens every day from 7.00AM to 4.00PM.

 

Location: 69A, Jalan Abdullah, 84000 Muar, Johor (Main branch)

 

3. Nasi Briyani Gam

Photo Courtesy : Christine Choo

Briyani Gam is a version of Briyani rice found in the rest of the country. The more common version of rice served with beef rendang, chicken or lamb. The Briyani Gam from Batu Pahat, however, is made by interleaving layers of meat and rice to achieve a richly flavoured dish that once eaten, will never be forgotten.

 

Where to find this delicious and authentic Nasi Briyani Gam? There is a restaurant in Batu Pahat called Restoran BP Bariani Power. A set of Nasi Biryani Gam with Chicken or Beef costs about RM12.00 while with Lamb is just RM13.00. Expect almost no bone to the meat, just juicy slow-cooked flesh that fell apart and melt in your mouth. You can add Acar Buah into your meal for only RM2.70. Opens every day except Monday, from 10.00AM to 7.00PM.

 

Location: 18 Jalan Tukas 2, Taman Soga,Batu Pahat, 83000

 

4. Kacang Pool

 

This is what we call the local version of Chilli Con Carne, which is another unique dish you can find in Johor. Made from broad beans, kacang pool originated from the Middle East but has been given a local twist, with a runny sunny side up egg! Served with some thick hot toast for you dip into the runny yolk and eat it along with the beans and gravy. Such a good snack for the day.

 

Kacang Pool Haji Larkin Bomba is the spot that you should look for in Johor Bahru. It is located in a food court along with other great food stalls that serves good Johorean food. Other than Kacang Pool, you can also get some ABC (Shredded Ice with assorted syrup and toppings) as a refreshment for the hot day. The food court opens from 7.00AM until 1.00AM but it is advisable for you to come before 9.00PM as the stall might be closed then.

 

Location: Gerai 3, Medan Selera Larkin, Susur 5, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, Johor Bahru (near to Larkin Fire Station)

 

5. Mee Rebus

Johor’s mee rebus heavily relies on its brownish gravy, which can make or break the dish. Thick and heavy (yet not starchy), it is savoury with a subtle nutty flavour as well as slightly sweet and spicy from the curry spices. It is typically served over yellow noodles, with a dash of soy sauce and vinegar. You will also find the tulang version in Johor, which is unique to the state. It comes with a lamb shank bone, which one can suck savoury bone marrow from with a drinking straw!

 

Mee Rebus Haji Wahid is one of the popular mee rebus restaurants in Johor which you can find the authentic Mee Rebus and will definitely set the benchmark really high in this authenticity and flavour game. A plate only costs you RM4.50. Also, be aware that it’s not easy to find parking there so just bear with it for the sake of Mee Rebus. Opens daily from 12.00PM to 9.00PM.

 

If you want something extra which I mentioned above, the one that comes with a lamb shank bone, look for Restoran ZZ Sup Tulang. The rustic restaurant has a relaxing ‘kampung’ ambience with its little pavilions that come complete with a thatched ‘attap’ roof. Customers are given a huge straw to suck up the bone marrow which has been infused with the richness of flavour in the broth. Totally an experience you don’t wanna miss. The restaurant opens from the earliest 6.00AM to midnight, every day.

 

Location:

 

Mee Rebus Haji Wahid, L1.2 Plaza Angsana, Pusat Bandar Tampoi, 81200, Johor Bahru, Johor

Restoran ZZ Sup Tulang, 20, Jalan Petri 5/1, Kampung Bahru, Johor Bahru (near Regency Condo and JKR building)