21 Cheap And Good Food Near City Square JB: Your Gateway to Gastronomic Adventures!
Conveniently nestled near the border checkpoint, JB City Square serves as a haven for tourists, particularly Singaporeans, seeking to satiate their appetites with an array of delightful cuisines before resuming their travels.
But that’s not all! Beyond the mall’s diverse culinary offerings, a myriad of tantalizing dining experiences awaits just a leisurely stroll away.
Join me as I delve into the delectable delights within City Square JB and uncover hidden gastronomic gems nearby, perfect for those eager to expand their culinary horizons!”
Cheap Food To Eat At City Square JB
1. Teochew Chendul City Square
You don’t have to make the long journey to Penang to savor their famous Teochew Chendul, as it’s available right here, close by!
Also read: What To Eat In Johor Bahru (11 Categories Of Food Choices!)
This Asian JB City Square food is a MUST to have in your list as they serve these yummy foods:
- Wide variety of flavoured chendul (you can even find Durian flavour!)
- Assam Laksa
- Rojak (more to the sweet side compared to the tangy taste rojak in Singapore)
- Fried Popiah with Laksa Dip
Contact: +607-207 0264
Opening Hours: Daily: 10:00am – 10:00pm
2. Bornga, JB City Square
When I’m craving Korean barbecue, this is my go-to spot. While Bornga can be found in Singapore, it tends to be on the pricey side there.
Don’t miss trying this good food in JB City Square with recommended food such as:
- Grilled Beef or Pork
- Banchan (Rice served with many small portioned dishes)
- Bibimbap
- Spicy Tofu
- Kimchi Pancake
Tips: Don’t worry about grilling your own meat because the friendly staff there would do it for you.
Location: MF-23, Level 3, City Square, 106-108 Jalan Wong Ah Fook, 80000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
Contact: +607-207 2334
Opening Hours: Daily: 10:00am – 10:00pm
Price Range: RM50 – RM60 per person
3. Meng Meng Roasted Duck City Square
Meng Meng Roasted Duck is one of the famous Chinese based City Square JB food.
Also read: 11 Best Seafood Restaurant In JB
They really prove their restaurant’s name worthy because their roasted duck is amazing and you must also try the dishes below:
- Char Siew (marinated to perfection)
- Roasted Pork Belly
- Beancurd (served with curry)
- Fish Head Curry
- Chicken Feet
Contact: +607-276 9822
Opening Hours: Daily: 10:00am – 10:00pm
4. Ming Ang Confectionery City Square
Before heading back to Singapore, I always make a stop at the Ming Ang Confectionary City Square branch to pick up some of their delicious pastries.
What I love about their pastries is that it is freshly baked daily and these are the items you should try:
- Heong Peah (durian flavour available!)
- Tau Sa Peah
- Chicken Siew Pau
- Instant White Coffee
- Crispy Silver Anchovy Chilli Sauce
Tips: Staff in this shop will normally offer you samples, so do try them out!
Contact: +607-288 1638
Opening Hours: Daily: 10:00am – 10:00pm
5. Din Tai Fung City Square
Count me in for a visit to Din Tai Fung at City Square JB! Their delectable dim sum is a must-try, especially considering it’s half the price compared to Singapore!
There are too many delicious dishes but I would recommend these:
- Xiao Long Bao
- Pork Chop or Shrimp Fried Rice
- Braised Beef Noodle Soup
- Spicy Egg Tofu with Minced Pork
- Crispy Shrimp & Pork Wontons
Tips: You might need to wait for about 20-30 minutes for your table.
Contact: +607-207 0069
Opening Hours: Sunday to Friday & Public Holidays: 10:00am – 9:30pm
Saturday: 10:00am to 9:45pm
6. Ho Seng Kee Wanton Mee
If you’re still wondering about the must-try eats at City Square JB, let me tell you about Hong Seng Kee, a Chinese restaurant that’s a real gem.
Their signature dish is none other than their wanton mee, and let me tell you, it’s something truly special. Picture this: handmade noodles made with a blend of duck and chicken eggs, combined with premium wheat flour, all without a hint of preservatives. It’s a dish that promises an unforgettable culinary experience, perfect for satisfying your cravings and leaving you wanting more.
These are the variation of their noodles:
- Dry Noodles (Original/Black Sauce/Spicy)
- Soup Noodles
- Served with minced pork, char siew and wantons
Contact: +6012-710 7140
Opening Hours: Daily: 10:00am – 9:00pm
Price: RM8.90 for Medium & RM13.90 for Large
7. Dontaku City Square
Another good food in JB City Square is this quaint little Japanese restaurant called Dontaku City Square.
Also read: Top 13 Food & Restaurants Near Legoland Malaysia
They serve reasonably priced food with a vast variety of fresh Japanese cuisine and I would recommend for you to try these out:
- ANY of their ramen! (the broth that they used are top-notch yummy served with springy noodles)
- Bento sets (very generous portion)
Tips: This is the place to go if you want privacy while you are having your meal.
Location: MF-19, Level 3, City Square, 106-108 Jalan Wong Ah Fook, 80000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
Contact: +607-278 1328
Opening Hours: Daily: 11:30am – 10:00pm
8. Miyakori Coffee
And to end my “What To Eat At JB City Square” journey, I will be going for my dessert break! If you have a sweet tooth, this is the place that you want to be in!
Their cakes and drinks come with cute cartoon imprints and you should definitely try their signature Peanut Chocolate Cake, Waffles and Matcha Latte.
Contact: +607-595 2608
Opening Hours: Daily: 10:00am – 10:00pm
What To Eat Near City Square JB
If you feel like exploring out to taste more delicious JB City Square food, I have a list of places on what to eat near city square JB.
9. Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory
This pastry shop has the BEST JB Banana Cake baked in an oven using charcoal which gives the cake an aroma you can’t resist.
Other than their famous banana cake, I highly recommend you to try the below:
- Coconut Bun
- Peanut Bun
- Otak-otak Bun
- Butter Cake
- Coffee Cake
Tips: They do not provide tables, so you would need to take-away your orders and try to be there before 12pm as their banana cakes sells out really fast.
Contact: +607-223 1703
Opening Hours: Daily: 7:30am – 5:00pm
10. Kam Long Restaurant (Curry Fish Head)
I am not kidding you when I say this is by far the best curry fish head I have ever tasted! Be ready to add on another plate of white rice.
This flavourful thick sauce is not too spicy that it overwhelms you and it is served with tau kee, long beans, cabbage and ladies fingers.
Also read:
Location: 74, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, 80000 Bandar Johor Bahru, Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
Contact: +6016-752 8382
Opening Hours: Daily: 8:00am – 4:00pm
11. Restoran Ya Wang
This Chinese Restaurant which is also known as Duck King is the pioneer for their herbal roast duck with its juicy tender meat and crispy roasted skin.
They do serve other dishes which is worth to try such as:
- Roast Pork
- Sambal Kangkung
- Tofu
- Lotus Soup
Location: 28, Jalan Segget, 80000 Bandar Johor Bahru, Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
Contact: +607-224 8624
Opening Hours: Daily: 8:00am – 6:00pm
Price Range: RM20 – RM53
12. The Replacement – Lodge & Kitchen
Feel like going for something ‘Wester-ny’? Then you can head on to this Melbourne inspired restaurant for your brunch especially.
Also read: 13 Best Cafe In Johor Bahru (Cafe Checklist For Party, Work Or Relaxing!)
I really like this place for its famous Breakfast Platter (oh so yummy!) but you can also give it a try on this recommended food:
- Crab Meat Aglio-Olio
- Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
- Churros with Chocolate/ Salted Egg Dip
Tips: Take note that their bed & breakfast lodge closed down recently
Contact: +6012-547 7885
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Friday to Sunday: 8:00am – 9:00pm
13. IT Roo Cafe Famous Chicken Chop
Hands down this is the best Hainanese Chicken Chop I have ever had due to its tender meat coated with crispy chicken skin served with either black pepper or mushroom sauce.
You can also opt for their grilled version if you don’t want to have their deep fried chicken and each dish is accompanied with a portion of potato wedges and coleslaw.
Location: 17, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
Contact: +607-222 7780
Opening Hours: Daily: 10:00am – 9:30pm
14. Salahuddin Bakery
Salahuddin Bakery is another well-known JB City Square food located along Jalan Dhoby and has been operated for four generations now.
They are known for their delicious triangular curry puffs stuffed with a generous filling of either mutton, chicken or potatoes as well as their freshly charcoal baked bread.
Location: 26, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
Contact: +6012-766 8380
Opening Hours: Daily: 8:30am – 7:00pm
Closed On: Friday
15. Amaya Food Gallery
Amaya Food Gallery is a mixed Asian & Western Restaurant with a Thai background and I really love the concept of being able to view the chefs in action.
They have a wide variety of ala-carte dishes and buffet menu covering the taste of food around Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Western Food.
Also read: Top 15 Cheap Food In Mount Austin
Recommended dishes would be:
- 3 Tier High Tea Set
- Sous Chef Kanokwan Pungjaroenkijkul signature dishes (Phad Thai Goong, Thai Green Curry & Gai Pad Mamuang)
- All of their buffets!
Contact: +607-266 8888
Opening Hours: Daily: 6:30am – 10:30pm
Café Near City Square JB
You can go café hopping near City Quare JB as they have many different types of the cafe around.
16. Flowers In The Window
Flower In the Window is where I will go when I feel like having a healthier meal.
I love the ambience of this place which makes me feel like I am eating in a little flower garden and their dishes have a generous portion of vegetables such as:
- Cauliflower Super Breakfast
- Whole chicken leg served with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables with oregano gravy
- Homemade herbs and spices drinks (you either love or hate it but you must try it once)
Contact: +607-222 7489
Opening Hours: Daily: 10:00am – 8:00pm
Close On: Tuesday
17. TIP, The Ice-Cream Project
Talk about fresh thick creamy and smooth ice-cream! It’s no wonder why some people are willing to wait for their precious scoop of ice cream.
Also read:
TIP sells liquid nitrogen ice-cream which is just perfect for the taste bud and you must definitely try their Matcha Ice-cream.
Contact: +607-207 2021
Opening Hours:
Daily: 12:00pm – 10:00pm
Saturday: 12:00pm – 12:00am
Price: RM16 per cup
18. Restoran Hua Mui
“Don’t judge its book by its cover” is a suitable phrase to define Restoran Hua Mui which is well known among the local patrons.
Tucked inside this vintage looking restaurant is the most delicious Hainanese Chicken Chop as well as other recommended food such as:
- Kaya & Butter Charcoal Toast with fresh soft boiled eggs
- Hainanese Coffee
- Mongolian Chicken
- Salted Egg Chicken Chop
Contact: +607-207 2021
Opening Hours: Daily: 8:30am – 5:30pm
19. Kedai Kopi Xuu Yau
This is a ‘kampung’ styled shop with just 6 tables available and serving only Wanton Noodles with the options of dried original flavoured or with chilli sauce.
However once you have tasted their homemade egg noodles served with char siew, spring onion and pork lard, you will surely be back for more!
Also read: 19 Kulai Must Try Best Food (Only Local Will Know These!)
Opening Hours: Daily: 6:30am – 2:30pm
Closed On: Wednesday
20. Restaurant Kin Wah
You can head on to Restaurant Kin Wah for a nice hearty local breakfast to have their thick aromatic coffee with the right amount of sweetness to it.
Remember to top it up with their crunchy kaya butter toast and soft boiled fresh kampung eggs (don’t forget to try their nasi padang and local kuih delicacies)
Location: 8, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Daily: 7:00am – 12:00pm
Closed On: Tuesday
Dim Sum Near City Square JB
Getting dim sum in JB is so much cheaper than getting it in Singapore, so that’s a definite plus point!
21. Hock Chiang Hin
To get my dim sum cravings fixed, Hock Chiang Hin is where you would find me which is very near from City Square JB.
What’s different about their food compared to the Hong Kong styled dim sum is that their handmade dumplings are meatier and more filling. You must try their:
- Big Pau (with tasty meat fillings inside)
- Loh Mai Gai (Glutinous Rice with well marinated chicken)
- Char Siew Pau (Pork Pau)
- Vegetable Pau
Tips: Dip your dim sum dumplings with their chilli sauce for that nice kick of the food.
Location: 18, Jalan Siu Nam, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Daily: 6:00am – 1:00pm
Closed On: Sunday
I’ve now shared with you a comprehensive list of 21 delicious things to eat in JB City Square!
Simply bring this list with you when you’re at or near JB City Square, and you’ll be all set to indulge in some fantastic food. Whether you’re in the mood for local delicacies or international cuisine, this guide will ensure you don’t miss out on any culinary delights. Enjoy your gastronomic adventure!