Hiap Joo Bakery: The Best JB Banana Cake: If you ask any of the locals in Johor, “Hey, what snacks can I eat between meals in Johor?” or “What delicious food can I bring back home?” there’s no doubt you’ll hear one word: “Banana Cake!”
Hiap Joo Bakery is renowned for serving the BEST Banana Cake in Johor Bahru.
Once you take a bite of this banana cake, you’ll find yourself craving more!
So, what are you waiting for? Jom pergi! (Let’s go)
Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory
You must certainly pay a visit to the oldest bakery in Johor.
Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory, established in 1919, has been delighting customers for over a century and is now in the hands of the third generation!
This family business focusses on giving the best quality of baked cakes and buns.
No one else can claim to have the BEST Banana Cakes in Johor Bahru.
– Classic Wood Fired Wall Oven (the firewood is burned for 3.5 hours first!)
– Top Notch Quality Bananas
– Less Added Sugar (sweetness comes from the bananas)
– Soft, Moist, and Spongy Texture
Mr. Lim, the owner of this bakery, is passionate about ensuring every batch of cakes meets his high-quality standards. By using this traditional charcoal baking method, he enhances the flavor as the heat is evenly distributed and well-controlled.
In addition to their famous banana cakes, they also make delicious buns such as coconut buns, kaya buns, peanut buns, and many more.
Tips:
No reservations: First come first serve basis
Take it to go (they do not have tables or chairs)
Best time to go is before 12:00pm (their banana cakes sells out fast!)
Do not be overwhelmed by the long queue (cakes are sold systematically, so you are able to get them within 15-20mins)
Hiap Joo’s Bakery Price
No.
Items
No. of pieces
Pricing (RM)
1.
Banana Cake (BIG)
10
10.00
Banana Cake (SMALL)
5
5.00
2.
Coconut Bun
5
5.00
3.
Peanut Bun
4
4.00
4.
Red Bean Bun
4
4.50
5.
Kaya Bun
4
4.00
6.
Otak-Otak Bun
2
4.00
7.
Curry Potato Bun
4
5.00
8.
Sambal Ikan Bilis Bun
4
5.00
9.
Sardine Bun
4
5.00
10.
Butter Cake (BIG) *
10
14.00
Butter Cake (SMALL) *
5
7.00
11.
Coffee Cake (BIG) *
10
14.00
Coffee Cake (SMALL) *
5
7.00
* Butter and Coffee Cake are only available on THURSDAY morning
Hiap Joo Bakery Opening Hours
Opening Hours: Daily 7:30am – 5:00pm
Note:
Baked Buns are available only from 11:00am onwards
Address: 13, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, 80000 Bandar Johor Bahru, Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Location:
Check out the map below for the exact location of Hiap Joo Bakery!
Hiap Joo Bakery FAQ
Q1: Is the banana cake sold at Hiap Joo Bakery HALAL?
A1: Yes, it is HALAL certified.
Q2: Does Hiap Joo Bakery open on Sundays?
A2: The shop opens daily from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. However, if you’re aiming for their banana cakes, get there as early as 8:30 AM, as they sell out faster on Sundays.
Q3: How do I get to Hiap Joo Bakery from City Square Johor Bahru?
A3: Hiap Joo Bakery is just a 7-minute walk from City Square JB:
From Jalan Station, walk towards Jalan Wong Ah Fook.
Turn left onto Jalan Wong Ah Fook.
Continue straight along Jalan Wong Ah Fook.
Turn right onto Jalan Ungku Puan.
Go straight until you reach an intersection.
Turn left onto Jalan Trus.
Continue straight until you reach the intersection between Jalan Trus and Jalan Tan Hiok Nee.
Turn right onto Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, and Hiap Joo Bakery will be on your left.
Q4: What can I buy at Hiap Joo Bakery besides banana cake?
A4: In addition to their famous banana cake, Hiap Joo Bakery also sells butter cakes, coffee cakes, and various types of buns. For more detailed information, refer to the pricing table above under the title “Hiap Joo’s Bakery Price.”
If you’re thinking of spending a blissful short weekend getaway from Singapore to Desaru, why not stop at one of the many budget-friendly seafood restaurants in the seaside town of Desaru?
The seaside views at some of these restaurants are not bad either!
Plus, it is an only quick drive (under an hour) from Desaru to Singapore too!
And other than deliciously best seafood restaurant in Desaru, there are some other places you might want to check out in this list of best food in Desaru!
11 Best Desaru Food and Restaurant
1. Lotus Seafood Restaurant
This affordable Desaru seafood restaurant is part of and within the compound of Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa and faces the ocean in an open chalet-style structure.
Malay, Thai, Indonesian, Korean, Western and even Indian cuisine feature on the menu.
Notable dishes include:
Garlic butter lobster
Fish head curry
Lamb bulgogi
Kam Heong crab.
It is best to come here during the cooler evening to enjoy the lights of boats reflected in the water while listening to the live music performances!
Beer towers are available here!
Location: Contact: +607-884 2800 Opening Hours: 8:00am to 11:00pm Facebook
2. Nelayan Seafood By The Coast
What to eat near Hard Rock Hotel Desaru?
Nelayan Seafood By The Coast is just 5 minute drive from the hotel.
It is one of the best seafood in Desaru offers a casual environment to enjoy seafood!
There is plenty of seating to go round (maximum capacity is 400 people)!
You will have some pretty good views of the sea from this restaurant as well!
Tip: Try to avoid peak times during the weekend if you want to worry less about parking. Those reasonably low prices can draw quite a crowd!
Location: 54 Jalan Kerisi, Kampung Sungai Rengit, 81620 Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia Contact: +607-826 5460 Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Friday: 11:00am – 3:00pm & 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Saturday to Sunday: 11:00am – 10:00pm Closed On: Mondays Facebook
6. Ayam Penyet Z&Z
This restaurant has a wide selection of Nasi Penyet with chicken, fish, prawn & squid in Malay-style cuisine.
The chicken is served with rice, fried tofu, tempeh and a small bowl of soup. The chicken is perfectly cooked – criso, tender, juicy juicy, tender and crisp.
Dishes to try:
Ayam penyet
Deep fried fish
7. The Elephant & The Butterfly
Quite pricey but that is not surprising since this beautiful and colorful restaurant is at a Hard Rock Hotel!
The restaurant boasts a Mexican menu. Food comes in decent portions. Try their burgers!
Sit by the hotel poolside in one of the bright and spacious couches and enjoy the view! Maybe, with one of their very special in-house cocktails in hand too!
They can even make one just for you if none of the ones on their menu suits your taste!
Wine enthusiasts will also find the wine selection at this establishment delightfully adequate!
Location: Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, Jalan Pantai 3, Desaru Coast, 81930 Bandar Penawar, Johor, Malaysia Contact: +607-838 8888 Opening Hours: 11:00am to 10:30pm Facebook
8. Super Lobster Restaurant
Another halal option, Super Lobster Restaurant is not your usual traditional Desaru Chinese restaurant!
One of their signature dishes is the herbal lobster which is well worth the price!
You can expect the restaurant to put out only the freshest seafood (like shrimp, lala, squid, crabs and of course lobsters!) dishes here. As they get their supply a few times a day!
This is a good alternative to the overly popular Jade Garden!
Other dishes to try:
Crab with salted egg yolk
Butter lobsters
Assam seabass
Tofu hotplate
Tip: Weekend crowds are crazy!
Location: 7, Jalan Jenahak, Kampung Sungai Rengit, 81600 Bandar Penawar, Johor, Malaysia Contact: +607-824 6108 Opening Hours: 11:00am to 10:00pm Facebook
9. Fruit Buffet At Desaru Fruit Farm
Depending on which fruits are in season, visitors to Desaru Fruit Farm can pick all the fruit they desire!
They have different tropical fruits at the farm – Guava, longan, jackfruit, dragon fruit, passion fruit, banana, pineapple, mangosteen, rambutan, etc.
And the staff will serve the fruit all cut up and ready to eat at the fruit buffet.
There are even some pickled fruit options!
The in-house cafe has some creative dishes that feature fruits!
It’s worth trying their:
Passion fruit chicken
Pineapple sweet and sour prawns
Fresh papaya chicken soup
Deep fried squid with dragon fruit
They have plenty more!
Location: 92, 82200 Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia Contact: +6012-772 1817 Opening Hours: 8:30am to 6:30pm Facebook
10. Sengat Seafood Restaurant
If you happen to be anywhere between Desaru and Kota Tinggi in Johor, it might be worth stopping at this inconspicuous restaurant in a tiny fishing village called Teluk Sengat.
Especially if you are planning to drop by the crocodile farm nearby.
Sengat Seafood restaurant is furnished very simply – think typical kampung style (that means no air conditioning).
But the fresh seafood here makes it worth the drive!
Must-try dishes include:
Nyonya steamed fish with Assam paste
Sambal kangkung
Chilli Crab
Zhao Pai Mian (noodles)
Claypot tofu
Salted egg yolk crab
Deep fried buns (dip in gravy)
Location: 58, Jalan Belanak, Teluk Sengat, 81900 Ayer Tawar, Johor, Malaysia Contact: +6019-729 0303 Opening Hours: 11:30am to 9:30pm
11. Ostrich Farm Restaurant
Come to the Desaru Ostrich Farm and meet some of the hundreds of ostriches here at Malaysia’s largest ostrich farm!
Understandably, you might not want to have a meal with ostrich meat after seeing a real life ostrich!
But this is one of the few places in Johor where you can try dishes made with ostrich meat!
So if you don’t mind, then the restaurant (more like a stall) at the farm has some ostrich meat delicacies you might want to try:
Ostrich satay
Bak kut teh
Stir fry
Omelette
Location: Contact: +607-826 5846 Opening Hours: 10:00am to 6:00pm Facebook
How To Get To Desaru From Singapore
Private Car From Singapore To Desaru
To get from Singapore to Desaru in Johor, you can take advantage of the Senai-Desaru Expressway.
It is an hour’s journey by car.
But if you don’t want to drive, you can take a private car to Desaru service (with crossover benefits!) like SGMYTAXI.
Here are the advantages of taking SGMYTAXI service:
10 Best Food & Cafe Johor Bahru Checkpoint: If you’re exploring Johor, you’ve likely come across some picture-perfect, hipster establishments that offer delicious food and are quaint enough to fill your Instagram feed!
Ranging from colorful and quirky to traditional and charming, discovering these cafes is an adventure in itself. The food they offer is a journey of its own.
Thanks to the rise of trendy, stylish cafes and outlets, you can now enjoy places that serve excellent food, specialize in specific cuisines, or focus on exquisite coffee art.
Each cafe in Johor Bahru in this list has a unique appeal and we’re sure all are worth a visit if for nothing else than to fill your Instagram with.
A mix of mostly new establishments and some notably older cafes contribute to the vibrant café culture along Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Jalan Dhoby, and Jalan Wong Ah Fook.
Whatever your preference, we’ve explored the Jalan Tan Hiok Nee and Jalan Dhoby areas in Johor Bahru city to find the latest cafes and restaurants worth visiting.
Here’s the complete list—be sure to read on to discover what all the buzz is about.
Top 5 Best Food & Café At Jalan Dhoby Johor Bahru
1. IT Roo Café JB
Though not a new name, this establishment will be familiar to those who know the area, as it has been around since the early 2000s—and for good reason.
One of the most notable and must-try dishes for any visitor is the famous Hainanese Chicken Rice at this cafe. Renowned for its succulent chicken and flavorful rice, this dish has drawn visitors from far and wide, making it a culinary highlight in the area. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, this iconic meal is sure to leave a lasting impression.
This dish gained widespread fame when The Star newspaper named it the Best Chicken Chop in Malaysia back in 2003. Judging by the crowds that continue to flock here, it’s clear that this famous dish remains highly sought after.
IT Roo Café JB Location: 17, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia Contact: +60 7-222 7780 Opening Hours:
Daily: 10:00am – 12:00am
2. Salahuddin Bakery
Situated along the bustling thoroughfare of Jalan Dhoby, Salahuddin Bakery holds the distinction of being one of the oldest and most cherished establishments in Johor Bahru. Stepping inside, one is transported back in time, greeted by the sight of a massive wood oven that has stood the test of time since its installation in 1937. This iconic bakery, still under the stewardship of the same dedicated family, has faithfully preserved its heritage, with little alteration to its charming facade, including the retention of its original signage.
Discover a wide array of freshly baked delights at Salahuddin Bakery, including pastries, bread, and delectable puffs, with the standout being their renowned Indian curry puffs boasting a variety of fillings. Best enjoyed piping hot straight from the oven, these curry puffs boast a delightful crunch, courtesy of their flaky pastry crust.
Before bidding farewell, be sure to indulge in their irresistible Bengali puffs and freshly baked loaf bread—no visit is complete without them!
Salahuddin Bakery Location: 26, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia. Contact: +60 12-766 8380 Opening Hours:
Daily: 9:30am – 5:30pm
Closed on: Fridays
3. The Replacement – Lodge & Kitchen Johor Bahru
You can’t miss this establishment—a striking all-white facade adorned with a prominent sign reading The Replacement, marking its presence at the corner of a lane in the Jalan Dhoby area.
This all white corner lot maintains the clean and light feeling inside, and upstairs, which is The Replacement Lodge means you can stay here as well.
What you’ll find past all the decadent cakes on the main counter is their menu which lists all day brunch dishes, and if you’ve space left for dessert there are their tasty churros that come with a choice of dipping, with salted yolk dip being one of the most ordered.
The Replacement- Lodge & Kitchen Johor Bahru Location: 33, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia. Contact: +60 12-574 7885 Opening Hours:
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Friday to Saturday: 9:00am – 11:00pm Facebook
4. Flowers In The Window Café JB
This charming café, barely a year old, earns its name from its unique incorporation of edible flowers into its dishes. Step inside, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by a floral paradise, as the café is adorned with vibrant blooms, creating an ambiance akin to dining in a whimsical garden setting.
At this delightful spot, the menu boasts a delightful array of brunch selections alongside a small but enticing assortment of freshly baked bread. Pair your choice of bread with a delectable side dish to complete your meal. Each dish on the menu is artfully adorned with edible flowers, lending a burst of color to your dining experience. With a fusion of Western and Asian culinary influences, you’re in for a gastronomic journey that tantalizes your taste buds with each bite.
Flowers In The Window Café JB Location: 9, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia. Contact: +60 7-222 7489 Opening Hours:
Daily: 10:00am – 10:00pm
Closed on: Tuesdays
5. Bev Cáfe
Upon entering this shop, don’t be surprised to find yourself greeted by rows of clothing, resembling a boutique. Ascend the staircase, and you’ll be met with the delightful aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air, accompanied by an enticing display of cakes in their chilled cabinet, each one as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Step inside and be embraced by the simple yet inviting interior design, exuding a cool rustic charm. The ambiance is dark and soothing, creating a cozy and homely atmosphere that beckons you to unwind. Among the standout specialties is the mint chocolate slice, served elegantly on a wooden plate. With each delectable bite, you’ll be transported to cloud nine as the harmonious blend of chocolate and mint tantalizes your taste buds, leaving behind a smooth and unforgettable sensation.
Another highlight not to be missed is their Espresso Ice Cubes—an innovative creation where espresso shots are frozen into ice cubes. Served with a side of milk, you’ll pour it into your cup and witness a mesmerizing transformation as the ice cubes slowly melt, infusing your drink with rich coffee flavor. It’s a fascinating twist on the traditional espresso latte, offering a unique and memorable experience that sets this cafe apart from the rest.
Bev Cáfe Location: 54 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia Contact: +6016-725 3530 Opening Hours:
Thursday to Tuesday: 10:00am – 7:00pm
Closed on: Wednesday
A timeless gem in Johor, this historic café has been serving patrons since 1919, making it the oldest in the region. Keeping tradition alive, the café continues to utilize a wood-fired oven, a hallmark of its authentic charm. Run as a family business, it proudly involves three generations of the Lim family, preserving its rich heritage and legacy to this day.
Each family member has a specific task it seems, keeping the bakery highly organized and efficient.
For the ultimate experience, plan your visit to Hiap Joo Bakery between noon and 2:00 pm daily. This is when the morning bake is at its freshest, straight from the oven. Be sure to indulge in their signature banana cake, a beloved favorite even among the Johor royal family.
Hiap Joo Bakery Location: 13, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia. Contact: +60 7-223 1703 Opening Hours:
Daily: 7:30am – 5:30pm
Closed on: Sundays Facebook
7. Chaiwalla & Co. Container Café Johor Bahru
Crafted from a repurposed container, this café stands out as a unique gem. Offering a diverse selection of bubble tea, you’re bound to discover a favorite among their range of tea and chai blends.
As the café is housed in an outdoor container, it may not be the ideal spot for lingering, with many customers opting to take their drinks to go instead. The food menu here is kept simple, featuring a selection of pastries and cakes for a quick and satisfying bite.
Chaiwalla & Co. Container Café Johor Bahru Location: Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia. Contact: +60 12-735 3572 Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:30am – 10:30pm
Weekends: 9:30am – 1:00pm Facebook
8. Amphawa Boat Noodle Downtown
Straight from Thailand, this renowned boat noodle dish brings authentic flavors to your palate. Originating from the bustling floating markets of Bangkok, particularly Amphawa, these noodles are traditionally served from boats, adding to their charm and authenticity.
Choose from a variety of flavorful broths to suit your taste preferences—whether you prefer the fiery kick of spicy and sour broth, the comforting herb-infused broth for those averse to spice, or the bold flavors of Tomyum broth for the adventurous souls.
Served with your choice of beef or chicken, either shredded or in meatball form, these boat noodles offer a versatile dining experience. For seafood enthusiasts, there’s also the option of indulging in Tomyum Prawn Boat Noodles.
This culinary delight is a must-try, particularly for aficionados of Thai cuisine! The best part? You don’t have to journey all the way to Thailand to savor its flavors—it’s now conveniently closer to you, ensuring a delightful culinary adventure without the travel hassle.
Amphawa Boat Noodle Downtown Location: No.32, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia. Contact: +60 7-220 0060 Opening Hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 11:30am – 10:30pm
Friday & Saturday: 11:30am – 12:00am Facebook
9. Shakespeare Milkshakes JB
The café is a fairly new addition to the cafes that can be found along Jalan Trus. A dessert cafe, Shakespeare milkshakes serve up soft serve ice- cream and freshly made waffles, not forgetting the specialty here which are of course milkshakes.
Indulge in decadent milkshakes at this establishment, featuring classic flavors as well as six specialty flavor combinations. Each milkshake is topped with a delightful array of sauces and toppings, ensuring a rich and satisfying treat. Whether you crave something chocolaty, sweet, or tangy, there’s a milkshake or waffle dessert here to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings.
Also read:
If you prefer waffles, the Chocolate Banana waffle dish is one that’ll hit the sweet spot, with chocolate sauce, more chocolate based toppings atop fresh waffles.
Shakespeare Milkshakes JB Location: 9, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia. Contact: +60 16-421 8530 Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 12:00pm – 11:00pm
Weekend: 12:00pm – 12:00am
Closed on: Wednesdays Facebook
10. Red House At Jalan Tan Hiok Nee
Distinct from Red House Seafood Restaurant, the charming corner shop of Red House Cafe boasts a striking resemblance to former Dutch architecture, characterized by its vibrant red and white façade. Despite its traditional appearance, it remains a popular photo spot for visitors, adding to its allure and charm.
While primarily serving as a venue for cultural events, this building also doubles as a cozy spot for a quick bite or coffee. The menu here is heavily influenced by Nyonya cuisine, offering a delectable array of dishes and desserts inspired by the rich culinary heritage of the region.
Red House At Jalan Tan Hiok Nee Location: Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia. Contact: +60 7–224 9633 Opening Hours:
From breakfast till early evening
