13 Must-Try Local Dishes in Johor for Every Food Lover Johor is a food paradise with a rich blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences, offering a variety of mouthwatering local delicacies. Whether you’re a tourist or a local looking for new food experiences, here are 13 must-try dishes in Johor and where to find them! 1. Laksa Johor Unlike other laksa varieties, Laksa Johor features spaghetti instead of traditional rice noodles, paired with a thick and flavorful fish-based coconut gravy. The dish is often garnished with fresh herbs, lime, and sambal for an extra kick. Where to Try: IT Roo Café, Restoran Kacang Pool Haji 2. Kacang Pool A Johorean take on the Middle Eastern ful medames, this dish features a thick, spiced broad bean stew served with a sunny-side-up egg and toasted bread. Where to Try: Kacang Pool Haji, Warung Saga 3. Mee Rebus Johor This dish consists of yellow noodles drenched in a thick, slightly sweet, and spicy gravy made from potatoes, shrimps, and a blend of aromatic spices. Where to Try: Mee Rebus Haji Wahid, Selera Johor Medan Selera 4. Nasi Briyani Gam This unique Johor-style biryani is slow-cooked to perfection, infusing the rice with rich spices and tender meats like lamb or chicken. Where to Try: Restoran Syed Mohamed, Restoran Zara 5. Otak-Otak Muar This grilled fish cake wrapped in banana leaves is a must-try snack. It is made from fresh fish paste mixed with coconut milk and spices, giving it a smoky, spicy flavor. Where to Try: Otak-Otak Cheng Boi, Otak-Otak Johor Lido 6. Pisang Goreng with Sambal Kicap A unique Johorean twist on fried banana fritters, served with a spicy soy sauce dip that enhances the sweet and savory flavors. Where to Try: Warung Mawar, Pisang Goreng Abu 7. Ayam Penyet A delicious Indonesian-influenced dish featuring crispy smashed fried chicken served with sambal, rice, and fresh vegetables. Where to Try: Ayam Penyet Ria, Warung Saga 8. Roti Kirai / Roti Jala These lacy, net-like pancakes are often served with rich chicken or beef curry, making them a popular choice for breakfast or tea time. Where to Try: Selera Johor, Gerai Makan Rahmat 9. Char Kway Teow Johor Style Johor’s version of this famous dish is slightly different, with a richer, sweeter sauce and an abundance of seafood like prawns and cockles. Where to Try: Kim Wah Char Kway Teow, Restoran Hua Mui 10. Asam Pedas Johor A tangy and spicy fish stew made with tamarind, chili, and aromatic herbs, best enjoyed with white rice. Where to Try: Asam Pedas Claypot, Warung Mak Mah 11. Lontong Kering A festive dish featuring compressed rice cakes served with a thick, spiced coconut gravy, sambal, and serunding (spicy grated coconut). Where to Try: Lontong Laman Warisan, Restoran Warisan 12. Johor-style Satay Unlike other satay styles, Johor’s version features a thicker peanut sauce, often served with nasi impit (compressed rice cubes). Where to Try: Satay Wak Radol, Satay Teluk Belanga 13. Dim Sum Johor Style Johor’s dim sum scene is vibrant, with fresh handmade dumplings, buns, and other Cantonese delights. Where to Try: Restoran Tasixi, Restoran New Hong Kong Final Thoughts Johor’s food scene is a melting pot of cultures, offering a diverse range of flavors that will satisfy any food lover. Whether you're into spicy, savory, or sweet treats, there's always something delicious waiting for you in Johor! Let us know which dish you’d love to try first!