Culture rich and wonderful food scenes in the city of Johor Bahru are found in various different places that can be enjoyed by everyone from all walks of life. Here are 4 top food spots in JB that showcase rich cultural heritage and diversity.
Culture Rich #1: Hiap Joo Bakery And Biscuit Factory
A relatively popular place in Johor Bahru, the Hiap Joo Bakery and Biscuit Factory located in the heart of Johor Bahru City is a significant symbol of the country’s culinary heritage. Established in 1919, this century-old bakery is a key spot when it comes to showcasing the traditions and flavours of China. This establishment is considered as a long-standing legacy in Johor Bahru’s food scene.
This bakery is extremely well known for its banana bread. These famous banana cakes prepared in olden style hot ovens are not just famous for their scrumptious taste but they are considered a huge part of the city’s heritage and history — something that keeps the culture and diversity alive. The unique cooking method gives it a smoky flavour that has become extremely popular among locals as well as tourists in the city. The tradition as well as the management of the business has been passed down through generations — showcasing and preserving wonderful culture despite the modernisation happening in the city.
In addition to their famous banana bread, Hiap Joo Bakery also offers traditional Chinese bread and biscuits, which are made fresh on a daily basis. The beautiful nature of the bakery transports visitors back in time — allowing them to experience the flavours and heritage of Johor Bahru and bask in the vintage vibes.
The Hiap Joo Bakery and Biscuit Factory in Johor Bahru is a wonderful reminder of the country’s diverse cultural influence and ability to celebrate and preserve the past really well despite the ongoing development within the city scene. For those who are looking to experience and indulge in Johor Bahru’s rich history and cultural background, this bakery is a must-visit and the baked good are a must try — offering a delicious and authentic view of the city’s heritage.
Culture Rich #2: Restoran Selasih
Restoran Selasih that is located at Thistle Johor Bahru is a good representation Johor Bahru’s rich cultural heritage in the form of Malay cuisine. This restaurant was established to provide an immersive dining experience and is very much known for its commitment to preserving traditional Malay flavours while offering a sophisticated and elegant ambience to local as well as tourists from all around the world.
Restoran Selasih’s has become a symbol of diversity in Johor Bahru. The menu includes a variety of classic Malay dishes prepared to promote traditional culture and cuisine of the community. Some of the signature dishes include spicy Nasi Ambang and a variety of savoury dishes such as rendang, sayur and serunding. Another sought after dish is Laksa Johor which happens to be a regional variation of laksa — famous for its rich and creamy coconut flavour and a blend of aromatic spices.
The restaurant’s is fairly committed in displaying cultural authenticity that goes way beyond the food served at the establishment. For instance, the interior design is seen to reflect the unique Malaysian style and the elegant decorations reflect the themes and heritage; thus, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for everyone to bask in and enjoy. This beautiful ambience along with their exceptional service is definitely a key aspect that enhances the entire dining experience — allowing guests to enjoy their meals in an environment that celebrates the gorgeous Malay heritage.
Restoran Selasih is more than just an establishment to eat and enjoy food. It offers a rich cultural hub — a unique experience to all who dine in the restaurant in the heart of Johor Bahru. Whether you are a local or a tourist from all around the world, dining here gives you the chance to appreciate the depth and richness of the Malay culture and cuisine — showcasing their heritage to their customers.
Culture Rich #3: 7 Spice
Located in the heart of Johor Bahru, 7 Spice is a symbol of culinary traditions and cultural significance among the Indian community. Known for its authentic Indian cuisine, this unique restaurant offers customers an immersive experience of the vibrant and varied flavours pertaining to the Indian culture and heritage.
Customers who walk into the restaurant will feel immediately transported to a one of a kind experience — filled with decor and design resembling and depicting the Indian heritage that provides an unforgettable dining experience. The restaurant is named in a way to honour and showcase seven spices that are very much essential to Indian cuisine and this nod to the spices is reflected in every dish.
The 7 Spice menu consists of food items ranging from the North and South Indian parts of the country. Among the dishes, there are rich, aromatic biryani that come in various different meat options as well as other savoury item choices. The curries and broths such as butter chicken is a great example of showcasing the depth and complexity of Indian flavours. The restaurant prides on their commitment to authenticity and quality — ensuring that all customers feel fulfilled after dining in the establishment.
7 Spice also enhance culture through food. The restaurant often features Indian music and festive decorations — creating an environment that enhances the dining experience and brings forth the Indian culture to Johor Bahru. In addition, the friendly and knowledgeable staff adds to the experience by sharing information and details about the dishes and their traditions to customers who are interested to know more about the culture and heritage of the Indian communityAt its core, 7 Spice is a restaurant that brings alive the cultural experience that showcases flavours and tastes of India to the city of Johor Bahru — a must-visit for those who are looking to explore authentic cuisine.
Culture Rich #4: Medan Selera Meldrum Walk
Medan Selera Meldrum Walk is located in Johor Bahru and stands as a testament to the city’s rich and diverse cuisine. This busy and bustling food court is often found to be filled by people from all walks of life — locals and tourists alike; therefore, highlighting Johor Bahru’s diverse traditional food scene. With its lively atmosphere and variety of food stalls, Meldrum Walk offers insight into the local food culture as well as becoming a hotspot into the food scene of the city.
The establishment offers a perfect blend of Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisines — becoming a significant place to showcase cultural diversity and harmony between all races in the country. From spicy satay skewers and tasty nasi lemak to char kway teow and crispy roti canai, each stall in this area offer a different ethnic flavour that defines Johor Bharu’s food and cultural scene. The diverse selection is also seen to depict the city;s cultural fusion whereby one can see and taste a good mix between traditional Malay cuisine that blends perfectly with Chinese flavours and Indian dishes.
One of the highlights of Medan Selera Meldrum Walk is its bustling atmosphere. It is a common sight to witness lively conversations between vendors and customers, the ASMR worthy cooking sounds as well as the delicious aromas lingering in the air make for a fascinating foodie experience. It is not just about the food — this outdoor space encourages casual and social dining whereby locals and tourist from various backgrounds are able to bond and be around each other while basking in the surrounding environment.
Whether you are looking to satisfy your laksa and curry mee craving or are looking to find tasty and mouth-watering snacks, Medan Selera Meldrum Walk offers a multitude of choices when it comes to food and cuisines spanning across all races. This place is a must visit for those who are interested to explore Johor Bahru’s food culture set in a vibrant urban environment.
Ampfood is an exceptional platform dedicated to discovering the rich and diverse culinary landscape of Malaysia. With a keen focus on food, Ampfood is your go-to resource for exploring the tantalising flavours, unique dishes and hidden gems that the Malaysian food scene has to offer.
