Lok Lok, which translates to “boil boil” in Cantonese, is a beloved Malaysian street food similar to satay, with ingredients skewered on sticks. However, Lok Lok in Johor Bahru takes things up a notch with its incredible variety of ingredients – think enoki mushrooms wrapped in ham, crispy pork belly, boneless chicken wings, soft shell crabs, and hard-boiled quail eggs, just to name a few. Lok Lok can be boiled, grilled, or deep-fried and is typically served with a range of dipping sauces like Thai sweet chili, satay peanut sauce, spicy chili sauce, and a unique yong tau foo-style black bean sauce.
In Johor Bahru (JB), Lok Lok can be found from converted vans or small trucks that open up to display a tempting array of skewered ingredients. Some of the city’s best Lok Lok spots even have dedicated restaurants where you can enjoy the experience from a comfortable seating area. Here’s a list of 11 must-try Lok Lok spots in JB that you won’t want to miss.
This popular Lok Lok van near KSL City Mall is well-loved for its deep-fried duck meat, abalone mushrooms, and ham-wrapped enoki mushrooms. Deep-fried to perfection, everything here is savory and fresh! Perfect for a quick bite after shopping at KSL.
Address: Jalan Serigala, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Two Lok Lok vans can be found outside Sentosa Plaza, but the van directly outside the lobby of Grand Sentosa Hotel is particularly popular. With items like bacon-wrapped cocktail sausages and perfectly seasoned scallops, this Lok Lok van has a distinct sweet sauce that makes it a fan favorite.
Address: near 23A, Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Besides its famous wanton noodles, Restoran 59 also has a Lok Lok van parked outside, offering delicious items like ham-wrapped cheese sticks and deep-fried enoki mushrooms coated in paprika. A definite must-try!
Address: 2-20, Jalan Kelewang, Taman Sri Tebrau, 80050 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
A zi char restaurant bustling with crowd due to their amazing zi char (wok-style stir fry) cuisine that also serves Lok Lok. This place stands out for its grilled seafood Lok Lok such as scallops and prawns. Another specialty is the grilled ‘single-bone’ chicken wing which is easy to eat and one of the best in JB.
Address:33, Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Another 发哥渌渌 van, the cooking style here is much spicier. The popular and family-friendly Bangkok Spa nearby (which the van usually parks right in front as you can see from the photo) hire many Thai employees. It is not any secret how much the Thais love their chillies! Kill two birds with one stone by heading for an authentic Thai massage and fill your stomach with fiery sticks of Lok Lok afterwards!
Judging by the popularity of this Lok Lok van and the countless Singaporean cars parked outside Bangkok Spa, you can’t really go wrong!
Address: 58, Jalan Abiad, Taman Maju Jaya, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
At RM0.80 (SGD$0.26) per stick at Restoran Daisei Kushiyaki (大成居酒屋), this hidden gem located 25 – 30 minutes away from the checkpoint by car is the cheapest Lok Lok eatery around! Choose from an impressive array of ingredients that range from mushroom and greens to comfort food like fish balls, hot dogs, meatballs, chicken wings, and century quail eggs, and decide if you want them deep fried or boiled!
Address: 23, Jalan Mutiara 1/9, Taman Mutiara Mas, 81300 Skudai
With a myriad of skewered food spread in a comfy alfresco space, Ah Sing Lok Lok is rated as the most patronized Lok Lok restaurant in town. Everything is fresh and full of flavors while at times tummy space isn’t on your side to devour them all. Among the crowd favorites are asparagus wrapped with bacon, bacon with cheese and fried enoki mushrooms. You can opt to cook them yourself but many patrons prefer handing over the cooking task to the courteous staffs to have them cooked to perfection. Four variations of dipping sauces are available to tantalize your taste buds: sweet-sour, salty-sweet, hot, and ultra-hot.
Address: 36-38, Jalan Permas 10/6, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, 81750 Masai, Johor, Malaysia, 81750, Johor Bahru, Johor
Another reputable player in the Lok Lok scene and patrons flock over as soon as the sun starts to set. Shielding the facade of PP Food Corner, you can also opt to dine inside the eatery if you’re not into eating while standing around. A fan of pork, from regular meat to quirky innards - you’re in for a treat. Numerous sauces are placed for your dipping delight yet the main draw is their green chilli sauce which shows no mercy to your palate unless you’re used to tear-jerking goodness.
Address: 30, Jalan Kelewang, Taman Sri Tebrau, 80050 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, 80050, Johor Bahru, Johor
What you’re looking at is a parade of drool-worthy skewers and it truly justifies being the largest Lok Lok eatery in town. Another big perk here is you can either BBQ, deep-fry or boil your marvellous meats. The Lok Lok served here promises to not disappoint. With unique combinations of colors and flavors, throw away your diet goals for a moment and savour the delicacies this place has to offer.
Address: 32, Jalan Pingai, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, 80400, Johor Bahru, Johor
Among the most sought-after supper place that whips out a drool-inducing armoury of skewered goodness that are fresh and flavorful. Wolf down till your belly has seen enough for the day. Since its open till wee hours, if you’re feeling a little hungry and would like to end your perfect day in Johor Bahru with some good old supper, this is the spot to eat up your satisfy your cravings and bring you on an amazing foodie adventure.
Address: 36, Jalan Keris, Taman Sri Tebrau, 80050 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, 80050 , Johor Bahru, Johor
Remember when we used to get excited whenever the ice-cream uncle pass by your houses or school? The same excitement occurs to those in the neighborhood of Taman Mount Austin as this food truck boasts a sumptuous spread of vegetables, ocean goodness and luscious meats along lip-smackingly good sauces. All you have to do is pick, dip, devour and repeat as each stick is worth the calorie and cash.
Address: 75-110, Jalan Mutiara Emas 10/19, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, 81100 , Johor Bahru, Johor
For a smooth, stress-free journey exploring Johor Bahru’s Lok Lok scene, consider using our reliable cross-border transport service. Whether you’re traveling from Singapore or within Malaysia, our friendly drivers will ensure you arrive at these Lok Lok hotspots comfortably and conveniently. Don’t miss out on this mouthwatering culinary adventure in JB – let SGMYTravel take you there!
