Lok Lok, which literally means “boil boil” in Cantonese, can be found in all parts of Malaysia. It is very similar to satay as the ingredients are skewered on sticks. One key difference though - Lok Lok is definitely way more delicious and the awesome and endless variety such as enoki mushrooms wrapped in ham, soft shell crabs, boneless chicken wings, Taiwanese sausages, crispy pork belly and hard-boiled quail eggs.
In Johor Bahru (JB), Lok Lok is usually prepared deep-fried, grilled or boiled in water and served with dipping sauces such as Thai sweet chilli sauce, satay peanut sauce, spicy chilli sauce and yong tau foo-style black bean sauce. Lok Lok is often served out of converted vans or small trucks, with the sides opening up to become display racks where customers ponders over what delicacy to choose to satisfy their cravings out of the massive selection. The rear of the van is the cooking area of the Lok lok. Many shops are also sprouting out all over Malaysia, which provides a dining space for patrons to have a proper seating area to enjoy their Lok Lok.
These Lok Lok vans come out at night and can be found more or less at their usual parking spot every day. Extremely popular with both locals and Singaporeans coming in for their supper and petrol runs, we bring you 11 of the must try Lok Lok in Johor Bahru (JB). Be sure to head over to one of them when you are in Johor Bahru (JB)! The list are not in any order of preference or favorites, we highly recommend that you try them all to have a ranking list of your own.
This popular Lok Lok brand has several vans plying various locations in Johor Bahru (JB). The popular items are the marinated duck meat, abalone mushroom and enoki mushroom wrapped in ham. Deep-fried to perfection, everything is fresh and savory! A must visit at the end of your shopping trip in KSL City Mall!
Address: Jalan Serigala, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Right outside Sentosa Plaza are two Lok Lok vans. The one directly outside the lobby of Grand Sentosa Hotel is hands-down better. Most of the items here are must-tries though the bacon-wrapped cocktail sausages and scallops are at the top of the list. The Lok Lok here are slathered with their own special sweet sauce to perfection, giving them an edge over the rest.
Address: near 23A, Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
In addition to their popular wanton noodles, this bustling shop also have a Lok Lok van parked outside selling a wide selection of Lok Lok. Their signatures are the highly addictive cheese wrapped in ham which are oozing with goodness, and deep-fried enoki generously coated in paprika.
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
