Whether you are a Singaporean citizen, foreign citizen working in Singapore or find yourself in Singapore for your holidays, going across the causeway to Johor Bahru (JB) for a short getaway on a weekend or for a few days is definitely something you do all the time (if you haven't done it before......... you definitely should!).
Find out how to get to Johor Bahru (JB) from Singapore:
- 4 ways to get to Johor Bahru from Singapore on bus
- 5 simple ways to get to Johor Bahru from Singapore (Info-graphics)
- 5 ways to get to Johor Bahru from Singapore (Animated video tutorial)
- Singapore to Johor Bahru (JB) - 5 ways to get from Singapore to Johor Bahru (JB)
Also read:
- 2019: 60 "Pasar Malam" in Johor Bahru to satisfy your cravings daily
- Johor Bahru - Partying in Puteri Harbour 101
But what is JB without the fantastic choice and amazingly awesome food Malaysia has to offer?
Also read:
- Top 5 Mamak in Johor Bahru (JB)
- 11 Lok Lok in Johor Bahru (JB) not to be missed
One of these delicacies Johor Bahru (JB) has to offer is Zichar or Tze char. Zichar, or 煮炒, literally means "to cook and fry". It is a Hokkien term that Singaporeans and Malaysians use when describing Chinese stalls that offer a wide range of cooked food from to-die-for seafood, to more common and affordable dishes that are almost similar to home-cooked meals, just brought to the next culinary experience level by the talented chefs.
Very similar to 热炒店 in Taiwan or Stir-fry shops that you are familiar with in the streets of Bangkok, here’s a list of zichar stalls in Johor Bahru (JB) that will surely make a very positive impact to your trip, ensuring you go back to Singapore with a belly full of Malaysian local food goodness!
Situated in Taman Pelangi, this zichar restaurant is a 15 mins drive from the Malaysian customs and immigration (CIQ) after the Woodlands Causeway. It will cost you about RM10(if you are taking a metered-taxi). Famous for its San Low Fried Bee Hoon, this restaurant has definitely won themselves fans from all over Malaysia and Singapore. First enjoying an onsen of seafood broth, the beehoon has its taste greatly enhanced, giving it a natural savory taste that reminds you of the ocean. Charred and crispy on the outside, but moist on the inside, this dish is a "die die must order" when you visit San Low Seafood Restaurant in Johor Bahru (JB), Malaysia.
Taman Pelangi, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
This zichar stall in Pelangi City may be a tiny zichar stall in a small food centre in a quieter part of JB, but its existence and the delicious food they offer is definitely not unknown of. Local Johorians rave highly about Pelangi City zichar. KF Seetoh of Makansutra fame even had them featured in his popular “Food Surprise” television series.
Address: Stall no. 11, Taman Serene Food Centre, Jalan Biru
An offspring of San Low Seafood Restaurant, Ah Meng Restaurant is founded by the son-in-law of San Low Seafood restaurant's owner. This restaurant offers authentic San Low Fried Bee Hoon that are very much on par with San Low Seafood Restaurant too. The best part about this restaurant is that they are open during non-peak hours too, from 2-5 pm when most restaurants will be taking a break during that time.
38, Jalan Sultanah Aminah, Taman Iskandar, Johor Bahru
If you are a lover of crabs, then this is a place that you must definitely not miss. You will need to come and try their wet form of salted egg yolk crab! The salted egg yolk crab has been voted as one of the best in Singapore and Malaysia. Amazingly buttery coupled with a strong delicious infusion of salted egg yolk that promises to awaken your taste buds and giving a jolt of satisfaction to your tummies!
Malaysia, Taman Sri Tebrau, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Fancy enjoy delicious food including fresh and succulent seafood by the sea while enjoying the breeze? You can now indulge in this extravagant and top-notch dining experience when you are in Johor Bahru (JB), Located next to the sea, this zichar restaurant is definitely the place to go especially if you are a great fan of seafood!
No.1 Kg. Orang Asli, Telok Jawa, Masai, 81750, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
The signature noodles or 招牌面 is a fish you must never ignore and definitely not miss when you are at Uncle Pou Wok Restaurant! The bouncy spongy thick yellow noodles tai lok mee 大碌面 were exquisitely glazed in a combination of slimy coat of hot lard and savory sweet dark soy based sauce. The lip-smacking and heavenly taste leaves you can’t help but to ask for a second serving!
46, Jalan Indah 28/1, Taman Bukit Indah 2, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Tao Yuan Pekan Nanas Johor Seafood Ikan Bakar is famous for their BBQ stingray. As the name suggests, the BBQ stingray or Ikan Bakar in Bahasa Melayu here is so good that you will need to start queuing before 6.30pm so that you can get to savor the delicious stingray. It is so good that some patrons even start queuing before the stall opens for business.
Jalan Sawah, Pekan Nanas, 81300 Johor, Malaysia
You get to enjoy fresh seafood at prices you will never find in Singapore. This is one of the reasons which explains why this shop is the favorite place for many of Singaporeans. At RM 117, you’ll get to enjoy 2 black pepper crabs. That is lesser than SGD$40 FOR 2 CRABS. Whats more, all the prices shown in the menu at Chua Kee Seafood Gelang Patah Johor are NETT price! Cheap seafood is not the only main draw here. Dishes after dishes of seafood cuisine and zichar favorites are prepared with tender loving care by the chefs here, ensuring you leave this place with a happy stomach, not much damage to your wallet and most importantly, your taste buds craving for more!
No 1 Jalan Kacang Panjang, Gelang Patah 81550, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
With their Fish Head Curry being the number 1 seller in their menu, it is no surprise that many Singaporeans are willing to put up with the long waiting hour at the Causeway (Find out how you can skip the wait at have a faster and smoother clearance at the Singapore Malaysia causeway!) just to eat their Fish Head Curry. The thick and flavorful curry broth is a heavenly combination of sour, spicy and savory with slight traces of sweetness that promises to take your taste buds on an ambrosial journey. Something curry lovers out there must definitely not miss.
61, Jalan Kemuning, Taman Melodies, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Another contender for the best Curry Fish Head in Johor Bahru, Qiu Bo Curry House Fish Head Pork Ribs Johor Ulu Tiram promises divine Fish Head Curry that promises a gastronomical experience. The aromatic curry broth was creamy with fresh coconut milk and well balanced sweet, spicy and savory flavors. The fish used is very fresh and adds a natural tinge of nectarous taste to the dish.
The divine combination of the fish and curry has enough spicy zing that wakes your taste buds up, leaving them begging for more. Besides that, you can also try their beansprouts which is both crunchy and juicy. A must have to complement the curry and bring your Qiu Bo Curry Fish head experience to the next level.
2, Jalan Mutiara, Taman Mutiara, 81800 Ulu Tiram, Johor, Malaysia.
