A quick and easy foodie day trip from Singapore to Johor Bahru, featuring must-try spots, local favorites, and exactly what we ate.
At the end of our two-week trip, we found ourselves back in Singapore for a few days with our best friends who live there. They wanted to take us on a different kind of adventure – something a little unexpected – and since we’re all foodies, they suggested a day trip to Malaysia.
More specifically, Johor Bahru, which is right across the border from Singapore.
And when I say close, I mean really close. It was about a five-minute train ride, which still feels kind of wild to think about.
We had no idea what to expect going into it, but it turned into a full day of eating, exploring, and trying some of the best food we had on the entire trip. So if you’re even a little bit into planning your trips around food… this is one to add to your list.
Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
- Why Take a Day Trip to Johor Bahru from Singapore
- What to Know Before You Go to Johor Bahru
- Our Johor Bahru Foodie Itinerary
- Best Food We Tried in Johor Bahru
- FAQ’s Visiting Johor Bahru
Why Take a Day Trip to Johor Bahru from Singapore
One of the most surprising parts of our Singapore trip was how easy it is to pop over to Malaysia for the day.
We took a train from Singapore to Johor Bahru, and it was literally about five minutes. It still feels kind of unreal how quickly you can cross into another country.
If you’re someone who loves food (and planning your trips around meals like I do), this is such a fun way to experience something different without needing to fully relocate your trip.
We spent the entire day eating our way through Johor Bahru, and it ended up being one of my favorite days from the entire trip.
What to Know Before You Go to Johor Bahru
Before heading from Singapore to Johor Bahru, there are a couple of things you’ll want to do ahead of time.
You’ll need to complete the Malaysia arrival card before entering, and also have your Singapore arrival card ready for when you return. The process is straightforward, but definitely something to take care of in advance.
Once you arrive, the train station is huge and connects directly to a large mall filled with shops and food options. It’s actually a great starting point before heading out into the city.
One more tip: bring cash. Some of the best food spots (including one of our favorite stops of the day) are cash-only.
Our Johor Bahru Foodie Itinerary
We were lucky to explore Johor Bahru with friends who knew all the best local spots, and every single stop felt like a hit.
Rotiboy (Must-Try Pastry)
Our first stop was Rotiboy, located right near the station.
This ended up being one of my favorite things we ate all day. The pastry was crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and had this buttery, slightly coffee flavor that was honestly so good. A solid 10/10.
Kwan Kee Store (Michelin Guide Street Food)
Next, we stopped at Kwan Kee Store, a Michelin Guide street food spot.
We tried kueh sala, which is a pandan and coconut sweet rice dessert, and it was another 10/10 for me. Soft, slightly sweet, and really unique.
We also tried a mochi here… which, I’ll be honest, was a bit of a miss.
Kam Long Ah Zai (Famous Fish Stew)
Kam Long Ah Zai is one of those places that locals know and love.
We ordered their fish stew along with tofu, rice, and a jelly drink, and everything was incredible. The fish stew in particular was so flavorful and comforting. You can tell this is a go-to spot for a reason.
Palates & Bagels by T.A.M (Cafe Stop)
After a few savory stops, we took a break at a café.
Our friends wanted to make sure I got my caffeine in for the day because they know how much I need it. We stopped at Palates & Bagels by T.A.M – a go-to spot for our friends.I ordered a caramel matcha that was very tasty but i mist admint, I’m much more of a vanilla matcha type of person.
The cafe itself was a great spot to sit down and relax for a bit. Everything was comfortable and had a really nice aesthetic. Fun for photos!
Restoran Ya Wang (Crispy Duck + Roast Meats)
We absolutely loved this spot!
Restoran Ya Wang was one of the standout meals of the day.
We ordered crispy herbal duck, char siu pork, and roast pork with a BBQ-style sauce. Everything was so flavorful, and this is definitely a spot I would go back to.
Hiap Joo Bakery (Famous Banana Cake)
Right after, we walked down the street to Hiap Joo Bakery for their famous banana cake.
This spot is cash only, and absolutely worth it.
The banana cake was soft, fluffy, and almost pillow-like. It was also the perfect reset after all the heavier, savory food we had been eating.
Xiao Fu (Snack Stop)
We made a quick stop at Xiao Fu to grab snacks to take home.
They have tons of samples, so it’s actually a fun place to try a variety of things before committing.
Restoran Hua Mui (Local Favorite)
Restoran Hua Mui had a fast-paced, classic diner feel.
We ordered kaya toast, Milo coffee, and a noodle dish called Mee Mamak. The noodles were spicy, flavorful, and one of my favorite dishes of the day.
The kaya toast was good but simple. And I didn’t try the Milo coffee because I can’t have milk. But my husband said it was fantastic.
Mollie Makes (Dessert + Matcha)
We stopped here partly for the vibe… but the food and drinks ended up being just as good.
At Mollie Makes, we tried black tea shots, mochi with pistachio, bean curd ice cream, and a cream tea. Everything was so good, and this ended up being one of the most fun stops of the day because it was so beautiful. It was a fantastic spot to rest and enjoy a sweet treat.
EverGreen Restaurant (Family-Style Dinner)
We ended the day with a full family-style meal at EverGreen Restaurant, and this was such a fun way to try a variety of dishes.
Some of my favorites:
- Coffee-flavored fried chicken (unexpected but so good)
- Evergreen fried mee hoon (glass noodles)
- Fried prawns
We also tried bitter gourd with salted egg, which was a bit too intense for me personally, but everyone else loved it.
For dessert, we had a hot taro paste with coconut milk. The flavor was great, but the texture + temperature combo threw me off a bit. My husband, on the other hand, loved it.
Best Food We Tried in Johor Bahru
If I had to narrow it down, these were my personal favorites:
- Rotiboy pastry
- Fish stew at Kam Long Ah Zai
- Banana cake from Hiap Joo Bakery
- Coffee-fried chicken at EverGreen
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Johor Bahru from Singapore
Is it easy to travel from Singapore to Johor Bahru?
Yes, it’s very easy. You can take a short train ride from Singapore to Johor Bahru, which takes about 5 minutes. Immigration is required on both sides, but the process is straightforward if you prepare your arrival cards in advance.
Do you need a visa to visit Johor Bahru from Singapore?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality, but many travelers (including U.S. passport holders) can enter Malaysia visa-free for short visits. Always check the latest entry requirements before your trip.
What is Johor Bahru known for?
Johor Bahru is known for its food scene, local street eats, and easy access from Singapore. It’s a popular destination for day trips, especially for trying authentic Malaysian dishes at local restaurants and markets.
Is a day trip to Johor Bahru worth it?
Yes, especially if you enjoy food. A day trip is enough time to try multiple restaurants, explore local spots, and experience a different culture without needing to plan an overnight stay.
Do you need cash in Johor Bahru?
Yes, it’s a good idea to bring cash. While some places accept cards, many local food spots and bakeries are cash-only.
What food should I try in Johor Bahru?
Some must-try foods include:
- Banana cake from local bakeries
- Fish stew from popular local restaurants
- Kaya toast and local coffee
- Roast meats like char siu and crispy duck
- Traditional desserts like kueh sala
How much time do you need in Johor Bahru?
You can easily explore Johor Bahru in one day, especially if you’re focusing on food. A full day gives you enough time to visit multiple spots without feeling too rushed.
Final Thoughts
This ended up being one of those days where everything just worked.
We ate so much (honestly, an impressive amount), tried a mix of different places, and got to experience Johor Bahru in a way that felt local and fun.
We were so lucky to have friends guiding us to all their favorite spots, and it made the entire experience even better.
If you’re planning a trip to Singapore and want to do something a little different, I would absolutely recommend taking a day trip to Malaysia for the food.
It’s one of those experiences that stays with you long after the trip is over.
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About the author: Hey there! I’m Julia, a passionate theme park and travel writer. My love for theme parks has fueled my obsession with sharing tips and adventures for years. Join me as I uncover the magic of Malaysia and beyond!
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