Best Dim Sum Spots in Johor Bahru (JB) for Your Next Trip

If you’re looking to try the best dim sum in Johor Bahru (JB), you’re in luck. From cheap and cheerful local favourites to polished city-centre restaurants. JB’s dim sum scene offers plenty of variety without breaking the bank. Whether you’re after a quick breakfast, a family brunch or even a late-night bite, here are some of the top spots to check out.

Also read: The Best Times to Travel Between Singapore and Johor Bahru (JB)

Cha Lao Dim Sum

Located just behind Holiday Villa near KSL City Mall. Cha Lao offers one of the city’s more refined dim sum experiences, featuring a modern dining room and traditional pushcart service. Expect over 30 varieties, including silky har gao, plump siew mai and fluffy char siew buns, with custard buns being a crowd favourite. It’s air-conditioned, convenient and particularly popular on weekends, so going early is recommended.

Opening hours: 9am-5pm

Address: G-6, Ground Floor, Holiday Villa, 260, Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Ta Si Xi Hong Kong Dim Sum

Hidden in Taman Perling, Ta Si Xi is a neighbourhood haunt that attracts queues as early as 8.30 in the morning. Service is part tray, part cart, and the menu spans classics such as dumplings, buns and rice rolls alongside interesting twists like Dang Gui-infused siew mai. With crisp fried dishes and soft-centred baked buns, it’s a spot that locals swear by for breakfast or brunch.

Opening hours: 6.30am-4pm

Address: 11, Jalan Camar 1/3, Taman Perling, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Jiah Xiang Dim Sum

With generous opening hours that stretch from morning until midnight, Jiah Xiang is the place to satisfy dim sum cravings beyond the breakfast crowd. The Mount Austin branch serves a broad range from xiao long bao and golden buns to chee cheong fun and carrot cake, all at reasonable prices. It’s casual, consistent and particularly handy for late-night suppers.

Opening hours: 7am-3pm

Address: N 113 N, 115, Jalan Mutiara Emas 2A, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Tian Xin Lou

Set in JB’s heritage district, Tian Xin Lou blends a stylish setting with a menu that balances classics and creative bites, from har gao and chee cheong fun to durian-filled buns. It’s open until late at night, making it a convenient stop. The combination of modern interiors and hearty Cantonese flavours has quickly made it one of JB’s rising dim sum stars.

Opening hours: 7am-8pm

Address: 25, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Gim Cheng Dim Sum

An institution in Johor Bahru, Gim Cheng is famed for its no-frills, canteen-like atmosphere. They have a wide selection of steamed, fried and baked dim sum. Ordering involves ticking items from a slip and collecting them from counters, which adds to the old-school charm. Affordable, busy and best experienced early in the morning, it’s a local favourite for a hearty dim sum breakfast.

Opening hours: 7am-1pm (Closed on Wednesdays)

Address: 2, Jalan Sagu 36, Taman Daya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Also read: JB Beat the Traffic Itinerary: Breakfast, Shopping and Fun

Final tips

Dim sum in Johor Bahru is best enjoyed early, as popular items sell out quickly, and queues can form from mid-morning. Most restaurants still prefer cash payments, so having small notes on hand makes things easier. Parking can be limited in busy areas, so it’s worth arriving early or using a ride-hailing service. And above all, dim sum is best shared, so order a little of everything to enjoy the full spread without overindulging.