Wan Xin NgWe’ve all seen the TikToks. Every other week, it feels like a new Johor Bahru (JB) cafe or hawker stall goes viral. But let’s be real, not every “must-try” spot lives up to the buzz. Some look pretty but taste mid, while others quietly overdeliver.
I’m no food critic or some JB insider, just a girlie who gets influenced by TikTok food recs like everyone else. And since I’ve slowly been making my way through a bunch of these viral spots, I thought I’d share what I ate before and how I felt about it. So here’s my take on some of the “viral” JB food spots that I’ve tried before.
Also read: Mount Austin Johor Bahru (JB) Itinerary: Best Places to Eat, Shop, and Relax
1. Founders Cafe
Because of all the raving reviews I’d seen, I walked into Founders Cafe with very high expectations. And I was not disappointed.
The interior was very aesthetic.
I ordered the cashew nut pesto chicken pasta (RM29.90, ~S$8.50), and it was so good. I usually make my own pesto at home, and I’m pretty picky about it, especially since cafes tend to overcharge for versions that taste kind of flat. But this one? I genuinely couldn’t replicate it. The flavours were rich and nutty, the sauce was creamy but balanced, and the pasta was cooked just right. Easily one of my top JB café dishes so far.
The pesto pasta was divine!
I also tried my friend’s 150g Aussie beef bagel (RM38.90, ~S$11.00), which came with sweet potato fries. Super filling and flavourful, though definitely on the heavier side. My friend has a big appetite and still couldn’t finish it, so maybe don’t order this if you’re not starving.
For drinks, I got the Rose in the Jungle (RM18.90, ~S$5.35), which was a rose and pandan soda. It wasn’t my thing because it was a bit too sweet and fizzy for my taste. But to be fair, I am not a fan of fizzy or sweet drinks. My friends liked it, so if you’re into floral drinks, you might enjoy it more than I did.
Worth the hype? Yup. Come with an empty stomach and maybe skip the drinks if you’re picky like me.
Address: Tiong Nam Tebrau, 45, Jln Tiong Emas, Kawasan Perindustrian Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: 9am-10pm
2. Nimmies Pastry Cafe
If you’re on TikTok and haven’t seen Nimmies, are you even on the app? I’ve been here twice, which says a lot considering how many food places there are in JB.
Nimmies’ pastries are food for the eyes and stomach.
The first time, I had the pistachio supreme croissant (RM18, ~S$5.10), and it was amazing. Flaky and crispy on the outside, soft and buttery on the inside, and packed with a pistachio cream that tasted real and rich. None of that fake syrup flavour — this one had depth and texture, and I loved it.
Carbonara was great…but not the best.
The second time I visited, I ordered the chicken cutlet carbonara (price not recorded) and the Nutella cromboloni (RM22, ~S$6.15). The carbonara itself was creamy, comforting, and not overly rich, but the chicken cutlet on top was kind of dry and didn’t add much. The cromboloni looked amazing, but it tasted a bit stale, which was a letdown given how viral it is.
Fell in love with both coffees
What really stood out to me, though, were the drinks. I had the pistachio latte and tried a sip of the hazelnut latte too. I couldn’t find the exact prices, but both were honestly really good and did not break the bank as most Singaporean coffees do. If you like nutty coffee drinks, they’re worth a try.
Worth the hype? Yes for the croissant and nutty lattes, maybe not for the cromboloni or mains. Go early if you want the pastries at their best.
Address: 171, Jln Beringin, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: 8am-11pm
Also read: 7 Hipster Cafés in JB Worth Crossing the Border For
3. Keijometo
Keijometo shows up in almost every viral JB food list, and after trying it for myself, I can see why. I ordered three things here and honestly liked all of them.
The lighting in the cafe really did justice to the food
First up was the salmon ochazuke (RM30, ~S$8.50), which was easily my favourite. The salmon was perfectly salted, the broth was light but flavourful, and the whole dish was just comforting in a quiet, satisfying way. It felt hearty without being heavy, like something you’d want to eat on a rainy day.
Next was the truffle carbonara (RM28, ~S$8.00). At first glance, it looked like it might be a bit jelak, but it wasn’t. The creaminess was balanced, the truffle didn’t overpower anything, and even by the last bite, it still felt light and enjoyable.
I also had the lychee matcha (RM14, ~S$4.00), which was something I’d never seen before. It sounded strange, but ended up being super refreshing. Slightly sweet, slightly earthy, and just right on a hot day.
Worth the hype? Yes. Each dish had its own charm, and everything I tried felt thoughtful and well-executed.
Address: 3, Jln Chengai, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: 11am-7pm
4. Restoran Ya Wang
If you’re a fan of Dian Xiao Er, you’ll probably enjoy Ya Wang (some even say it’s the original that inspired it). And based on taste and price, I think that checks out.
Dian Xiao Er, but without my bank account crying after the meal
I ordered the sizzling hot plate beancurd (RM16, ~S$4.55), Thai-style baby kailan (RM10, ~S$2.85), half roasted duck with ten wonder herbs (RM48, ~S$13.65), and a serving of noodles (RM2.50, ~S$0.70). The total came to about RM76.50 for three people, which worked out to around SGD8.25 per person. Isn’t that such a steal for the quality? That would cost around $20 if I were in Dian Xiao Er.
The beancurd was my personal favourite. It’s homemade, soft on the inside with a slight crisp outside, and drenched in a really flavourful sauce. The herbal duck was exactly what you’d hope for if you like herbal-style roasts. Very rich, well-balanced, and the sauce was great with noodles. I’ve been coming here since before they relocated, and I’m glad to say the quality has stayed solid over the years.
Worth the hype? Yes. Great flavours, decent portions, and still one of the best-value meals I’ve had in JB.
Address: 44, Jalan Segget, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: 8am-6pm
Also read: 5 Bubble Tea Shops in Johor Bahru (JB) You Won’t Find in Singapore
5. Woodfire Burger
I ordered Woodfire Burger through delivery, but I arrived later than the food did, so by the time I ate, it was cold. No microwave either. Even with all that working against it, it still tasted good, which says a lot.
Not the most aesthetic, but still very delicious!
I got the Smoked Burger with beef patty (RM24.90, ~SGD7.10) and added curly fries (RM13.90, ~SGD4.00). My partner had the same thing but with chicken instead of beef. The burgers were stacked, juicy, and full of flavour. It’s hard to find this kind of portion and quality at this price point. In Singapore, the only gourmet burger I still get excited about is Shake Shack, and this scratched that same itch without breaking the bank!
Even cold, the textures held up, and the flavour was still solid. I can only imagine how much better it would have been hot. Definitely planning to try it again, properly this time.
Worth the hype? Yes. Great value for the size and quality. Just try to eat it fresh if you can.
Address: 2, Jalan Air Molek, Bandar Johor Bahru, Jalan Air Molek, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: 12–7.15 pm, 7.45–9.35 pm
6. Hiap Joo Bakery
No personal photo for this one because I ate it before I could even take one. Can you blame me? It’s that kind of food you reach for without thinking.
Image Credit: Hiap Joo Bakery Official Facebook Page
Hiap Joo is a classic, and I think it’s stayed popular for good reason. It’s not trying to be trendy or over-the-top. It just does banana cake well. The texture is soft and fluffy, the aroma is strong the moment you open the box, and the banana flavour really comes through. A lot of banana cakes end up dry or bland, but this one gets it right. Perfectly moist, fragrant, and delicious.
I always bring a box home to share with my family. It’s comforting and familiar, and even if it’s not the most mind-blowing thing ever, it’s something I look forward to every time I’m in JB.
Worth the hype? Yes. It’s simple, nostalgic, and still one of the best around.
Address: 13, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: 7.30pm-5pm
Also read: Johor Bahru’s (JB) Famous Hiap Joo Banana Cake Lands in Singapore.
Final thoughts
Well, glad to say that all these places do have a reason for being viral. Some of them are genuinely great, others are more about the vibes, and a few have a little hits and misses along the way. But overall, I enjoyed what I tried, and that’s really what matters.
Of course, don’t take this list as an exhaustive one. I’m not here to tell anyone where they must eat; I just wanted to share what stood out to me, what I’d go back for, and what I’d maybe skip next time. If you’re planning your own JB food run and this gave you a clearer sense of what to expect, then I’d have fulfilled my purpose.
That’s all from me. Eat what you like and don’t let the internet decide for you. After all, the fun’s in not truly knowing and getting to try things yourself!
