Exploring food is one of the best ways to get to know a place, and Johor Bahru certainly doesn’t disappoint. Here’s a peek into a delicious day spent indulging in both modern café culture and local street food gems.

Lunch @ The Lightwood by Mues

Tucked behind a charming little alleyway, The Lightwood by Mues was a breath of fresh air—literally. Surrounded by lush greenery and minimalistic design, the ambiance is calm and cooling, perfect for a laid-back brunch.

We started with drinks: a smooth café mocha with beautiful latte art and a refreshing blueberry smoothie that tasted just as vibrant as it looked.

They’re known for their sourdough, and rightfully so. The avocado smoked salmon with buttered sourdough was hearty and indulgent, while the focaccia slices were soft and flavorful—ideal for dipping into the creamy herbed butter. We also tried the aglio olio with salmon, which was cooked al dente with rich umami flavor. Tip: ask for chilli flakes if you enjoy a spicy kick!

Location:
18k Basement, Jalan Abdul Samad, Kampung Bahru, 80100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia

Website: https://www.instagram.com/thelightwoodbymues/

Rating: 3.5/5.0

Photo: Sham Neo

Avocado smoked salmon with buttered sourdough (bottom), focaccia slices (top left) and aglio olio with salmon (top right)

Café mocha & blueberries smoothie — Photo: Sham Neo
Café mocha & blueberry smoothie

Photo: Sham Neo
Focaccia slices with herbed butter

Dessert @ Justwant Dessert

After lunch, we dropped by Justwant Dessert for something sweet yet light. Their pistachio paste dessert was a standout—smooth, creamy, and pleasantly nutty without being overly sweet.

We also couldn’t resist trying their beancurd with iced gula Melaka shavings. The syrupy palm sugar added just the right amount of sweetness, beautifully balanced with the soft, silky beancurd and chewy sago pearls.

Location:
10, Jalan Abiad 1, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia

Website: https://www.instagram.com/justwant.dessert/?hl=en

Rating: 3.8/5.0

Photo: Sham Neo
Beancurd with iced gula Melaka shavings

Dinner @ Da Cheng Lok Lok

For dinner, we dived into the buzzing local scene at Da Cheng Lok Lok. First up was a classic wanton mee—springy noodles, char siu, crispy wontons, and a rich broth on the side.

But the highlight? The lok lok skewers! The variety was incredible: bacon-wrapped enoki, tofu, broccoli, meatballs, and more. Everything was perfectly grilled with just the right hint of char. And don’t even get me started on the sauce bar—from spicy to creamy, we were absolutely spoiled for choice.

Location:
284, Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia

Website: https://www.facebook.com/dachengloklok

Rating: 4.3/5.0

Photo: Sham Neo
Lok Lok at Da Cheng Lok Lok

Photo: Sham Neo
Wanton Mee at Da Cheng Lok Lok

Final Thoughts

From artisanal brunches to traditional desserts and bustling street food, Johor Bahru has something for every foodie. If you’re planning a visit, be sure to wear comfy clothes—because you’ll be eating a lot.

Reviewed by: Marina Wee