We all know the only way to beat the jam to Johor Bahru is to be early. However, the thing about being so early is that the shopping malls are not open and you’ll probably be hanging around aimlessly while waiting for that to happen. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With this list, you’ll be so busy exploring the local breakfast spots that you’ll forget all about your to-buy list at the shopping malls.

Most importantly, it gives you the energy you need to start the day right! 🙂

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#1. Bukit Chagar Roti Canai

This is a place 9 out of 10 locals would know because it has been around for the longest time! Not only that, the roti canai is prepared on the spot so crispiness is guaranteed. Because it’s a short walk from JB Sentral and City Square, it’s the perfect breakfast place if you don’t want to travel too far.

Priced at only RM1 for the plain and RM2 for the egg roti canai, this is truly a guiltless pleasure.

It’s self-service here so you’ll need to chope your seats before you head over to the counter to place your order. We heard they usually sell out before 11am so don’t jalan jalan too much before you make your way here!

Location and opening hours

Address: Jalan Tengku Azizah, Bukit Chagar, Jalan Jim Quee, 80300 Johor Bahru
Opens daily from 6.30am – 11am

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#2. Faculty of Caffeine

We stumbled upon this gem while en-route back to Amari Hotel. The sleek and newly renovated shophouse caught our attention and we knew we have to come back the next morning. To be honest, the breakfast menu is a little limited (and a little heavy for the ladies because it’s mainly pastas and rice bowls) but we were very happy with our selection!

I was impressed by the batter of my Hainanese Chicken Chop and the tender meat! At just RM19.90 (if I didn’t recall wrongly), this certainly is a bargain!

In case you are not sure where Jalan Trus is, it’s just right opposite City Square. Definitely less than a 5-minute walk!

Location and opening hours

Address: 106, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru
Opens daily from 9am – 5.30pm

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#3. Ah Piaw Wanton Mee

Open 24 hours a day, Ah Piaw wanton mee is my go-to place whenever I need a cheap (RM6.50 for a bowl), quick and good meal. Although it requires a short Uber/Grab ride from City Square, I keep returning for their noodles. You can pack it back to Singapore and it would still taste good even after those 2-3 hours journey!

As if the noodles are not appetizing enough, just look at those thinly shaved char siew!

There’s also the black and white version to choose from. Honestly, I don’t know what the main difference but if you prefer your noodles to be more flavorful, I would say go for the black.

Location and opening hours

Address: 20, 12, Jalan Kelewang, Taman Sri Tebrau, 80050 Johor Bahru
Opens daily 24 hours a day

(Update: They used to have a branch at KSL Mall but it has closed)

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#4. Kin Wah Coffee Shop

Sometimes, nothing beats a plate of traditional kaya toast and cooked-to-perfection soft-boiled eggs. This is probably the simplest breakfast in this list but it’s going to leave you wanting for more.

Once again, this breakfast spot is just about a 10 to 15 minute walk from City Square so you can relax here for about an hour or so before a slow stroll back to enjoy your movie/haircut/shopping/the-list-goes-on.

The best thing about this coffeeshop is that the Hiap Joo Bakery (the one that sells the famous banana cakes) is just right opposite. Have your breakfast and queue up for those freshly baked buns and cakes!

Location and opening hours

Address: 106, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru
Opens daily from 7am – 12pm

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#5. Restoran Ka Hoe 

Need something light and soupy for breakfast? You would need a short ride for this but trust us, it’s worth it. The kuay teow kia at Restoran Ka hoe is one of the best we tried and the soup is so crazy good. It has a mild herbal taste which is pretty refreshing! You’ll finish the bowl of noodles AND soup in no time.

Location and opening hours

Address: 24, Jalan Maju, Taman Maju Jaya, 80400 Johor Bahru
Opens daily from 6.30 am – 12.30 pm (Closed on alternate Wednesday)

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See, you don’t have to rely on the shopping malls to fill up your tummies and you certainly won’t be bored even if you arrive in JB before the malls open. Leave a comment if you think we should include anymore eateries to this list!