JB Mount Austin food guide
Thanks to the reopening of travel borders, we can now easily head over to Johor Bahru (JB) for our favourite food haunts. For this guide, we decided to venture further inwards JB and explore Mount Austin, a bustling food gem in the city. A short Grab ride away from the customs, this area is home to many hidden cafes and popular hawker stalls. Read on for our guide to the best JB Mount Austin food spots to visit on your next trip!
1. Bloom by Mokmok
Step into Bloom by Mokmok and the first thing you’ll notice is the colourful ceiling, decked out with dried flowers. The garden-themed cafe is uber pink and floral, with fairy lights hanging from above for extra effect. Here’s a tip: the space is dimly lit, so if you’re here for the ‘gram, request a seat near the window for more natural light.
It’s not just about the aesthetics here, though. Bloom by Mokmok serves up a mean brunch, in the form of Baked Telur (RM26+/~S$8.40+), a dish consisting of the full works: chicken sausage, beef bacon, chickpeas, spinach, tomatoes, and eggs, served with warm pita slices for dipping.
Those who fancy a sweet brekkie can try their souffle pancakes, but we recommend the Emerald Oasis Egg Pufflets (RM20+/~S$6.50+) for something more unconventional. This plated dessert features a whole matcha egglet waffle topped with a scoop of ice cream and cookie crumble for added crunch.
For drinks, there’s a list of artisanal teas for you to choose from. A popular pick is A Bloom for You (RM12+/~S$3.90+), a floral blend of sakura, jasmine, and earl grey. Otherwise, wash it all down with an Iced Black (RM10+/~S$3.30+) if you’re in need of a caffeine boost.
Address: 87, Jalan Mutiara Emas 2A, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 11:30pm
Website
Prices are subject to a 10% service charge.
Bloom by Mok Mok is not a halal-certified eatery, but their food contains no pork or lard.
2. Local House
For a casual meal, head to Local House, which serves unpretentious Malaysian fare at reasonable prices. Kickstart your morning with an extra gao Iced Kopi (RM3.40+/~S$1.10+), and order some Toasted Hainan Bread with Butter + Kaya (RM2.90+/~S$1+) with Half Boiled Eggs (RM2.90+/~S$1+) to go along. The toast, grilled on charcoal, comes with a slab of butter and a generous smear of kaya spread—perfect for dunking into the eggs.
If you prefer something more filling, the KL Hokkien Mee (RM10.90+/~S$3.50+) doesn’t disappoint. This hearty dish comes with a generous amount of ingredients, including chicken strips, fish cake, and thick yellow noodles coated in a rich and flavourful dark soy-based sauce.
Finish off your meal with the Chicken Satay with Ketupat & Peanut Sauce (RM5.90+/~S$1.90+), a sweet and savoury combination you won’t go wrong with.
Address: 91, Jalan Mutiara Emas 2A, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Fri-Wed 8am to 5pm
Tel: +60 7-364 8338
Website
Prices are subject to a 5% service charge.
Local House is not a halal-certified eatery, but their food contains no pork or lard.
3. Ukiyo Cafe
Ukiyo Cafe has been making waves on social media for their pretty-in-pink space and dainty French-Japanese cakes. Terrazzo tables, rattan furniture, and blush tones make every corner oh-so-Instagrammable, but regulars return to the cosy spot for their delicious hand-crafted treats.
We were immediately drawn to the glass display at the counter, which showcases some of their best-sellers and seasonal specials. The sunshine yellow Hawaii (RM26+/~S$8.40+) is a popular pick; this dacquoise consists of mango crémeux, passionfruit jelly, and a coconutty base. Alternatively, go for the Génie (RM22+/~S$7.10+), a matcha fudge cube with bittersweet tea notes.
Whatever you do, don’t leave without trying the Sicily (RM28+/~S$9+), a bestseller made of rose-scented pastry cream, sandwiched between crispy raspberry mille-feuille layers. Cut into it to reveal a crunchy pistachio praline, which pairs perfectly with the delicate floral flavour. Order a cup of Caffè Latte (RM13+/~S$4.20+) to go along with the sweet treats, and you have afternoon tea sorted.
Address: 17-02, Jalan Austin Heights 8/3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 12pm to 7pm
Tel: +60 12-936 9760
Website
Prices are subject to a 10% service charge.
Ukiyo Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery, but their food contains no pork or lard.
4. High School Kopitiam
Live out your Taiwanese high school drama moment at High School Kopitiam, a themed brunch cafe in Mount Austin. The cafe is fitted with wooden seats and tables that resemble that of a classroom, plus a massive chalkboard with hand-drawn illustrations on the side to complete the look.
The Taiwanese-inspired cafe serves a wide range of dishes, including local eats, but they’re most known for their toasts. Get the High School Pork Chop Sandwich (RM12.50+/~S$4+) with Charcoal Toast (RM0.60+/~S$0.20+), an IG-worthy sando stuffed with deep-fried pork chop, shredded veggies, mayo, cheese, and a fried egg. There’s also the Taiwanese Mushroom Coffin Toast (RM13.50+/~S$4.40+), a thick chunk of toast filled with a creamy mushroom and chicken sauce.
Don’t miss out on their dan bing, too; familiar flavours such as Chicken Floss Egg Pancake (RM8.90+/~S$2.90+) with take you back to the streets of Taiwan.
A bestselling drink is the High School Special (RM7.20+/~S$2.40+) a sweet and milky combination of Nescafe, Milo, chocolate, and coffee for that caffeine kick.
Address: 57, Jalan Austin Heights 8/5, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 6pm
Tel: +60 7-359 5412
Website
Prices are subject to a 6% service charge.
High School Kopitiam is not a halal-certified eatery,
5. Cheotnun Mount Austin Korean Dessert Cafe
Mount Austin is home to a handful of Korean restaurants, and one that stood out to us was Cheotnun Mount Austin Korean Dessert Cafe, for their impressive range of bingsu and desserts. The cafe opens till midnight daily, so you can get your shaved ice fix for supper, too!
Dive straight into the classic Injeolmi Bingsu (RM24.80+/~S$8+), which will definitely cool you down from the heat outside. This icy dessert comes with melt-in-the-mouth shaved milk, topped with chewy Korean rice cakes, soybean powder, red bean, toasted almond flakes, and a scoop of ice cream on top. Be warned that the serving is very generous, so this is best shared amongst three to four people!
Another special item on the menu is the Mamee Corndog (RM13+/~S$4.20+), a deep-fried snack with stringy cheese in the middle, coated with crushed Mamee Monster noodle. Wash it down with a refreshing Lemon Mint Ade (RM 11.80+/~S$3.80+) or Iced Americano (RM12+/~S$3.90+).
Address: 31 Jln Austin Height 8/8, Taman Austin Heights, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 12am
Tel: +60 10-761 5929
Website
Prices are subject to a 10% service charge.
Cheotnun Mount Austin Korean Dessert Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery, but their food contains no pork or lard.
6. Myeong Dong BBQ Buffet
Just as how most drivers top up a full tank of petrol before returning to Singapore, you should fuel up at Myeong Dong BBQ Buffet before heading back home. Opened by a Korean couple, this eatery offers an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ meat feast at just RM35 (~S$12) per person. Even though beef is not part of the selection, you will be spoilt for choice with over 15 flavours of marinated chicken and pork.
Myeong Dong BBQ Buffet could be a great money-saving hack during your JB trip, but keep your dining expectations in check. While the place is air-conditioned, it does get hot when dinner time rolls around. Here’s a tip: sit along the open windows for a much-needed breeze. Service is also minimal, and don’t expect the staff to cook for you.
Address: 58-1, Jalan Austin Heights 8/7, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 5pm to 11pm
Tel: +60 13-351 6748
Website
Myeong Dong BBQ Buffet is not a halal-certified eatery.
7. Restoran Gim Cheng
No trip to JB is complete without a dim sum breakfast. A 20-minute drive from the customs is Restoran Gim Cheng, which serves more than 60 kinds of dim sum. This casual spot is super popular, and they only open from 7am to 1pm, so make sure you arrive early to snag a table. They are closed on Wednesdays, and I highly recommend coming down on weekends, as even more dishes are available then.
Prices range from RM2 to RM9 (~S$0.70-S$2.90) per basket. They make good har gow (RM5.80/~S$1.90) and steamed spare ribs (RM6.30/~S$2.10), but their stellar dishes include phoenix dumpling (RM7.50/~S$2.40) is like a har gow but zhnged-up with real salted egg yolk, and fish maw fish balls (RM7.50/~S$2.40), which were sweet and juicy at every bite.
Address: 2, Jalan Sagu 36, Taman Daya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Thur-Tue 7am to 1pm
Tel: +60 16-712 1257
Website
Restoran Gim Cheng is not a halal-certified eatery.
8. JWC The Factory 30
Do not panic when you find yourself being driven to an ulu part of the city. Hidden amongst real factories and warehouses, JWC The Factory 30 is one out of four cafes opened by Just Want Coffee. You might be greeted with a “Welcome home!” when you’re at JWC Homies, but here at Factory 30 there is a cool, industrial-chic vibe going on.
Image credit: @c00.00_
Cafe-hoppers can enjoy their extensive menu of hot food and desserts. If you’re here for brunch, there’s the Hungry Jack Big Breakfast (RM28.50++/~S$9.20++), a smorgasbord of cheesy sausages, scrambled eggs, a bagel and more. A small selection of pasta and Japanese curry rice is also available.
Enjoy a mini fire show during the preparation when you order an Irish Coffee (RM28++/~S$9++). The drink and theatrics will certainly not disappoint.
Address: 30, Jalan Mutiara Emas 5/3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 11pm
Tel: +60 7-361 7821
Website
JWC The Factory 30 is not a halal-certified eatery, but their food contains no pork or lard.
9. Restoran Uncle Pou Wok
Some love has to go out to the delicious and affordable zi char fare in JB. Restoran Uncle Pou Wok is a popular zi char haunt amongst Singaporeans, and you can find multiple outlets around JB. There are both outdoor and indoor seatings, but opt for the former to fully experience dining on car park lots, the local way.
A dish not to miss is their KL Hokkien Mee (RM11+/~S$3.60+). It features thick, udon-like noodles stir-fried with prawns, slices of fish cake, cuttlefish, and lap cheong. Every slurp of the dark noodle was smoky, as they have been kissed by wok hei. Kids and adults alike would also enjoy their Sweet & Sour Pork (RM15+/~S$4.90+), which stays crunchy despite being coated in a sticky, tangy sauce.
Address: 113, Jalan Mutiara Emas 10/19, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor.
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 10pm
Tel: +60 19-857 6900
Website
Prices are subject to a 6% service charge.
Restoran Uncle Pou Wok is not a halal-certified eatery.
10. Amphawa Boat Noodle
Image credit: @winelevigrub
For affordable halal Thai food in JB Mount Austin, visit Amphawa Boat Noodle at Austin Heights. A bowl of boat noodles will set you back at just RM2.20 (~S$0.70), and comes in multiple flavours so you can order up a variety. The Amphawa is a spicy and sour soup, while the Rangsit is a clear herb soup. Pick between beef or chicken for your choice of protein. Otherwise, go for the Tomyam Prawn Boat Noodle (RM2.20/~S$0.70).
Image credit: @foodmissive
End your feast on a sweet note with Mango Sticky Rice (RM13.90/~S$4.50) or Coconut Ice Cream (RM11.90/~S$3.90), served with roasted peanuts for crunch. There’s also a wide range of sweet beverages to try, from the classic cha yen AKA Thai Milk Tea (RM9.90/~S$3.20) to Fresh Lemongrass (RM6.90/~S$2.30) and a floral-scented Thai Rose Milk Tea (RM9.90/~S$3.20).
Address: 58, Jalan Austin Heights 8/7, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 9:30pm
Tel: +60 11-2658 0546
Website
Amphawa Boat Noodle is a halal-certified eatery.
JB Mount Austin food trip
Time to make plans with your kakis for a foodie trip in JB! Bookmark this list of the best JB Mount Austin food spots, so you can have your fill without hurting your wallet.
For more food recommendations within Singapore, check out our Bugis cafe guide, or read up on our guide to the best ice cream shops in Singapore.
20 Ice Cream Shops In Singapore With Locally-Inspired Flavours Such As Horlicks And Kueh Dadar
Photos taken by Zi Hui Tan.
This post was originally written on 8 March 2019 by Chiara Ang.
The post 10 JB Mount Austin Food Spots Including $12 K-BBQ Buffet And A Taiwanese High School Cafe appeared first on EatBook.sg – Singapore Food Guide And Review Site.
