What's the first thing you're going to do once in JB? A majority would be heading to fuel up (hello, RM3.83 vs SGD3.00 per litre is a huge difference), get some groceries, or maybe enjoy some R&R at the many spas available, but obviously while doing all that, you should also fuel up on some grub, unless you want to travel while hungry, so in this list we're highlighting eateries to try out that are close to popular attractions in Johor so you can explore, enjoy and eat your long weekend away.
Rakuken 樂轩
Photo By Rakuken
For Absolutely Fresh Sushi
Rakuken has an abundance of seafood freshly flown in from Japan, this is to ensure guests receive the most authentic preparation without having to leave the country. The best way to sample these is via the wide selection of Nigiri Sushi and Sashimi available on the menu. Get the basic Nigiri like Salmon and Maguro (RM12 for 2 pieces) or splurge a little on Hotate (RM18), and Unagi (RM20), either way, you can be certain it's fresh, and if you want more variety, they allow you to sample a total of 8 different Nigiri for just RM48. For sashimi try out their Shiro Maguro (albacore) or regular Maguro, for RM30, you'll get 5 thickly cut pieces that allow you to get a taste of Japan. Also, if you're the adventurous type, be sure to enquire about any rare or seasonal fishes that they may have in stock as they will occasionally get Gochi (Bar tail flathead), and even Houbou (Red Gunnard).
Foodie Foodie
Photo By Foodie Foodie
For Big Breakfast
Located along Jalan Serampang, you may miss this place entirely as it's sandwiched between lots of bridal galleries. This café has a rustic ambience that is great for passing the time if you're waiting for your car to wash or your travel buddies to be done with their massage. Their hazelnut latte (RM10) is a nice smooth cup that smells absolutely heavenly, and pair this with their "breakfast wedding" (RM29.90) and you'll have a satisfying and filling meal. The breakfast platter is loaded with bacon, scrambled eggs, hash browns, pork sausages, garden greens, cherry tomatoes and a bagel.
JJ Wine & Tapas
Photo By JJ Wine & Tapas
For Dinner And Drinks
Probably a great spot to visit if you're spending the night in one of the many hotels of Taman Pelangi. Located just behind Giant, this place has the widest selection of wines, spirits, and any manner of alcoholic beverages, over 100+ to be exact. The price per bottle starts off at RM100, and goes upwards from there, they even have premium spirits for sale. As you twirl your glass while being serenaded by the live band, why not have a bite as well. What we would recommend is the baked chicken wings (RM18), where you get five pieces of tender and juicy oven-baked wings coated in a sweet and savoury sauce. If you've got a bigger appetite to satiate, go for either the black pepper spring chicken with fries (RM38) or the baked rice (RM28), which is loaded with cheese.
Kim Chi & BBQ
Photo By Kim Chi & BBQ
For Korean Food
If you're a fan of Korean food, you'll definitely love it here, fried chicken, Jigae, Pajeon, Bibimbap, Toppoki, and of course Korean BBQ. Their BBQ spread comes either ala carte or as a set. For the ala carte menu you have a pretty comprehensive selection of pork belly, neck and ribs marinated in and prepared in different styles. The chilli pork belly (RM30) is a basic blend of Korean chilli paste and several fatty cuts of pork, it's good enough for 2 and you can always order more. For their sets, it is priced from RM84 (for 2 pax) to RM322 (for 8 pax). Their basic set comes with marinated pork ribs, marinated pork belly and kimchi stew.
H Gourmet
Photo By H Gourmet
For Fusion And Fine Dining
Located in Eco Botanik, and a few kilometres away from Legoland this beautifully decorated café serves up equally beautiful dishes as well. Currently, they have their Ramadan platter which goes for RM100 (2 pax), and RM230 (4 pax). The platter includes slow-roasted Ayam Percik, sup kambing with a large lamb shank, grilled tiger prawns, Ulam, stir-fried veggies, as well as basmati Kerabu rice. Other notable dishes you should really try out when at H Gourmet are their selection of sous-vide meats. Our personal favourite is the lamb chop (RM49), the sous-vide makes the meat incredibly tender, and the marinade really compliments the fatty texture of the meat.
Smokey Pistons
Photo By Smokey Pistons
For Pizzas And Grilled Steak
After a long day of golfing at the Permas Jaya course, why not hop on down to Smokey Pistons for a nice chill dinner of stone oven-baked pizzas and fresh off the grill steaks? The main attraction here are the smokey pizzas, which are baked in a stone oven fueled by Rambutan wood, giving the pizzas a slightly smoky aroma. Cheese lovers should try the Quatro Formaggi (RM46 for a 12-inch pizza). This pizza comes loaded with four different types of cheese, Feta, Gorgonzola, Mozzarella and Parmigiano. For grilled steaks, try their Steak, Egg + Chips (RM44), to enjoy a juicy marinated cut of beef with a fried egg, smokey fries and coleslaw.
