5 Johor Versions of Popular Malaysian Food You Need to Try!
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
Every state in Malaysia has their own unique take on classic Malaysian dishes, and Johor is no exception.
With different ingredients and cooking styles, Johor has created its own variations of popular Malaysian cuisines such as laksa, briyani, and bak kut teh.
Here are 5 foods that are familiar, yet distinctively Johorean:
Nasi Briyani Gam
Photo source: Resepi Enak Facebook Page
Don’t worry, no glue is involved in this Johoran briyani dish! Nasi briyani gam is actually the local name for briyani dum, which refers to a slow-cooking method.
With regular nasi briyani, the rice and meat are cooked separately and combined when it’s ready to eat. In comparison, nasi briyani gam involves layering the rice and meat in a pot, which is sealed and slow-cooked.
This results in a richer, more aromatic dish where the flavours are deeply integrated together. You’ll actually taste the essence of the meat and spices in the rice itself.
Expect tender meat, aromatic rice, and bold flavours in every bite!
Pepper Soup & “light” Bak Kut Teh
Photo source: Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh on Facebook
Johor offers a spectrum of bak kut teh. From the herbal umami punch of the ‘Klang style’ to the pepper-forward ‘Teowchew’ style.
The Teochew bak kut teh is whitish in colour and has a strong peppery taste. And instead of a large clay pot with the meats, tofu, and mushrooms mixed in; they’re usually separated into individual bowls. This version is a lot more common in Singapore, but there are several shops in Johor that specialize in it.
If you prefer your bak kut teh non-peppered, a popular stop for many BKT aficionados is Soon Huat. They have a unique version that’s similar to the Klang style but with a lighter, cleaner-tasting soup. While still retaining the herbal and umami flavours, it doesn’t overpower the rest of the ingredients. As an added advantage, you can drink more of it!
Asam Pedas
Photo source: Real Cooking With Jasmin via YouTube
Muar is famous for its asam pedas which, along with the next point in this list, makes it a must-stop for foodies.
Asam pedas is not for those with delicate tongues. It’s a fish-based soup that’s sour, spicy, and guaranteed to have you salivating for more.
In Muar, there’s a Chinese and Malay version of asam pedas. While both are similar in giving that bold sour and spiciness, the Malay style is slightly thicker with a punchier flavour while the Chinese style has a more delicate broth that glides through your mouth.
Both also offer different side dishes and (usually) use different types of fish. You’d be hard-pressed to find a favourite here!
Steamed otak-otak
Photo source: The Ambitious Salted Fish
While it’s not uniquely Johorean, Muar is particularly famous for its spicy red otak-otak, which comes in two variations. The more common one you’ll see outside of Johor are the long, thin strips of spiced fish paste wrapped in nipah palm leaf and grilled.
However, there’s also a steamed version! This version of otak-otak is shaped in a rectangular block and contains chunks of fish. The larger size also allows for different kinds of seafood to be added, such as squid.
Less dry than its grilled cousin, steamed otak-otak is moist, flavourful, and presents a unique creamy texture if you’ve never had it before.
Laksa Johor
Photo source: Makansutra
If local accounts are true, laksa Johor is the one dish on this list with a royal lineage. As the story goes, Sultan Abu Bakar fell in love with spaghetti dishes while visiting Italy in 1885. On his return, he asked his chefs to incorporate pasta into a local dish.
The result is a dish that uses laksa ingredients, but replacing the thick vermicelli. The result is a spaghetti coated in a thick, savoury santan gravy flavoured with fish and other local ingredients. Laksa Johor isn’t easy to find in shops (even in Johor!) because it’s incredibly time-consuming to make. However, Al Ansar Cafe is a rare eatery that serves it as a regular menu item.
Fun fact: It’s perfectly acceptable to eat laksa Johor with your hands!
Johor is full of delicious surprises!
Photo source: Channel News Asia
With its long history and many regional and international culinary influences, Johor holds its own as one of Malaysia’s must-visit states for foodies. If you’re in a mood for quirky cafe vibes, yes, they have those as well - including the first capybara cafe in Malaysia! Click here for our list of unique theme cafes.
Not just that, Johor is also your gateway to a culinary adventure across the sea… in Batam! Whether you’re looking to eat like a local or exploring their super instagrammable cafes, Batam is a wallet-friendly food paradise that’s only a short ferry ride away from Berjaya Waterfront in Johor Bahru.
- Start your food adventure in Batam by clicking here to book ferry tickets