5 must-visit bakeries in Johor for pastry lovers
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
From decades-old bakeries that have perfected their specialties to modern cafés experimenting with ingredients and techniques, Johor’s bakeries reflect the city’s mix of heritage and creativity. Some shops have been quietly serving the community for generations, while others are redefining what pastries can be.
Whether you have a soft spot for old-school kaya buns or chasing that perfect matcha lemon macaron, these are five bakeries you should b-ready to visit the next time you’re in Johor.
1. Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory
Photo source: Google Maps
If a bakery can survive an invasion, economic crises, and evolving tastebuds, you know they’re doing something right.
Established in 1919, this bakery has been producing bread and cakes for over a century. Originally opened by an Englishman, it was taken over by the Lim family in 1930 and is now run by the third and fourth generations.
Hiap Joo produces classic handmade buns filled with coconut, red bean, or even otak-otak. Each bun carries a subtle oven char on the bottom, giving it an unmistakably old-school flavour.
But what really draws long lines outside the shop is banana cake.
The family pivoted to banana cakes in 2003 when the business nearly closed. Baked in a century-old wood-fired oven, the cake comes out moist, fluffy, and lightly smoky, with a beautifully caramelised brown top.
Be warned though… The queues are long and the risk of not getting a loaf is always present - but it’s worth it.
Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory address:
13, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim
2. Dona Bakehouse
Photo source: Google Maps
Right next door to Hiap Joo is Dona Bakehouse, a bakery that couldn’t be any more different in the best ways.
Founded by Malaysian twins, this French-inspired bakery brings Parisian-style baking to Johor Bahru. The result is a sleek café where croissants, pastries, and laminated doughs take centre stage.
One of their standout creations is the Pistachio Rose Croissant. The pastry features beautifully precise layers and is filled with nutty pistachio cream that balances the sweetness of the rose garnish.
Another crowd favourite is the Mentaiko Shio Pan, a Japanese-style salt bread that’s crispy on the outside and buttery inside, topped with savoury cod roe that adds a slightly smoky, umami kick.
Dona Bakery prides itself on quality and technical mastery, evidenced by the "ring" patterns on their swirls and croissants, an intricate detail that requires considerable skill and patience to achieve.
Dona Bakery address:
14, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80888 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim
Google Maps link
Google Maps link
3. Salahuddin Bakery
Photo source: Google Maps
Founded in 1937 by Shariff Mohamed Mahku, who migrated from New Delhi, this family-run Indian Muslim bakery has been operating for nearly 90 years and is now managed by its fourth generation.
Unlike many modern bakeries, very little about the shop has changed. Step into Salahuddin Bakery and you’ll feel like you’ve travelled back in time. Bread is still displayed in old wooden cabinets, purchases are packed in simple plastic bags, and the baking is done in a massive coal-fired oven built directly into the wall.
One of the bakery’s most beloved items is Roti Bengali, a thick, crusty loaf with a soft and airy interior. It holds a nostalgic flavour, and the airiness of the bread makes it perfect for spreading with kaya or dipping into curry.
Then there are the famous triangular curry puffs, which are large, hearty, and filled with either spiced minced meat or potatoes - best enjoyed fresh!
Salahuddin Bakery address:
15, Jalan Jagong 1, Bandar Baru Uda, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim
4. 365 Bakery
Photo source: Google Maps
Tucked into the Crest Austin neighbourhood, 365 Bakery has built a loyal following around a deceptively simple philosophy: Make every day a good day.
And there’s nothing that makes your day better than one of the best Swiss rolls in Malaysia.
Each roll is a fluffy, delectable sponge cake rolled with rich cream that comes in several flavours. One popular pick is the Japanese Yuzu Cream Cheese Swiss Roll, filled with a yuzu cream that adds a bright citrus tang to balance out the richness.
Another popular item is the Taro Seaweed Chicken Floss Roll, which combines smooth taro paste with salty chicken floss.
Because the Swiss rolls are so popular, the bakery uses a clever card system to manage demand. Just pick up a small laminated card representing the flavour you want while queuing. If the cards are gone, that batch is already sold out.
365 Bakery address:
38, Jalan Jaya Putra 7/2, Bandar Jaya Putra, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim
5. Palates & Bagels by T.A.M
Photo source: Google Maps
Located inside a refurbished heritage shophouse, Palates & Bagels by T.A.M proves bakeries don’t always have to stick to tradition. The café blends vintage architecture with a trendy, industrial aesthetic. Steep wooden staircases lead to a balcony area that has become a popular photo spot.
But the real attraction here is the bagels.
Unlike standard café offerings, Palates & Bagels pushes the idea of bagels into creative territory. One of their most popular creations is the Lily bagel, made with a cranberry base and filled with lemon and rose-infused cream cheese, complete with pieces of lychee. The result is floral, refreshing, and unexpectedly light.
On the savoury side, the Ah Seng bagel packs bold flavours into every bite. With a prawn patty, egg, caramelised onions, and spicy hae bee hiam mayo, it’s a playful combination of Western café food and Malaysian ingredients.
Palates & Bagels by T.A.M address:
Ibrahim International Business District, 10, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80888 Johor Bahru, Johor
Google Maps link
Google Maps link
Don’t have time to stop by a bakery? Berjaya Waterfront has everything you knead
Photo Source : @UiHua Cheah
Johor Bahru’s bakery scene offers something for every kind of pastry lover — from century-old heritage bakeries to modern cafés experimenting with bold new flavours. If you’re heading to Berjaya Waterfront for your Batam trip, a stop at any one of these is a must.
But if time doesn’t allow it, you’ll still get your pastry fix at Berjaya Waterfront. Here, you’ll find sit-down kopitiams such as Jubilee’s Nanyang Coffee, quick takeaways like 7-Eleven and Daily Fresh. So whether it’s kaya butter bread or a waffle on-the-go, you’ll never have to worry about boarding your ferry or driving home hangry.
For more exciting events and store updates, check out Berjaya Waterfront on Instagram!
For more exciting events and store updates, check out Berjaya Waterfront on Instagram!