Want dim sum for breakfast and a plate of glossy char siew for lunch? In Johor Bahru, that is easy to do, because the city is full of Hong Kong style Chinese restaurants, roast meat shops and dim sum houses!

We have picked 10 Chinese restaurants in Johor Bahru with a focus on Cantonese roast meats and dim sum. Every one of them is well-loved and often recommended, from a 30-year-old roast meat brand to dim sum houses with weekend queues. They are listed in no particular order, so save this list and enjoy them one by one!

Which Cantonese Restaurants in Johor Bahru Are Worth Trying?

1. You Kee XO

Opened in 1996, You Kee XO is the roast meat shop many Johor Bahru locals grew up with. Our founder, Chef Lim Chin You, still roasts everything the traditional way, over an open flame in a hanging oven, and the brand was ranked among the top ten at the 2018 World Food Awards. Locals around Taman Ungku Tun Aminah know our Skudai main branch well, and friends in Kulai can enjoy the same roast meats at our Kulai branch.

Branches: Skudai (Main Branch), Johor Jaya, Impian Emas, KSL City Mall, Mount Austin Nanyang Street, Taman Sentosa, Kulai, Eko Botani, Singapore

Must-order dishes:

• XO Signature Roasted Duck: our signature dish, and the perfect place to start if you are looking for the best roast duck JB has to offer.

• Crystal BBQ Pork Belly Char Siu and Traditional Roasted Pork Belly Siu Yuk: one sweet, one crispy, both classic Cantonese roast meats.

• XO Prawns Dumpling and Siew Mai King: the must-order pair of Hong Kong style dim sum.

• Soup of the Day: slow-cooked in a clay pot, with the daily soup changing based on the freshest ingredients.

Great for every occasion:

• Morning tea: the Nanyang Street, Taman Sentosa, Kulai and Eko Botani branches open at 8am and serve freshly steamed dim sum in Johor Bahru.

• Lunch: roast meat with rice, simple and satisfying.

• Full moon parties, grand openings and prayer offerings: Suckling Pig comes in half or whole, and Golden Roast Pigs and Suckling Pigs need 3 days' notice, so place your roast pig order early.

2. Restoran Ya Wang (Jalan Segget)

Just a short walk from JB City Square, Ya Wang is a heritage name for herbal roast duck in Johor Bahru and has been around for about 30 years. Their angelica roast duck and ginseng roast duck are full of flavour, the char siew and roast pork have many fans too, and the shop is full almost every day. Closed on Wednesdays.

3. Ah Ming Emperor Duck (阿明帝皇鸭)

Founded in 2003, Ah Ming Emperor Duck grew from one small shop into several branches across Johor Bahru and has won food industry awards. They roast over charcoal and never use frozen meat. The signature roast duck has crispy skin and fragrant meat, and the red fermented bean curd roast pork and char siew are popular too. For a simple plate of roast duck rice, this is a great pick.

4. Pin Ming Xuan (KSL / Taman Century)

Pin Ming Xuan is one of the most popular Cantonese dim sum houses in Johor Bahru, often with a queue on weekends. Har gow, white jade prawn siew mai, custard buns and their 3-in-1 porridge are regulars' favourites, and there are vegetarian options too. Looking for dim sum KSL shoppers love? Drop by after visiting KSL.

5. Gim Cheng Dim Sum (Taman Daya)

Gim Cheng in Taman Daya fills up early on weekend mornings and has over 30 kinds of dim sum. The mango prawn rolls, abalone siew mai and handmade flaky egg tarts are especially famous. If you want that neighbourhood dim sum JB taste, head out early.

6. TaSiXi Hong Kong Dim Sum (Taman Perling)

TaSiXi has been in Taman Perling for over 30 years, still making dim sum by hand the traditional way. Their custard bun bursts with filling at the first bite, and the golden tofu, black bean pork ribs and har gow are popular too. Great for breakfast or a family gathering.

7. Restoran Gui Yuan (Johor Jaya)

Gui Yuan is an old school dim sum house in Johor Jaya that has been open for more than 20 years, with friendly prices. Glutinous rice chicken, chicken feet, har gow and char siew prawn rice rolls are the classics. It only opens in the morning and closes before noon, so set your alarm!

8. D'Shanghai Dim Sum (Permas Jaya)

D'Shanghai is known for its xiao long bao, which come in flavours like Hua Diao wine and dried scallop. The fish roe siew mai and har gow are childhood favourites for many diners, and durian lovers should try the crispy durian pastry.

9. Cha Lao Dim Sum (Taman Abad)

Cha Lao sits on the ground floor of Holiday Villa in Taman Abad, not far from KSL. The stir-fried radish cake with bean sprouts, char siew rice rolls, Portuguese egg tarts and custard buns are all popular. It is comfortable and a lovely spot for a slow weekend dim sum with the family.

10. Wan Li Chinese Restaurant (Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel)

For a more elegant Chinese restaurant to host guests, many people choose Wan Li at the Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel in Permas Jaya. It focuses on Cantonese cuisine and fresh seafood, and its all-you-can-eat dim sum buffet is popular too. Great for family gatherings, birthday banquets or business meals.

How to Choose Cantonese Roast Meats: What Is the Difference Between Char Siew, Roast Pork and Roast Duck?

The first time you walk into a roast meat shop and see everything hanging in the window, it can be hard to know where to start. This table makes it easy:

Eating alone at lunch? Char siew rice and roast pork rice are the most popular choices. With two or three people, order a two or three item combination platter so you get to taste everything.

What Should You Order on Your First Hong Kong Style Dim Sum Meal?

• Steamed items: har gow and siew mai are the basics. Add a basket of black bean pork ribs or chicken feet, and your classic dim sum set is complete.

• Rice rolls: prawn or char siew rice rolls are silky and smooth, loved by elders and kids alike.

• Pan fried and deep fried: radish cake, chive dumplings and yam puffs are crispy and best eaten hot.

• Buns and desserts: char siew bao and custard bao, then finish with an egg tart, and your dim sum meal is perfect.

How Far Ahead Should You Order a Roast Pig in Johor Bahru?

Most roast meat shops in Johor Bahru need you to order a whole roast pig in advance, and about 3 days ahead is the safe choice. During busy seasons like Chinese New Year and the Hungry Ghost Festival, order even earlier. When you book, confirm the size (half or whole), pickup time and place, so the big day goes smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What time do dim sum houses in Johor Bahru usually open?

Many traditional dim sum houses open between 6am and 8am, and some only serve breakfast and close before noon. Chinese restaurants in malls and hotels usually start serving dim sum from around 10am. It is best to check the opening hours before you go.

Do I need to queue for weekend dim sum in Johor Bahru?

Popular dim sum houses often have queues on weekend and public holiday mornings. Head out early, or choose a dim sum house or hotel Chinese restaurant that takes bookings.

What is the difference between Hong Kong style and local roast meats?

Hong Kong style roast meats are usually roasted in a hanging oven: the char siew is sweet with a shiny glaze, the roast pork has crispy skin, and the roast duck and goose are juicy. Local roast meats sometimes add herbs or red fermented bean curd, like angelica roast duck. Each has its own charm.

Do I need to order a whole roast duck or goose in advance?

On normal days you can usually order at the shop, but during festive seasons or if you want a whole bird reserved, call ahead so you do not miss out.

How many days in advance should I order a roast pig?

Most roast meat shops need about 3 days' notice. During Chinese New Year, the Hungry Ghost Festival and other busy seasons, contact the shop about a week ahead.

Whether you are in the mood for morning dim sum or a plate of fragrant roast meats, we hope this list of Chinese restaurants in Johor Bahru helps you find a new favourite for Chinese food Johor Bahru style. Plan your food trip this weekend!