10 best places to eat dim sum in Johor Bahru

Dim sum is a variety of small Chinese dishes typically enjoyed for brunch (but you can have it at any time of the day, really). Specifically, it is a traditional Cantonese cuisine that has been passed down since ancient times in China. Over millennia, it was introduced to Southeast Asia and has since been localised. Today, it is a common delicacy enjoyed by people of all races across the country.

Johor Bahru’s dim sum scene is so vast, you could explore a different restaurant every day for a month and barely scratch the surface! We’ve narrowed down the vast selection. Discover the 10 best dim sum restaurants in JB.

1. Hao You Dim Sum 豪友点心

Hao You Dim Sum is an eatery I’m personally recommending to you. It is one of the pioneers in this field, having been established at Johor Jaya even before this dish became as common as it is today. After more than 20 years, it still draws crowds on weekend mornings.

You’ll find rows of steamers stacking high at the entrance of the shop; it’s in an orderly chaos known only to the staff. A visit to a dim sum restaurant is not complete without deliberating over the plethora of choices.

Ordinary fares like siew mai, har gao, fishball, chicken feet, and pork ribs can be found there, all priced from RM5. There’s even stuffed vegetables like chilli, bitter gourd and other unique dishes.

They also offer a variety of steamed buns and fried dishes, with prices starting from RM2. Check out their Char Siew Bun (RM2.80), Red Bean Bun (RM2), Lor Mai Gai (RM5), and Fried Taro (RM5). No dim sum desire goes unfulfilled here – this eatery offers a delightful spread to conquer your cravings.

1, Jalan Bakawali 50, Taman Johor Jaya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
+607 354 2708
Tue to Sun: 6am – 3.30pm
Closed on Mon
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2. Gim Cheng Dim Sum Restaurant

I believe Gim Cheng Dim Sum Restaurant at Taman Daya is a nostalgic taste to many living in JB, including myself. Established in 2008, it has been a steadfast presence for 16 years and still continues to attract crowds. After bashing through the pandemic, it has reclaimed its former popularity, with a snaking queue often seen outside the shop. 

It’s best to visit the restaurant with a larger group so that you can order off the menu and sample the wide range of over 60 types of dim sum. From the classic siew mai to other unique dishes, you’ll find yourself spoiled for choice at the eatery. There’s even a whole cabinet of fried dishes to choose from, including prawn fritters, fried carrot cake, fried wanton, egg tarts, as well as other delicacies.

And of course, we can’t forget one of the essential parts of a dim sum feast— the steamed buns! You can find all the traditional varieties like Char Siew Bun (RM3.10), Red Bean Bun (RM2.70), Big Bun (RM6.30), and Salted Egg Custard Bun (RM6.30). All of these are freshly heated up in the steamer and served hot, ensuring you the best experience. 

2, Jalan Sagu 36, Taman Daya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
+6016 712 1257
Thu to Mon: 7am – 1pm
Closed on Tue & Wed
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3. Tasixi Hong Kong Dim Sum

Tasixi Hong Kong Dim Sum is a well-known local dim sum brand with 4 branches in JB. Its wide presence across the city shows how much patrons favour this eatery. This is also a familiar name to the residents there.

There are more than 20 kinds of steamed dim sum starting from RM4. If you’re not sure on where to start, give their signature item a try, the Xiao Long Bao. This is the perfect dish to warm up your tummy, with delicate skin beautifully enveloping the meat filling and soaked in hot, flavourful soup.

Like many major dim sum eateries, they also offer dishes like Har Gau and HK Style Shumai. For those looking for a less typical dim sum meal, try the Otak-Otak, Vege Roll, Sweet & Sour Beancurd Roll, and Bacon Meatloaf. Don’t overlook their diverse range of fried dishes, too!

11, Jalan Camar 1/3, Taman Perling, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor
+6016 778 9933
Daily: 6.30am – 4pm
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21-23, Jalan Mutiara Emas 2A, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
+6016 778 9933
Daily: 7am – 4pm
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58, Jalan Eko Botani 3/2, 79100 Gelang Patah, Johor
+6016 749 5747
Daily: 7am – 4pm
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18, Jalan Indah 15/1, Taman Bukit Indah, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor
+6011 6377 8933
Thu to Tue: 7am – 5pm
Closed on Wed
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4. Pin Ming Xuan Cantonese Dim Sum

Pin Ming Xuan Cantonese Dim Sum derives its name from a classic Chinese text— Shishuo Xinyu (世說新語), passed down from ancient China. The term “pin ming” is an honorific expression for “drink tea” in Chinese, which also suggests dim sum in Cantonese. Thus, the name evokes thoughts of dim sum.

Headquartered in KSL, this restaurant has 2 branches in JB: one at Kota Puteri and another at Horizon Hills. All the dim sum here are steamed to order, ensuring the freshness of every dish.

Apart from the usual dim sum fare, the eatery offers a wide range of unique dishes. Amongst them is the White Jade Shrimp Siew Mai (RM7.90), made with their upgraded recipe. True to its name, the skin is white rather than the usual yellow.

Don’t miss out on their limited-time offerings like the premium Chicken Sticky Rice with Abalone (RM12.90) and Salted Egg Shrimp Ball (RM8.90). Early risers can indulge in the Special 3in1 Porridge (RM8.90), featuring salted egg, century egg, and regular egg. The porridge selection is only available from 8am to 11am, or until sold out.

For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, click here.
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5. Restoran Changman Dimsum

Restoran Changman Dimsum is a popular dim sum eatery frequently recommended on social media. If you search for dim sum spots online, you’ll likely come across this place. Located at TF Value-Mart Nusa Bestari, it occupies a small corner lot. However, it’s almost impossible to overlook the restaurant as it is always packed.

Instead of pursuing the authentic Cantonese-style, the dim sum here incorporates local culture and flavour. In addition to classics like Prawn Siew Mai (RM7.90) and Har Kao King (RM7.90), you’ll also find homely dishes such as Yong Toufu (RM6.90), Pan Fried Fish Cake (RM10.80), Sesame Salad Youtiao (RM8.80).

This restaurant offers a diverse range of food spanning from bun and rice rolls to porridge and chicken rice. One standout innovative dish is their Mushroom Bao w/Sweet Corn (RM6.80), featuring a mushroom-like exterior and sweet corn filling. 

1, Jalan Bestari 7/2, Taman Nusa Bestari, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor
+607 244 4936
Daily: 7.30am – 5pm
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6. Jiah Xiang Dim Sum

For those who have been following our articles, you may have seen Jiah Xiang Dim Sum in our recent features. Besides the outlet in Taman Sentosa that opens 24/7, they have 2 other outlets in JB and one in Kulai.

There’s a special menu that’s only available for a limited time, from 1pm to 12am daily. Among the various options, the chef recommendations can help ease your decision-making. The Jiah Xiang Siu Mai (RM5.80), Scallop Dumpling (RM6.80), and Spicy Chicken Feet (RM5.80) are the must-try steamed items. 

For fried delights, treat yourself to the Salted Egg Yolk Oyster Rolls (RM7.50), Crispy Leek Pie (RM7.50), and Deep Fried Beancurd Sheet Roll with Shrimp (RM7.50). All these offerings are bound to tantalise your taste buds. 

For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, click here.
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7. Restoran Gui Yuan

Early risers are usually not short of breakfast options. Restoran Gui Yuan at Johor Jaya is one such place where you can enjoy yummy dim sum as early as 6.30am. Dine like a local at the outdoor seating in the alley, which gives off an even more down-to-earth vibe.

The steamed dim sum are priced between RM6.50 to RM6.80, depending on size. Small items such as chicken feet, fish balls, and siew mai cost RM6.50, while larger ones like stuffed brinjal, seaweed roll, and pork ribs will amount up to RM6.80. The ordering process there is more traditional; you choose your preferred dim sum at the counter, and they steam it upon order.

Their Century Egg Porridge (RM4.50) is also a crowd favourite for its smooth and thick texture. Don’t forget to relish their chee cheong fun that comes with both char siew and prawn, priced at RM7.50, allowing you to savour 2 kinds of fillings in one bite.

27, Jalan Dedap 8, Taman Johor Jaya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
+6012 723 5560
Wed to Mon: 6.30am – 12pm
Closed on Tue
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8. Say Yes Hong Kong Dim Sum

After a decade of operations, Say Yes Hong Kong Dim Sum continues to win a place in patrons’ hearts. This handmade dim sum restaurant in Sutera Utama is committed to preserving traditional flavours and spreading them to those who love the cuisine.

If you’re not sure where to start, try their ‘boss recommendations’— Salted Fish Pork Buns (RM7.30). Instead of the usual Barbecued Pork Buns (RM6.80) and Lava Salted Egg Yolk (RM7.30), this one features a minced meat filling mixed with salted fish, offering you a whole new experience. 

This restaurant is definitely an interesting place with plenty of innovative dishes. Another item on the list is the Crispy Fried Pork Cheong-Fun (RM9.80), which consists of smooth cheong fun skin enveloping crispy fried pork, served with sauce on the side. Apparently, this is also one of the popular dishes here. They have also recently launched the Otak-Otak Fish Siew Mai, a fusion of local and Cantonese cuisine. Try it out if you’re curious about how it tastes! 

66, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/3, Taman Sutera Utama, 81300 Skudai, Johor
+6018 965 3002
Daily: 8am – 4.30pm
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9. D’Shanghai Dim Sum

Branding itself as ‘dim sum flavours from north and south’, D’Shanghai Dim Sum incorporates the flavours of Hong Kong, Shanghai, Huaiyang, and Sichuan in their dishes. They even infuse Western ingredients with traditional Asian cooking methods, offering creative fusion dim sum.

Standard dim sum fare like siew mai, dumpling, and cheong fun are available in various flavours at the restaurant. One of the notable dishes has got to be the Steamed Rice Rolls with Crispy Dough Stick (RM8.20), a cheong fun dish commonly found in Hong Kong. Instead of the typical char siew and prawn fillings, this version features you tiao, giving the dish a unique texture and flavour profile.

The Steamed Dumpling with Superior Stock (RM13.90) is also a must-try item at D’Shanghai Dim Sum. Resembling xiao long bao, but larger in size, it is served in a small stewing pot, delicately enveloping flavourful broth and meat fillings. All of the creations here are innovative yet authentic. 

For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, click here.
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10. Restoran Kak Kak

Many eateries come and go, but Restoran Kak Kak withstands the test of time and continues to stand strong for more than 3 decades. This Maju Jaya restaurant has been featured in numerous online publications, showcasing its popularity among locals and tourists.

The presentation at this eatery is slightly different from the others; instead of being placed in a steamer basket, the dim sum is served on small plates. While this may seem less authentic, the focus is on prioritising the taste of the food, which explains its crowd. 

Both their steamed and fried dim sum range from RM5 to RM5.50, depending on the variety. Popular options include fried carrot cake, pork ribs, har gao, chicken feet, and stuffed vegetables. Be sure to try the Lomai Gai (RM5), Porridge (RM5), and Chee Cheong Fun (RM5.50) too— dishes you’ll find on most tables.

9, Jalan Maju, Taman Maju Jaya, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor
Wed to Mon: 6.30am – 12pm
Closed on Tue
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