Mount Austin Lunch Alert: 10 Must-Try Restaurants in Johor Bahru That Will Blow Your Taste Buds!
Mount Austin’s lunch scene is booming! From creamy soups and handmade noodles to retro cafés and giant brunches, this curated list of 10 restaurants guarantees a satisfying lunch in Johor Bahru.
Mount Austin, Johor Bahru | April 15, 2025 – For lunch lovers seeking great food with flair, Mount Austin has become one of Johor Bahru’s most exciting culinary destinations. With an increasing number of creative and delicious eateries opening in the area, this neighbourhood has transformed into a vibrant hotspot where traditional flavours meet modern trends.【 Lunch in Mount Austin 】
Today, we unveil a carefully curated list of the Top 10 Mount Austin lunch spots that promise unforgettable meals, incredible value, and diverse options. Whether you’re a foodie, office worker, student, or casual diner, these restaurants are guaranteed to spice up your midday meals!
1. Babor Cafe: No Service Charge, Just Hearty Brunch Portions!
Among the top brunch spots in Mount Austin, Johor Bahru, Babor Cafe stands out for its generous portions and no service charge policy, making it a favorite among students and office workers alike. Their Premium Big Breakfast, loaded with grilled chicken, thick-cut ham, sautéed mushrooms, fluffy scrambled eggs, and crispy toast, delivers a truly satisfying meal. Don’t miss their refreshing Lychee Utopia fruit tea, the perfect drink to cool off on a warm afternoon. The café’s cozy Nordic-inspired interior, decorated with greenery and wooden furniture, adds a touch of calm that makes it a perfect hangout for both casual chats and solo brunch dates.
2. Wafu Mount Austin: Creamy Kimchi Soup That’ll Blow You Away!
If you’re a soup lover, Wafu is a must-visit. Their signature Creamy Kimchi Soup and Milk Miso Soup are made from pork bone broth simmered for over eight hours, then blended with fresh milk and house-made kimchi. Each spoonful is bursting with flavor and depth. The menu also features hearty Japanese dishes like Curry Rice and Karaage Fried Chicken, offering a soul-warming, satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunchtime. The restaurant boasts a warm and cozy ambiance, ideal for both friendly gatherings and solo comfort meals.
3. Tai Hong Kopitian: A Taste of Tradition with a Modern Twist
Established in 1991, Da Feng has been a go-to spot for traditional Hakka thunder tea rice in Johor Bahru. This classic dish, featuring a warm herbal tea-based soup paired with brown rice, greens, peanuts, tofu, and more, is both nutritious and flavorful. Beyond thunder tea, Da Feng also offers bold dishes like Asam Laksa and Nasi Lemak, known for their rich, spicy, and aromatic profiles. With its fast service, high table turnover, and wallet-friendly prices, it’s no wonder this place remains a favorite among locals for a quick yet fulfilling lunch.
4. Padi Kopitiam: A Tour of Malaysia’s Iconic Flavors|Lunch in Mount Austin
If you’re craving authentic Malaysian flavors, Padi Kopitiam is your ultimate destination. This eatery takes you on a flavorful journey with signature dishes like Three-Color Smoked Lamb Rice, Tom Yum Fried Mee Tai Mak, and Wantan Kolok Mee, each dish showcasing the multicultural charm of Malaysian cuisine. Sweet tooth? Try their Golden Fried Banana Fritters, perfectly crispy and paired with creamy condensed milk dip. Styled like a traditional kopitiam, the nostalgic interior makes it an excellent choice for everything from family meals to friendly meetups.
5. The Toast Mount Austin: High-Value Meals That’ll Keep You Coming Back!
A hit on social media and a staple for many Johor Bahru foodies, The Toast is famous for its incredible value-for-money sets. Their 4-person combo meal, priced at just RM100+, includes mains, artisan toast, snacks, and drinks—enough to satisfy every palate. Highlights include the tangy and spicy Tom Yum Fried Vermicelli and the juicy Deep-Fried Chicken Leg, both of which are local favorites. Don’t forget to try their Instagram-worthy Golden Lava Toast, with a sweet-savory molten center. Whether you’re planning a date, a lunch outing with friends, or a small office team lunch, this place won’t disappoint.
6. Sun Gourmet Kitchen: Creative Chinese Cuisine with Lasting Flavors
Breaking away from the fast-paced trend of Westernized Chinese cuisine, Sun Gourmet Kitchen has carved a niche by offering “refined traditional dishes” that are both visually appealing and packed with flavor. Their signature Minced Pork Rice with Soup is a must-try—fragrant minced meat cooked in a secret sauce poured over rice with hot broth, creating a comforting bowl full of umami. The Chilled Sweet and Sour Pork offers a refreshing twist with its crispy texture and chilled tangy glaze, ideal for hot afternoons. Their Sichuan Spicy Chicken blends crispiness with bold spice, hitting just the right level of heat to keep you coming back for more. To round off the meal, a cup of Honey Lemon Genmaicha adds a cooling, fragrant finish. This is a perfect spot for those craving bold Chinese flavors with a modern edge.
7. Grandpa Yang: Cheese Milk Pan Mee—A Must-Try Fusion Favorite!
If you’re into rich, indulgent dishes, Grandpa Yang is a culinary adventure you can’t miss. Their signature Cheese Milk Pan Mee blends creamy milk and savory cheese into a luscious golden broth, paired with springy hand-pulled noodles that absorb every drop of goodness. It’s the ultimate comfort food in a bowl. Don’t stop there—the Cheesy Meatballs, Crispy Dumplings, and Golden Tofu Cubes are just as irresistible, featuring crispy exteriors and juicy fillings. The restaurant itself features a sleek, modern design with hints of Korean industrial chic, making it a favorite for young diners and couples seeking an Instagrammable lunch date. This is not just lunch—it’s an experience.
8. XY 80s Kopitiam: Nostalgic Flavors in a Retro Setting
Take a trip down memory lane at XY 80s Kopitiam, where every detail—from vintage posters and vinyl records to retro wall décor—evokes the charm of the 1980s. This cozy café serves up traditional Malaysian delights such as Nasi Lemak, Char Kway Teow, and Ayam Penyet, all cooked with heart and served with a smile. The highlight? Their mini snack bar featuring nostalgic childhood treats and local candies that transport you straight back to simpler times. It’s a place where food and memory collide. Whether you’re gathering with old friends or introducing younger ones to the flavors of the past, XY 80s Kopitiam is a warm, welcoming lunch destination that feeds both the stomach and soul.
9. 33 Noodle House: A Paradise for Noodle Lovers|Lunch in Mount Austin
If handmade noodles are your thing, then 33 Noodle House will be your go-to. Their star dish, Handmade Fish Ball Pan Mee, is crafted fresh daily—each fish ball springy and flavorful, and the noodles perfectly al dente in a light yet savory broth. Complement your bowl with their famous Shrimp Paste Chicken—crispy on the outside, juicy inside—and popular sides like Chive Fritters and Sweet Corn Cake, all of which boast rich, homey flavors. For an extra crunchy touch, don’t forget the Crispy Anchovies, perfect for sprinkling on top. This is a lunch spot that guarantees comfort, satisfaction, and a craving to return for more.
10. Fortune Pot: 13 Flavors of Wanton Noodles You Must Try!
Think wanton noodles can’t surprise you? Think again. At Fortune Pot, you’ll find over 13 different flavors of this beloved classic—from traditional soy sauce and tomato to daring variations like tom yum, kimchi, and even cheese-infused. Whether you prefer bold, tangy, spicy, or savory, there’s a noodle style here just for you. What’s more, you can customize the fat-to-lean ratio of your char siew, and their generously filled wantons are guaranteed to impress. Their side dishes, like Deep-Fried Wantons, Herbal Chicken Feet, and refreshing Fruit Tea, make the perfect accompaniment. With its bright ambiance and speedy, friendly service, this restaurant is ideal for family lunches or casual meetups.
Lunch in Mount Austin | Where lunch becomes an adventure
Whether you’re craving heritage recipes or bold new flavors, Mount Austin has something for everyone. These 10 restaurants prove that lunch here isn’t just a meal—it’s a full-on culinary journey waiting to be explored. So why settle for boring takeout? Head to Mount Austin, and make every lunch break a delicious memory.
Outbound Link:
【Lunch Alert】Top 10 Must-Try Restaurants in Mount Austin, Johor Bahru – Irresistible Flavours Await!
