We already know that Johor Bahru is the go-to destination for affordable and shiok food. But if there’s anything better than eating, it’s eating all you can. Buffets can be pricey in Singapore, but thanks to the 3:1 exchange rate, it’s possible to enjoy relatively affordable buffets across the Causeway. Here are 10 buffets in JB from S$12/pax to stuff yourselves silly at.
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The mega-mall of Mid-Valley Southkey is synonymous with shopping but that’s not the only reason why you should pay a visit. Bao Jun Hot Pot, located within, is where you can feast on delectable hotpot under S$20.
Image credit: @baojunhotpot
If you can’t decide which broth to pick, the rich mala and milky tonkotsu broths are a safe bet, with many visitors claiming it to be their go-to. The tomato soup is a popular option as well, for those who prefer something sweet and tangy.
Image credit: Bao Jun Hotpot
Think of this as a budget Haidilao, with plenty of options on the menu and a wide selection of sauces to choose from. While there’s no “dancing noodle man” here, the service is nevertheless said to be speedy and professional.
Price:
Weekday lunch: Adult: RM49.90 (~S$15.30) | Child: RM29.90 (~S$9.20)
Weekend lunch & dinner: Adult RM59.90 (~S$18.40) | Child: RM29.90 (~S$9.20)
Address: MY Johor Johor Bahru T-055 The Mall Mid Valley Southkey, 1, Persiaran Southkey 1, 80150, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: +60 7-278 3686 | Bao Jun Hot Pot Facebook
Image credit: Austin Mookata Buffet
Buffets don’t always have to cost an arm and a leg, and that’s the case at Austin Mookata Buffet, with prices starting from RM39 (~S$12) per adult. This fuss-free haunt may not be the prettiest when it comes to the ambience but it offers authentic Thai charcoal hot pot mookata to enjoy during your next budget trip across the causeway.
Image credit: Austin Mookata Buffet
Ingredients here include sliced fish, chicken liver, luncheon meat, fishball, cuttlefish and best of all, crab – pretty worth it for the price. Not to mention, it’s only a stone’s throw away from Mount Austin’s many attractions such as Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park and Shiba Cafe.
Price: Adult: RM39 (~S$12) | Child (8-12 years old): RM18 (~S$5.50)
Free for children under 7 years old.
Address: 2, Jalan Mutiara Emas 5/9, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 6pm-12am, Daily
Contact: +60 10-882 2234 | Austin Mookata Facebook
Image adapted from: Chin Mei Har
For a steamboat feast that doesn’t break the bank, take a drive up to Genesis Steamboat, with 2 options in Johor Bahru – at Jalan Mutiara and Plaza Mentari. Patrons have raved that their affordable RM42/adult (~S$S$12.90) buffet is among the best in the city.
Image credit: @创世纪火锅料理（Mutiara Mas）
Order the mala soup, often the star of the show, to pair with ingredients like pork shoulder slices, sliced fish, prawns, and scallops. There’s also a decent variety of sauces and spices here that include various types of chilli, spring onion, and garlic to concoct the perfect dip.
Price: Adult: RM42 (~S$12) | Child: RM20 (~S$6.20) | Senior: RM35 (~S$10.80)
Free for kids under 5 years old.
Jalan Mutiara outlet
Address: 5&7, Jalan Mutiara 1/5, Mutiara Rini, 81300 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 2pm-11pm, Daily
Contact: +60 7-562 5152 | Genesis Steamboat Jalan Mutiara Facebook
Plaza Mentari outlet
Address: G-05&G, 06, Jalan Kuning, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 1.30pm-10.30pm | Sat-Sun 12.30pm-10.30pm
Contact: +60 18-781 8778 | Genesis Steamboat Plaza Mentari Facebook
Guo Ma Steamboat is a Taiwanese franchise with prices starting from $14.50/pax. They have 2 different soup bases – one being the popular Mala and the other a clear chicken broth – which you can cook your pork, chicken and beef in. Cheese balls, luncheon meat, taupok, fritters are also available, just to name some sides.
As for sauces, you’ll get the regular spread of sesame oil, soy sauce and condiments like scallions and coriander. We recommend following their instructions to create the Guo Ma house mix – a mix of all the sauces available, done in a certain order. Dipping sliced beef into this sauce really hits the spot.
The buffet includes a fair share of soft drinks, but what really takes the cake is their Honey Lemon Plum drink that’s sweet, tangy, and super addictive.
Dessert lovers will be pleased to know that you can help yourself to a big bowl of ice jelly or pudding after your meal.
The spacious seating area makes this the perfect place for group gatherings.
Note: All Guoma outlets in JB will be closed from 21st-26th January 2023 for Chinese New Year.
Mount Austin outlet
Price: Adult: RM46.90 (~S$14.50) | Child: RM21.90 (~S$7.80)
Address: 55, Jalan Austin Heights 8/5, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 12pm-12am, Daily
Contact: +60 7-364 1718 | Guo Ma Mount Austin Facebook
Zenith Mall outlet
Price: Adult: RM55 (~S$17) | Child: RM25 (~S$7.70)
Address: Lot01-05, Zenith Shopping Mall, 82C, 06&07, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 12pm-12am, Daily
Contact: +60 10-653 6868 | Guo Ma Zenith Mall Facebook
From left to right: Spicy bean sprouts, pickled vegetables (Kimchi) at the vegetable station.
If you’re looking for authentic Korean cuisine, Myeong Dong BBQ starts at RM39/adult (~S$12) and it’s opened by a Korean couple that decided to take a piece of home to JB.
This establishment has the whole shebang for a Korean feast-kimchi, Bulgogi and even add-ons like tteokbokki and jja jang myeon. While beef isn’t part of the spread, they do have a well-marinated selection of pork and chicken- with unexpected flavours like green tea and herb.
You’ve got regulars like Pork and Chicken marinated in Garlic Wine, but here’s a new contender: Green Tea Pork. We were sceptical about this one, but it was surprisingly good – the bittersweet green tea flavour was nicely infused without being too overwhelming.
Tip: Scatter onions on the hot plate to soak up the juices of the meat, and add gochujang, Korean spicy sauce, for a new dimension of flavour.
Other than the variety of meat, there will be a stove of Kimchi Soup at your table, so you can indulge in some Kimchi jiggae. Add some ramen noodles to the mix and voila, Kimchi Ramen stew in under 5 minutes.
Try your hand at the Korean way of eating KBBQ – wrapping your meat, kimchi and sauce in a big lettuce leaf and eating them all up in one bite.
Cheese lovers can top up for a side of melted cheese to dip your barbecued meat in.
Drinks are not included in the buffet pricing but you can order some soju at an additional price to complete your Korean BBQ experience. If you’d rather something non-alcoholic to cool off all the steam with, your first scoop of ice cream is free.
Price: Adult: RM39 (~S$12) | Child: RM26 (~S$8)
Address: 58-01, Jalan Austin Heights 3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 5pm-11pm, Daily
Contact: +60 13-351 6748 | Myeong Dong BBQ Facebook
Image credit: sabrinatajudin
Despite being a restaurant by Hilton Hotels, Makan Kitchen@DoubleTree has a weekday lunch buffet spread that starts at RM68/adult (~$20.90).
If you’d rather tuck into a spread of local fare similar to what you can find back home, you’ll enjoy their variety of Chinese, Malay and Indian dishes. Be sure to try the smokey dishes from the Charcoal Corner with roti bakar, as well as chicken and beef satay.
For dessert, you can order some classic ice cendol or salted caramel, green tea or strawberry ice cream to end the meal. Free-flow juice, coffee, tea, and a syrup drink will also be available.
P.S. For Valentines Day and CNY 2023, the restaurant also has a themed buffet spread available.
Price:
Breakfast: Adult: RM65 (~S$26.10) | Child: RM35 (~S$10.80)
Weekday lunch: Adult: RM68 (~S$20.90) | Child: RM34 (~S$10.50)
Weekend high tea: Adult: RM88 (~S$27) | Child: RM44 (~S$13.50)
Seafood buffet dinner (Fri & Sat only): Adult: RM168 (~S$51.70) | Child: RM 84 (~S$25.80)
Address: Ground Floor, DoubleTree by Hilton JB, 12, Jalan Ngee Heng, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 6.30am-10pm, Daily
Contact: +60 7-268 6868 | Makan Kitchen@Double Tree website
Image credit: Cassie Wong
The seafood lovers among us can probably agree that fresh oysters are among the most #worthit dish to dig into at every buffet. Known for their plump and juicy oysters, Kuroma Buffet & Dining is where you can stuff yourself silly with all kinds of seafood.
Image credit: Munny L
While a tad bit more pricey than the other JB buffets out there, it has dishes like fresh salmon sashimi, steamed halibut, and tempura. For the hot nosh, make a beeline for the ramen and salmon rice bowl stations. Slipper lobsters, premium wagyu and premium sashimi like Hokkaido scallops with an additional RM10-RM40 (~S$3.10-S$12.30).
Ambience at the restaurant.
Image credit: Kuroma Buffet & Dining
From appetisers to desserts, the options at Kuroma are top-notch with even Baskin Robbins ice cream and avocado milkshakes to end things on a sweet note.
Price: From Adult: RM145 (~S$44.60) | Child (6-12 years old): RM75 (~S$23/10) | Child (3-6 years old): RM35 (~S$10.80) | Senior (above 65 years old): RM95 (~S$29.20)
Free for children under 3 years old. View the weekend buffet prices on Kuroma Buffet & Dining.
Address: TD Central, 3, Jalan Sagu 21, Taman Daya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 5.30pm-10.30pm, Daily
Contact: +60 19-773 0754 | Kuroma Buffet & Dining Facebook
Image credit: @putitinmymouth_my
Devour classic international fare, sushi, and seafood at Cafe BLD at Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel, with buffets available all through the day. No matter what day or time you visit, you can check out either of their buffet breakfast, lunch or dinner spreads. High tea sets (RM98, ~S$30.20 for 2 pax) are available if you miss lunchtime due to causeway jams.
Image credit: Cafe BLD
Come hungry as you can tuck into seafood on ice like oysters, alongside flavourful roasts like lamb leg. Everything else from Chinese-style chicken to pizzas will be in the spread to help fill up that belly. Plus, some good news for the parents: little ones under 5 dine free.
Image credit: @yoshiko_lifeistravel
Book a buffet at Cafe BLD.
Price:
Breakfast: Adult: RM68 (~S$21) | Child: RM34 (~S$10.50)
Lunch: Adult: RM88 (~S$27.10) | Child: RM44 (~S$13.60)
Weekday dinner: Adult: RM108 (~S$33.30) | Child RM54 (~S$16.60)
Weekend dinner: Adult: RM158 (~S$48.70) | Child RM79 (~S$22.30)
Address: 2, Jalan Permas 11, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, 81750 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 6am-10pm, Daily
Contact: +6073813322 | Cafe BLD website
Image credit: Holiday Villa Johor Bahru City Centre
Atas factor? Check. Fern Pine Cafe in Holiday Villa Johor Bahru City Centre is a comfy spot to indulge yourself in an all-you-can-eat. Dive into a large international spread with local-favourite options like char kway tiao, or opt for their seafood dinner spread for a delectable selection of prawns, mussels, and clams.
Image credit: Siah Hx
As a cherry on top, your meal comes with a view, since the buffet is situated on level 9 of the hotel, with large windows overlooking the city. After you’re bursting at the buttons, walk things off at the nearby KSL, known for its affordable hair salons, mani-pedi, and shopping to complete your day trip.
They’ve also got a CNY buffet dinner as well as a Valentine’s Day semi-buffet for those visiting on these occasions.
Price: Adult: RM108 (~S$33.10) | Child: RM68 (~S$21) for the International Buffet Dinner
Address: 228, Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-12pm, Daily
Contact: +60 7-290 3367 | Fern Pine Cafe Instagram
Image credit: 炭马烧肉专门店 Tanba Japanese BBQ -Taman Molek
Expect not just your usual electric grills, but sizzling, smoky charcoal-fuelled ones at Tanba Japanese BBQ. Their Signature Buffet Course comes with the usual Japanese buffet suspects of sushi and sashimi, as well as prawn and sliced meat for the grill.
But if you’re feeling a little bougie, there’s also the option to upgrade your meal with A5 Japanese Wagyu (+RM150/~S$46.20) to impress your plus one.
Image adapted from: 炭马烧肉专门店 Tanba Japanese BBQ -Taman Molek
While prices are a little steeper, their 4.5-star ratings from more than 1k users on Google’s more than a testament that this is worth a visit on a treat-yo self day.
Note: The outlet at Twin Galaxy is closed until 26th January 2023.
Price:
Weekday lunch: Adult: RM138 (~S$42.50) | Child (101cm-130cm): RM85.20 (~S$17) | Child (91cm-100cm): RM20 (~S$6.10) | Senior: RM124.20 (~S$38.30)
Weekend lunch, dinner & PH: Adult: RM148 (~S$45.60) | Child (101cm-130cm): RM59.20 (~S$18.20) | Child (91cm-100cm): RM20 (~S$6.10) | Senior: RM133.20 (~S$41)
Free for children under 90cm tall.
Taman Molek outlet
Address: 31&33, Jln Molek 3/20, Taman Molek, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 12pm-12am, Daily
Contact: +60 7-361 0505 | Tamba Japanese BBQ Taman Molek Facebook
Twin Galaxies outlet
Address: Taman Abad, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Sun-Fri 11am-11pm | Sat 12pm-11pm
Contact: +60 7-382 1368 | Tamba Japanese BBQ Twin Galaxy Facebook
From BBQ to steamboat, you’ll be spoilt for choice in JB with loads of good buffets – and the best part is, you won’t have to feel the pinch thanks to these affordable options. Even if you don’t drive, all of these are situated within the city, so they’re also pretty convenient to get to.
More Johor Bahru guides for your next adventure:
Cover image adapted from: @baojunhotpot, Bao Jun Hotpot, Munny L, 炭马烧肉专门店 Tanba Japanese BBQ -Taman Molek
Originally published by Natalie Khoo on 6th June 2018. Last updated by Kezia Tan on 21st January 2023.
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