It’s no secret that Singaporeans love flocking to shopping malls in JB to get their retail fix and indulge in the local cuisine. It’s time to extend that shopping list to include some well-known – as well as a couple of lesser-known – CNY snack shops in JB to stock up on goodies.
Pineapple tarts, almond cookies, love letters… is your mouth watering yet? We’ve found places that are conveniently located just a short drive across the causeway, mostly within 30 minutes of the checkpoints, so you can easily go on a last-minute snack run before the CNY long weekend.
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Image adapted from: Ming Ang Confectionery
With 3 outlets in JB, Ming Ang Confectionery is pretty well-known amongst Singaporeans for its wide array of confectionery. The nearest outlet to Woodlands Checkpoint is at JB City Square mall, where the retail store stocks freshly baked products both sweet and savoury.
Best sellers include the Signature Original Heong Peah (RM15, ~S$4.59) and Nyonya Kampung Egg Roll (RM29.80, ~S$9.12). If you’re looking for vegetarian-friendly options, they’ve got green pea cookies and peanut cookies too.
Image adapted from: Ming Ang Confectionery, Ming Ang Confectionery
From now till 21st January 2023, you can visit their pop-up booths at CNY fairs in Paradigm Mall, KSL City Mall, and AEON Mall Bukit Indah.
Psst… we know that Ming Ang Confectionery has an SG online store too but the prices are about 40% cheaper when you make a visit to the stores in our neighbouring country.
Full list of Ming Ang Confectionary outlets
Image credit: Rokiah Abu Bakar
Better known amongst the locals as the spot for handmade tarts, Kiah Tart sees a crowd almost on a daily basis with popular items selling out by lunch. As a standalone snack shop, there’s just 1 outlet about 15 minutes from the JB checkpoint so go early and take your pick from their wide variety of pastries.
Image credit: Kiah Tart Facebook
Of course, there is the quintessential CNY goodie – Pineapple Tarts that come in a large box for RM33 (~S$10.06) or a smaller box for RM22 (~S$6.71). Other popular items include the Nutella Tarts (from RM22, ~S$6.71) and peanut-based Kuih Makmur Kacang (from RM22, ~S$6.71).
Address: 5757, Jalan Taruka, Pejabat Pertanian Larkin, Johor Bahru 80350, Malaysia
Opening hours: Sat-Thu 8am-6pm (Closed on Fridays)
Contact: Kiah Tart Facebook
Image credit: 鱿鱼先生 (Mr Sotong)
Known for their addictive snacks, Mr Sotong sells crackers and chips that are mainly seafood-based – featuring cuttlefish, squid, codfish, and lobster. Their best-selling snack is the Mr. Sotong Crispy Cuttlefish (RM49.90, ~S$15.19) flavoured with tomatoes and chillies.
The stark red Sugared Chilli Cuttlefish (RM33, ~S$10.04) is another best-seller.
Image adapted from: 鱿鱼先生 (Mr Sotong), 鱿鱼先生 (Mr Sotong)
While a lot of their snacks are considered spicy, there are also options for those with low tolerance – such as the Japanese White Shredded Squid (RM33, ~S$10.04) and Crispy Seaweed Codfish (RM35, ~S$10.65).
Pop by their booth at AEON Mall Bukit Indah from now till 5th February 2023 to ogle at their assortment of CNY snacks.
Full list of Mr Sotong outlets
Image adapted from: 启饼将军 The Cookies General, The Cookies General
Some of us may have had more than our fair share of pineapple tarts and almond cookies. In that case, look to The Cookies General to find alternatives such as Sichuan Spicy Seaweed (S$14.80), Kimchi Cheese Lotus Chips (S$15.50), and Charcoal Beehive Cookies (S$13.90).
Image adapted from: TeraKiosk Solution
Their CNY booths at JB City Square, Sutera Mall, and AEON Mall Bukit Indah even have self-checkout kiosks to speed up the process of buying and paying.
Address: 41, Jalan Serigala, Taman Abad, Johor Bahru 80250, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-7pm, Daily
Contact: The Cookies General website | 启饼将军The Cookies General Facebook
Image adapted from: @yongshenggiftshop, @yongshenggiftshop
Specialising in wedding favours, Yong Sheng Gift Shop is arguably the most famous of the lot when it comes to ordering snacks and pastries. This CNY, they’ve introduced cute festive-themed cookies that come in fun designs such as money bags and paisley.
The Pineapple Jam Filled Cookies (RM39.80, ~S$12.13) are pineapple-shaped. Duh. Get your snacks from any of their booths at JB City Square, Sutera Mall, Paradigm Mall, or KSL City Mall this CNY.
Full list of Yong Sheng Gift Shop outlets
Kuih Bangkit (RM16,~S$4.88 ) and Pumpkin Seed Crisp (RM18, ~S$4.88).
Image adapted from: Lavender Bakery Malaysia, Lavender Bakery Malaysia
Anyone who needs to give out angbaos this festive season will appreciate Lavender Bakery for its super affordable snacks. Stay within budget and still get your hands on some yummy CNY goodies such as Almond Tulles and Biscotti for just RM16/bottle (~S$5.50).
There are 6 outlets in the city including at JB City Square and Paradigm Mall. Plus, get a complimentary cooler bag with a minimum spend of RM128 (~S$39.10) at the Taman Pelangi Flagship store, while stocks last.
Full list of Lavender Bakery outlets
Image adapted from: SDS Bakery & Cafe
Yup, you read that right – there are 16 SDS Bakery outlets within JB itself. Wherever you’re headed to in the city, chances are you’re near a shopping mall that houses the bakery. They’ve got over 20 types of snacks starting from RM28.80 (~S$8.76) including cookies, cracker rolls, and crisps.
Image adapted from: SDS Bakery & Cafe
Those fond of the more traditional Kueh Lapis can get their hands on the Original, Prune, or Pandan flavours for RM48 (~S$14.66) each.
If you’re looking to buy back a gift for someone special, SDS also has beautifully packaged CNY hampers from RM128 (~S$38.95) that highlight some of their best goodies.
Full list of SDS Bakery outlets
Image adapted from: 刘 Mama Bakery
Famous for its mooncakes, Liu Mama Bakery has a unique offering – bite-sized snacks known as White Cloudees. The crunchy cookie base is topped with a soft layer of meringue and almond flakes, and filled with a layer of strawberry jam in the middle. A tin of 24 pieces will set you back RM39.90 (~S$12.18).
Parmesan Cheese Kuih Bangkit.
Image adapted from: 刘mama Bakery
Other snacks on offer include traditional CNY treats such as Golden Pineapple Balls and various butter cookies. However, if you’re looking for something different, there are also exciting flavours such as Sichuan mala-flavoured cookies.
Full list of Liu Mama Bakery outlets
Image adapted from: Moonlight Cake House
There are fortune cookies and then there are fortune-beckoning CNY-themed cakes. Moonlight Cake House offers the latter from RM88 (~S$26.83) featuring the likes of Cai Shen Ye, money bags with gold coins, and gold ingots.
Simply order 4 days in advance and pick up your chosen cake from any of the 12 outlets in JB based on the given date and time slot.
Image adapted from: Moonlight Cake House, Moonlight Cake House
Apart from the IG-worthy cakes, the bakery also has Kueh Lapis (from RM51.90, ~S$15.82) that comes in a slab of 700g in 3 flavours – Original, Pandan, and Prune. In addition, there are cookies and savoury snacks such as Shrimp Rolls (RM16.80, ~S$5.13) and Salted Egg Fish Skin (RM29.80, ~S$9.09).
Full list of Moonlight Cake House outlets
Whether you decide to make a quick shopping trip across the border before CNY or you plan to visit Malaysia during the break anyway, make sure to check out these snack shops in JB.
The bigger chains are also displaying their goodies at CNY fairs happening across town. Some popular malls where these fairs are happening include Johor Bahru City Square, KSL City Mall, and Sutera Mall.
For more CNY snacking guides, check out:
Cover image adapted from: Ming Ang Confectionery, Moonlight Cake House, Lavender Bakery Malaysia
Prices start from $10.
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