Best Asam Pedas in Johor Bahru (JB)

A monochromatic restaurant that has turned into a popular local haunt thanks to their mouthwatering asam pedas. Beaming with crimson-red hue, the bowl lures to be licked clean, with succulent fillets and handful of ladyfingers as well as eggplants. The flesh just flakes off the bone and the broth is deftly done, while all you need is a mound of white rice. Pleasantly spiced, you’ll not leave the restaurant eye-watering unless it comes from happiness. 

A brimming bowl of crimson-red asam pedas is a must when you visit this spacious gastronomical paradise. Patrons make a beeline before the famous stall, all in the hopes of chomping down their rave-worthy asam pedas. Fresh fillets simmer in the zesty soup that unleashes a sour and spicy boxing match on your palate. The ladyfingers, eggplants, and tomatoes are praiseworthy too. Be warned, the heat could be a little overwhelming but sure to win you over. 

Nestled in a full-of-life food court, you’ll certainly spot tables graced with bowls of asam pedas that are highly vouched by the clienteles. The rave-worthy bowl is engulfed with mixed vegetables and chunks of delicate fish. The subtle flavours leave an indelible mark on your mind, and it's best enjoyed with a sheer spread of dishes. No worries, there is never a need to haggle for a better pricing.

Known as the senior player in the asam pedas scene in Johor Bahru, and the teeming crowd is an indicator that you’re in for a sinfully satisfying meal. They take so much pride in their red gravy, it’s constantly being churned out from the kitchen, assuring consistency to hit your palate with a pinnacle of pleasure at every spoonful. They also score points through varieties of fishes, and nothing is short of freshness, ideally complementing the broth that is spot-on with sour and spicy symmetry. Not to be overlooked is their crispy fried threadfin. 

Don’t pull the plug looking at the seedy environment as the flavours are assured to astound your palate. Despite varieties at each turn, your eyes will glue onto the sizzling bowl asam pedas, which leads you to Joe Asam Pedas. The fish chunks just scatter off the bone with a gentle prod from the fork and the soup is measured to perfection. You would completely forget the environment till the last drop of broth. 

If you’re looking to wolf down inevitable asam pedas in a cozy and neat backdrop, make your way to Restaurant Anisofea. Value-for-money would be the most appropriate word to describe this dish, it’s generously piled with ladyfingers, tomatoes, eggplants and chunks of fresh fish. Each mouthful bombards with sour and spicy tones, just like how a perfectly-done asam pedas should be. 

The unique dish, Oxtail Asam Pedas on offer at the Skyview Cafe is another contender on our list. The Skybar is located on level 13A of the Amerin Hotel in Johor Bahru. The cafe has an indoor and an outdoor section, allowing one to either stay inside and enjoy their meal comfortabley, or enjoy it outside and bask in the magnificent view.

There's no point in visiting Johor Bahru without a good claypot of Asam Pedas piled to the very brim, and Bazaar Karat's one of many Asam Pedas stalls specialising in this very spicy dish is enough to complete your trip to Malaysia's most fervent state right at Singapore's very doorstep!

Make your way to this unassuming joint for a frisky feast of local Malay cuisine. What catches your attention at once are huge cauldrons of asam pedas, and it does run out fast matching to the never-ending crowd. The meticulously made broth guarantees to pamper your taste buds, complementing the fresh and tender fillet. For optimal pleasure, cherry-pick their luscious fish head as it’s easy on the wallet too. The memorable flavours last long after leaving the restaurant.