Best Curry Puff in Johor Bahru (JB)

Cheese grilled chicken, cheese chicken bologna, mutton masala, apple pie, beef black pepper, cheese chicken sausage and chicken curry, it’s not a menu from a fine dining restaurant, and it’s a food truck that has taken curry puffs to a whole new level. Looks like our local puff went for an education abroad. If varieties are what you need, welcome to the curry puff mecca on wheels. Consistently out fresh from the fryer, the plump bombs with thin and crispy casing oozes with wondrous aroma and lip-smacking filling at each mouthful. Truly justifying why locals flock to the truck like moths to a flame. 

How about a curry puff that is made from classic wood fired oven? Yes, you read that right. Spanning over eight decades, Salahuddin Bakery has stamped into the hearts of the locals as a perennial favourite, churning out delectable pastries and bread with recipes that are guarded with zeal and pride. Walking into the bakery definitely soaks you up with nostalgic vibes, with worn-out signboard, rack of metal tins and smoky oven that never stops spilling out fresh and aromatic wonders. The best sellers are their triangular shaped Bengali curry puffs that come in potato, chicken, lamb and beef flavours. Unlike common curry puffs these days, they are never skimp on the meat chunks and the crust offers the perfect snap with layers of crispy dough sheets. 

What you’re looking at is an absolute flavour bomb. An exemplary of how an authentic karipap pusing or spiral puffs should be. And no one does it better than JB Curry Puff. This food truck commonly operates at Taman Bukit Indah, and you’ll see patrons swaggering like a child with a bagful of puffs and other deep-fried morsels. The texture of the crust is what sets them apart; it’s gorgeously flaky and breaks down easily in the mouth, revealing the potatoes and eggs beneath that packs a generous amount of spice. Hold down, if your belly is itching for sweet over savoury, do give their durian puff a go, just melts in your mouth with a subtle creaminess. Downright a bang for your bucks. 

Dishing out a sheer spread of local delicacies, this commodious restaurant is habitually brimming with patrons, especially during breakfast and evening break. You might be spoilt for choices, but there is always room for curry puff. The crust truly deserves a crown; it just crumbles upon contact with your mouth and is tightly packed with a mildly spiced potato filling that offers a smooth mouthful. Chomp down the dainty goodness amid a sleekly designed and cozy ambiance that looks good on Instagram. No matter how chock-full you are, grab some home to satisfy you on the couch. 

Milo Dinosaur? Seen that, done that! Burger dinosaur? Grrrrr, it’s way too common these days. Hold on, how about curry puff dinosaur? Fork N Dagger has astutely assembled a standout curry puff that has had locals and newcomers alike raving, and it’s getting a lot of attention from the social media too. Sidestepping as a snack, this bulged beauty is liberally loaded with a motley of chicken, onions and potatoes then fried to crispy perfection without being greasy. Now that's what we call a heavy breakfast. Man Vs Food, this latter is not to be missed! 

Nestled in Taman Dahlia morning market, this bustling stall has been garnering a loyal following with arsenal of curry puff goodness. Straight off the scorching fryer, their beef, sardine and chicken renditions are widely vaunted as it’s delightfully savoury with a wedge of egg towing inside the ribbon-thin carapace with crispy crimped edges. However, if you find them not wowing your taste buds anymore, raise the curtain for their latest flavour that has become the talk of the surrounding vicinity, say hello to Chili crabstick with salted egg. It’s truly one-of-a-kind puff that lingers in your mind for a long time as the balance of heat and savoury is spot-on. 

Expect a convivial atmosphere and never-ending spread of local delights that are easy on the wallet. Best sellers are usually the fried noodles, naans, and chapatis but a deep-fried curry puff is a must here, either to whet your appetite or to satiate that need for a crispy and doughy nibble. Sweet potatoes imbued with curry are filled to the brim inside the plump snack and its best paired with a glass of lathered tea. 

Early morning is a must for thosai and idli, noon triggers for banana leaf rice and tea time is never complete without a chicken curry puff at Agneey’s Cuisine. Don’t be fooled by the humble appearance, the deep-fried latter packs a robust spice ride with tender chicken bits and creamy potatoes. A warm cup of Teh Tarik is the best partner to awake the aftertaste of spices on your palate.