Best Lontong in Johor Bahru (JB)

A good lontong can masquerade any sort of rice dish and complement never-ending sides. And this modest stall truly epitomes the statement. Both the wet and dry choice is worth devouring the till the last drop of sambal and curry. Be sure of taking the flavours up a notch with their fried chicken which is served piping hot. 

Warung Saga needs no introduction in Johor Bahru, its been boasting as one of the best spots to savour authentic Malay cuisine for numerous decades. Devoid a signboard but it’s easily identified with series of portraits of Malaysian artists and dignitaries blanketing the rustic walls. Among the dishes that have gained devotion from the patrons are the lontong kering which is served with a delicious peanut sauce. Perk up the rice cakes with curried vegetables, fried tofu, egg, sambal and chicken of your choice – fried and curry versions are equally worth polishing till bone clean. If you look for a more simple combination, the rice chunks and satay has amassed a strong following too.

Serving up crowd-pleasing local grub like Mee Rebus, Nasi Lemak, Char Keoy Teow and Lontong, there is no excuse you can’t dine like a King for breakfast at Pondok Santapan. After meticulously boiled for hours with banana leaves, the rice cakes come in greenish shades and subtle aroma. Before you stick your fork it, dress it up with vegetable curry and hard-boiled egg or lashes of spicy sambal and sides of your choice. It's one hefty meal to fill you up till lunch or even longer.

Shrouded with clusters of huge cherry trees, this humble joint is rather a hidden gem but it never fails to take centre stage during lunch hours. Upon entering, be greeted by a massive and impressive spread of freshly made dishes, especially their Nasi Kerabu. Nevertheless, their lontong is a dish that deserves an outstanding merit. Seemingly humble but the flavours are guaranteed to blow your mind away. If you’re not into meat, they serve one of the best fish dish in town – grilled kembong fish which is enrobed with subtle curry spices and deftly done over a charcoal fire. 

Be amazed by an endless string of bustling stalls that are highly rated by the locals. Among the star attraction that has magnetised a loyal following is stall no.13 or Fatimah Nasi Campur, who has been dishing out lontong that are nothing short of delicious. Be spoilt for choices as a range of drool-worthy dishes and curries clamour to coat up the rice cakes. Their signature dish is beef rendang (traditional beef gravy) and fried beef lung, the best bet to enhance the mild flavours of the lontong which is dense and chewy texture-wise. Nestled amidst lush greenery, what greater joy than dining a fascinating dish while ogling gentle sways of trees and being blown the fresh breeze of air.  

If you’re a nature’s advocate and authentic Malay food devotee, this renowned restaurant is sure to be a pilgrim for you. As per the name, the celebrity on the menu is their sup tulang (bone marrow soup) but veering out for their lontong will never disappoint. The sheer deliciousness of the pillowy goodness and lip-smacking gravy as well as sambal surely stands out as a solid contender for the best seller on the menu. And why to settle for meats when you can enjoy your rice cakes with gargantuan pieces of lamb shanks that are enriched with gamey goodness. 

There are plenty ways to enjoy lontong and what you’re seeing above is a masterpiece. Visually reminiscing carrot cake or better known as char koay kak, you might presume if it’s prepared the same way, and you’re never wrong! These spongy rice cubes are adroitly stir-fried with egg, prawns and sauce then sprinkled with a handful of chopped herbs. And be sure of sliding few skewers of meaty goodness because satays and rice cakes are always a match made in heaven. Double the indulgence. 

This unassuming eatery is worth your time to drop by and sample range of local delicacies that are easy on the wallet. Lontong here is a standout; it has the perfect texture - springy and creamy and complements the wide range of condiments. The real deal here is tarting up your plate with their deep-fried tempeh, chicken, deep-fried lungs and thick chilli sambal that rounds up an all-around sumptuous meal. Other than the obvious runner, their nasi lemak, and fried noodles are worth devouring too. 

Frequented by hungry bellies during the early hours, Warung Sebulong Corner is habitually teeming with patrons chomping down abundance of local delights. Among the most ordered dish is their lontong, boiled couple of hours with banana leaf, leaving a greenish hue on the outer layer of the rice cubes. Do yourself a favour, never be skimp on the spicy and nutty sambal which is to die for and the dish is best paired with fried lungs – an insanely delicious combination that leaves you wanting more.