Best Roti Bakar in Johor Bahru (JB)

Among the pioneers who brought the Kopitiam scene to Malaysia, My Rail Coffee is an establishment oozing with heritage and taste. The march of time has seen Western and other local delights wedging into the extensive menu, yet the main selling point is their Roti Bakar. Their bun definitely bags an award for one of the fluffiest bun you can find in Johor Bahru, and its meticulously toasted and slathered with rich kaya and butter that just melts beyond its diameter, as they are never stingy with the spread. Never let your Roti Bakar be on its own, couple them with coffee and linger in the charming backdrop that has some portraits of historical moments that tingle your curiosity. 

How about a Roti Bakar set that hits your palate with spice and savoury? A thick slab of white bread is pleasantly grilled to golden brown with butter and paired with a mouthwatering bowl of Kacang Pool, a popular dish in Johor Bahru. There are numerous spots to grab one, but this humble stall is the reigning champion that should never be missed. The bean and beef concoction is topped with a sunny-side egg, a wedge of lime, chopped chilies and onions. The chopped condiments add heat and crunch to the tender smatterings of meat, and the egg is made to perfection. To further evoke your appetite, this eatery has appeared in a famous food program, “Food Blogger” and since then, the crowd just multiplied. You would certainly mop the bowl clean with the last chunk of bread and yearn for another. 

All walks of life constantly plop into this renowned restaurant that offers one of the best Roti Bakar in town. It’s a commodious two-storey building adorned with old-school photos of the restaurant before it was revamped. A little surprise looking at scrambled eggs being perched atop the charcoal-grilled bread in lieu off half-boiled eggs? Well, that’s the specialty dining in an establishment that also serves Hainanese western food, where mashed potatoes are among the contenders too. However, the standouts are the classic spread of kaya and thinly sliced butter.  

Kopitiam Kim is another simple and modern coffee shop that serves a variety of local favourites. It dishes includes the humble yet absolutely delicious serving of roti bakar, alongside half-boiled eggs and your choice of coffee. The combination may be simple and the kaya butter spread may seem boring, but it has been our national breakfast dish for quite some time. 

This nostalgic restaurant has always been a part of the local’s commute for a couple of generations. No surprise, there is no space for an apple to fall during the morning hours and it's raining orders for Roti Bakar. White bread is nicely charred on the outside, and then liberally layered with butter and kaya, forming a spongy core. The best way to enjoy the classic dish is along with its counterparts, runny half-boiled eggs and Hainanese coffee, which is smooth and full of fragrance. 

This humble restaurant has been around for generations and the popularity has never stopped peaking. The fun part is you can have your Roti Bakar fix with assorted bread, the normal white bread, spongy bun and the most vaunted, Roti Bengali. For those who hanker for soft, smooth and melt-in-the-mouth wonder, the buns are impeccable, slightly charred and generously sandwiched with lumpy kaya and butter spread. The real draw is the thick blocks of Bengali bread, once it picks up those brownish speckles, it’s smeared with the similar concoction, a little chewy and those rugged surfaces just add charm to your palate. Sip their aromatic coffee to enhance the whole meal. 

What toppings would you like to have for your Roti Bakar sir? Yes, you read that right, and no pizza restaurants have included Roti Bakar into their menu. If Kaya and Butter bread isn’t your cup of tea or your taste buds needs to be titivated with more varieties, make your way to this comfy cafe. As per the name, they just never stop toasting bread that comes in a myriad of toppings, truly a haven where sweet-tooth and meat lovers go hand to hand. How about toasted bread that is smeared with butter and kaya, being paired with batons of grilled sausage, egg, and baked beans? Or rich chocolate spread, a sprinkle of nuts and assorted confectionaries coating your thick slab of bread? The interior of the restaurant is praiseworthy too. 

You’ll constantly spot this restaurant in social medias, priding as one of the most trendy cafes with a sprawling spread of local and Western delicacies. Cup yourself in the wooden tables and chairs and delve down their Kacang pool which is served with thick toasted bread. The murky gravy is abundantly filled with beef chunks and tender beans, crowned with sunny-side egg as well as chopped chilies and onions. Dipping the toasted bread with crispy edges into the concoction just accentuates each mouthful. A freshly brewed coffee would be the best match. 

Ah Hong Kopitiam is what you'll call a pretty modern coffee shop. It has all the necessities such as air-cond, a comfortable dining area, metal cutleries and so on. However, the food and drinks here remain a timeless classic. You still find that 'kao' in your coffee, and the roti bakar is nicely toasted and spread with kaya and butter. Mee siam and kuey teow soup are available as well. So if you're in the mood to get up early and have some breakfast, do give Ah Hong Kopitiam a chance.

Rustic Cafe is another casual dining place that you can order a good set of roti bakar. The cafes offers a pretty solid range of local dishes with a twist - something you'll consider as comfort food. As for the humble roti bakar, it comes with a good amount of cheese within. It's not the fanciest of bread, but it does bring you closer to home.