Singaporeans are known for their kiasu nature, and that extends to their travel habits too. Many of us wake up at the crack of dawn to beat the inevitable congestion at the Woodlands or Tuas Checkpoint, just to be among the first to step into Johor Bahru (JB) for a weekend getaway. But there’s a slight problem—most shopping malls and major attractions in JB don’t open that early!

Image credits: Kokkai Ng via Canva Pro
So, what’s the next best thing to do? Fuel up with a good breakfast! Thankfully, JB has plenty of fantastic breakfast spots that open early, ensuring that you can start your adventure with a hearty meal before hitting the malls. Here are 10 amazing places to have breakfast in JB before your day of shopping and café-hopping begins.
Also read: 10 Group Activity Ideas in Johor Bahru (JB) for Your Next Day Trip
Near the checkpoint
1. Roast & Coffee
- Location: 62&63, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
- Opening Hours: Open daily 7 AM – 5 PM
If you’re fans of Ya Kun in Singapore, Roast & Coffee is a popular place among Singaporeans looking for a hearty breakfast to start their day. A walking distance from the Malaysian customs, Roast & Coffee serves a wide variety of toasts, coffee and other local delicacies. Roast & Coffee also has multiple other outlets conveniently located around JB, such as at Eco Palladium.
Also read: Johor Bahru (JB) Day Trip Itinerary That Singaporeans Love
2. Kopilicious

Image credit: @kopilicious_johor | Instagram
- Location: 18, Jalan Molek 2/2, Taman Molek, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
- Opening Hours: 7:45 AM – 5:00 PM
For a traditional Malaysian-style breakfast, head to Kopilicious, a cosy kopitiam serving buttery kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs, and aromatic local kopi. If you’re feeling extra hungry, try their Nasi Lemak with crispy fried chicken—a true Malaysian breakfast classic.
3. Time’s Eateria

Image credit: Time’s Eateria | Facebook
- Location: 30-G, Jln Sri Pelangi 4, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
- Opening Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM (Closed on Thursdays)
Just a short walk from City Square, Time’s Eateria is known for its wholesome Malaysian-style breakfast options with a wide array of rice and noodle dishes. Their Mee Rebus, featuring a thick, flavorful gravy over yellow noodles, is a popular choice. If you prefer something lighter, opt for their handmade chee cheong fun or traditional toast set.
Breakfast in JB malls
4. Old Town White Coffee (City Square Mall)

Image credit: Johor Bahru City Square Official Website
- Location: Lot J2-09, Johor Bahru City Square, 106-108, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, 80000 JB
- Opening Hours: 8 AM – 10 PM
If you’re looking for a straightforward and convenient breakfast spot, heading to the mall for breakfast options may be for you. A classic and reliable breakfast spot, Old Town White Coffee offers Malaysia’s famous white coffee along with breakfast staples like Nasi Lemak, Toast Sets, and Mee Siam. The best part? It’s located inside City Square Mall, so it’s perfect if you want to eat and start shopping immediately after.
5. Oriental Kopi

Image credit: @orientalkopi.asia | Instagram
- Location: Mid Valley Southkey, Lot LG-013, Johor Bahru, Johor
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Famous for their Oriental Egg Tarts with flaky, buttery crusts, Oriental Kopi is a must-visit for those who love Hong Kong-style breakfasts. Their Polo Buns with Butter and Silky Milk Tea make for a comforting morning treat.
Cafe breakfasts
6. High School Kopitiam

Image credit: @han.c.siew | Instagram
- Location: 57, Jalan Austin Heights 8/5, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
- Opening Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM
If you’re looking for a nostalgic, old-school kopitiam experience, High School Kopitiam serves up authentic Malaysian breakfast delights like Hainanese Toast with Butter & Kaya and Traditional Kopi O. In addition, the cafe is aesthetically decorated to look like a school cafeteria in your favourite Taiwanese school dramas! Head here for instagrammable shots and delicious food to start your JB trip.
7. Nimmies Pastry Cafe

Image credit: @nimmies.pastrycafe | Instagram
- Location: 171, Jln Beringin, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
- Opening Hours: 8 AM – 11 PM
For those who love Western-style breakfasts, Nimmies Pastry Cafe offers a wide selection of croissants, pastries, and cakes. Their Eggs Benedict and Matcha Latte are highly recommended for a leisurely breakfast in a stylish setting.
Traditional Dim Sum & other local delights
8. Restoran Kak Kak (Dim Sum)
- Location: 9, Jalan Maju, Taman Maju Jaya, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
- Opening Hours: 6 AM – 12 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
One of JB’s most famous dim sum spots, Restoran Kak Kak is always bustling with customers eager to enjoy their fresh, steaming har gow (prawn dumplings), siew mai (pork dumplings), and loh mai kai (glutinous rice with chicken).
9. Restoran Shoon Huat (Bak Kut Teh)
Image credit: Freddy Kua | Google Images
- Location: 11, Jalan Sutera 1, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 8 PM
If you’re the type who is looking for a feast for breakfast, this local spot may be for you. A local favorite for Bak Kut Teh, Restoran Shoon Huat serves a rich, herbal pork broth alongside steamed rice and youtiao (fried dough sticks).
10. Ah Ma TeoChew Kuih

Image credit: @ahmateochewkuih | Instagram
- Location: 13, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
- Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
For something truly unique, visit Ah Mah Teochew Kueh for their handmade Teochew-style kueh. Their soon kueh (bamboo shoot dumpling) and chwee kueh (steamed rice cakes) are made fresh daily and are great for a light yet satisfying breakfast.
Also read: 13 Instagrammable Places in Johor Bahru That Singaporeans Love
Whether you prefer a traditional kopitiam breakfast, a hearty Malaysian meal, or a modern café brunch, JB has plenty of great breakfast spots to explore. The next time you rush across the border bright and early, skip the long wait for malls to open and start your day with a delicious meal at one of these top breakfast places!