Steam & Savour: Discover the 10 Best Dim Sum Spots in Johor Bahru That Are Worth the Hype!
One quiet night, I was halfway through a classic Chinese film when a single scene stopped me in my tracks—a bamboo steamer lifted, revealing delicate steaming dumplings! I could almost taste the har gow through the screen, and suddenly, nothing in my pantry seemed good enough.
My craving was instant and insistent, so rather than fight it, I decided to follow it. Johor Bahru, with its blend of tradition and culinary flair, became my playground for all things dim sum.
I ventured from humble roadside teahouses to buzzing modern eateries, each offering its own spin on these timeless bites. So, if you need recommendations for the best dim sum in Johor Bahru, you’re barking at the right tree, and here are the best dim sum joints that you must give a try!
Canton-i Restaurant
– Media credit: dragoni_my
Address: No, J3-05, Level, Lot, 3, Jalan Wong Ah Fook
Contact details: +6072226888
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $$
Canton-i delivers the kind of dim sum experience that feels both reliable and satisfying, especially when you’re craving something classic. Their siew mai and har gow come out steaming hot, tightly packed, and full of flavour—not too oily, which is a big plus.
The char siew bao has that soft, fluffy texture with a sweet-savoury filling that hits just right. We also noticed the portions here lean generous, so you won’t leave feeling short-changed even if you go for just a few baskets.
Service was surprisingly attentive for such a busy spot. It gets crowded fast, especially on weekends, so you’ll want to get in early or be ready to queue.
| Pro tip: Don’t skip the dim sum staples even if you’re tempted by the roasted meats. The mushroom siew mai stands out as one of the more underrated options that gives you a taste of how good their technique is. |
Pin Ming Xuan
– Media credit: thatfoodadv
Address: 10, Jalan Serigala, Taman Century Garden
Contact details: +60177677399
Operating hours:
- Monday, Friday to Sunday – 7:30 AM to 4 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 8 AM to 4 PM
Cost: $$
Pin Ming Xuan gets a lot of attention for its long weekend queues, and honestly, the dim sum is worth the wait. Their har gow is packed with fresh prawn and just the right amount of chew in the skin, while the siew mai brings solid flavour and bite in every piece.
You’ll also want to try their carrot cake—it’s pan-fried with a crispy edge but still soft in the centre, which is hard to get right. The 3-egg porridge is a great option if you want something lighter but still full of savoury depth.
Despite the crowd, things move efficiently. You’ll get your menu and order form while queuing, and the food shows up quickly once you’re seated.
| Pro tip: Don’t overlook their deep-fried prawn dumpling on your first visit. It’s not always on the radar, but it’s one of those crisp, juicy bites that show why this place keeps drawing serious dim sum fans. |
Tasixi Hong Kong Dim Sum
– Media credit: iamhungrytodayy
Address: 11, Jalan Camar 1/3, Taman Perling
Contact details: +60177691184
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6:30 AM to 4 PM
Cost: $$
Tasixi feels like one of those old-school dim sum spots that’s focused more on flavour than frills. Their har gow is packed with big, fresh prawns, and you’ll notice how the chee cheong fun with prawn has just the right amount of bounce and sauce.
It’s a tray service setup here, which means you get to see what’s fresh and choose on the spot—liusha bao, lor mai kai, and siew mai are all worth picking early while they’re hot. The fried carrot cake is also a quiet winner with a crispy outside and soft centre.
They move fast, and so does the food, but that’s part of the charm. Even on weekdays, you’ll see a steady flow of regulars who come just for the variety and reliable taste.
| Pro tip: Try getting a mix of steamed and fried items in your first round. Especially their yam balls and shrimp dumplings, so you can balance texture and flavour early without overloading on one type. |
Jiah Xiang Dim Sum
– Media credit: timpanister
Address: N 113 N, 115, Jalan Mutiara Emas 2A, Taman Mount Austin
Contact details: +6073614848
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 3 PM
Cost: $$
Jiah Xiang stands out for their handmade approach, and you’ll taste it in everything from their xiao long bao to the shrimp dumplings. Their siew mai is meaty with a clean bite, and the chee cheong fun with char siew hits that sweet-savoury balance you want from a good rice roll.
You should try the crispy mango prawn puff early—they go fast and for good reason. The pastry stays light, and the mango brings a slight tang that works well with the prawn filling.
Dim sum here feels less mass-produced and more thoughtfully prepped, with decent portions at fair prices. It’s not a huge space, so getting there early helps you grab the best picks before they sell out.
| Pro tip: Go for their xiao long bao if you’re into soup dumplings. They’re on the saltier side, but it’s one of the few places in Johor Bahru that serves them consistently well with a full broth inside. |
Hijrah Dim Sum
– Media credit: hijrahdimsumjb
Address: 42, Jln Beringin, Taman Melodies
Contact details: +60166680258
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 12 to 10 PM
Cost: $$
Hijrah Dim Sum is a go-to if you’re looking for halal dim sum in Johor Bahru without missing out on the variety. Their crystal prawn dumplings and salted egg custard buns are the top picks—fresh, rich, and well-portioned for sharing.
Their chee cheong fun, especially the BBQ chicken version, comes with soft rice rolls and generous filling, while the steamed chicken feet have a sweet Szechuan-style twist. They also offer both steamed and fried versions for most dim sum items, so you can mix it all up easily.
Even when the place is packed, the service holds up well, and the staff are quick to get your orders in and out. Pricing feels fair, especially when you see the portions coming out of the kitchen.
| Pro tip: Don’t skip the custard buns here! Its filling is on the thicker side with a strong salted egg punch, which works better when you eat it while it’s still hot from the steamer. |
Dim Sum Empire
– Media credit: daiviecruz
Address: 187, Jalan Harimau, Taman Abad
Contact details: +601169866998
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 5 PM
Cost: $$
Dim Sum Empire might be newer to the scene, but they’ve already nailed the basics with their fresh, well-timed dishes. The shrimp dumplings here stand out—plump, juicy, and wrapped in a thin skin that doesn’t fall apart on the first bite.
Their char siew bao deserves a mention too—it’s fluffy with a good balance of sweet and savoury inside, and probably one of the better versions you’ll find around. Even their fried options, like spring rolls, manage to stay crisp without being greasy.
The space is clean and cosy, which makes it feel more like a neighbourhood favourite in the making. Prices are decent, and the team, though still finding their rhythm, is doing their best to make everyone feel welcome.
| Pro tip: Go early when they open—you’ll get first pick on the freshest steamers. It’s the best time to try their top items before the lunch crowd starts clearing out the popular trays. |
The Dim Sum Place
– Media credit: thedimsumplace_my
Contact details: +6072073438
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10:30 AM to 9:30 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $$
The Dim Sum Place brings halal Hong Kong-style dim sum to the table, and it’s one of the more consistent spots in Johor Bahru for that. Their chicken siew mai is juicy ad well-seasoned, while the spinach dumplings offer something a little different with a nice herbal balance.
You’ll also want to try their xiao long bao—they come steaming hot with a generous amount of broth and a delicate skin that holds together well. If you usually skip har gow, this version might change your mind—it’s packed with flavour and doesn’t taste bland like others out there.
The place can get warm during peak hours, but the food makes up for it. Staff are quick to check in and helpful when it comes to recommending what to start with, especially if you’re new to halal dim sum.
| Pro tip: Try the XO sauce carrot cake when it’s available—it’s on the smaller side, but the flavour and slight heat give that umami kick most carrot cakes miss. It pairs well with the more delicate steamed options. |
Dolly Dim Sum
– Media credit: dollydimsum
Address: Lot G118, Aeon Tebrau City Shopping Centre, 3, Persiaran Desa Tebrau, Taman Desa Tebrau
Contact details: +60123456359
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10:45 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $$$
Dolly Dim Sum gives you a polished halal dim sum experience, blending tradition with a modern setting that works. Their siew mai is nicely seasoned and comes out hot, while the beancurd skin rolls have that satisfying mix of soft and crunchy textures.
One of their bestsellers is the yam croquette—crispy on the outside with a warm, savoury centre that’s not too heavy. The chicken feet also make a solid appearance here, with a tender bite and a rich sauce that doesn’t overpower.
Service is fast, and you won’t usually have to queue for a long time, even during lunch hours. The space is clean, calm, and a good spot if you’re after something a little more refined than your typical kopitiam dim sum place.
| Pro tip: Their chee cheong fun has a thicker skin than usual, so pair it with something saucy like the chicken feet or braised beancurd to get the most out of each bite. It’s a subtle combo that helps balance the texture. |
Tian Xin Lou
– Media credit: tianxinlou.dimsum
Address: No.27 & 27A, Jalan Maju, Taman Maju Jaya
Contact details: +60137797878
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6 AM to 1 AM
Cost: $$
Tian Xin Lou keeps it focused on handmade Cantonese dim sum, and you can taste the effort in how each dish is put together. The crispy shrimp rolls are a clear winner here—light, crunchy, and packed with flavour without being greasy.
Their char siew chee cheong fun is worth ordering more than once. It’s silky with just enough sauce, and the BBQ pork filling is tender and not too sweet. The lava bao and siew mai also hold up well, especially if you like familiar bites that still feel satisfying.
The space is open and clean, and the service runs smoothly even with bigger groups. You’ll spot the kitchen team at work through the open window, which adds to the trust factor when it comes to freshness.
| Pro tip: Grab a basket of the xiao long bao while they’re hot. The broth inside leans slightly herbal, which gives it a unique twist you don’t usually get at standard dim sum spots. |
BaoTasty
– Media credit: baotasty
Address: 26, Jalan Permas 15/1, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya
Contact details: +60189818170
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 8 PM
Cost: $$
BaoTasty keeps it straightforward, and sometimes that’s exactly what you want from a dim sum spot. Their lor mai kai is one of the better ones around—fragrant, not too oily, and filled with just the right mix of meat and glutinous rice.
You should also try their big pau (both pork and chicken versions), which are soft, generously filled, and good for takeaway if you’re on the go. The peanut bao is a sleeper hit—lightly sweet, smooth filling, and perfect for ending your meal on a softer note.
It’s a casual setup, but the service is warm and fast. Plus, there’s a small bonus if you’re into coffee—their Italian brew is surprisingly good and pairs nicely with the more savoury dim sum items.
| Pro tip: Watch for the crown icons on the menu. Those are the house favourites for a reason, and trying two or three of them together gives you a better feel for what this spot does best. |