If you are going to stay over in JB (Johor Bahru) for the night, you might be wondering what you can do in the evenings. Like any other asian city, JB has its popular night markets also known as pasar malam, with some of its best food sold there.
KSL City Night Market
This market only opens on Monday evenings, but it is easy to reach, stretching from KSL City Mall to the Grand Paragon Hotel. Getting there by car, or leaving the place in a vehicle will be difficult as the road is closed to cater to the market and this tends to cause a jam at the entrance and exit points.
Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed the fresh dim sum and mee chiam kueh (pancakes with peanut fillings). There was a very long queue for the fried carrot cake, but it moved fast and you should be able to get your order within 20 minutes. Whatever you crave, you can find here!
Meldrum Night Market
Perhaps, you don’t feel like putting in the effort to head to KSL City Mall as you prefer staying around the causeway. Well, there is a night market just behind City Square to keep you entertained! On the first impression, it may seem a little sketchy, but this back lane has its gems.
Oyster omelet, Char Kway Teow (fried ribboned noodles), and grilled stingray are some of my favorites at this haunt, but be sure to take some ‘cooling’ drinks as the fried food can really get your ‘heat’ up.
Bukit Indah Night Market
On the off chance that you are in JB midweek, or during the school holidays, this night market operates on Wednesdays, near the Aeon Bukit Indah Shopping Center.
In my opinion, their food offerings are the most similar to night markets in Taiwan. They have braised beef rice and Taiwan mushrooms, which taste quite good.
Bazaar Karat (Rusty Market)
Near the heritage street, this market sells toys and cool trinkets. They also have unique drinks and there are quite a few cafes in the area with interesting decor to take pictures at.
There is a square surrounded with food stalls, with an ambiance similar to that of Marina Bay Sands Carnival.
Johor Jaya Night Market
For those who ventured far into JB, to the Austin Heights, be it for cafe hopping or theme parks, there is a night market that is known for its kueh stall. It opens at 4 pm and is sold out by 6pm, so be there or be square.
But, if sweet treats are not your thing, try out their roasted duck, fried rice in oscar bamboo style and hokkien mee.
So, do spend the night in JB. The night markets and food await you and your belly!
