Johor Bahru, Mount Austin, April 14, 2025 – Lunchtime is no longer a hassle! In Mount Austin, one of the most popular food hubs in Johor Bahru, a lunchtime revolution is quietly taking place. This area is no longer just a residential zone; today, it attracts food lovers from all over with its reputation as a “lunch paradise”【 Luch in Mount Austin 】recommendations.
Our team has specially visited the popular lunch spots in Mount Austin and selected the top 10 must-try lunch destinations for JB foodies in 2025. Whether you’re looking for great value, exquisite cuisine, retro vibes, or multicultural flavors, this list will open up a whole new world of taste.
【1】The Toast Mount Austin – A four-person set meal for just 100 ringgit, offering both deliciousness and great value!
Among the many popular restaurants in Mount Austin, The Toast is undoubtedly the epitome of great value for money. Based on multiple visits by our reporter and customer feedback, this restaurant, known for its signature Wintermelon Soup Noodles and crispy fried chicken legs, is always packed, with long lines of diners waiting outside for a table. The reason for its popularity is clear – their four-person sharing set, priced just over RM100, offers a complete meal with main dishes, snacks, and drinks for four people, making it a go-to choice for many office workers and student groups.
The set includes rich and flavorful Wintermelon Soup Noodles, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside fried chicken legs, golden fried bread, Thai-style spicy chicken wings, along with a variety of local beverages. Not only is the taste exceptional, but the portions are also generous. “We come almost every week; it’s really worth it, and the taste never disappoints,” said one regular customer. As a prime example of a high-value lunch, The Toast has successfully found the perfect balance between affordability and deliciousness.
【2】Babor Cafe – No service charge for a giant breakfast, you’ll need to “lean on the wall to walk out” after eating!
If you prefer a refined and hearty Western-style brunch, then Babor Cafe, tucked away in Mount Austin, is definitely worth a visit. This café, known for its fresh and artistic vibe, offers not only an elegant setting and relaxed atmosphere but also surprises with its “no service charge” policy. Despite this, the dishes are still made with high-quality ingredients and exceptional standards.
The most popular menu item is undoubtedly the Premium Big Breakfast – a large plate featuring pan-fried ham, eggs, mushrooms, sausages, salad, grilled tomatoes, and thick-cut bread, making it the “all-rounder” of breakfasts. Paired with their homemade sparkling fruit drinks or a latte, it offers both a perfect photo opportunity and a satisfying meal. Many diners joke, “After eating, you can only ‘lean on the wall’ to walk out, it’s just too satisfying!” This place is not only great for hanging out with friends but also perfect for a relaxing “self-pampering” lunch on the weekend.
【3】Wafu Mount Austin – The milk kimchi soup makes a stunning debut, with full Japanese and Korean flavors taking over.
Looking to experience the unique charm of creative Japanese and Korean cuisine? Then head over to Wafu Mount Austin. This restaurant, blending Japanese craftsmanship with Korean flavors, recently launched its milk kimchi soup, which quickly became a sensation on social media. The rich milk aroma and the tangy spiciness of the kimchi create an exquisite flavor, perfectly paired with chewy udon noodles, offering a fresh new taste experience.
Additionally, they insist on using their homemade broth, simmered for 8 hours, ensuring every bite is full of sincerity. Other signature dishes like Japanese curry rice and Korean cheese ramen are also highly popular. One diner mentioned, “The flavors here are more layered than typical Japanese and Korean restaurants, and the portion sizes are just right.” In today’s quest for both creativity and deliciousness, Wafu is rapidly claiming the “lunch spot” in Mount Austin with stunning speed.
【4】Padi Kopitiam – The fiery flavors of Southeast Asia come together in a soul-stirring feast.
If you’re looking for the most heartfelt and Southeast Asian-flavored lunch spot in Mount Austin, Padi Kopitiam is undoubtedly the place to be. As an extension of a local heritage brand, this café not only preserves the traditional Nanyang coffee shop atmosphere but also adds a modern dining comfort.
We tried their signature Tom Yum Fried Rice Vermicelli and Indian Lamb Three-Color Rice, both bursting with fragrance and wok hei, with a savory, spicy, and refreshing taste that instantly evokes childhood memories. Pair it with a cup of their homemade rich iced coffee, and it’s the perfect combination. “It feels like they’ve packed all of Southeast Asia into a plate. I’m always touched every time I come,” said a regular customer. If you’re looking for familiar yet exciting flavors, this place is definitely not to be missed.
【5】33 Handmade Fish Balls & Flour Cake – Homemade fish balls with a chewy, juicy burst, a paradise for noodle lovers | Lunch in Mount Austin
For many diners who value traditional craftsmanship, 33 Handmade Fish Balls & Flour Cake is not just a restaurant, but a gentle memory. Located on a food street in Mount Austin, this humble little shop has won the hearts of many noodle enthusiasts with its freshly made handmade fish balls and smooth, chewy flour cake.
Their fish balls are made with 100% fresh fish, giving them a bouncy and juicy texture. Paired with crispy dried fish, a touch of scallion oil, and the shop’s special chili sauce, the dish offers a well-balanced and aromatic flavor. Many regulars say, “One bowl isn’t enough; I always pack another one to feel satisfied.” Whether you’re a fan of traditional flavors or craving a taste of comforting warmth, this place is definitely worth a try for a little lunchtime happiness.
【6】Grandpa Yang – Cheese lovers, gather round! Oozing soup base + fried foods, a guilt-inducing feast | Lunch in Mount Austin
Among the emerging restaurants in Mount Austin, Grandpa Yang is undoubtedly one of the most popular innovative brands among young people. Specializing in cheese milk soup noodles and flour cakes, this restaurant has successfully attracted a large crowd with its unique cheese explosion flavor. Not only are the dishes visually appealing, but their taste also elevates with every bite, making it a paradise for cheese lovers.
The cheese meatballs are highly recommended – crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, paired with a rich, milky soup base. With each bite, the explosion of cheese and meatball aromas will make you a regular. Another must-try dish is the crispy fried dumplings – with a crunchy exterior and tender filling. The combination of the sauce and cheese is irresistible. Diners have commented, “Once you try it, you’ll be hooked, it’s a guilt-inducing delight!” Because of this, Yang Er Ye has become the top choice for gatherings and dates among the young crowd in Mount Austin.
【7】Tai Hong Kopitiam – Tradition never goes out of style; a bowl of Lei Cha warms both the stomach and the heart | Lunch in Mount Austin
If you love healthy and refreshing flavors, Tai Hong Kopitiam is undoubtedly the best choice in Mount Austin. This restaurant, with a history of over 30 years, is renowned for its traditional Lei Cha, which is beloved by local diners. Despite the passage of time, the restaurant remains committed to tradition, with its handmade sambal, Asam Laksa, and stuffed tofu becoming timeless favorites for all ages.
In the warm Lei Cha ingredients, the crispy peanuts and refreshing bitter greens come together to create a rich hometown flavor. It’s this comforting “mom’s cooking” style that gives diners a sense of warmth and belonging every time they visit. Furthermore, Da Feng Lei Cha offers an elegant environment, making it the ideal spot to enjoy lunch with family and friends while savoring traditional flavors.
【8】Sun Gourmet Kitchen – The dishes are exquisite and creatively designed; Chinese cuisine can be this trendy!
If you’re passionate about innovative and exquisite Chinese cuisine, Sun Gourmet Kitchen is undoubtedly a shining star in Mount Austin. With its meticulously crafted dishes and creative flavor combinations, this restaurant breaks the boundaries of traditional Chinese food and has become a popular choice for business lunches and family gatherings.
Our reporter specifically tried the Fruit Sweet and Sour Pork and Golden Seafood Soup Rice, both of which delivered an amazing taste that made us want to return. The Sweet and Sour Pork is enhanced with the sweetness of fresh fruit, adding a new layer to the dish compared to the traditional version, while the Seafood Soup Rice, with its delicious broth and abundant seafood, brings extra flavor to the meal. Their signature drink – Honey Lemon Genmaicha – combines sweet lemon with refreshing roasted rice tea, perfectly concluding this exquisite Chinese meal.
【9】XY 80s Kopitiam – Enjoy Nasi Lemak while reliving childhood games!
In Mount Austin, XY 80s Kopitiam is a nostalgic-themed restaurant filled with retro charm. The interior is adorned with vintage items from the 1980s, from classic red and white consoles to old vinyl records, making diners feel like they’ve stepped back into a cherished era. Many customers say they come here not only to enjoy a delicious Nasi Lemak but also to relive those lost moments of the past.
What’s even more surprising is that each table in the restaurant is equipped with a retro gaming console, allowing diners to experience a delightful combination of eating, drinking, and playing while enjoying traditional dishes. With reasonable prices starting from RM5.90, you can savor an authentic Nasi Lemak while revisiting childhood games, making it a rare and unique dining experience.
【10】Fortune Pot – The “kaleidoscope” of wonton noodles, with 13 flavors to mix and match!
For wonton noodle enthusiasts, Fortune Pot is undoubtedly a must-visit restaurant in Mount Austin. Here, the wonton noodles break away from traditional single flavors, offering 13 unique soup bases, from kimchi to tomato, each bowl bringing a different charm. It is this rich variety that makes Fortune Pot’s wonton noodles a place where diners keep coming back to try more.
Among the highlights are their signature fried wontons and angelica-flavored chicken feet, which are sure to make your mouth water. The golden-brown fried wontons are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, while the angelica-flavored chicken feet pair perfectly, showcasing the unique appeal of both wonton noodles and snacks. For diners who enjoy exploring different flavor combinations during lunchtime, Fortune Pot is undoubtedly the perfect place to discover new tastes and satisfy your taste buds.
Lunch in Mount Austin – It’s not just about getting full, but about eating smart, eating trendy, and eating wonderfully!
The 10 restaurants in Mount Austin showcase the region’s innovation and diversity in lunch culture, catering to a variety of diners. From The Toast Mount Austin’s high-value four-person set to Wafu Mount Austin’s creative fusion of Japanese and Korean cuisine, each restaurant excels in its own domain. Babor Cafe offers large breakfasts with no service charge, while Yang Er Ye’s cheese dishes and XY 80s Kopitiam’s retro gaming bring unique dining experiences.
Mount Austin is not just about getting full; it transforms every lunch into a creative and immersive experience through exquisite dishes, unique settings, and interactive elements. It is the ideal destination for “food explorers” and “lunch enthusiasts,” representing the new benchmark for lunch in JB. In Mount Austin, dining is not just about the food—it’s a delightful journey of exploration. The no-service-charge large breakfasts at Babor Cafe and the nostalgic game-themed meals at XY 80s Kopitiam offer a different kind of dining fun and creativity.
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