Mid Valley Southkey Mall is one of Johor Bahru’s largest and most popular shopping centres.
Definitely a favourite for Singaporeans who love to cross the Causeway.
People come here for more than just the air conditioning or to kill time on a rainy afternoon. Southkey offers a true “big city” mall experience with loads of food choices.
Situated just a short drive from the Johor–Singapore checkpoint, it makes for a practical escape from the city for Singaporeans looking to eat, shop, and unwind.
From quick bites to destination restaurants, the food options are diverse enough to please fussy eaters and adventurous diners alike. Here are some of the highlights from Mid Valley Southkey JB:
FUIYOH! It’s UNCLE ROGER
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FUIYOH! It’s UNCLE ROGER is hard to miss with its loud orange sign and all the cheeky Uncle Roger projection right at the entrance..
It serves up fried rice (the dish that made him famous), stir-fried noodles, and sides like YSoWeak Mala Popcorn Chicken and Mala Okra Fries.
I thought that the spicy Fried Rice with Grilled Chicken was not bad, not bad. However, the dish lacked some strong wok hei and a full smoky flavour. Can try lah just to see what’s the hype about.
Prices sit in the middle range for a mall meal, and the eatery’s great for photos.
Oriental Kopi
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Oriental Kopi is the kind of place that pulls a steady crowd all day. The space feels modern but still holds onto that classic kopitiam energy, just with much better air-conditioning (note that it has moved from its previous location, now found next to Verrona Hills).
I ordered their Nasi Lemak, and the rice had a nice coconut aroma and the texture was right, fluffy but not sticky. The fried chicken was crisp and juicy, though I found the sambal on the sweeter side and not as spicy as some people might hope for.
Their Egg Tart is what everyone talks about, so of course I tried it. The pastry was flaky, the custard soft and rich, but personally I think it was more about the size and novelty than game-changing flavour.
Meng Meng Roasted Duck
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Meng Meng Roasted Duck always catches the eye with its row of shiny roasted birds hanging behind the glass.
The duck stood out right away with its glossy skin and a slight herbal aroma. The meat was tender and juicy, with just enough fat to keep it flavourful but not greasy.
The char siew came thickly sliced with a caramelised edge and a good mix of lean and fat.
Verrona Hills
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Verrona Hills brings artisan baking from Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru, and queues have been pretty long. I think many are attracted to their bold orange paper bag (which reminds me of the famous H brand).
The space feels bright and welcoming with a display case full of neatly arranged breads and pastries.
Some of the top-sellers include the gooey Lava Cheese Toast (also known as Basque Cheese Toast), soft and creamy French Vanilla Swiss Roll, and the highly Instagrammable Charcoal Swiss Roll filled with durian.
Souper Tang
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Souper Tang is one of Malaysia’s most recognised wellness-focused restaurant chains, famous for its nourishing Chinese herbal soups and home-cooked dishes.
For those who want healthy herbal‑based, double‑boiled soups with traditional ingredients like ginseng, cordyceps, and Chinese herbs.
Dragon-i
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Dragon-i is quite popular for bringing classic Shanghainese and Cantonese cuisine to the table in a modern, comfortable setting.
The restaurant’s biggest draw is their hand-pulled La Mian noodles and delicate Xiao Long Bao.
Beyond the famous dumplings and noodles, Dragon-i offers a wide variety of dishes, from stir-fried vegetables to claypot specialties and barbecued meats.
KyoChon 1991
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KyoChon 1991 is a favourite stop for anyone craving Korean fried chicken with crunch and flavour.
Get their signature flavours with sauces such as soy garlic, red pepper, and honey.
The soy garlic came out crisp and piping hot, with a sweet and savoury glaze that clung to every piece. The honey chicken was sticky but not overly sweet.
Chi-Gui Mala Hotpot 赤鬼麻辣火锅
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For those who love the bold and numbing flavours of Sichuan-style hotpot. Chi-Gui Mala Hotpot 赤鬼麻辣火锅 has a modern, cheerful vibe with plenty of tables built for groups.
The menu offers a wide range of mala soup bases, including the bold and aromatic Red Mala Spicy Soup, the unique Green Mala Spicy Soup, and a comforting mala with milk option.
I was especially intrigued by the Green Mala Spicy Soup, which delivered a gentle heat and savoury broth without overwhelming the palate.
Of course, do not forget the wide range of fresh sliced meats, seafood, vegetables, mushrooms, house made meatballs, and the super extensive sauce counter as well.
Tokyo Secret
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Tokyo Secret is known for its Japanese-inspired Cheese Tarts that have a rich, molten centre and a crisp, buttery crust. The Hanjuku Cheese Tart is their star item.
The menu here also features Mille Crepe Cakes, with layers that are delicate and just sweet enough.
The pandan flavour was especially popular, soft with a natural fragrance and not overly sugary. Not bad for a tea break.
Madam Kwan’s
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Madam Kwan’s needs little introduction. It is well known for serving up classic Malaysian dishes in a setting that feels a little more polished than your average local eatery.
Go for their signature Nasi Lemak with fluffy coconut rice, tender fried chicken or chicken rendang and a sambal that managed to be both spicy and a little sweet.
The menu also covers favourites like Curry Laksa, Chicken Satay and Beef Rendang. Prices are higher than street food stalls, but the comfortable seating and attentive service make it a suitable pick for family meals.
深夜食糖 SYST
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深夜食糖 SYST is a Hong Kong-style dessert café that draws people in for both its nostalgic look and sweet treats.
The interior is bright and playful with details that remind me of old-school Hong Kong diners.
The menu covers a wide range of tong sui, or traditional Chinese sweet desserts, along with comfort snacks and light meals.
Other Related Entries
12 of Johor Bahru Must-Visit Cafes
Chi-Gui Mala Hot Pot 赤鬼麻辣火锅 (Mid Valley, Johor Bahru)
Tom&Danny Coffee (Mid Valley Southkey, Johor Bahru)
FUIYOH! It’s UNCLE ROGER (Mid Valley Southkey, Johor Bahru)
SYST 深夜食糖 (Johor Bahru)
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