Drink Like A Local: Johor Bahru with Joe Naik

Explore Johor Bahru with Joe, to uncover a city where coastal calm meets electric energy, where late-night food stalls glow beside modern bars, and every corner hums with the warmth of Malaysian hospitality. Discover the easy rhythm of local life, taste the flavors that define its streets, and experience the city’s growing cocktail culture through the eyes of a proud local.

At Malaysia’s southern tip, just across the causeway from Singapore, lies Johor Bahru – a city defined by its balance of calm and chaos. Relaxed yet wild, JB moves to its own rhythm, blending laid-back coastal life with bursts of late-night energy.

Born and raised in the city, Joe Naik, head bartender and co-owner of Haiiro Usagi, has been at the forefront of shaping Johor Bahru’s emerging cocktail scene. His goal is simple yet ambitious: to build a stronger drinking culture in a city long known for its food and nightlife, but only recently discovering its love for cocktails.

Big Picture

Johor Bahru’s nightlife is as varied as its people. Livehouses and Thai clubs dominate the scene, alongside countless pubs serving beers to a loyal local crowd. Yet a quiet evolution is underway, with more cocktail bars appearing across the city and redefining what a night out can look like.

Different generations experience nightlife in their own way. Older residents prefer coffee shops and restaurants, the middle-aged gravitate toward pubs and livehouses, while younger crowds fill the city’s clubs. Fridays and Saturdays remain the most popular nights to head out, as the city comes alive with lights, laughter, and music that spills into the humid night air.

Getting around is easy with Grab, Malaysia’s ride-hailing app, as taxis and public transport are less reliable. Joe recommends Melodies Garden as his favorite neighborhood for going out, a hub of small, creative venues built by young locals. For visitors, staying around Pelangi or downtown JB keeps you close to the city’s main attractions and hidden gems.

The Food

Food is at the heart of life in Johor Bahru. “You can find food 24 hours without fail in JB,” Joe explains. Whether after work, after drinks, or after midnight, there’s always something delicious nearby.

The city’s must-try dishes include Lok Lok, a local street-side favorite where skewered meats, seafood, and vegetables are cooked in boiling broth or hot oil; Bak Kut Teh, a rich herbal pork soup; and Kueh Tiao Kia, flat noodles served with braised meats and eggs.

In JB, food isn’t just a companion to drinking, it’s an inseparable part of the social experience. Many locals finish their nights with a quick supper run, and it’s this late-night eating culture that gives JB its signature warmth and character. Every gathering becomes a celebration of flavor, friendship, and shared stories.

The Drinks

Johor Bahru’s drinking scene is a reflection of its evolving identity, rooted in tradition, yet rapidly modernizing. While the city doesn’t have a signature drink, it’s home to one of Malaysia’s oldest toddy shops, operating since 1920. The fermented coconut beverage remains a unique taste of heritage and is still made the same way generations later.

For most locals, though, beer is the drink of choice. JB’s residents are known for being enthusiastic beer drinkers, and ice-cold pints remain a fixture at nearly every pub and restaurant. This easygoing drinking culture mirrors the city’s laid-back character, unpretentious, sociable, and built on togetherness.

But the tides are changing. A new wave of cocktail bars, led by pioneers like Haiiro Usagi, is redefining how Johor Bahru drinks. These spaces introduce locals and travelers alike to crafted cocktails that balance creativity and approachability. For Joe and his peers, it’s about building a culture, not just serving drinks, introducing mixology as both art and community.

Across the city, new venues are slowly emerging, each reflecting JB’s personality: friendly, curious, and proudly Malaysian. The city’s young bartenders are experimenting with flavors and techniques, drawing inspiration from local produce and street food culture. Together, they’re shaping what could soon become one of Malaysia’s most exciting new bar destinations.

The big list

BARS

Haiiro Usagi

Shui Bar

Cabinet 8 by JWC

Chaos Natural Wine Bar

Kami Wine Bar by Terroircode

Shoot Taproom (craft beer bar)

Chill Oasis (restaurant & bar)

RESTAURANTS/CAFES

Kedai Bak Kut Teh Hin Hock

Kedai Makanan dan Minuman Soon Kee

Kim Long Restaurant Sdn Bhd

Restaurant Hainan Hojiak Corner

Dee Dynasty Dumplings & Noodle House

Teck Sing Restaurant

NooDuo by Kioku

Project Smoked

Ah Meng Restaurant

Restoran Kacang Pool Haji

Clod Coffee Bar & Roaster (coffee)

STREET FOOD & LOCAL FAVORITES

Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory (famous banana cake)

JB Fried Oyster

Nasi Lemak CIQ

Summer Lok Lok

Best Lok Lok – Chng Shay Chin Enterprise

Char Kuey Tiao from 777 Coffee Shop

Tampoi Ah B Wanton Noodles

UNIQUE DRINKING SPOTS

Air Nira Toddy Shop Public (established in 1920, classic fermented coconut drink)

Duty-free islands and coastal towns around Johor, perfect for beach days and cheap booze

MARKETS & EXPERIENCES

Explore Melodies Garden – a creative neighborhood filled with niche hangouts and young entrepreneurs

Visit Johor Premium Outlets for a quick shopping stop

Take a short island trip from the Johor coast (many islands are duty-free)

Spend a night out at a Thai club for a truly local nightlife experience

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Tips & phrases

Tipping: Tips are not mandatory but always appreciated for good service.

Getting Around: Use Grab for convenience, as taxis and public transport are less reliable in JB.

Drinking Age: The legal drinking age in Malaysia is 21 years old.

Where to Stay: Stay near Pelangi or downtown JB for easy access to nightlife, restaurants, and coffee shops.

Cheers: YUM SENG! (Stretch the “YUM” as long as you can — the longer the call, the longer your life!)

Thank You: Terima Kasih (Malay) / Xie Xie (Chinese) / Nandri (Tamil)

Hi / Hello: Simple “Hi” or “Hello” works everywhere.

Nice to Meet You: “Nice to meet you.”

Goodbye: “Bye-bye!”