Halal food is a key element in the food culture of Johor, and it's one of the reasons why Johor is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. There are so many Halal food outlets in Johor that you could easily spend hours exploring and discovering more about this aspect of the culture.
Here are the top 10 delicacies that are Halal and widely available in all areas of Johor.
Kacang Pool is a famous traditional and Halal dessert in Johor that is said to be originated from an Egyptian dish called Ful medames. It is a mixture of split yellow peas, sugar, and coconut milk. The mixture is boiled until it forms a thick and creamy dessert, then topped with roasted peanuts and served cold.
Kacang Pool is a popular dessert in Johor, particularly during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, and is enjoyed by many for its sweet and creamy taste. It can be found at the food court and hipster café of Johor.
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Laksa Johor is a Halal laksa noodle soup that uses spaghetti instead of rice noodle. The broth is made of coconut milk, curry powder, and spices and is fish-based. The dish is usually garnished with cucumber, bean sprouts, boiled egg, kesum leaves or Vietnamese Coriander, and sambal belacan, with a squeeze of calamansi lime. Laksa Johor is a popular street food in Johor and can be found at food courts around the state and in Johorean restaurants.
Pais Ikan is a traditional dish that is famous in Johor, Malaysia, that consists of grilled or fried fish wrapped in banana leaves. The fish is usually seasoned with turmeric, lemongrass, and chili, giving it a flavorful and aromatic taste. Pais Ikan is often served with rice and is a popular dish, particularly in coastal areas where fresh fish is readily available.
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Nasi Briyani Gam is a Halal dish with long-grained rice called Basmati rice that is cooked with spices and served with meat of choice, dhal, and vegetables around the meal. The dish is known for its rich and aromatic flavor and is a staple of Malay cuisine. Nasi Briyani Gam is often served with raita (a yogurt sauce), pickles, and papadum (a cracker). The best version of the dish can be found in the Batu Pahat Johor area, which is said to be the origin of this dish.
Mee Rebus or boiled noodles is a Halal and popular dish in Johor, Malaysia, that consists of yellow egg noodles served in a sweet and spicy sauce made from potatoes, palm sugar, chili paste, and other spices. The boiled noodles are usually garnished with boiled eggs, bean sprouts, and fried shallots. Mee Rebus is a popular street food in Johor and is enjoyed by many for its flavorful and filling taste.
If you have the chance, request for the special Mee Rebus Haji Wahid style, which is boiled noodles served with extra ingredients such as fried dried shrimp and other toppings that compliments both texture and flavor.
Johorean Asam Pedas is a spicy and sour fish stew that is a popular dish in Johor, Malaysia. It is made with chili peppers, tamarind, lemongrass, ginger, and other spices, creating a flavorful and aromatic dish. Fish is the most common type of seafood used in this dish, but other seafood such as prawns or squid can also be used. This dish is usually served with steamed rice and is enjoyed by many for its spicy and tangy taste and can be found in any local restaurant around Johor.
Nasi Ambeng is one of the Halal and traditional Malay dishes that can be found in Johor. Originally for Jawa, where back in the old days, husbands bring home the leftover Nasi Ambeng from gatherings to prove to their wives that they are indeed at village gatherings and not elsewhere. Nasi Ambeng consists of rice and various side dishes such as curries, stir-fried vegetables, fried grated coconut, tempeh, and meats, and is often served on a platter. The dish is meant to be shared among people and is traditionally eaten using one's hands.
Nasi Ambeng is commonly enjoyed during special occasions and celebrations and is known for its color, texture, flavor, and aroma, all in one dish. You can find this dish at local restaurants and roadside stalls as well as traditional village festive gatherings in Johor
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Otak-otak is a traditional Halal dish from Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, made of seasoned fish meat mixed with spices and wrapped in a banana leaf. It is often grilled or steamed to perfection, resulting in a flavorful and fragrant snack. It is often served with rice, crackers, and a chili dipping sauce. The best Otak-otak version can be found in Muar town of Johor restaurants. You can also find Otak-otak in other Johor areas, a popular street food that street vendors usually sell.
Mee Bandung is a Halal and popular dish in Johor, Malaysia. It is a spicy noodle dish made with egg noodles, bean sprouts, boiled eggs, and a sauce made from chilies, shrimp paste, and various spices. It is often garnished with fried shallots and served with crackers.
Burasak is a type of traditional Malay sweet snack that is popular in Johor, Malaysia. It is made from a mixture of flour, sugar, and coconut milk that is then fried until golden brown. Burasak is often shaped into a flower or spiral shape and is known for its sweet, chewy texture. This snack is commonly sold by street vendors in Johor and is enjoyed as a sweet treat.
Halal food in Johor is now a "trendy" food that has been well-received by locals and tourists. The Halalness of a product, which means "permissible" or "lawful", usually comes in a form of Halal certification or Halal tag that is placed on any product, food, or service that complies with Islamic law.
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