Affordable buffets in Johor, Malaysia
We already know that JB is the go-to destination for cheap and shiok food. But if there’s anything better than eating, it’s eating all you can. Buffets can be pricey in Singapore, but thanks to the 3:1 exchange rate, it’s possible to enjoy unbelievably cheap buffets across the Causeway. Here are 6 buffets in Johor under $15/pax to stuff yourselves silly at.
Check out our other JB food articles here:
1. Guo Ma Steamboat – from $13
Guo Ma Steamboat is a Taiwanese franchise with prices starting from $13/pax. They have two different soup bases – one being the popular Mala and the other a clear chicken broth – which you can cook your pork, chicken and beef in. Cheese balls, luncheon meat, taupok, fritters are also available, just to name some sides.
As for sauces, you’ll get the regular spread of sesame oil, soy sauce and condiments like scallions and coriander. We recommend following their instructions to create the Guo Ma house mix – a mix of all the sauces available, done in a certain order. Dipping sliced beef into this sauce really hits the spot.
The buffet includes a fair share of soft drinks, but what really takes the cake is their Honey Lemon Plum drink that’s sweet, tangy, and super addictive.
Dessert lovers will be pleased to know that you can help yourself to a big bowl of ice jelly or pudding after your meal.
The spacious seating area makes this the perfect place for group gatherings. There is a 2-hour time limit during dinner time, but that’s more than enough time for you to slowly stuff yourself with everything in the spread.
Price: Adult: From RM39.90/ ~S$13, Child: RM19.90/ ~S$7
Address: 55, Jalan Austin Heights 8/5, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 4.30PM – 12.30AM
Telephone: +60 7-364 1718
Find Guo Ma Steamboat on Google Maps
2. Myeong Dong BBQ – from $7
From left to right: Spicy bean sprouts, pickled vegetables (Kimchi) at the vegetable station
If you’re looking for authentic Korean cuisine, Myeong Dong BBQ starts at $7/pax and it’s opened by a Korean couple that decided to take a piece of home to JB.
This establishment has the whole shebang for a Korean feast-kimchi, Bulgogi and even add ons like tteokbokki and jja jang myeon (RM9.90/~S$3). While beef isn’t part of the spread, they do have a well-marinated selection of pork and chicken- with unexpected flavours like green tea and herb.
You’ve got regulars like Pork and Chicken marinated in Garlic Wine, but here’s a new contender: Green Tea Pork. We were skeptical about this one, but it was surprisingly good – the bittersweet green tea flavour was nicely infused without being too overwhelming.
Tip: scatter onions on the hot plate to soak up the juices of the meat, and add gochujang, Korean spicy sauce, for a new dimension of flavour.
Other than the variety of meat, there will be a stove of Kimchi Soup at your table, so you can indulge in some Kimchi jiggae. Add some ramen noodles to the mix and voila, Kimchi Ramen stew in under 5 minutes.
Try your hand at the Korean way of eating KBBQ – wrapping your meat, kimchi and sauce in a big lettuce leaf and eating them all up in one bite.
Cheese lovers can order a side of melted cheese (RM5 / ~S$2) to dip your barbecued meat in.
Drinks are not included in the buffet pricing but you can order some soju(RM9 ~S$3) to complete your Korean BBQ experience. If you’d rather something non-alcoholic to cool off all the steam with, there’s ice cream. Your first scoop is free, but if one isn’t enough you can get an additional cup for just RM1, that’s 30 cents for more ice cream!
Price: RM22/~S$7, Child RM 12/~S$4
Address: 58-01, Jalan Austin Heights 3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon – Thurs: 5.30PM – 11PM | Fri: 12PM – 11PM | Sat & Sun: Open 24 hours
Telephone: +60 13-351 6748
Find Myeong Dong BBQ on Google Maps
3. Makan Kitchen@Double Tree-from $15
Image credit: sabrinatajudin
Despite being a restaurant by Hilton Hotels, Makan Kitchen@DoubleTree has a weekday lunch buffet spread that starts at RM48/~S$15.
If you’d rather tuck into a spread of local fare similar to what you can find back home, you’ll enjoy their variety of Chinese, Malay and Indian dishes. Be sure to try the grilled lamb satay and freshly made naan.
For dessert, you can order some waffles and crepes to go with your choice of ice cream. They’ll be prepared on the spot, so they’ll be warm and crisp
Price:
Weekday
Lunch: RM48/~$15
Weekend
Hi-Tea: RM68/~$22 | Dinner: RM158/~S$51.60
Address: 12 Jalan Ngee Heng, 80000, Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 6.30AM-10.30PM
Telephone: +607 2686868
Find Makan Kitchen @ DoubleTree on Google Maps
4. Meletop Steamboat and Grill – from $9.70
Image credit: Merlyn Punya Blog
Meletop Steamboat and Grill is a buffet from our dreams – from just under $10 per person, you’ll get to enjoy a sumptuous meal with no time limit.
Image credit: faithzainal
Enjoy your grilled food and take mini soup breaks with their 2-in-1 pot and grill. With a whopping 150 dishes to try out, you’ll only be wishing you had more space in your stomach. Gorge yourself on the cockles, squid, chicken and beef they offer, and wash that down with free-flow drinks and dessert- think cakes, pudding and ice cream.
Price:
Weekday:
Adult – RM 29.90/~S$9.70
Kids (6 – 12) – RM14.90/~S$4.90
Senior Citizens – RM 22.90/~S$7.50
Weekend:
Adult – RM27.90/~$S9.40
Kids (6 – 12) – RM11.90/~$4
Senior Citizens – RM 19.90/~S$6.70
Address: 9-11, Jalan Enau 14, Taman Teratai, 81300 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, 81300, Skudai, Johor
Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 4PM-12AM
Telephone: 0137448634
Find Meletop Steamboat and Grill on Google Maps
5. $6.50 buffet at PolkaDot Buffet Steamboat & Grill Maur
Image credit: @iamzack1
Polkadot Buffet Steamboat and Grill Maur might not be an atas restaurant, but the upside of dining at a humble roadside store like this is that you can turn up in comfortable baggy tees and flip-flops.
This might sound too good to be true, but you can get a hearty meal from just RM 20/~S$6.50 at the PolkaDot Buffet Steamboat and Grill Maur. With fresh seafood like shrimp and crab, as well as grilled chicken and beef, you’ll be getting way more than your money’s worth.
Price: Adults from RM20/~S$6.50 | Children from RM10/S$3.20
Address: 31, Jalan Kencanaa 22/1A, Taman Pura Kencana, Batu Pahat
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 5PM – 12AM
Telephone: +60 16-768 1598
Find PolkaDot Steamboat and Grill on Google Maps
Affordable buffets in JB
From BBQ to steamboat, you’ll be spoilt for choice in JB with loads of good buffets – and the best part is, you won’t have to feel the pinch.
Here are a few other JB guides to help you along:
