Johor Bahru’s bakery scene has evolved dramatically over the past decade. While the city remains famous for traditional bakeries such as Hiap Joo, a new generation of artisan bakeries, Japanese bakeries, sourdough specialists and pâtisseries has transformed JB into one of Malaysia’s most exciting destinations for baked goods.
Today, visitors can find everything from wood-fired banana cake and old-school buns to Japanese shio pan, handcrafted croissants, sourdough loaves, French pastries and premium celebration cakes.
Whether you’re crossing the Causeway specifically to buy bread, looking for pastries to bring home, or searching for the perfect bakery café, these are some of the best bakeries in Johor Bahru.
| Bakery | Best For | Highlights | Address | Contact |
| Hiap Joo Bakery | Best overall bakery | Legendary wood-fired banana cake | Jalan Tan Hiok Nee | +607 223 1703 |
| Kenjo Bakery | Best artisan bakery | Taiwanese and Japanese-inspired breads | Austin Crest & Melodies | +6016 289 2900 |
| Dona Bakehouse | Best bakery café | Croissants, pastries and brunch | Jalan Tan Hiok Nee | +6010 667 8625 |
| Nimmies Pastry Café | Best pastries and desserts | French-inspired pastries and cakes | Taman Melodies | +6012 301 9272 |
| Matsumiya Japanese Artisan Bakery | Best Japanese bakery | Japanese breads and pastries | Taman Molek | +6012 209 2871 |
| The Starter Café | Best sourdough bakery | 100% sourdough breads and sandwiches | Taman Pelangi | +6016 293 9651 |
| Verrona Hills Bread & Pâtisserie | Best mall bakery | European-style breads and pastries | Mid Valley Southkey | +6011 1159 6363 |
| Chaleur Atelier Patisserie | Best premium cakes | French-style pâtisserie creations | Larkin | +6014 665 0928 |
1. Hiap Joo Bakery
Best Overall Bakery in JB
No bakery list in Johor Bahru can begin anywhere else.
Founded in 1919, Hiap Joo Bakery remains one of the most famous food institutions in Johor Bahru. Its signature wood-fired banana cake attracts long queues daily and has become one of the city’s most iconic food souvenirs. The bakery continues to use traditional wood-fired ovens, a rarity in modern baking.
Beyond the famous banana cake, visitors can also find traditional buns and old-school baked goods that have remained largely unchanged for generations.
Address: 13 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru
2. Kenjo Bakery @ Austin Crest
Best Artisan Bakery
Kenjo Bakery has quickly become one of Johor Bahru’s most talked-about bakeries. Founded by a sibling duo with Taiwanese baking influences, the bakery specialises in Japanese-inspired breads, bagels, shio pan and artisanal pastries.
Its signature fleur de sel butter rolls have developed a cult following among bread enthusiasts. The bakery’s attention to detail and premium ingredients make it one of the strongest modern bakeries in JB.
Address: 29 Jalan Jaya Putra 7/4, Bandar Jaya Putra, Johor Bahru
Contact: +6016 289 2900
3. Doña Bakehouse
Best Bakery Café
Located beside the famous Hiap Joo Bakery in JB Old Town, Dona Bakehouse represents the new generation of artisan bakeries. The spacious heritage shophouse combines excellent pastries with a café experience.
Its croissants, Danish pastries and seasonal bakes consistently attract both locals and Singaporean visitors. Many visitors pair their bakery purchases with coffee and brunch.
Address: 14 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru
Contact: +6010 667 8625
4. Nimmies Pastry Cafe
Best Pastries and Desserts
Nimmies has become one of the most recognisable café brands in Johor Bahru, but its pastry programme deserves recognition in its own right. The bakery produces a wide range of croissants, cakes, pastries and desserts that rival many dedicated bakeries.
Its pastries are beautifully executed, while the café setting makes it an excellent place to enjoy them immediately.
Address: 171 Jalan Beringin, Taman Melodies, Johor Bahru
Contact: +6012 301 9272
5. Matsumiya Japanese Artisan Bakery
Best Japanese Bakery
Matsumiya specialises in Japanese-style breads and pastries, offering a distinctly different experience from European bakeries.
Expect soft milk breads, Japanese buns and delicate pastries that emphasise texture and balance rather than excessive sweetness. The bakery has become particularly popular among fans of Japanese baking traditions.
Address: 12 Jalan Molek 1/5C, Taman Molek, Johor Bahru
Contact: +6012 209 2871
6. The Starter Cafe
Best Sourdough Bakery
For sourdough lovers, The Starter is one of the most interesting bakeries in Johor Bahru.
The bakery focuses heavily on naturally fermented sourdough breads and sandwiches. Its commitment to 100% sourdough production has earned it a loyal following among bread enthusiasts looking for something beyond conventional loaves.
Address: 1 Jalan Kuning 1, Taman Pelangi, Johor Bahru
Contact: +6016 293 9651
7. Verrona Hills Bread & Pâtisserie – Mid Valley Southkey
Best Bakery in a Shopping Mall
Located inside Mid Valley Southkey, Verrona Hills combines convenience with surprisingly high-quality baked goods. The bakery specialises in European-style breads, pastries and desserts.
Its central location makes it particularly popular among shoppers looking to bring home freshly baked treats.
Address: LG-061A, Mid Valley Southkey, Johor Bahru
Contact: +6011 1159 6363
8. Chaleur Atelier Patisserie
Best Premium Pâtisserie
If you’re looking for elegant celebration cakes and refined French pastries, Chaleur Atelier Patisserie is one of Johor Bahru’s standout destinations. Its creations are beautifully presented and highly regarded among dessert lovers.
The pâtisserie focuses on quality ingredients, precise execution and sophisticated flavour combinations.
Address: Zennith Suites, Jalan Kebun Teh 2, Larkin, Johor Bahru
Contact: +6014 665 0928
How to Choose the Right Bakery in JB
The best bakery depends on what you’re looking for.
If you’re visiting Johor Bahru for the first time, Hiap Joo is practically mandatory. For artisan breads and modern baking, Kenjo Bakery is arguably the strongest choice. Dona Bakehouse and Nimmies are excellent if you want a café experience alongside your pastries. Sourdough enthusiasts should head directly to The Starter, while fans of Japanese breads will appreciate Matsumiya.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bakery is most famous in Johor Bahru?
Hiap Joo Bakery is easily the most famous bakery in Johor Bahru and is particularly known for its wood-fired banana cake.
Which bakery is closest to JB CIQ?
Doña Bakehouse and Hiap Joo Bakery are located in JB Old Town within walking distance of the checkpoint.
Where can I buy artisan bread in JB?
Kenjo Bakery @ Austin Crest and The Starter Cafe / Sourdough Bread In Town / Bakery Cafe Johor Bahru /(100% sourdough Levain Proofing) are among the strongest choices for artisan bread.
Which bakery is best for cakes?
Chaleur Atelier Patisserie and Nimmies Pastry Cafe are among the best options for premium cakes and pastries.
Final Thoughts
Johor Bahru’s bakery scene is far more diverse than many visitors realise. From century-old institutions like Hiap Joo Bakery to modern artisan bakeries such as Kenjo and Dona Bakehouse, there is something for every type of bread and pastry lover.
For first-time visitors, Hiap Joo remains the essential stop. For artisan baking enthusiasts, Kenjo Bakery deserves a special trip. Meanwhile, Nimmies, Chaleur and Dona Bakehouse showcase how sophisticated Johor Bahru’s modern bakery scene has become.
