Discover Sarawak Kolo Mee in Johor Bahru: 5 Spots you can try!

Sarawak kolo mee — the iconic dry egg noodles tossed in aromatic shallot oil and savory sauce — has a special place in many Malaysians’ hearts. Traditionally from Kuching, Sarawak, this humble dish has found a loyal following in Johor Bahru too, where chefs put their own local spin on it while keeping the soul of the cuisine alive.

Here’s your guide to five awesome places in JB where you can savor kolo mee that’ll make you feel like you’re halfway to Kuching without leaving the south. 🍜

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1) 余記面 YUJI MEE — Classic Noodles in Permas Jaya

📍 Address: 31, Jalan Permas 9/5, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, 81750 Masai, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia

⏰ Hours: Thursday - Saturday, Monday - Tuesday, 8 am–1:30 pm

Sunday 8 am–1 pm (Closed on Wednesday)

余記面 YUJI MEE is basically a noodle shop specializing in Sarawak-style Kolo Mee, with a few other noodle options. I ordered their signature Sarawak Kolo Mee trio served in different sauces. The egg noodles are thin, springy, and cooked to a perfect al dente bite. 

White Sauce (Plain) – The lightest option, seasoned with pork lard oil, a touch of salt, and fried shallots. This keeps the noodles fragrant but not overpowering, allowing the natural eggy flavor of the noodles to shine.

Red Sauce (Sweet) – Coated with a sweet-savory seasoning, often with hints of char siew marinade. It’s slightly richer than the white, with a subtle caramelised sweetness.

Black Sauce (Soy-Based) – The most robust in flavour, made with dark soy sauce for a deeper umami and a slightly salty kick. This version feels more intense and pairs well if you like stronger seasoning.

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2) Kuching Style Restaurant JB — True Sarawak Vibes in Masai

📍 Address: 15, Jln Permas 10/5, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, 81750 Masai, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia

⏰ Hours: 8am - 7pm

Kuching Style Restaurant JB focuses on Sarawak specialties such as Kolo Mee (served dry or in soup), Sarawak Laksa, Kampua Mee, and their range of “Mani Cai” dishes featuring the local leafy green. I can’t really comment on how authentic or true to the original Sarawak flavors the food is, since I haven’t personally tried these dishes in Sarawak itself.

Their Signature Kolo Mee comes dry-tossed in a light “white sauce” and topped with char siew, minced pork, crispy pork lard, fried shallots, and spring onions. The noodles are pleasantly springy, and I chose to add a sunny side up for extra richness. The white sauce helps keep the dish fragrant and not overly heavy.

 

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3) Sarawak Taste JB — A Modern Twist in Taman Molek

📍 Address: 35 42, Jln Molek 1, Taman Molek, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia

⏰ Hours: 8am - 8pm

Sarawak Taste JB in Taman Molek, JB is a casual eatery known for serving comforting bowls of Sarawak-style noodles and local Malaysian favourites. The menu centres around its signature Kolo Mee, offered in several variations — from the original white sauce to red and black sauce versions, as well as a fried noodle rendition.

Sarawak Taste’s Kolo Mee Merah (蜜汁酱哥罗面) offers a vibrant twist on the traditional Kuching-style noodles. The “red” hue comes from a mildly sweet and savoury char siu sauce that coats the noodles, giving them a glossy, appetising appearance. The dish is topped with slices of roasted chicken, minced meat, and blanched greens. However, the noodles themselves fall short in texture and flavour, lacking the springiness one might expect. Overall, it leans more towards a sweet-savory profile.

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4) 好功夫厨房 (Good Kung Fu Kitchen) Pelangi — Casual Dining with Heart

📍 Address: 27, Jalan Perang, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia

⏰ Hours: Wednesday - Monday, 9 am–9 pm

Tuesday, 9 am–5 pm

好功夫厨房 (Good Kung Fu Kitchen) Pelangi is a casual Chinese fusion restaurant located in Taman Pelangi, Johor Bahru. The space is clean, bright, and modern, though seating can feel a little tight during busy hours. The menu offers a wide range of dishes that blend Chinese, Japanese, and local Malaysian influences. 

The Kolo Mee with Curry Chicken and French Fries at Good Kung Fu Kitchen is a hearty and satisfying set that combines local flavours with a touch of fusion flair. The noodles are springy and well-tossed in a savoury sauce, topped with fried shallots, scallions, and crisp greens for balance. The accompanying curry chicken comes in a rich, aromatic gravy that leans toward the Malaysian style — mildly spicy with a pleasant coconut fragrance. However, the chicken pieces themselves weren’t particularly tender, which made the texture a little less enjoyable compared to how flavourful the curry was. The crinkle-cut fries on the side add a fun, Western-style touch, crispy on the outside and soft inside.

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5) Shekee Eating House — Hidden Gem in Mount Austin & Skudai

📍 Address: 29, Jalan Mutiara Emas 10/2, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia

⏰ Hours: 8 am–4 pm (Closed on Wednesday)

Shekee Eating House in Johor Bahru is a laid-back neighbourhood spot that’s popular for its hearty Sarawak-style dishes, especially its kolo mee and Sarawak laksa. Situated in Taman Impian Emas, the eatery has a simple kopitiam-style setting and regularly attracts a steady stream of diners with its affordable prices and comforting flavours. Customers often praise the springy noodles, aromatic seasoning, and generous portions, noting that the flavours come impressively close to authentic Sarawak fare.

My own bowl of noodles came coated in a dark, savoury sauce that gave every strand a rich, glossy finish. The noodles were wonderfully springy, topped with slices of char siu, minced meat, and a scattering of spring onions — simple but very satisfying. I also ordered a bowl of clear wonton soup, and the wontons were plump and silky.