In Johor Bahru, hotpot isn’t just a meal—it’s a social ritual. Whether you’re a fan of numbing mala spice, Japanese-style shabu-shabu, or rich Korean broths, this city serves up a fiery feast for every craving. This curated list highlights five crowd-favourite spots, ranging from all-you-can-eat buffets to hidden street gems, all personally visited or vouched for by local foodies. Get ready to dip, grill, and sip your way through the most satisfying “JB Hot Pot” and BBQ experiences.
Chuan Lai Chuan Qu Mala Hotpot｜”JB Hot Pot” Buffet in Austin Crest
Chuan Lai Chuan Qu is a hit among JB locals for its generous hotpot buffet and authentic mala base. Choose from over seven soup broths and more than 50 ingredients—sliced meats, fresh prawns, handmade fishballs, veggies, and even fruits and desserts. The spicy mala soup is rich but balanced, while the pork bone broth offers a gentler option. It’s popular for group dinners, especially on weekends when the vibe is lively and queues are long. Bring your appetite and come early to skip the crowd.
📍 9 Jalan Jaya Putra 7/6, Bandar Jaya Putra, Taman JP Perdana, 81100 Johor Bahru
🕒 Mon–Thu: 1:00 pm–11:00 pm；Fri–Sun: 1:00 pm–11:30 pm
📞 +60 12‑383 2431
Shu Da Xia Hotpot｜Sichuan-Style Skewer “JB Hot Pot” Experience
Step into Shu Da Xia and you’ll be transported to a Chengdu-style chuan chuan experience. The bamboo skewers are dunked into rich mala soup or herbal broth, and each skewer is charged per stick—great for customising your own combo. Recommended picks include pork intestines, lotus root, and marinated beef strips. The restaurant also features classic sides like handmade noodles and chilled cucumber salad. Dim lighting, rustic wooden interiors, and Mandarin hits playing in the background make it feel like a slice of Sichuan in JB.
📍 No 9, 11, 15, Jalan Austin Heights 7/8, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
🕒 Typically open from 11:30 am to 11:00 pm
📞 N/A
Xiao Long Xing Jianghu｜Mount Austin’s Underrated Hotpot Gem
Located in the busy food haven of Mount Austin, Xiao Long Xing Jianghu offers small-batch hotpot in individual mini cauldrons. Their spicy beef broth is simmered for hours with Chinese herbs, delivering a deep umami taste that lingers. Diners often praise their chewy handmade noodles and pork slices that melt in the mouth. The place is themed with calligraphy scrolls and traditional Chinese decor, making it one of the most atmospheric hotpot joints in the area. It’s perfect for solo diners or intimate catchups.
📍 27 Jalan Mutiara Emas 5/23, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru
🕒 12 pm–3 pm & 5 pm–12 am daily
📞 010‑559 8282
SHABU-YO AEON Tebrau City｜”JB Hot Pot” Japanese Shabu-Shabu Buffet with Variety
Shabu-Yo, located in AEON Tebrau City, delivers a clean and satisfying Japanese-style hotpot experience. For a flat buffet fee, you get unlimited thinly sliced beef, pork, chicken, fresh greens, mushrooms, udon, and even a dessert bar with mochi and waffles. The kombu and sukiyaki broths are most popular, and the condiment station lets you customise your perfect dipping sauce. The restaurant is bright, efficient, and family-friendly—perfect for casual weekday dinners or after-mall refuels.
📍 G‑137, AEON Mall Tebrau City, No 1 Jalan Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru
🕒 10:00 am–10:00 pm
📞 +60 11‑5136 7808
Teumsae Korean Restaurant｜Spicy Korean Stew & BBQ Favourite
For a Korean-style hotpot feast, Teumsae is a reliable choice inside AEON Tebrau City. Its kimchi jjigae and army stew are crowd favourites, loaded with tofu, noodles, sausages, and gochujang spice. Diners can also opt for their BBQ platters, grilled tableside, served with refillable banchan and fresh lettuce. The restaurant offers a mix of booth and open seating, and it’s especially popular among young adults and Korean food lovers. Don’t miss the cheesy corn and steamed egg to round out your meal.
📍 Ground Floor, AEON Tebrau City, No 1 Jalan Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru
🕒 10:00 am–10:00 pm
📞 Check AEON Tebrau City hotline or Teumsae’s official page
Whether you’re into fiery mala, delicate kombu shabu-shabu, or hearty Korean jjigae, Johor Bahru’s hotpot scene has something bubbling for everyone. These five picks reflect the city’s diverse culinary heartbeat—from Sichuan heat to Japanese precision and Korean comfort. Bookmark this guide for your next food crawl or group dinner plan, and don’t forget to share it with fellow steamboat lovers—because the best meals are always shared, one simmering pot at a time.
