Whenever I find myself heading to Johor Bahru, there’s one restaurant I simply cannot skip. Restoran Pekin has become an unwavering staple of every JB trip I make. No matter how many times I visit, the food consistently delivers on flavour, freshness, and that deeply satisfying feeling that keeps me thinking about it long after I’ve crossed back over the causeway.
There’s something almost comforting about knowing exactly what to order before sitting down. Over multiple visits at Restoran Pekin, I’ve developed a personal must-have list, and these dishes never let me down.
Restoran Pekin Must-Try: Scotland Bamboo Clams
These are always my opening pick in Restoran Pekin, and they never disappoint. The clams arrive beautifully fresh, with a natural sweetness that speaks for itself. There’s no need for heavy seasoning when the ingredient quality is this good.
Hong Kong Style Steamed Fish
Next comes the Hong Kong style steamed fish, prepared with long spotted sea bass. This dish is simple but done really well. It’s light, clean, and not overdone. The fish stays fresh and flavourful throughout. Every bite feels wholesome without being too filling. It’s a great reminder that fresh seafood doesn’t need much to taste amazing.
But the real highlight for me? It’s the combination kailan. What makes it stand out is the clever preparation: half the greens are fried until gloriously crispy, while the other half is wok-tossed with garlic in the classic style. You get two distinct textures and flavour profiles on a single plate. The crispy bits go so well with the garlicky ones. And when you pair the fried kailan with plain white rice? It’s next-level comfort food, so good and unforgettable.
Restoran Pekin Specialty-Combination Kailan
If I had to pick one dish that genuinely surprised me and continues to impress, it’s the combination kailan. What makes it stand out is the clever preparation: half the greens are fried until gloriously crispy, while the other half is wok-tossed with garlic in the classic style. You get two distinct textures and flavour profiles on a single plate — crunch meets fragrance, crispiness meets savoury warmth. And pairing the fried kailan with a bowl of steamed rice? Honestly, it’s next-level comfort food. Simple but unforgettable. So far only Restoran Pekin I’ve come across that serves this dish. If you know of any other restaurants that, do it, drop a comment below and I’d love to check them out!
Baked Cod with Teriyaki Sauce
Another dish I look forward to every visit is the baked cod with teriyaki sauce. What I appreciate about the way it’s served is that each person gets their own individual portion, no fighting over the last bite. The cod is tender and flaky inside, with a little crisp on the outside. The teriyaki glaze is rich and slightly sweet and it goes really well with the fish. Not too heavy, and definitely one of my favourites on the menu.
Other Dishes I tried at Restoran Pekin
Beyond my usual rotation, I’ve also sampled some of their other offerings like the fried egg and roasted chicken.
Desserts
Honestly, I don’t usually go for desserts, especially after a big seafood meal. But the desserts here always win me over. They’re not too sweet, just nicely balanced. It’s a light and satisfying way to end the meal without feeling too stuffed.
If you enjoy light and traditional sweets, you might also like my review on Ah Ma Teochew Kuih which is a totally different experience but just as satisfying!
Is Restoran Pekin Worth a Visit?
A full meal here typically runs to around RM880, which works out to roughly SGD280. Yes, it’s a splurge but when you factor in the quality of the seafood, the generous portions, and the overall dining experience, it genuinely feels like money well spent, especially when the bill is shared across a table of hungry diners.
Restoran Pekin is the kind of place that earns your loyalty. It’s reliable, consistently delicious, and always worth the trip. Just make sure to book in advance. It gets busy, and for very good reason. They’re open daily.
Even my Malaysian friends recommend this place, so you know it’s the real deal. Save this for your next JB trip. You won’t regret it! You’ll thank yourself later.
If you’re planning a full JB getaway, you might also want to check out my review on the Renaissance JB Hotel Executive Lounge a great place to wind down after a satisfying meal like this.
Location:
No 1 Jalan Masai Baru Taman
Johor Jaya 81100 Johor Bahru
You can find directions on HERE
Website:
https://pekin.com.my/en/book-venue/
