We take the Peugeot 3008 down south to Johor Bahru for a short food tour.
The Peugeot 3008 is more than just a sleek, comfortable SUV—it’s the perfect companion for a culinary adventure, especially down south to Johor Bahru. With its 1.6L THP engine, this car delivers a satisfying drive while offering good fuel efficiency, making it ideal for long trips. We’ve taken you up to Penang for a food adventure with this car and for a short trip to nearby Seremban too. Now let us take you all the way to the end of the peninsula with this Peugeot.
As we headed down from Kuala Lumpur, the first notable stop wasn’t the crowded Ayer Keroh bridge rest area but rather Tangkak, just after crossing the Johor border.
Here, the local Do Do Do Restaurant provided a memorable meal with options like beef noodle soup and clay pot chicken curry with rice—comfort food at its finest and far more satisfying than pricey highway fare.
With our bellies fueled up, we resumed our drive with Waze on Apple CarPlay, keeping an eye out for speed traps as we neared our destination.
Arriving in Johor Bahru, our first culinary stop was for dessert. Cheelicious in Taman Pelangi was our go-to bakery, offering a variety of rich, flavorful cakes. This beloved local spot has been around for over a decade, serving up generously sized, carefully crafted cakes.
While they’re a bit on the pricier side, the taste and quality make them worth every ringgit.
For dinner, we opted for something different: Italian cuisine at Rosmarino, also on the same road in Taman Pelangi.
This place has a mix of reviews on TripAdvisor, but our experience was great. The portions were generous, and the flavors did not disappoint, with only minor complaints, such as the use of local vegetables in ‘authentic Italian food’. It’s a good choice for a special meal if you’re looking to take a break from Malaysian fare.
The next day, we were ready for some authentic JB flavors. Our first stop was a long-standing favorite, a shop that’s been serving traditional curry laksa for decades.
Located along the same road as the iconic (and perpetually under-renovation) Clock Tower, this corner shop was bustling as always.
The laksa was as rich and spicy as I remembered, served with a side of otak-otak and a refreshing barley drink.
I skipped the cockles, but for those who enjoy them, they’re available for a small price.
Though Johor Bahru’s center is always buzzing with construction and events, a few classic cafes, like Hua Mui and It Roo Cafe, still offer a cozy, old-school vibe.
However, for those wanting a quieter spot with easy parking, I recommend Keystone Cafe, just a 10-minute drive from the busy town center.
This trendy cafe is great for unwinding with friends over coffee and homemade cakes, offering a peaceful setting away from the city’s hustle.
This drive down to Johor Bahru, paired with the Peugeot 3008’s smooth handling and fuel efficiency, was a satisfying mix of delicious food and reliable travel. Johor Bahru’s food scene continues to delight, with every return trip uncovering more tasty treasures.
