Few dinners bring a group together like a bubbling pot in the middle of the table, and Johor Bahru has quietly become one of the best cities in the country to have one. Whether you call it shabu shabu, hotpot or steamboat, the ritual is the same: a simmering broth, a spread of fresh meat, seafood and vegetables, and a long, chatty meal where nobody is rushing to leave. JB covers every version of it, from Japanese shabu shabu buffets with individual pots to fiery Sichuan mala hotpot and free-flow local steamboat that runs late into the night.
Researched by the My Weekend Plan editorial team. Last updated: September 2026. Rankings are based on the total number of verified Google reviews (minimum 4.0★) at the time of writing.
We did the legwork so your table does not have to argue about where to go. Every restaurant here holds a Google rating of at least 4.0 from real diner reviews, sits within Johor Bahru, and is still open for business. We have ranked them by how many people have reviewed each place, so the most talked-about pots sit right at the top. Here are the 10 best shabu shabu and steamboat spots in Johor Bahru to build your next weekend feast around.
Shabu Shabu, Hotpot or Steamboat: What Is the Difference?
In Malaysia the three names get used almost interchangeably, and the core idea is identical. Shabu shabu is the Japanese style, where you swish paper-thin slices of beef or pork through a light kombu broth for a few seconds, then dip them in sesame or ponzu sauce. Steamboat is the local catch-all, usually a shared pot with a Chinese or Teochew lean and a wider spread of seafood, paste balls and greens. Hotpot often points to the bolder Sichuan and mala styles, where a numbing, chilli-loaded broth does the talking. Johor Bahru serves all three, so pick the flavour that suits your table on the night.
Buffet or A La Carte: Which Steamboat Should You Pick?
If you have a hungry crew and want to keep ordering without watching the bill, the free-flow buffet spots such as Super Steamboat, Tian Tian and Kuroma give you the best value, often with meats, seafood and sides on repeat. If you would rather pay for quality and a calmer sit-down meal, a Japanese shabu shabu spot like Arashi or a premium hotpot name like Dragon’s Journey is the better call, letting you order exactly the cuts you want. Sichuan lovers should aim for Shu Da Xia or BaJiu Men. We have flagged which is which below so you can match the place to the occasion and the appetite.
How to Choose a Shabu Shabu Spot in JB
A pot is a pot until you are the one paying the bill and refereeing the group chat. Weigh these before you book:
- Broth style: decide the mood first. Clean Japanese kombu and pork-bone broths suit families and light eaters; Sichuan mala broths are for spice chasers who want a kick.
- Buffet vs a la carte: free-flow buffets win on value for big, hungry groups, while a la carte lets you pay for premium beef and skip what you will not finish.
- Dietary needs: if pork is a concern, look for spots that state no pork and no lard, and always confirm the latest halal certification directly with the restaurant before you go.
- Opening hours: some pots run past midnight for supper crowds, while a few open only in the evening, so check timings for late-night or lunch plans.
- Group size and setting: individual pots are ideal for couples and small tables, while shared communal pots and grill combos work better for larger gatherings.
- Location and parking: mall outlets are easy for parking and air-con comfort, while shoplot spots can be cheaper but tighter for weekend parking.
Table of Contents
- 1. Dragon’s Journey Hotpot
- 2. Kuroma Buffet & Dining
- 3. Arashi Shabu-Shabu (AEON Tebrau City)
- 4. The Wagyu Tavern (JB)
- 5. Shu Da Xia Hotpot (Austin)
- 6. Johor Steamboat
- 7. Super Steamboat (Austin V Square)
- 8. Zhu Guang Yu Hotpot
- 9. BaJiu Men Hotpot
- 10. Tian Tian Steamboat
1. Dragon’s Journey Hotpot
The most reviewed pot in the whole city, Dragon’s Journey in Taman Abad is the name JB hotpot fans throw out first. The draw is a proper sit-down hotpot experience with a deep list of broths, premium sliced beef, handmade balls and fresh seafood, wrapped up in a lively, theatrical setting that feels made for a celebration. Service leans generous, and the kitchen runs until the small hours, so this is a strong shout for a big group supper after a night out. Book ahead on weekends because it fills fast. Go with friends, order the beef platters, and settle in for a long one.
Operating Hours: Mon–Thu 12:00 pm – 3:00 am; Fri–Sun 10:00 am – 4:00 am
Address: 25D, Jalan Dato Abdullah Tahir, Taman Abad, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: 010-888 8755
Google Review: View on Google
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Website Info2. Kuroma Buffet & Dining
If you want Japanese shabu shabu as part of a bigger spread, Kuroma in Taman Daya is the crowd favourite. This is a premium Japanese buffet built around individual simmering pots, so everyone swishes their own beef and pork through clean broth, then rounds it out with sushi, sashimi, grilled items and desserts from the wider buffet line. The setting is comfortable and made for occasions, which is why it books out for birthdays and family celebrations. It splits into dinner service on weekdays with an added weekend lunch sitting, so plan your timing. Come with a healthy appetite and pace yourself across the meats and the raw bar.
Operating Hours: Mon–Thu 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm; Fri–Sun 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm & 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Address: TD Central, 3, Jalan Sagu 21, Taman Daya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: 019-773 0754
Google Review: View on Google
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Website Info3. Arashi Shabu-Shabu (AEON Tebrau City)
For dedicated Japanese shabu shabu done buffet-style, Arashi at AEON Tebrau City is the reliable pick, and the busiest branch of a chain JB diners clearly love. The format is exactly what shabu fans want: your own individual pot, free-flow slices of beef and pork to swish through light broths, plus vegetables, tofu, udon and a sauce station to build your dip. There is usually ice cream to finish, which keeps the kids happy. The mall setting means easy parking and cool air-conditioning, making it a dependable family and date-night choice. Turn up early on weekends to beat the queue, then take your time with the meats.
Operating Hours: Mon–Thu & Sun 11:00 am – 10:00 pm; Fri–Sat 11:00 am – 10:30 pm
Address: Lot S113, 2nd Floor, AEON Tebrau City Shopping Centre, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: 019-728 1479
Google Review: View on Google
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Website Info4. The Wagyu Tavern (JB)
The Wagyu Tavern near Taman Ungku Tun Aminah has built a big following by keeping things focused: quality wagyu, cooked shabu shabu and sukiyaki style at your table. It advertises no pork and no lard, which makes it an easy choice for mixed groups, though it is worth confirming the latest certification if halal status matters to your table. The beef is the headline here, with well-marbled slices you swish through broth or simmer in a sweet sukiyaki base, and the evening-only hours give it a proper dinner-out feel. It is a smarter pick for couples and small groups after quality over quantity. Book ahead and come for the beef.
Operating Hours: Mon–Fri 6:00 pm – 12:00 am; Sat–Sun 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm & 6:00 pm – 12:00 am
Address: 34, Jalan Pendekar 13, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, 81300 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: 012-851 3366
Google Review: View on Google
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Website Info5. Shu Da Xia Hotpot (Austin)
When the table wants heat and a bit of a show, Shu Da Xia in Mount Austin delivers proper Sichuan mala hotpot with theatre to match. This is the chilli-and-peppercorn style, with numbing broths, premium beef and a spread of hotpot ingredients, brought to life by the kungfu noodle-pulling and occasional face-changing performances the brand is known for. The vibe is loud, fun and made for groups, so it suits a birthday or a big catch-up rather than a quiet dinner. You can dial the spice up or down, and there is a sauce bar to customise your dip. Bring a crowd, order the mala broth, and lean into the spectacle.
Operating Hours: 12:00 pm – 12:00 am (Daily)
Address: No 9, 11, 15, Jalan Austin Heights 7/8, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: 012-882 5858
Google Review: View on Google
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Website Info6. Johor Steamboat
A neighbourhood name locals hold in high regard, Johor Steamboat in Taman Adda Heights keeps things traditional and does them well. This is old-school Chinese steamboat built on fresh ingredients, homemade paste and balls, and honest broths that taste like real cooking rather than a shortcut. The set-up is casual and unpretentious, with the focus squarely on the pot and the value, which is why regulars keep coming back. It opens from late afternoon until midnight, so it works for both an early family dinner and a later supper session. Go with a group, keep the orders coming, and let the broth deepen as the night goes on.
Operating Hours: 3:30 pm – 12:00 am (Daily)
Address: 2, Jalan Adda 3/3, Taman Adda Heights, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: 016-289 8008
Google Review: View on Google
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Website Info7. Super Steamboat (Austin V Square)
If value for a hungry group is the goal, Super Steamboat at Austin V Square is hard to beat. This is a free-flow buffet where you keep ordering rounds of sliced meats, seafood, paste balls and vegetables without watching the bill climb, which is exactly what you want when the crew is big and everyone has different cravings. The format is casual and busy, geared towards volume and a good time rather than fine dining. It opens in the evening on weekdays with an earlier weekend start, and stays open to midnight for supper crowds. Round up the group, come genuinely hungry, and make the most of the free flow.
Operating Hours: Mon–Fri 5:00 pm – 12:00 am; Sat–Sun 12:00 pm – 12:00 am
Address: Austin V Square, Jalan Austin Perdana 2, Taman Austin Perdana, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: 011-1173 3888
Google Review: View on Google
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8. Zhu Guang Yu Hotpot
Zhu Guang Yu in Taman Abad has carved out a loyal following with a fresh, produce-led take on hotpot that leans into quality pork and seafood. The pull here is the spread of just-prepared ingredients and rich, well-built broths, served in a comfortable setting that works for both a family dinner and a late catch-up. Handily for JB night owls, the kitchen runs until 2:00 am every day, so this is a genuine option when the craving hits well after most places have shut. It suits diners who care about ingredient quality and want a calmer, sit-down pot. Come later in the evening, order the fresh seafood, and take your time.
Operating Hours: 12:00 pm – 2:00 am (Daily)
Address: G02-G03B, 15, Jalan Dato Abdullah Tahir, Taman Abad, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: 013-991 2013
Google Review: View on Google
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Website Info9. BaJiu Men Hotpot
For the real-deal Chongqing experience, BaJiu Men in Bandar Jaya Putra brings the classic nine-grid mala hotpot to JB. The signature divided pot lets you cook different ingredients in their own compartments while they all share that deep, numbing, chilli-oil broth, so the flavour builds beautifully as you go. This is a spice-forward spot for people who genuinely love mala, with a lively atmosphere that suits groups and a menu of premium beef, tripe and handmade items to work through. You can request a milder broth if the whole table is not on the chilli train. Gather the mala fans, order the signature grid, and settle in for the burn.
Operating Hours: 1:00 pm – 12:00 am (Daily)
Address: G10, Block B, Jalan Jaya Putra 1/1, Bandar Jaya Putra, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: 018-913 8466
Google Review: View on Google
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10. Tian Tian Steamboat
Rounding out the list, Tian Tian in Austin Heights is the friendly self-service buffet steamboat that families and students keep going back to. The appeal is simple: a fixed price, a fridge of fresh ingredients to pick from, and your own pot to cook it all at your own pace, with no waiting on staff to bring the next round. The selection covers the usual sliced meats, seafood, greens and paste balls, and the all-day opening from noon makes it flexible for a late lunch or an early dinner. It is casual, easy on the wallet and made for relaxed group meals. Bring the family, grab your ingredients, and cook away.
Operating Hours: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 56, Jalan Austin Heights 8/2, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: 011-2081 1234
Google Review: View on Google
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Johor Bahru gives you the full range of the simmering-pot experience, and the right pick comes down to the occasion. For a polished Japanese shabu shabu everyone can enjoy, Arashi and Kuroma are your safest bets, while Dragon’s Journey delivers the big-name hotpot show with the crowds to match. When the group is large and the budget is tight, the free-flow buffets at Super Steamboat and Tian Tian pack in the most food for your ringgit. Spice chasers should point the car at Shu Da Xia or BaJiu Men, and if you are after quality beef, The Wagyu Tavern is well worth the booking.
Opening hours and menus do change, so it is always worth a quick call or a check on Google before you head out. Now round up your crew, pick a pot, and make a proper weekend of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which shabu shabu in Johor Bahru is best for a Japanese-style experience?
Arashi Shabu-Shabu at AEON Tebrau City is the strongest choice for dedicated Japanese shabu shabu, with individual pots, free-flow sliced beef and pork, and a sauce bar. If you want shabu shabu alongside sushi and sashimi, Kuroma Buffet & Dining in Taman Daya is the premium buffet option. Both are comfortable and family-friendly.
Are there no-pork or halal steamboat options in Johor Bahru?
The Wagyu Tavern advertises no pork and no lard, which makes it easier for mixed groups, but halal certification can change, so always confirm the latest status directly with any restaurant before you book. Many hotpot spots in JB do serve pork, so it is worth checking each venue’s current certification if this matters to your table.
Which hotpot in Johor Bahru is open late at night?
For a late supper, Dragon’s Journey Hotpot runs until around 3:00 am on weekdays and 4:00 am on weekends, while Zhu Guang Yu stays open until about 2:00 am every day. Super Steamboat and Johor Steamboat also serve until midnight, making them handy for night-owl cravings.
How much does a steamboat or shabu shabu buffet cost in JB?
Prices vary widely by style and venue, so treat these as a rough guide only. Free-flow local buffets are usually the most wallet-friendly per head, mall-based Japanese shabu shabu chains sit in the mid range, and premium wagyu or a la carte hotpot costs more depending on the cuts you order. Check the restaurant’s current menu or social media for the latest pricing before you go.
Which shabu shabu spot in Johor Bahru is best for large groups?
For big gatherings, the free-flow buffets at Super Steamboat and Tian Tian offer the best value and endless ordering, while Dragon’s Journey and Shu Da Xia bring a livelier, celebration-style atmosphere that suits birthdays. Booking ahead is strongly recommended for larger tables, especially on weekends.
Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.com.my. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
