Few plates say weekend comfort in Johor Bahru quite like a mound of fragrant briyani, the long-grain rice stained gold with spice and piled high with tender chicken, mutton or lamb shank. JB does it in two proud styles: the Indian-Muslim dum biryani, cooked low and slow so the meat almost falls off the bone, and the local Malay nasi beriani gam, a homelier, saucier version that regulars queue for by mid-morning. Between the two, the city is spoilt for choice.
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.
The hard part is knowing which places actually deliver and which are riding on a name. We did the digging so you do not have to. Every restaurant on this list holds a Google rating of 4.0 or above from real diners, is still open for business, and treats briyani as a headline dish rather than an afterthought. You will find railway-themed dining halls, decades-old beriani houses run by families, and Chettinad and Kerala kitchens that plate up proper dum biryani. Here are the 10 best briyani spots in Johor Bahru, ranked by how many people have reviewed them, with what to order and how to find each one.
Indian Dum Biryani or Malay Nasi Beriani: What Is the Difference?
Both start with basmati or long-grain rice and a lot of spice, but they part ways from there. Indian-Muslim dum biryani is layered with marinated meat and sealed to cook in its own steam, so the grains stay separate and the flavour is deep and dry. It usually arrives with raita, curry and a boiled egg on the side. The Malay nasi beriani gam, by contrast, is cooked with the meat and gravy together for a softer, moister, more comforting plate, often served with a rich chicken or mutton kurma. In JB you can have either within a short drive, so it is worth knowing which mood you are in before you set off.
Where to Find the Best Briyani Areas in JB
Briyani is spread right across the city rather than clustered in one street. Taman Pelangi and Taman Tebrau Jaya are strong for South Indian and Kerala-style dum biryani, while Bandar Baru Uda and Taman Daya are the heartland of Malay nasi beriani, with long-running family houses serving until they sell out. Over on the eastern side, Permas Jaya and Senibong have built a name for generous Indian-Muslim biryani, and Mount Austin adds a few newer North Indian kitchens. Wherever you are staying, there is a good plate within fifteen minutes.
How to Choose a Briyani Spot in JB
- Decide on the style first. Indian dum biryani is drier and spice-forward; Malay nasi beriani gam is softer and saucier. Pick the one that matches your craving before you choose the restaurant.
- Go early for the Malay houses. Many nasi beriani stalls cook a fixed batch each day and close by early afternoon or once they sell out, so lunch or before is safest.
- Check the meat you want. Some places are known for lamb shank or mutton, others for chicken or beef. If a specific cut is the reason you are going, confirm it is available that day.
- Mind the parking and the queue. Weekend peaks and Ramadan can mean long waits at the popular spots, so time your visit or plan a takeaway.
- Verify halal status if it matters to you. Most briyani in JB is Muslim-friendly, but certification and status can change, so check the latest before you go if this is important for your group.
- Read recent reviews. Kitchens and consistency drift over time, so a quick look at the newest Google reviews tells you how a place is cooking right now.
Table of Contents
- 1. Railway Briyani Station
- 2. Jabbar Bhai Biriyani Restaurant
- 3. Kerala B&B Restaurant
- 4. Nasi Beriani Kukus Lyroy
- 5. Restoran Ahmad Khan
- 6. Anjappar Restaurant Taman Pelangi
- 7. My Biryani Palace
- 8. Mr Biryani @ Senibong
- 9. Beriani Bonda House 1969
- 10. The Kittengi Briyani JB
1. Railway Briyani Station
The most talked-about briyani address in JB right now sits at Vantage Bay in Stulang Laut, kitted out like an old railway carriage and fully air-conditioned. The theme is fun, but people keep coming back for the food, a spread of North and South Indian dum biryani plated in hearty portions. Regulars point newcomers towards the mutton and chicken biryani, with plenty of à la carte curries and breads to round out the table. It is an easy pick for both locals and Singapore visitors thanks to the location and the comfortable, family-friendly setting. Come hungry, come in a group, and expect a queue at weekend peaks.
Operating Hours: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm (Daily)
Address: Vantage Bay, Lot 6376 & 9236, Jalan Ibrahim Sultan, Jalan Stulang Laut, Kampung Stulang Laut, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: 012-700 5426
Google Review: View on Google
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2. Jabbar Bhai Biriyani Restaurant
Over in Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, Jabbar Bhai has built a big following on the strength of its dum biryani, cooked in the traditional sealed-pot style. This is a busy, no-frills Indian-Muslim restaurant where the biryani comes fresh and in generous helpings, best paired with the gobi manchurian and other Indo-Chinese sides that regulars order alongside. Family groups do well here, with quick service and enough on the menu to keep a mixed table happy. It draws diners from across the eastern side of JB and from Singapore, so it can get lively at mealtimes. Go with an appetite and try the dum biryani that made its name.
Operating Hours: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 6, Jalan Permas 10/7, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, 81750 Masai, Johor
Tel: 07-382 4455
Google Review: View on Google
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3. Kerala B&B Restaurant
For something a little different from the usual South Indian fare, Kerala B&B on Jalan Kuning in Taman Pelangi serves proper home-style Kerala cooking, and its Malabar-style biryani is a highlight. The kitchen leans towards lighter, less oily flavours than you might expect, and diners often pair the biryani with a masala tea that the staff are happy to recommend. The room is clean and calm with easy background music, which makes it a relaxed spot for a weekend lunch. It suits couples and small groups after an authentic plate rather than a big buffet. Do note it takes a break on Wednesdays, so plan around that.
Operating Hours: Thu–Tue 11:30 am – 9:00 pm; Closed Wednesday
Address: 76, Jalan Kuning, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: 010-807 4747
Google Review: View on Google
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4. Nasi Beriani Kukus Lyroy
If you want the Malay side of the briyani story, Lyroy in Taman Daya is a morning favourite for nasi beriani kukus, the steamed style that keeps the rice fluffy and fragrant. Portions are generous and the flavours are savoury rather than sweet, which regulars appreciate, and the lamb mantou has become something of a signature order alongside the beriani itself. It is a casual, family-run kind of place with easy parking, best visited earlier in the day before the lunch crowd builds. Come for a proper local breakfast or an early lunch, and pick up a takeaway for the family while you are there.
Operating Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 7, Jalan Rumbia 84, Taman Daya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: 016-707 0704
Google Review: View on Google
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5. Restoran Ahmad Khan
Restoran Ahmad Khan in Permas Jaya is the kind of upgraded mamak that JB does so well, open around the clock and reliable whatever the hour. The nasi briyani kambing is the order to beat here, the mutton tender and the rice properly spiced, and there is a solid run of nasi kandar options if the table wants variety. With both an indoor air-conditioned section and outdoor seating, it handles everything from a quick solo meal to a big late-night gathering. Cleanliness and fast service are part of why regulars keep it in rotation. It is a dependable choice when you want briyani at an odd hour and a comfortable place to sit.
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours (Daily)
Address: 136, Jalan Permas 9/7, Taman Perindustrian Permas Jaya, 81750 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: 018-372 7994
Google Review: View on Google
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6. Anjappar Restaurant Taman Pelangi
Anjappar is the JB outpost of the well-known Chettinad restaurant group, and its biryani carries that South Indian pedigree. The Taman Pelangi branch plates up fiery, aromatic Chettinad-style biryani alongside a long menu of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, so a mixed group is easy to please here. Portions are sensibly sized and the service is attentive, with staff who will steer you through the options if you are new to the cuisine. Prices sit a touch higher than the local stalls, but the consistency and range are the trade-off. Order the mutton biryani, add a few Chettinad curries to share, and finish with a kulfi.
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 11:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 160, Jalan Sri Pelangi, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: 07-338 4012
Google Review: View on Google
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7. My Biryani Palace
Tucked into the Akademik Suite block in Mount Austin, My Biryani Palace has quietly become a favourite for North Indian biryani in that part of town. The kitchen turns out well-spiced plates like chicken tikka biryani and Chettinad mutton biryani, backed by soft naan and a lineup of curries that regulars rave about. Staff are welcoming and happy to recommend dishes to first-timers, which makes it an easy spot for a family brunch or a relaxed dinner. Open late into the night, it works just as well for a post-shopping meal as a planned outing. Bring friends, order a couple of biryani styles to compare, and share the sides.
Operating Hours: 10:00 am – 12:00 am (Daily)
Address: G-02, Block B, Akademik Suite, Jalan Austin Heights Utama, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: 011-1621 0059
Google Review: View on Google
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8. Mr Biryani @ Senibong
Out at Teluk Senibong on the eastern edge of the city, Mr Biryani is a Singapore-linked name serving authentic Indian biryani in generous portions. The draw here is variety, with a good spread of biryani options from tandoori chicken to vegetable and even jackfruit for the plant-based crowd, all well prepared and full of flavour. Add-ons like butter chicken and kofta lamb curry make it worth ordering a few dishes to share across the table. The setting is comfortable and it does takeaway too, handy if you are heading back across the border. A strong shout for anyone who likes options and does not want to compromise on the meat-free choices.
Operating Hours: Sat–Wed 11:30 am – 11:00 pm; Thu–Fri 11:30 am – 11:30 pm
Address: 1, Blok B, Teluk Senibong, 81750 Johor, Johor
Tel: 012-356 1500
Google Review: View on Google
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9. Beriani Bonda House 1969
Beriani Bonda House in Bandar Baru Uda carries a 1969 heritage in its name and cooks with the care to match. This is nasi beriani the homemade way, with a spice blend the chef mixes herself and a balance that beriani lovers keep coming back for. Regulars praise the consistency across visits, ordering the chicken and lamb by the plate and often buying extra to take home for the family. It is a modest, welcoming spot rather than a fancy one, which is exactly the point. Get there before the mid-afternoon close, and if the beriani impresses you, grab a couple of packs to go.
Operating Hours: 10:00 am – 6:30 pm (Daily)
Address: 29, Jalan Padi Emas 3/1, Bandar Baru Uda, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: 012-793 3310
Google Review: View on Google
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10. The Kittengi Briyani JB
Rounding out the list, The Kittengi Briyani on Jalan Serampang in Taman Tebrau Jaya leans South Indian with a good spread of biryanis on the menu. The dum biryani is the reason to visit, best chased with a cooling mango lassi, and the kitchen also does the classics like bathura with channa masala and gobi manchurian if you fancy a wider spread. It is a relaxed, casual restaurant that suits a laid-back lunch or an early dinner without the fuss. Portions and consistency have drawn a steady local following, so it is a safe bet on the western stretch of the city. Order the dum biryani and settle in.
Operating Hours: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 24, Jalan Serampang, Taman Tebrau Jaya, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: 07-333 6789
Google Review: View on Google
Google Map: Navigate Now
Johor Bahru rewards a briyani hunt more than most Malaysian cities, and the right choice really comes down to the style you are after. For Indian-Muslim dum biryani, Railway Briyani Station, Jabbar Bhai and My Biryani Palace give you deep, spice-layered plates worth travelling for. For the softer Malay nasi beriani, the family houses at Lyroy and Beriani Bonda House are the ones to catch before they sell out. And for South Indian range, Anjappar, Kerala B&B and The Kittengi cover Chettinad, Malabar and everything in between. Every spot here clears a 4.0 Google rating, so you can plan around any of them with confidence.
Hours and daily batches do change, especially at the smaller Malay stalls, so a quick call or a glance at Google before you set off is always worth it. Now pick your style, round up the family, and make a weekend of it over a proper plate of briyani.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best briyani in Johor Bahru?
Railway Briyani Station in Stulang Laut is the most reviewed briyani spot in JB right now, popular for its air-conditioned railway-themed hall and hearty dum biryani. For Malay-style nasi beriani, Beriani Bonda House 1969 and Nasi Beriani Kukus Lyroy are long-standing favourites. The best pick depends on whether you want Indian dum biryani or the softer local beriani.
Is briyani in Johor Bahru halal?
Most briyani in JB is Indian-Muslim or Malay and served as Muslim-friendly, but halal certification and status can change over time. We would not assert a specific certification for any single restaurant here, so if halal is important for your group, check the latest status with the restaurant or look for the displayed certificate before you order.
How much does a plate of briyani cost in JB?
Prices vary by restaurant and the meat you choose. A plate of Malay-style chicken or mutton beriani at a local stall typically sits in the low-to-mid RM range, while Indian dum biryani at a sit-down restaurant with sides can run higher. Chain and specialty spots like Anjappar tend to be pricier than family-run houses. Check the current menu, as prices drift.
What time do the Malay nasi beriani stalls close?
Many Malay nasi beriani houses cook a fixed batch each day and are open from morning through early or mid-afternoon, closing once they sell out. Nasi Beriani Kukus Lyroy runs from early morning to late afternoon, while Beriani Bonda House closes by early evening. Go at lunch or earlier to avoid disappointment, especially on weekends.
Which briyani spots in JB are good for families or big groups?
Railway Briyani Station, My Biryani Palace and Mr Biryani @ Senibong all handle larger groups well, with roomy, comfortable seating and menus wide enough to suit mixed tables. Restoran Ahmad Khan is open 24 hours and works for late-night gatherings. For a quieter, more traditional meal, the smaller Malay beriani houses are better suited to couples and small groups.
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.
