Ask any foodie and they’ll tell you just how irresistible daging salai is. But the dish is just as elusive as it is delicious. The smoked beef, often cooked in a spicy coconut curry, isn’t easily found in stalls around Singapore, let alone Malaysia. Bur procuring it is well worth the effort – we promise. If you wanted some of the best, most authentic examples of daging salai the next time you visit Malaysia, hit up these places.
What is daging salai?
Daging salai, or smoked beef, is a speciality that was originally created in the state of Negeri Sembilan in West Malaysia.
Because beef was too expensive to eat often, the people in the state would only slaughter a cow during Eid or for weddings. The slaughter had to be done a few days before the occasion, but it would’ve been impossible to keep raw meat for so long in such a hot country, especially since refrigerators weren’t a thing back then. To preserve the meat, they cooked it in advance, using coconut shells and husks that were readily available. Being high in liquid content, the coconut produced a lot more smoke than using regular wood did, and it imparted a smoky, rich flavour to the meat meat. It was so tasty, that the happy mistake caught on to become a staple on its own, which was sliced to eat as is, or for use in curries.
Today, the process of making daging salai in Malaysia is still as traditional as it was before. Carefully smoked using a unique smoking technique with coconut fibre called “sabak”, the charred beef slices acquire a full-bodied flavour. With a sweet and smoky tang, the beef is tasty when eaten on its own, but is best served with a plate of rice and sambal belacan – or for a match made in heaven, braised in masak lemak cili api, which is a rich creamy coconut curry that perfectly balances the flavours of the beef.
While you can create it from scratch at home, the process is painstakingly tedious and let’s face it – you just want to enjoy the dish without your patience being tested. These best establishments serving daging salai in Malaysia’s KL, Selangor, and even JB will save you the trouble.
6 best places for the best daging salai in Malaysia:
Although well-known for its Daging Salai Masak Lemak Cili Api dish, these Selangor eatery is also loved for its take on the heritage dish with other meats, such as duck and chicken. Patrons love the simple but satisfying combination of salted eggs and sambal belacan here. Word of caution though: Only try it if you can handle the heat.
(Image credit: @syah_eats/Instagram)
Address No 25, Jalan Plumbum V 7/V, Seksyen 7 Shah Alam, 40000 Selangor , Malaysia
Originated from Canton, dim sum are small and delightful snacks that come with wide variations, probably more than 2000 throughout the world.
Steaming dominates the cooking style of dim sum but some are still deep-fried, pan-fried and baked.
Thus, it is hard that you couldn’t find any that suit your taste.
For dim sum lovers, good news for you all is that Johor Bahru offers many dim sum restaurants that serve authentic yet extensive spread of dim sum.
And here’s our list!
12 Best Johor Bahru (JB) Dim Sum
1. Xin Shan Long (新山龙) (Editor Choice!)
In search for originality, look no further for the ultimate fusion dim sum experience, Xin Shan Long restaurant offers superb dim sum prepared with the freshest ingredients of choice by the best of dim sum chefs. (Pork Free, but the taste is just superb)
Manager Roy, KY, Chef Simon Lau & Chef Cheng
Dim sum dishes are creatively presented in a special and luscious style, perfectly portraying the original Canton culinary art fused with local culture. No pork and lard is used.
Each serving costs around RM5.80 to RM7.80. Start from August 2017, Xin Shan Long serves dim sum in ala carte style daily. The dim sum buffet is not longer available.
Just a brisk 3 minute drive away from Senai International Airport, or a half an hour smooth drive from the the city of Johor Bahru, located in a pristine perfect get-away, La Grandeur Palm Resort Johor.
Location: Xin Shan Long, Le Grandeur Palm Resort Johor, Jalan Persiaran Golf, Off Jalan Jumbo, 81250 Senai, Johor, Malaysia. Tel: +607 – 599 6000 Ext 8607 Opening Hours:
Daily: 11:30am – 2:30pm
2. Restoran Gui Yuan (桂苑港式点心茶楼)
Restaurant Gui Yuan uses only the freshest ingredients to make Dim Sum to ensure a delightful dining experience. All Dim Sum are steam cooked so that it brings out the natural sweet flavour.
Offering wide selections of Dim Sum, the well-marinated fried chicken feets that boasts tender cartilages and tendons is their bestseller. Each serving costs around RM3 – RM3.30, which is considered low price in Johor Bahru.
Location: 27, Jalan Dedap 8, Taman Johor Jaya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia. Tel: +6012 – 723 5560 / +6012 – 713 8327 Opening Hours:
Monday, Wednesday to Friday: 6:30am – 1:00pm
Saturday to Sunday: 6:30am – 1:30pm
Closed on: Tuesday
3. Restoran Gim Cheng (锦成茶楼)
You feel yourself travel back in time while dining at Gim Cheng Restaurant – open air, push carts and shady trees. Here, steaming hot dumplings and buns are placed neatly on push carts for customers to order.
They offer extensive selections of Dim Sum. So, if you wonder what to eat, choose any of them that catch your fancy and we believe it turns out to be enjoyable. It’s true as many have tested before.
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Location: 2, Jalan Sagu 36, Taman Daya, 81100, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia. Tel: +016 – 712 1257 Opening Hours:
Daily: 7:00am – 1:00pm
Closed on: Wednesday
4. Restoran New Hong Kong (新香港點心樓)
Opened in 1954, Restaurant New Hong Kong was founded by Hong Kong people and nowadays it still offers the taste resembles old days.
Siew Mai, dumplings, all of the common Dim Sum you can name, can be enjoyed here at the most authentic taste. The restaurant also offers a la carte menu and different package meals to cater wide range of needs of customers.
Authenticity and quality of Dim Sum is guaranteed at New Hong Kong.
Location: 69A, B, C, Jalan Ibrahim Sultan, 80300 Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Tel: +607 – 222 2608 / +6607 – 222 3719 Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 11:00am – 3:00pm & 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Public Holiday & Sunday: 9:00am – 3:00pm & 6:00pm – 10:00pm
5. Restoran Tasixi Hong Kong Dim Sum (大四喜香港点心楼)
Restaurant Tasixi Hong Kong boasts a perfect place to enjoy dim sum due to its spacious dining area and clean environment.
Specialising in wide array of authentic dim sum – Hong Kong style dim sum, the restaurant is able to bring you to dim sum paradise. Chee Cheong Fun is their must-try dim sum which is so smooth that it can literally sliding down everyone’s throat.
Location 1: 11 & 11-01, Jalan Dedap 4, Taman Johor Jaya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Location 2: 11, Jalan Camar 1/3, Taman Perling, 81200 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia Location 3: 5 Jalan Impian Emas 5, Taman Impian Emas, 81300 Johor, Malaysia Tel: +6016 – 778 9933 Opening Hours: 6.30am – 4:30pm
6. Kedai Makanan Hao You (豪友点心楼)
At Hao You, you’ll see most of the tables present a bowl of congee – the signature dish here. Steamed bums and other classic Dim Sum can be ordered here as well.
Also, try their highly recommended “char siew bao” that has a slightly different texture and taste from others. Keep in mind that dim sum are usually sold out before noon time.
Location: 1, Jalan Bakawali 50, Taman Johor Jaya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia. Tel: +607 – 354 2708 Operating Hours:
Daily: 6:30am – 3:30pm
Closed on: Sunday
7. Restoran Chang Man (常满点心)
While sampling the Dim Sum at Chang Man, you can actually notice that the chef has put much effort in making them. Despite tasting delicious, the Dim Sums have a tantalizing appearance that urges customers to devour them.
One of the must try Dim Sum would be Crab Roe Siew Mai. Made by minced pork and shrimps, it comes with 3 pieces per serving and truly offers you an exquisite taste.
Location: 24G, Jalan Bestari 5/2, Taman Nusa Bestari, Skudai, Johor Bahru, 81200, Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Tel: +6016 – 765 1190 Opening Hours:
Daily: 8:00am – 6:00pm
8. Wan Li Chinese Restaurant @ Renaissance Johor Bahru (万利轩)
Nestled in Renaissance Hotel, Wan Li Chinese Restaurant offers you the prefect dim sum but the prices are much higher compared to other dim sum restaurant. However, you can expect a private and luxury dining experience here.
The restaurant’s allure would definitely be the extensive spread of dim sum and its cosy ambience. On the menu, the star symbolises the chef’s recommendation and the must-eat dim sum at Wan Li.
Location: 2, Jalan Permas 11, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, 81750 Masai, Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Tel: +607 – 381 3333 Opening Hours:
Daily: 12:00pm – 10:00pm
9. D’ Shanghai 大上海
Stepping into DShanghai, you’ll be embraced by elegant furnishings and a cosy ambience. With a spacious and comfortable dining area, it’s suitable for a large group gathering.
The restaurant is renowned for “xiao long bao”(mini bun), which has a very thin outer skin that you can actually see the fillings inside. Apart from “xiao long bao”, golden lava bun and lotus leaf rice are the most ordered Dim Sum here.
Location: Lot L1-501, Sutera Mall, No. 1, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/4, Taman Sutera Utama, 81300, Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Tel: +607 – 557 6388 Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:30am – 10:30pm
Saturday to Sunday: 9:00am – 10:30pm
10. Restoran Kak Kak (佳佳点心茶楼)
Restaurant Kak Kak offers you excellent service by presenting you extensive selections of dim sum on a cart once you manage to find a seat.
The place is often crowded because you can get a plate of delicious dim sum at the most reasonable price. The dim sum here has rich fillings and most of them tastes sweet and savoury. Most ordered food here is seaweed dim sum.
Location: No. 9, Jalan Maju, Taman Maju, Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Operating Hours:
Daily: 5:00am – 12:00pm
Closed on: Tuesday
11. Restaurant Chao Yuen (潮苑海鲜楼)
At Chao Yuen, every serving of dim sum comes in big portion, which means every single buns or dumplings are served in large size. All of them have savoury taste that can definitely satisfy your craving.
Heard of Yam Paste Bun before? It is their self-identified dim sum and it tastes excellent. Other dim sum such as egg tart, congee, char siew and siew mai are also available here.
Location: 1, Jalan Jati 2, Taman Nusa Bestari Jaya, 81300 Kulai, Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Tel: +607 – 512 5898 Operating Hours:
Daily: 7:30am – 5:30pm
12. Kedai Makanan Hock Chiang Hin (福振兴餐室)
Dim Sums at Hock Chiang Hin are handmade daily so you get to enjoy the freshest Dim Sum here. Most importantly, it tastes wonderful.
Here, the dim sums are veering to local taste instead of serving authentic Hong Kong’s one. Serving dim sum at the most affordable price, Hock Chiang Hin even offers buns and dumplings that come with large fillings. It makes you feel full with just 2 to 3 plates of dim sum.
Location: 18, Jalan Siu Nam, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Operating Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 6:00am – 1:00pm
Closed on: Sunday
Feel like going on a café hopping adventure in your Malacca trip?
We’ve made you a list of the best cafes in Jonker Street!
The cafés below come with different unique themes and concepts ranging from rustic theme, western style, tropical rainforest to a contemporary cafe.
When the weather is extremely hot, they help you to stay cool and provide you with a resting spot.
With wide array of coffees and desserts offered, there must be one that could satisfy your afternoon tea cravings and coffee needs.
Check out these cafes in Malacca and take nice pictures to upload it on Instagram!
11 Best Cafes In Jonker Street
1. The Baboon House
The Baboon House is a charming café that boasts “Nature Feel”. The tranquil environment of the café shows a huge contrast to the lively Jonker Street outside.
Despite the laidback atmosphere, the café impresses customers with their delicious gourmet burgers and ground coffee.
The burgers come with homemade beef, chicken and pork and the portions are always bigger than other burger joints. Baboon Beef Burger and Oriental Chicken Burger are the most ordered burgers here.
Here, all coffee and hot tea comes with Danish cookies as sweet treat. Their creamy Vietnamese coffee is the must try.
While waiting for the food, customers can enjoy some quite moments by browsing magazines, reading book or inspecting delicate crafts on walls. They can play around with the owner’s cat and dog at the main entrance too.
Location: 89, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Kampung Bukit China, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-283 1635 Opening Hours:
Daily: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Closed on: Tuesday
2. Calanthe Art Cafe
If you are a coffee lover, Calanthe Art Café is definitely the perfect place for you. It stands as the pioneering and the only café in Malacca that serves all kinds of Malaysia’s 13 States Coffee.
Apart from that, the café even offers one-of-a-kind blend coffees like green tea coffee and the “Jealousy”, a thick espresso with mint syrup.
For non-coffee drinkers, they have ice-blended beverages such as Pink Lady and Cendol Ice Blenz. Variety of smoothies, soda mixes, milk shakes and teas are offered too. If you prefer alcoholic drinks, we recommend you the Bailey cocktail.
Alongside drinks, Calanthe experts in serving local food. They serve their own version of laksa and nasi lemak which are both flavourful and tasty.
After the meal, you can order their brownie with ice-cream or caramel slice as desserts. Both are the signature desserts here.
Location: 11, Jalan Hang Kasturi, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-292 2960 Opening Hours:
Sunday to Wednesday: 9:00am – 11:00pm
Friday & Saturday: 9:00am – 12:00am Facebook
3. The Daily Fix Cafe
The Daily Fix Café, which was once an old shophouse, had undergone renovation to offer customers a cosy environment in rustic feel. It is quite popular among teenagers because they like to upload their surroundings here on Instagram.
The café specialises in serving pancakes with different flavours. One of the highlights is their Local Pandan Pancake that comes with 5 pieces stuffed with sugar. Other desserts like brownies and cakes are offered too.
If you like to eat spaghetti, their Smoked Duck Aglio Olio is so well-cooked and the chilli and garlic seasoning are added to the perfect amount. The duck meat is not too fatty and you can change it with Char Siew as well.
If you love taking photographs, head to the indoor courtyard at the back for more scenic spots.
Location: 55, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-283 4858 Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 11:30pm
Saturday & Sunday: 8:30am – 11:30pm Facebook
4. Rainforest Coffee Bean
Surrounded by ancient antique and furniture, Rainforest Coffee Bean creates a nostalgic ambience for us to enjoy their homemade coffee.
While walking in, you will first be greeted by their on-site shop that sells freshly grounded coffee powder such as Arabian coffee beans. For caffeine addict, this is the 100% original coffee beans from Arabian.
The café is located deeper inside. Beverages such as hot coffee, smoothies are offered here. You will definitely fall in love with their coffees that have a strong aromatic smell. If the weather is hot, order the ice-blended coffee to cool yourself down.
The creamy cheesecake is the highlight too. Caramelized on top, there are blueberries stuffed in between and a crust at bottom. Basically, it has 3 layers and the taste and texture are perfect in mouth.
Location: No.36 & 38, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-284 0128 Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Friday to Sunday: 10:00am – 10:00pm
5. River View Cafe Melaka
As the name suggested, the café offers diners a picturesque view of Malacca River while they were enjoying the food. At night, the lights that reflecting on the river creates a very romantic ambience for dinner.
If the weather is nice, the outdoor seating is even more enjoyable. You can see the boats cruising by the river and the smiles of tourists on the boat could make your day.
The menu offerings are ranging from western food, local delicacies and the fusion of western and eastern food. Despite specialising in Malaysian’s all-time favourite such as Nasi Lemak, they serve excellent Malay classic food like beef rendang and Nasi Kemal too.
The café is very quiet and serene because it is located quite far from the main activity area of Jonker Street. It is best suited for those who want to stay alone too.
Location: 82, Jalan Kampong Pantai, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +6012-380 7211 Opening Hours:
Daily: 10:00am – 10:00pm
Closed on: Wednesday Facebook
6. Backlane Coffee
Tucked at the backside of Jonker Street, Backlance Coffee takes you away from the busy street and brings you to a totally serene environment.
There are wooden furniture, aged brick walls, and lots of antique items displayed as decorations. For instance, they have vintage phone, London Royal Guards and beautiful cups.
Despite homemade dishes like pizza, panini and breakfast sets, most customers are here for their aromatic coffees and desserts.
Besides, they offer many beverages which are good for health. For instance, they offer Handmade Brown Sugar Ginger Tea, Honey Jujube and Honey Citron.
In Malacca, there are not many cafés that offer Macaroon. So, if you are a Macaroon lover, this place is just right for you. The Macaroon here comes with 6 flavours and it tastes delicious!
Location: 129, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-282 0542 Opening Hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 11:00am – 12:00am
Friday & Saturday: 11:00am – 1:00am Facebook
7. The Coffee Jar (呷咖啡)
Currently, lots of coffee shops are mushrooming in Malacca but The Coffee Jar stands out among all of them because of their passion in making authentic coffee.
Despite the taste, they highly emphasise on the art and the craft of the coffee, eager to serve you the best coffee in town.
Enter the coffee shop and you will be welcomed by several coffee roasters that are constantly roasting the coffee beans.
From classic cappuccino to a well-balanced ristretto, they don’t limit themselves in serving only black coffee. They learn more and keep on improving their coffee-making skills. This is why now we get to enjoy a high standard milk coffee and espresso-based coffee here.
Image credit: foodietopography.net
Apart from coffee, they offer cheese cakes and pies as complement to the coffee. All desserts are homemade and come with affordable prices.
Location: No.38, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +6012-281 5100 Opening Hours:
Daily: 10:30 – 6:00pm
Closed on: Tuesday Facebook
8. Hard Rock Café Malacca
Idyllically situated beside the Malacca River, Hard Rock Café that offers great band performance has been attracting music enthusiasts to come over for dinner.
Lots of great artists and musicians have been invited to play crowd-favourite songs ranging from rock and roll, pop, jazz to blue music. Their performance mostly starts at 10:00pm.
Featuring indoor and outdoor dining area, the café boasts large portion food that are meant for people with big appetites.
Their Tex-Mex Menu offers Legendary burgers, Smokes (barbecued beef ribs and chicken), asam pedas fish and seafood char kuey teow. These are the highlight dishes here. For kids, they offer them a separate menu.
If you love to eat desserts, their laden with ice-cream Haagen Dazs is one that you would die for.
Location: No.28, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-292 5188 Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 11:30am – 1:00am
Friday to Sunday: 11:30am – 2:00am Facebook
9. The Stolen Cup
If you are finding a resting place in the hot afternoon around Jonker Street, do make a stop at The Stolen Cup. The humble café is beautifully decorated with old clocks, posters and wooden planks to give at rustic feel. Nice Bossa Nova music are played as background music too.
For coffee, the “Gula Melaka” latte is their highlight. The taste is quite unique and the Gula Melaka truly boosted the flavour of latte. You can have it iced during hot day.
Another special coffee here is curacao coffee and the curacao is flavoured with peels of oranges. Their caramel macchiato is highly recommended too.
If you never try salted egg croissant before, the one that offered here does not disappoint. Very well-toasted and has a crispy skin.
Location: 21A, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Friday to Sunday: 9:00am – 11:00pm Facebook
10. Geographer Cafe
Geographer Cafe is quite famous in Malacca. Lies at the corner of the shopping street, customers are pleased to dine here because of their warm and elegant atmosphere. At night, it transforms into a tempting bar, offering enchanting nightlife to all of us.
Mouth-watering food are the main attraction of Geographer Cafe. They aim at providing fresh and healthy food to customers. As a result, most of the dishes here come with white meat, salad and soup. They even add fruits and yoghurt to their desserts.
For beverages, the café serves soft drinks, fruit juices, coffee, tea, liquors and even wines. Gula Melaka Layer Tea is their specially created drink. It tastes sweet and has three layers.
The café sells gifts and souvenirs too. Mugs, books, scarfs and T-shirts can be bought here for friends.
Location: 83, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-281 6813 Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:00am – 1:00am
Saturday & Sunday: 9:00am – 1:00am Facebook
11. Kaya-Kaya Cafe Melaka
Make it a point to stop by the café when you are around Jonker Street.
Kaya-Kaya café is a beautiful vintage café in Melaka. The café is a reflection of Melaka City’s rich culture, history and traditions.
With ancient brick walls and wooden furniture, Kaya-Kaya Café take you to a time travel, probably decades ago. Head to the back of the building where you will find a courtyard. At the back, the café features a great mural wall which has been welcoming endless guests for pictures.
The café offers wholesome and hearty dishes. For breakfast, their Kaya Cheese Toast is the must-try. The kaya is creamy and it feels like melting in your mouth. They add some cheese to add some saltiness to the sweet taste. Start your day right with a hearty plate of Kaya Breakfast.
Another highlight is the Mushroom Omelette. The fluffy moist scrambled eggs are added with mushrooms in butter until a fragrant smell given off. Truly the taste of heaven.
Besides, their drinks have a special name. For instance, “See U Again” is a drink mixed with pandan leaves and lemongrass while “Welcome to Melaka” is soya milk mixed with gula melaka and grass jelly.
Location: 32, Jalan Tukang Besi, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-281 4089 Opening Hours:
Daily: 8:00am – 6:00pm Facebook