About Jalan Dhoby
Nestled in the heart of Johor Bahru’s Old Town, Jalan Dhoby is a heritage-rich street known for its charming mix of colonial shophouses, quirky cafés, and vibrant murals. Once dominated by Indian laundrymen (“dhobys”), the area has transformed into a buzzing café-hopping paradise, attracting tourists, photographers, and foodies alike.
Location
Address: Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
How to Get There:
- 10-minute walk from JB Sentral/CIQ checkpoint
- Grab/taxi accessible; nearby street parking availabl
- Accessible via Causeway Link and public buses
What to Eat at Jalan Dhoby
Jalan Dhoby is a foodie’s delight, offering a mix of heritage eats and modern brunch cafés.
Must-Try Food Spots:
- IT Roo Café – Award-winning Hainanese chicken chop
- Salahuddin Bakery – Since 1937; famous for curry puffs and traditional breads
- The Replacement Lodge & Kitchen – Chic brunch café with churros and eggs benedict
- Flowers in the Window – Aesthetic café with edible flowers in dishes
- Chaiwalla & Co. – Container café with Thai milk tea and cold brews
- Faculty of Caffeine – Industrial-vibe café with specialty coffee
- Palates & Bagels by T.A.M. – Unique bagels and artisan drinks
Why Jalan Dhoby Is a Great Food Street
- Heritage Eateries: Like Salahuddin Bakery & IT Roo Café
- Affordable: Meals from RM 10 to RM 30
- Fusion Cafés: Trendy dishes with local twists
- Photogenic: Murals, colonial shopfronts & floral cafés
- Walkable: Easy to explore in under 2 hours
Why is Jalan Dhoby So Popular?
- Café Culture: Dozens of creative cafés with photogenic interiors
- Heritage Vibes: Restored colonial architecture and nostalgic shopfronts
- Instagram-Worthy: Colorful murals, hanging plants, and rustic doors
- Walkable: Easily explored on foot from Tan Hiok Nee and City Square Mall
- Cultural Fusion: Indian-Muslim heritage mixed with hip, modern design
Tips for Visiting Jalan Dhoby
- Best time to visit: 10 AM to 4 PM (for food, coffee, and good lighting)
- Wear comfy shoes – explore neighboring Tan Hiok Nee for more gems
- Bring cash + e-wallet (some shops are cash-only)
- Bring your camera – murals, signage, and vintage doors abound
- Avoid weekends if you dislike crowds; weekday mornings are ideal
Nearby Attractions
| Attraction | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Jalan Tan Hiok Nee | Heritage shophouses, murals, banana cake |
| Hiap Joo Bakery | Charcoal-baked banana cake since 1919 |
| Johor Ancient Temple | JB’s oldest Chinese temple |
| Red House | Cultural space + café with murals |
| Chinese Heritage Museum | 4-storey museum showcasing Chinese-Malay history |
Famous Restaurants at Jalan Dhoby (Table)
| Restaurant | Speciality | Price (MYR) | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| IT Roo Café | Chicken Chop | 15–20 | ⭐ 4.1 |
| Salahuddin Bakery | Curry Puff, Roti Bengali | 2–10 | ⭐ 4.3 |
| The Replacement Lodge | Brunch & Coffee | 25–40 | ⭐ 4.3 |
| Flowers in the Window | Vegetarian, Floral Dishes | 20–35 | ⭐ 4.2 |
| Faculty of Caffeine | Coffee & Sandwiches | 18–30 | ⭐ 4.1 |
Local Favorites
- Hiap Joo Banana Cake – JB legend for a reason
- Grilled Cheese Toast at Faculty of Caffeine
- Curry Puff from Salahuddin Bakery
- Bagels at Palates & Bagels
- Thai Milk Tea at Chaiwalla & Co.
MyTrip Review
“I fell in love with Jalan Dhoby’s old-school charm and vibrant café culture. It’s a perfect spot for brunch lovers, mural hunters, and anyone seeking a chill, nostalgic experience in Johor Bahru. Definitely worth a half-day stop!”
Rating: 4.5/5
Best For: Café-hopping | Street Photography | History Walks
