Onn Kitchen - Legendary Roti Canai from RM1.30 with Kampung Vibes

If you’ve been hunting for the best roti canai in Johor Bahru without the notorious queues, Onn Kitchen is your answer. This open-air warong in Kampung Bahru serves crispy, fluffy roti canai that locals swear by, and the best part? You won’t have to wait in line for an hour like at other famous spots.

Onn Kitchen operates from a charming corner location where a massive tree stands like a natural mascot, providing shade over wooden tables and benches. The relaxed kampung atmosphere immediately transports you away from the usual JB hustle. Unlike typical kopitiams, this spot blends vintage Malaysian charm with hipster-style decor and furniture that makes it Instagram-worthy without trying too hard.

The restaurant opens from 7am to midnight six days a week (closed Fridays), making it one of the few places where you can satisfy late-night cravings for authentic Malaysian breakfast food. Whether you’re looking for an early morning fuel-up before shopping or a midnight supper after Paradigm Mall, Onn Kitchen delivers.

Roti Canai (RM1.30)

The star of the show is hands-down the roti canai at just RM1.30. This is arguably JB’s best-value breakfast. What sets Onn Kitchen’s version apart is the texture – denser and chewier than Singapore’s roti prata, yet somehow fluffier with a perfectly crispy exterior. You’ll spot the occasional charred bits that add an irresistible smoky flavor.

The roti-makers work tirelessly at the back of the establishment, kneading and flipping dough with theatrical flair to create maximum air pockets. The result? A roti that’s croissant-fluffy inside with a delightfully crunchy shell. It’s served on classic steel trays with three accompaniments: thick dhal gravy that packs a gritty, robust punch, mild sambal that balances sweet and spicy notes, and a tangy fish curry that’s so popular it often runs out by mid-morning.

The roti tampal (RM2.50) is another crowd-pleaser, featuring a runny egg “plastered” onto warm, fluffy roti. Pro tip: arrive before 10am because breakfast items sell out fast – regulars order dozens for takeaway, leaving latecomers empty-handed.

Nasi Lemak Sambal Paru (RM10)

Ask any regular what to order and they’ll point you straight to the nasi lemak sambal paru at RM10. This dish has earned cult status among JB locals for its rich, flavorful sambal and tender beef lungs that perfectly complement the coconut rice. The sambal strikes an ideal balance – deeply aromatic without overwhelming heat, with an authentic Malaysian robustness that’s hard to find elsewhere. Unlike standard nasi lemak that comes with fried chicken, Onn Kitchen serves theirs with fried fish, offering a lighter yet equally satisfying alternative.

Laksa Johor

For lunch and dinner, the laksa Johor showcases Onn Kitchen’s versatility beyond breakfast fare. This regional specialty features a thick, concentrated gravy made with fish, coconut milk, and aromatic spices – a completely different beast from the sour asam laksa. True to Johor tradition, it’s served with spaghetti instead of rice noodles, topped with fresh herbs, cucumber, and sambal belacan. The broth is rich enough to coat every strand of pasta, creating a uniquely Malaysian fusion experience.

Western Dishes with Malaysian Flair

Come evening, Onn Kitchen transforms its menu to include Western options. The BBQ chicken earns rave reviews for its tender meat and delicious marinade, while the BBQ lamb is a favorite for those seeking heartier fare. These aren’t your typical Western dishes though – each carries subtle Malaysian influences that make them stand out from generic fusion restaurants.

The Malay-style chicken chop offers comfort food satisfaction, best enjoyed with their home-brewed teh tarik. Other menu highlights include lontong (both wet and dry versions), soto, mee hoon soup, and various traditional kuih. For lunch and dinner, fried rice and noodle dishes range from RM8-12, including popular options like bee hoon goreng (RM8), kuey tiaw goreng (RM8), and the intriguing kungfoo seafood kuey tiaw (RM12).

The self-service system here is straightforward: secure your table first (important during peak hours), queue at the cashier to pay, then collect your order at the counter. Service is brisk and friendly, with staff who make you feel welcome even during the morning rush. Some diners note that live music occasionally adds to the lively atmosphere, though the focus remains squarely on the food. The open-air setting means you’re dining alfresco under natural shade, which keeps things breezy but can get warm during peak afternoon hours. Free parking at the public lot nearby makes access easy for Singaporeans driving up.

Onn Kitchen offers something increasingly rare: authentic kampung dining that hasn’t been commercialized or sanitized for tourists. The family-run operation (the owner’s sister runs the famous Bukit Chagar roti canai stall) maintains traditional cooking methods while creating a welcoming environment that doesn’t rush you out. It’s the kind of place where you can linger over teh tarik, enjoy multiple rounds of roti canai, and still leave with change from a SGD20 note.

For Singaporeans seeking that perfect JB breakfast spot without the hassle, Onn Kitchen checks all the boxes: legendary roti canai, reasonable prices, ample parking, and hours that accommodate both early birds and night owls.

Onn Kitchen

Address: 29A, Jalan Tarom, Kampung Bahru, 80100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Contact: +60 19-799 9588

Opening Hours: