Restoran Jing Seng (金城小食馆) - Zi Char with Signature Curry Pork Ribs

Looking for hearty, home-style Chinese cooking in JB? Restoran Jing Seng in Taman Desa Tebrau is a local favorite serving delicious zi char dishes at affordable prices.

This family-friendly restaurant is most famous for its signature curry pork ribs and traditional Fuzhou-style dishes. Like Singapore’s zi char stalls, Jing Seng serves restaurant-quality dishes at wallet-friendly prices in a casual, no-frills setting.

Restoran Jing Seng occupies a shophouse unit in Taman Desa Tebrau, offering a typical local kopitiam atmosphere. It’s casual, unpretentious, and buzzing with energy – the kind of place where families gather for good food rather than fancy decor. There’s indoor seating as well as outdoor tables for overflow during peak hours.

Despite the crowds, service is remarkably efficient. The comprehensive menu is displayed on the wall in Chinese characters, which might seem daunting if you can’t read them. However, the friendly service staff are always ready to help with recommendations and guide you through the best dishes. Once you order, expect your food to arrive hot and fresh within 10 minutes – impressive given how busy they get.

Curry Pork Ribs

The star of the show! Tender, meaty pork ribs with a slight bouncy bite, bathed in a mildly spicy and sweet curry sauce. The thick, creamy curry is loaded with coconut milk (santan) and soft potatoes that soak up all the delicious flavors. The curry is so good, you’ll be tempted to drink it straight from the bowl.

Kampung Chicken with Ginger & Spring Onion

A traditional Fuzhou favorite featuring free-range kampung chicken dressed with aromatic sesame oil, minced spring onion, and ginger. The chicken has a firmer, more flavorful texture compared to regular chicken, and is served with plain white rice to let the natural chicken flavor shine through.

Ginger Steamed Fish

Fresh grouper fish steak blanketed with a thick layer of minced ginger and steamed to perfection. The fish is incredibly tender and sweet, with a gentle spiciness from the ginger that enhances rather than overwhelms. The freshness of the fish really stands out in this simple yet delicious preparation.

Sambal Petai with Ikan Bilis

For adventurous eaters, this stir-fried dish features fresh, crunchy petai (stink beans) cooked with spicy sambal chili and crispy ikan bilis (anchovies). Bold, pungent, and packed with flavor – a true Malaysian favorite.

Barley with Bean Curd Stick

Don’t skip dessert! This wholesome, home-cooked sweet beverage features barley and bean curd sticks in a lightly sweetened soup – the perfect refreshing end to a hearty meal.

Address: 34, Jalan Harmonium 21/9, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru

Hours: 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM | 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM, Closed: Tuesdays