Restoran Kak Kak In JB Serves Handmade Dim Sum For Over 40 Years

There are plenty of dim sum spots scattered across Johor Bahru, but Restoran Kak Kak isn’t just any dim sum shop — it’s a living piece of JB’s culinary history.

Founded more than 40 years ago, Kak Kak is a second-generation, family-run establishment that has stood the test of time. The name Kak Kak actually refers to the sound of bamboo steamers knocking against each other, a familiar sound in traditional dim sum houses. This detail alone already hints at the commitment to heritage and old-school methods.

While many dim sum restaurants have modernized, Kak Kak has stayed refreshingly traditional — still operating out of a humble kopitiam setting with marble tables, rattan chairs, and ceiling fans spinning lazily above. This isn’t just a place to eat; it’s like stepping into a slice of 1980s Johor Bahru.

Many come for the nostalgia, but the food itself is genuinely good — not just resting on its history.

The dim sum here is still made in-house, every single morning. From the translucent-skinned har gao to the perfectly crimped siew mai, the team starts before dawn to roll, steam, and shape everything by hand. No frozen factory-made dim sum here.

Kak Kak’s recipes have remained largely unchanged over the decades. Their Char Siew Pau is a favorite — less sweet than modern versions, with a slightly smoky, old-school char siew filling that reminds older regulars of how it “used to taste”.

Local foodies swear that Kak Kak’s version of Loh Mai Kai is among the best in JB. The glutinous rice is soft but not mushy, and the marinated chicken has a deeper flavor from longer hours of prep, following a closely guarded family recipe.

They make Egg Tarts in small batches, and you’ll notice locals snatching them up quickly when the tray auntie makes the rounds. The wobbly custard with a slightly browned surface is encased in a flaky, shortcrust-style tart shell, different from the puff pastry versions you often see.

It’s not just about the food — it’s about the experience. The atmosphere, the sounds of clattering plates, the soft banter in Cantonese, and the familiar faces of elderly regulars make you feel like you’re part of a JB morning ritual. For many Singaporeans, it’s a nostalgic getaway that’s just across the causeway.

Some visitors even time their trips to arrive before sunrise just to experience Kak Kak at its most authentic — when the old uncles are sipping kopi-O and chatting over steaming hot baskets, before the crowd floods in.

If you’re tired of dim sum restaurants that feel too commercial or sanitized, Restoran Kak Kak will make you feel like you’ve found a secret kept alive by loyal locals. It’s not just food — it’s heritage, nostalgia, and heart, all served on a small plastic plate.

Address: 9, Jalan Maju, Taman Maju Jaya, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 6.30am-12pm daily (closed on Tuesdays)