Restoran Woon Kiang - 85 Year Old Kway Teow Kia With Herbal Broth

In the heart of Stulang, Johor Bahru, a culinary institution has been serving comfort in a bowl for nearly 85 years. Restoran Woon Kiang (汶強粿條仔) isn’t just another eatery—it’s a testament to tradition, perseverance, and the timeless appeal of authentic Teochew cuisine.

The story of Woon Kiang begins in the 1930s when the current owner’s grandfather arrived in Malaya from Chao Shan, China. What started as a humble stall at the wet market beside Sungai Segget in old downtown Johor Bahru has evolved into one of JB’s most beloved dining destinations. The restaurant has weathered decades of change, relocating from the now-demolished 15-storey flats to its current home at Jalan Pandan, all while maintaining the authentic flavors that made it famous. Today, the third-generation owner continues this rich legacy, keeping traditional cooking methods alive.

One of Woon Kiang’s most appealing features is its operating hours. Open from 5 PM until 2:30 AM daily, the restaurant has become a favorite supper destination for night owls and late-shift workers. The crowd typically swells after dusk and reaches its peak during the late-night hours, with diners arriving from far and wide—license plates from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, and even Penang are common sights in the parking area.

While Singaporeans are familiar with kway chap, Malaysians in Johor have their own beloved version called kway teow kia—literally translating to “child noodles” in Hokkien. The key difference lies in the noodles themselves: instead of the wide, flat sheets typical of kway chap, kway teow kia features thinner, longer rice noodles that are extraordinarily smooth and silky.

What sets Woon Kiang’s version apart is their signature herbal broth. This carefully crafted soup combines both stock and braising liquid, creating a deeply savory base with subtle herbal notes and a touch of pepper. The broth arrives at your table glistening with aromatic fried shallots and crispy pork lard, adding layers of fragrance and richness to each spoonful. The paper-thin rice noodles, carefully blanched to perfection, become even more delicious as they absorb the flavorful broth.

While the noodles form the foundation, the true experience at Woon Kiang comes from the impressive selection of accompaniments. With more than 25 items available, diners can choose from an array of braised meats and offal, each cooked to tender perfection. The braised duck is a particular standout—tender, gaminess-free, and thoroughly infused with the savory braising sauce after hours of slow cooking. Other popular choices include various pork offal, beancurd, hard-boiled eggs, prawn meatballs, and the beloved salted vegetable with tofu soup.

The restaurant’s ordering system is refreshingly straightforward. Diners approach the main counter where fresh ingredients are displayed, select their desired items, and the kitchen prepares everything to order.

The atmosphere at Woon Kiang reflects its street-side heritage—unpretentious, bustling, and authentically local. The restaurant fills with the aroma of braised meats and herbal broth, while the sight of steaming bowls being delivered to eager diners creates an inviting ambiance. During weekends and holidays, expect a wait—both for seating and for your food—as this popularity means your dishes might arrive 30 to 40 minutes after ordering. But as countless regulars will attest, the wait is worth it.

Taxi drivers often serve as the best food guides in any city, and in Johor Bahru, many swear by Woon Kiang. This isn’t just hype—it’s a well-deserved reputation built over decades of consistent quality and authentic flavors. Whether you’re a local seeking comfort food or a visitor eager to experience genuine Teochew cuisine, Restoran Woon Kiang delivers an experience that transcends mere dining. It’s a taste of history, a celebration of tradition, and proof that some recipes truly do improve with age.

Address: SH-G-06, Jalan Pandan 2, Taman Stulang, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Operating Hours: Daily, 5:00 PM to 2:30 AM

Phone: +60 7-220 0310j