Restoran Ya Wang - Legendary Herbal Roasted Duck in Johor Bahru

Nestled in the heart of Johor Bahru, Restoran Ya Wang has earned its reputation as one of Malaysia’s premier destinations for herbal roasted duck. With over 30 years of history and a full house almost every day, this family-run establishment has become a pilgrimage site for food enthusiasts from both sides of the Causeway.

Ya Wang serves as a consultant to Singapore’s popular Dian Xiao Er restaurant chain, a connection that speaks volumes about the quality and authenticity of their cuisine. The restaurant proudly displays this relationship, with staff even wearing shirts that announce their role as consultants. This confidence isn’t misplaced—the restaurant’s consistent popularity and glowing reviews from locals and tourists alike validate their culinary expertise.

The herbal roasted duck is available in three tempting variations: Angelica herb duck (当归烧鸭) at RM44 for half or RM86 for a whole duck, Wild ginseng duck (泡参烧鸭) at RM45/RM88, and Ten-wonder herbs duck (十全烧鸭) also at RM45/RM88. What sets Ya Wang’s duck apart from competitors is the herbal infusion. The herbs are unique and not overbearing, and the ducks are more lean than fatty, with a delightful herbal juice.

The duck offerings at Ya Wang is herbal-based with their very own recipe. Diners consistently praise the absence of the gamey taste that often plagues duck dishes, replaced instead by a harmonious blend of medicinal herbs that enhance rather than overwhelm the meat’s natural flavors.

While the herbal roasted duck commands center stage, Ya Wang’s menu extends far beyond their signature dish. The restaurant offers roasted pork at RM18 and char siew at RM16, both of which have garnered their own loyal following. The char siew, in particular, receives special mention from reviewers for being nicely caramelized yet not overly sweet, with a perfect balance of flavors.

The dumpling soup, priced at RM2 per dumpling, features generous fillings of prawn, minced meat, water chestnut and carrot, with the refreshing crunch of water chestnuts making it particularly memorable.

Their Beancurd with Salted Vegetables Soup, available in small (RM10) or big (RM18) portions, contains prawns, squid, tofu, and corn, making it excellent value for money.

The restaurant is located at Jalan Segget in Bandar Johor Bahru, within walking distance of City Square Mall. For those familiar with the area, it’s near another Johor favorite, Hiap Joo Bakery, famous for its banana cake. The restaurant has recently relocated to new premises in the same vicinity, with the updated space offering improved comfort including air conditioning—a welcome respite from Johor’s tropical heat.

Operating hours are 8am to 6pm, Tuesday through Sunday, with the restaurant closed on Wednesdays. Despite the lunch crowds, early birds who arrive around 10am can typically avoid queues.

Restoran Ya Wang has evolved into a culinary destination in Johor Bahru, attracting food enthusiasts from various locations. For Singaporeans making a day trip across the Causeway, it’s often a mandatory stop. The restaurant’s unwavering commitment to preserving traditional recipes while maintaining quality has created a loyal customer base that returns time and again.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Johor Bahru or a seasoned cross-border food adventurer, Restoran Ya Wang offers an authentic taste of Malaysian-Chinese culinary heritage. The herbal roasted duck alone is worth the journey, but combined with their other roasted delights and traditional Chinese dishes, it becomes a complete dining experience that showcases why this family restaurant has thrived for three decades.

Address: Jalan Segget, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Operating Hours: 8am – 6pm (Tuesday – Sunday), Closed Wednesday