What is Asam pedas and what makes it different from other Malaysian curries?

Asam pedas is a sour and spicy fish stew made with tamarind, chilli, and a mix of herbs, unlike richer coconut based curries. The tamarind gives it a tangy edge rather than a creamy one, and it is usually eaten with plain rice to balance the bold, punchy flavours.

Is Port Asam Pedas by Sang halal?

As part of Sang F&B Group, which positions itself as a Halal certified dining group, Port Asam Pedas by Sang serves its Asam pedas under the same halal standards as its sister brands, Sang Gerai and Sang Seafood. It is also recognised as an official Tourism Johor partner.

What fish is commonly used in an Asam pedas claypot?

Ikan Merah (Red Snapper) is one of the most popular choices, along with stingray, mackerel, and threadfin, all sturdy enough to hold their shape in the gravy. Port Asam Pedas by Sang, for example, builds its signature claypot around Ikan Merah simmered in its bold, sour and spicy gravy for that sizzling hot kick.

What's the difference between Port Asam Pedas by Sang and Family Port Asam Pedas Claypot?

Despite the similar name, these are two separate, unrelated restaurants. Port Asam Pedas by Sang is a Malay Muslim-owned F&B chain brand under Sang Group and one of Danga Bay’s modern Asam Pedas dining landmarks, while Family Port Asam Pedas Claypot is an independently run eatery in Taman Melodies known for its home style set menus.

Is Asam pedas still Johor Bahru's most iconic dish today?

Asam pedas remains one of Johor Bahru's most searched and recommended local dishes, with both heritage stalls and newer concepts like Port Asam Pedas by Sang keeping it relevant. Its sour, spicy character continues to represent Johor's food identity for locals and visitors alike.

Best Asam Pedas Johor Bahru: 10 Spots Worth the Trip in 2026

If there is one dish that sums up Johor's food identity, it definitely be Asam pedas (sour and spicy fish claypot). That sour, spicy, fiery red gravy simmered with fish and tamarind has a way of making everyone reach for extra rice, and Johor Bahru has no shortage of places serving it. From humble roadside stalls to a proper Asam pedas claypot experience, this city takes its Asam pedas seriously.

This is not a ranking list, just a food guide for locals and visitors hunting for good asam pedas in Johor Bahru. Grab a napkin, because things are about to get saucy.

1. Port Asam Pedas by Sang

Port Asam Pedas by Sang is a modern asam pedas cuisine under Sang Group, a Malay Muslim owned F&B group. Port Asam Pedas by Sang built entirely around one specialty: fresh, thick-cut Ikan Merah (Red Snapper) simmered in a bold, sour and spicy thick gravy, served sizzling hot in a claypot with a kick that keeps diners reaching for extra rice. The recipe comes from Executive Head Chef, Chef Kadir, shaped by his years of culinary experience across Malaysia and 5-star hotels. Port Asam Pedas by Sang is recognised as an official Tourism Johor partner, also a restaurant recommended by Tourism Johor and CNA Channel NewsAsia.

What sets Port Asam Pedas by Sang apart from the usual stall is its specialty modern dining concept, with comfy air conditioning and attentive customer service. Diners get a proper sit down experience while still tasting that familiar kampung style Asam pedas which Johor Bahru is known for. It also offers ikan pari and seafood (prawn or squid) asam pedas claypot, and a range of kampung style dishes such as Ayam Goreng Berempah, Kangkung Belacan, Singgang Serani, Gulai Ikan, Ulam Kampung, Otak-otak Tenggiri and more.

Port Asam Pedas by Sang - being a iconic landmark as Danga Bay’s specialty Asam Pedas destination, with its current Johor Bahru outlet at Beletime Mall, near Lido Beach and Danga Park. Offering comfy, air conditioned modern dining experience at its second outlet, KL's first Port Asam Pedas by Sang opened at Ombak KLCC on 28 August 2026. It is shaping up to be a go to spicy local food stop for shoppers, families, and weekend tourists keen to taste the iconic flavour of Asam pedas at Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur city centre. For anyone in Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur who wants their Asam pedas claypot without the wait under the sun, this is worth putting at the top of the list.

2. Restoran Anisofea Asam Pedas Johor Asli

Over in Mount Austin, Restoran Anisofea is a locals' favourite for a plate of traditional Johor’s Asam pedas. The setting is simple, perfect for a proper lunch, and regulars often round out the meal with Deep Fry Siakap Sambal Kicap, Puyuh Goreng Berempah, or Sambal Sotong Petai on the side.

3. Asam Pedas House JB

In Bandar Baru Uda, Asam Pedas House JB has built a name on its Asam Pedas Ikan Merah and Steamed Siakap , alongside a surprising range of Western style dishes like Grill Chicken Chop. Nyonya Curry Laksa and Sotong Kangkung are also worth ordering if you want to try beyond the Asam pedas itself.

4. Asam Pedas Tasek

Located at Taman Tasek, this spot is known for offering a choice of fish for its Asam pedas, including Asam Pedas Pari, Sembilang, and Kembung. Pair it with Nasi Goreng and a cold Sirap Bandung, and the relaxed setting makes it a nice pick for a casual weekend meal with friends or family.

5. Asam Pedas Power

Set along Jalan Tengku Puteri in the Straits View area, Asam Pedas Power serves up a brimming, crimson red bowl in a spacious dining hall that stays busy well into the night. Beyond the classic Asam pedas, dishes like Siakap Stim Lemon, Lemak Cili Padi, and Sotong Kam Heong round out a proper Johor style spread.

6. Dulang Lima Cafe

Tucked in Taman Perling, Dulang Lima Cafe leans fully into the kampung vibe, serving Asam pedas alongside masak lemak cili api and other Malay classics on vintage style trays. It is a good stop for anyone who wants a slower, more homely meal.

7. Asam Pedas D Desa Rahmat

This long running Taman Desa Rahmat eatery is known for its open air dining area, a nice touch when you are digging into a hot bowl of Asam pedas. Regulars have kept coming back for years, often pairing their meal with Sambal Tumis Kerang or a simple Telur Dadar on the side.

8. Kedai Makan Jadi Baru Botak

Known simply as Botak to most locals, this Tanjung Puteri eatery has plenty of seating for the crowds it draws, and prices stay reasonable without skimping on portions. Beyond the Asam pedas, the Kepala Ikan Goreng Daun Cili and Sotong Pedas are popular add ons worth trying.

9. Asam Pedas Adam

Found in Taman Setia Tropika, Asam Pedas Adam is a spacious, family friendly option known for warm service and a menu wide enough to cover breakfast too. Its full course sets, such as Set Asam Pedas Daging, Set Asam Pedas Pari, and Set Asam Pedas Kepala Merah, make ordering easy for bigger groups.

10. Family Port Asam Pedas Claypot

Despite the similar sounding name, Family Port Asam Pedas Claypot in Taman Melodies is a separate, independently run eatery from Port Asam Pedas by Sang. It is well known for its Asam Pedas Berempah Claypot, Siput Sedut, and Paru Goreng Berempah, cooked in a home style that suits bigger family meals, including set menus built for groups of up to six.

Final Thoughts

From heritage stalls to a modern Asam pedas claypot experience at Port Asam Pedas by Sang, in Danga Bay and Ombak KLCC Kuala Lumpur has plenty of ways to enjoy this beloved dish. Availability, hours, and menus can change over time, so it is always worth checking with a restaurant directly before making a special trip. If you only have time for one stop, Port Asam Pedas by Sang is a solid place to start for a comfortable, sit down take on Johor Bahru's favourite sour and spicy classic.