
IT Roo Café
A legendary Johor Bahru eatery since 1961, IT Roo Cafe is famous for its 'best chicken chop in town' and charming, nostalgic ambiance.

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IT Roo Café

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary Johor Bahru eatery since 1961, IT Roo Cafe is famous for its 'best chicken chop in town' and charming, nostalgic ambiance.
Visit during off-peak hours
Go in the late afternoon or evening to avoid crowds.
Ask about complimentary peanuts
Peanuts on the table are charged; ask for them to be removed if unwanted.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Western, Hainanese
Price
$
Phone
+60 7-222 7780
Address
17, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Legendary Chicken Chop
Hailed as the best in Malaysia, this crispy fried or grilled chicken chop with your choice of sauce is a must-try.

Old-School Charm
Experience the unpretentious, nostalgic ambiance reminiscent of classic kopitiam interiors.

Unique Potato Wedges
Enjoy surprisingly salty, crispy potato wedges that add an interesting twist to your meal.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit during off-peak hours
Go in the late afternoon or evening to avoid crowds.
Ask about complimentary peanuts
Peanuts on the table are charged; ask for them to be removed if unwanted.
Choose indoor seating
Opt for indoor seating to soak in the traditional kopitiam atmosphere.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit during off-peak hours
Go in the late afternoon or evening to avoid crowds.
Ask about complimentary peanuts
Peanuts on the table are charged; ask for them to be removed if unwanted.
Choose indoor seating
Opt for indoor seating to soak in the traditional kopitiam atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
IT Roo Cafe is celebrated for its iconic chicken chop, which consistently receives high praise for its crispy exterior and tender interior. Diners also appreciate the nostalgic, old-school ambiance and the generous portion sizes. While the food is generally considered good and budget-friendly, some reviews mention inconsistent seasoning and a few negative experiences with customer service.
"Had the classic chicken chop with black pepper sauce and washed it down with a root beer float. Chicken was juicy and tender. Potato wedges and coleslaw were fresh. Really delicious meal. Can understand why this business has been around for 3 generations. Well done."
Andy
"Feels nostalgic when entering this place. The food is very basic- nothing mind blowing, just simple seasoning. Hence, bringing out the flavours of the chicken. The mushroom sauce is better than the black pepper sauce.
Surprisingly, the teriyaki baked chicken is nicer than the best seller chicken chop. Both chicken chop were tender and juicy but the batter for the best seller was lacking lustre. Perhaps, the simplicity is what makes it attractive.
The potato wedges were super, ultra salty but for some reason, I LOVED it! Maybe it's because the potato wedges were fresh? I'm not sure.
Overall, great vibes, basic good food. Go for the baked teriyaki chicken chop with mushroom sauce if you have no idea what to order."
Fiona Lim
"Just for the chops! IT Roo Café’s chicken chop is one of the better ones I’ve had. It is crispy on the outside, tender inside, and well-balanced in flavor. The unpretentious, old-school charm of the place adds to the experience. A solid pick if you're exploring Tan Hiok Nee."
Leslie Lim
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
IT Roo Cafe is most famous for its 'Best Chicken Chop in Town', which is available either grilled or fried.
The chicken chop is typically served with coleslaw and potato wedges.
Yes, the peanuts served at the table are not complimentary and will be charged on your bill. You can ask for them to be removed if you don't want them.
The cafe has an old-school, nostalgic charm, with simple decorations that evoke the feel of traditional kopitiams.
While the focus is on chicken, the menu includes items like fried rice and soups that may be suitable for vegetarians, though specific vegetarian dishes are not explicitly listed.
It's recommended to visit during late afternoons or evenings, as these times tend to be less crowded than peak hours.
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Choose your prep style, sauce, and sides – because there’s one for every appetite. Appetizer is a small bowl of peanuts (which you’ll be charged for, so ask that it be removed if you don’t want it). Chinese-style rice dishes and non-alcoholic beer floats are also available.
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IT Roo Cafe is one of the must-try food attractions spots inn Johor Bahru and is proudly touted as serving the “Best Chicken Chop in Town.” The city-centred, rustic old-school cafe has been one of JB’s revered food establishments since 1961. From its classic decorations and picturesque ambience to the laid-back atmosphere, this place brings one back in time to relish the unique dining experience. Their signature dish, the chicken chop, is truly a crowd-pleaser.
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Located at the junction of Jalan Dhoby and Jalan Pahang in old downtown Johor Bahru, IT Roo prides itself for serving “The Best Chicken Chop in Malaysia”by The Star in 2003. Situated at the rustic and charming historical rows of shophouses, IT Roo seems packed during lunch and dinner time. Attracting a good crowd from different ethnicities, IT Roo is a “halal” certified café helping it to draw the Friday’s prayer crowd from the mosque nearby at Masjid India.
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Johoreans are big fans of chicken chop and the most famous one is found at It Roo Cafe. Awarded the title of “The Best Chicken Chop in Malaysia”, It Roo’s version has been fascinating customers since 1961. Founded by Jian Hye Jeoin and now run by 3rd generation owner, Robin Jian, the signature Golden Fried Crispy or Grilled Chicken Chop is a must-try that is available with mushroom or black pepper sauce, and served with a side of coleslaw and potato wedges.
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Along the same street, Restoran Hua Mui and It Roo Cafe fight it out as to who serves the best Hainanese chicken chop in town. It Roo Cafe claims the official title, having been awarded the “Best Chicken Chop in Malaysia” by The Star newspaper in 2003, but others argue Hua Mui’s is better. The It Roo version comes grilled or schnitzel-like, fried in batter with black pepper or mushroom sauce, served with thick wedges and coleslaw (16 ringgit).
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Situated along Jalan Dhoby, It Roo Cafe has been delighting diners with its top-notch chicken chop since 1961. This nostalgic kopitiam attracts both locals and tourists, all eager to savour the renowned Chicken Chop (RM18.50), which can be prepared either grilled or fried, based on your preference. You can enhance your chicken chop experience by selecting either black pepper sauce or mushroom sauce, served alongside crispy fries and coleslaw.
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IT Roo Café earned an esteemed award back in 2003 and has continued to maintain those high standards ever since, solidifying its reputation as a top dining destination. IT Roo Café boasts an extensive array of amazing dishes, with their Hainanese Chicken Chop being a ubiquitous sight at almost every table. In addition to this crowd favorite, their other offerings, such as the fried rice, may be simple but are equally amazing.
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Considered one of the best places to eat chicken in the whole country, the IT Roo Cafe was crowned the “Best Chicken Chop in Malaysia” by The Star newspaper in 2003. This legendary eatery located along Jalan Dhoby serves its chicken in two styles (both of which you might find equally amazing). You can choose to have your chicken grilled with savoury black pepper sauce or scrumptious mushroom sauce.
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Established in the 1960s, IT Roo Café is renowned for its Hainanese Chicken Chop, often hailed as the best in town. The dish features a crispy fried chicken chop smothered in a choice of black pepper or mushroom sauce, served alongside fries and coleslaw. Located near Jalan Dhoby’s heritage shophouses, it’s a popular stop for both locals and Singaporean day-trippers.
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It Roo Cafe is conveniently located near the JB customs and serves up delicious Hainese-style western cuisine since 1961. A standout on their menu is the Malaysian-style chicken chop, which is best paired with their rich mushroom sauce. It Roo Cafe, 11am – 8:30pm daily, 17, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Tel: (+60) 7-222 7780, www.facebook.com
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IT Roo Cafe is Famous for its grilled and fried chicken chop, IT Roo Cafe serves up delicious comfort food with a Malaysian twist. You can enjoy their chicken chops with either black pepper or mushroom sauce, adding a delightful kick to your meal. This cafe holds awards for its food and remains a favourite among both locals and visitors for lunch in JB.
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IT Roo Café in JB is famous for having arguably the best chicken chop in town. [review] IT Roo Café’s claim to fame is its Hainanese Chicken Chop, which is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, served with a flavorful sauce. The café’s old-school charm adds to the appeal, making it a nostalgic best lunch in JB spot.
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If you are down to some Hainanese cuisine, the IT Roo Cafe is the best place to visit. The cafe serves absolutely delicious Hainanese Chicken chop which was regarded as the best in Malaysia some time back by The Star newspaper, so you know what you are in for. The chicken chop is prepared in two forms: Deep fried or chopped.
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Oh yes, if you’re looking for a thick slab of fried chicken, you’ve come to the right place. IT Roo Café has been around long enough to boast about their fried chicken, and boy do they deserve it. The batter is spot on with a thick texture, but light in between, giving you the perfect crisp between the skin and meat.
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For only $5.50, you can get a filling meal of fried chicken chop, coleslaw, and a sauce of either black pepper or mushroom. If you’re looking for something extra, there’s also a chicken chop with 2 eggs dish and sirloin steak. However, should you like something Asian, there are also some Chinese dishes and noodles too!
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Pick your prep style, sauce, and sides – in light of the fact that there’s one for each hunger. Hors d’oeuvre is a little bowl of peanuts (which you’ll be charged for, so ask that it be evacuated in the event that you don’t need it). Chinese-style rice dishes and non-alcoholic beer skims are additionally accessible.
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IT Roo Cafe reputedly serves the best chicken chop in (JB) town. Well, it was awarded the "Best Chicken Chop in Malaysia Award" by The Star newspaper in 2003, nearly 20 years ago. It's an old school chicken chop made with meaty thigh with skin, thick crunchy batter and buttery brown sauce plus fried potato wedges.
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This JB food place was awarded the title of having the best chicken chop back in 2003 by The Star newspaper, and once you’ve tried it, you’d know why!. It currently serves up both fried chicken chop and grilled chicken chop. The juicy chicken thigh is cooked to perfection, with its meat tender and moist.
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Awarded the “Best Chicken Chop in Malaysia” title by The Star newspaper in 2003, IT Roo operates in a pre-war building which attracts many locals and tourists. There are two types of halal-certified chicken chop at IT Roo – grilled or deep fried. The Grilled Chicken Chop (RM14.00) is my favourite.
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Both the indoor area and outdoor area of It Roo Restaurant was packed, and the waiters were too busy to find me a seat. After waiting for a while, I found myself a small table at the corner of the restaurant. They have a pretty extensive menu, but everyone was here for the chicken chop, of course.
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It Roo Cafe is another cafe where you can find amazing Hainanese chicken chop. Dubbed itself as having the ‘best chicken chop in town’, It Roo Cafe is situated in a pre-war shophouse on Jalan Dhoby. This restaurant is quite small, it has an airconditioned area inside and al fresco style outside.
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Located opposite Salahuddin Bakery (moved out), at the intersection between Jalan Dhoby and Jalan Pahang, IT Roo Cafe proclaimed itself as "The Best Chicken Chop in Town". It was said the skill to cook the chicken chop was learnt from the British in the old days and passed down till this day.
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This is the place to take your Muslim friends to have the “Best Chicken Chop in Malaysia”, 2003. Priced at just $4.59 SGD (14 RM), you will keep coming back for the crispy chicken and highly addictive gravy. Address: 17, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
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When talking about halal cafes in Johor, surely we can forget this particular cafe. IT ROO CAFE is providing the place with nostalgic charm and one of the best in this land of foodies. You’d be amazed by the crazy long queue over the sidewalk and streets here, especially on weekends.
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IT Roo Cafe is best known for its award-winning chicken chop, coined by The Star as the “Best Chicken Chop in Malaysia” back in 2003. This dish can be prepared in two ways—grilled or deep-fried. The cafe welcomes everyone as it is halal-certified, and even the Sultan eats here!
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IT Roo Cafe Address: 17, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia & not i say one. This is the slogan for IT Roo Cafe at Jalan Dhoby, the hipster area in Johor Bahru. They have been here for a long time and I have eat their food several times.
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Many consider IT Roo Cafe to serve the best chicken chop in town. As one of the oldest Hainanese restaurants around, the Halal cafe is a great spot to head to for a quick bite!. Address: 17, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
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IT Roo Cafe JB is one of the popular cafes near Jalan Trus Bandar Johor. Furthermore, they have been operating for over 50 years, making them a time-honored brand. Even after so many years, they still live in a fairly traditional environment.
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Over the years, IT Roo Cafe has been delivering the best chicken chop in town. Furthermore, with no alcoholic drinks, this cafe is truly Muslim-friendly!. Additionally, the coleslaw and wedges are way too superb to complement the gourmet.
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If you are in Jalan Wong Ah Fook, it is essential to visit IT Roo Cafe. IT Roo Cafe is a historic restaurant for more than 60 years. It is famous for its signature dish, Hainanese chicken chop which maintains its standard up to this day.
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IT Roo Cafe merupakan sebuah kedai kopi yang terletak di sudut yang sejuk dan nyaman. Tempat ini membolehkan pelanggan memilih untuk duduk di dalam atau di luar. Suasana di sini sangat santai dan mesra pengunjung.
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The fried version has a crispy crust, while the grilled one has a smoky flavour. Both versions are served with a rich sauce that enhances the taste of the chicken. The meal also includes fries and a fresh salad.
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A Hainanese Chicken Chop is a dish made of fried boneless chicken drenched with gravy and served with potatoes and vegetables. Now that sounds Western more than Chinese or Hainanese, you might think.
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Although IT Roo might serve no-frills Western food it is still one of the best places to go to for a hearty meal. Makan Kitchen at DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru. The Pork is made of mock meat.
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Out of curiosity, we also ordered Chicken Chop with Teriyaki Sauce. Chicken thigh is grilled to perfection, coated with the savoury teriyaki sauce and sprinkled with sesame, it tastes awesome.
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Jalan Dhoby is commonly known as the place where silly Singaporean’s go and eat overpriced food. It’s true but that’s okay. But, it’s near the checkpoint and the food is good.
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A classic diner, It Roo Cafe is also famous for Chicken Chop. In fact, they claim to serve the ‘Best Chicken Chops in Town’ – a title awarded to them by The Star newspaper.
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A post shared by lay chin (@kellylaychin) on Oct 5, 2019 at 11:42pm PDT. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by 陳姵錡 nini (@nini_chin_) on Sep 26, 2019 at 7:11pm PDT
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However, its chicken chop had a taste that other shops could not copy. Eat with chili sauce and salad, only one word-perfect!. Image credit: Johor Kaki / bangsarbabe.com
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Alamat: 17, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor. Waktu operasi: Setiap hari (10.00 am-9.30 pm). Ingin mencuba Chicken Chop yang terbaik di JB?
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Slogan ‘The best chicken chop in town’ yang digunakan oleh IT Roo Café sangat kena dengan hidangan chicken chop yang dihidang di sini.
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