A coastal town in southeast Malaysia, Mersing is well-known as the gateway to breathtakingly beautiful islands around Johor. Apart from the tranquillity and slow-paced life, this sleepy town is also a paradise for foodies.
Along with its gorgeous shoreline, Mersing is also blessed with an abundance of delicious seafood. On top of that, you can satisfy your seafood cravings at a reasonable price! Here, there is a wide variety of scrumptious local dishes that you must have.
Read up on some mouth-watering Mersing dishes that you certainly don’t want to miss!
Ikan Bakar
For seafood lovers, this is a must-try dish in Mersing. An all-time favourite, ikan bakar is basically grilled fish that is cooked on a charcoal fire. Even though this dish is common elsewhere, here in Mersing, it is prepared with the freshest seafood. The best part is you can choose the fish depending on what type, size, etc.–by yourself. It comes with a special spicy sauce, air asam.
Brother Joe Ikan Bakar & Seafood
Address: J80, Kampung Mersing Kanan, 86800 Mersing, Johor
Contact: +6013-701 7011
Opening Hours: Daily, 2.30 pm – 12.30 am
Steamed Fish
Another all-time favourite seafood dish that you must try in Mersing is steamed fish. A healthier option, this simple yet exquisite dish is made with extremely fresh fish. The texture of the fish meat is tender and soft, harmoniously well-blend with light and fragrant sauce. Steamed with fresh ingredients and herbs, it brings out the natural sweetness of the fish.
Loke Tien Yuen
Address: 55, Jalan Abu Bakar, Mersing Kechil, 86800 Mersing, Johor
Contact: +607-799 1639
Opening Hours: Daily, 12.30 pm – 3.00 am
Salted Egg Squid
Uniquely different from any other seafood dish, this signature dish is very highly recommended by the locals. Unlike the common fried squid coated with salted egg sauce, there is a fun twist to it. Stuffed with salted egg, the battered squid is later deep-fried. Best have it with a plate of hot rice, or even on its own!
Mersing Seafood Restaurant
Address: 56, Jalan Ismail, Mersing Kechil, 86800 Mersing, Johor
Contact: +607-799 2550
Opening Hours: Daily, 12.00 pm – 8.30 pm
Black Pepper Crab
While you are in Mersing, you might as well do the most and try all the signature seafood dishes–including this one! Cooked with the freshest crabs in town, black pepper crab is the perfect combination of seafood and spice. The sweetness of meaty, juicy crab stands out despite the generous amount of black pepper and coriander leaves.
T&K Seafood Restaurant
Address: Lot 7411, Jalan Jemaluang, Mersing Kechil, 86800 Mersing, Johor
Contact: +6019-770 9088
Opening Hours: Daily, 12.00 pm – 12.00 am
Satay
Your trip to Mersing will never be complete without trying this superbly tasty satay! A local favourite, satay in Mersing comes in many variations including beef, chicken, mutton, and even the exotic ones like rabbit and deer. The meaty sticks are grilled on charcoal fire, which gives it a more smoky flavour. It comes with nasi impit and special peanut sauce.
Satey Teluk Iskandar
Address: Kampung Paya Tinggal, 86800 Mersing, Johor
Contact: +6019-767 0853
Opening Hours:
Friday – Wednesday: 5.00 pm – 12.00 am
Closed on Thursdays
Nasi Dagang
Nasi dagang is a famous dish that originated from Terengganu. Surprisingly, Mersing has its very own nasi dagang. This Malaysian dish consists of steamed rice with coconut milk, fish curry, and some pickled vegetables as a side dish. Try out nasi dagang for breakfast during your trip to Mersing.
Nasi Dagang Mak Yah Mersing
Address: Kampung Bahagia, 86800 Mersing, Johor
Contact: +6017-714 6041
Opening Hours:
Saturday – Thursday: 7.00 am – 12.00 pm
Closed on Friday
Butter Kaya Toast
A go-to traditional kopitiam breakfast you must have in Mersing – authentic butter kaya toast! Spread lavishly with kaya, the buttery bread is charcoal-grilled. Interestingly, it is prepared with homemade kaya that is rich in coconut flavour. Pandan-flavoured kaya is also part of the menu. Pair it with a cup of hot kopi kaw–the perfect kopitiam breakfast.
Sri Mersing Café
Address: 63, Jalan Sulaiman, Mersing Kechil, 86800 Mersing, Johor
Contact: +607-799 2912
Opening Hours: Daily, 8.00 am – 6.00 pm
Seafood dishes, breakfast meals and meat on sticks – endless list of scrumptious dishes for your next foodie trip in Mersing. While you are here, why not have an adventure in Tioman Island? Get your ticket here and catch your ferry in Mersing Jetty, hassle free! Be it island hopping, diving trip, or snorkeling, you are going to have a splashing fun time in Tioman Island. So what are you waiting for?
For more adventurous foodie experience, check out KKday now!
Featured image by Reezky Pradata on Shutterstock
