Our food journey in Johor Bahru led us to a striking white colonial-style building that instantly caught our attention and admittedly, gave us a moment of pause. We couldn’t help but wonder: Was this going to be one of those places where the ambience costs as much as the meal?
But stepping into Sama Sama Cuisine quickly put those doubts to rest. Celebrating the diverse flavors of Malaysia, every dish here is a heartfelt tribute to the nation's rich culinary heritage a beautiful reflection of its culture, taste, and warmth.
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| Sama Sama |
Thankfully, Sama Sama Cuisine proved otherwise. This No Pork, No Lard eatery celebrates the rich and diverse flavors of Malaysia, with every dish serving as a heartfelt tribute to the nation’s culinary heritage.
And just recently, on 13 March 2025, all Sama Sama Cuisine outlets received certification from iMesra, affirming their commitment to using halal and Shariah-compliant ingredients in every dish. A reassuring stamp of trust for diners seeking authenticity, quality, and peace of mind.
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| No Pork No Lard |
Inside, Sama Sama Cuisine is just as inviting as its grand exterior. The space is bright and airy, with high ceilings, arched windows, and plenty of natural light. White walls and wooden accents give it a clean, classic feel, while touches of Malaysian culture, like rattan furniture, add warmth and character.
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| Dining Area |
The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable, whether you're seated indoors or out on the verandah. It feels like dining in a charming heritage home, with just the right mix of tradition and modern comfort.
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| Funishing |
To beat the heat, we started with some refreshing drinks, the Passion Aloe Vera Fruit Tea was a vibrant and cooling choice, bursting with tropical flavors and a hint of natural sweetness.
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| Passion Aloe Vera Fruit Tea - RM 14 |
For the curious bunch that we are, we couldn’t resist trying the drink that shares the restaurant’s name, the Sama Sama Fruit Tea. Naturally, we assumed it had to be something special.
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| Sama Sama Fruit Tea - RM 14 |
The Pineapple Paradise was another standout served with a playful touch, a stick of juicy pineapple chunks laid neatly across the glass, making it as fun to look at as it was to drink.
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| Pineapple Paradise - RM14 |
The honey lemon aloe vera didn’t quite steal the spotlight, but it was still refreshingly good, light, zesty, and pleasant on a warm day.
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| Honey Lemon Aloe Vera - RM 14 |
That Salted Caramel Coffee Cream Chip sounds absolutely delicious! The combination of rich coffee cream with the sweet caramel and a subtle salty touch is such a winning flavor profile. And the mousse cream on top with caramel drizzle and chocolate rice must add great texture and visual appeal too.
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| Salted Caramel Coffee Cream Chip - RM 16 |
The Dark Mocha with a zig zag chocolate drizzle sounds super elegant and tempting! That kind of presentation really elevates the whole experience, makes it feel like a little work of art before you even take a sip.
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| Dark Mocha - RM 12 |
The coffee is adorned with a delicate stencil of the restaurant’s name on the creamy top layer, adding a personalized and artistic touch that elevates the coffee experience. This thoughtful design makes every sip feel special, blending rich aroma and taste with visual charm.
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Kopi Xsama - RM14
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Nyonya Laksa Hotpot brings the heart of Peranakan comfort to the table with a steamy, aromatic bowl of Nyonya laksa soup, creamy, spicy, and full of depth. This hotpot is generously loaded with tiger prawn, tender fish fillet, and sotong rings, delivering a burst of seafood umami in every bite. Complemented by fresh carrot, enoki mushrooms, cabbage, long beans, taupok (tofu puff), and seafood bean curd, it’s a medley of textures and flavours. We had the base of Bee Hoon to soak up that rich, flavorful broth.
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| Nyonya Laksa Hotpot - RM36 |
The Crispy Squid Lemak Rice is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that hits all the right notes. This hearty dish features fluffy nasi kukus (steamed rice) as the perfect base, topped with golden, crispy squid that adds a satisfying crunch. Complemented by Chef Mama’s spicy sambal, tender baby crab, a hard-boiled egg, refreshing cucumber, sweet pineapple, and crunchy tempeh with belacan and peanuts, every bite delivers a harmonious balance of savory, spicy, sweet, and nutty flavors. It’s a vibrant plate that offers a truly satisfying and well-rounded meal.
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| Crispy Squid Lemak Rice - RM28 |
The Chef’s Mama Rojak is a bold celebration of textures and tropical flavours. This vibrant salad features a medley of kangkung, sengkuang (jicama), jackfruit, pineapple, and guava, each bringing its own crunch and sweetness. Earthy elements like tofu puffs (tau pok) and crispy tempeh add substance, while a generous sprinkle of crushed peanuts ties everything together with a satisfying crunch. Dressed in a tangy-sweet, spicy rojak sauce, it’s a nostalgic dish with a modern twist, a true Malaysian soul food reimagined with finesse.
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| Tropical Harmony Rojak - RM18 |
Mamak Goreng Pasta was a truly Malaysian experience reimagined with a twist. Served with al dente spaghetti, this vibrant dish was generously topped with tiger prawns, sotong rings, and squid flower, adding both texture and seafood depth. Crispy tofu, bean sprouts, and egg were stir-fried together in a rich, aromatic mamak-style paste, capturing the essence of street-side wok hei. The dish was beautifully finished with cucumber slices, crushed peanuts for crunch, and a fresh calamansi wedge to brighten up the flavors.
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| Mamak Goreng Pasta - RM 23 |
This hearty plate features House’s Cut Fish Fillets, golden and crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, served with a wedge of lemon to brighten the flavors. On the side, you’ll find a generous helping of French fries, a refreshing mix of lettuce and cherry tomatoes, and two classic dips: Xsama tartar sauce for a creamy tang, and chili sauce for that sweet-heat kick. Simple, satisfying, and comforting.
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| The Fisherman Plate - RM33 |
Fish & Chicken Bolognese is where surf meets turf with a twist. Al dente spaghetti is coated in a rich, savory Bolognese paste made from chicken mince, sautéed with fragrant garlic and shallots, and sweetened with bursts of cherry tomato. The dish is crowned with a crispy, golden fried tilapia fillet, adding a flaky, seafood contrast to the hearty sauce. Finished with a dollop of Xsama tartar sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, it’s a fusion of familiar comforts in every bite.
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| Fish & Chicken Bolognese - RM26 |
Aglio Olio XSama is a bold fusion of Italian tradition with a contemporary twist. This dish features perfectly tossed spaghetti in fragrant Italian Aglio e Olio paste, sautéed with golden garlic and shallots. Plump tiger prawns and smoky slices of duck elevate the richness, while enoki and shiitake mushrooms bring earthy undertones. Topped with toasted almond slices for a delicate crunch, every bite is layered with flavor, umami, and just the right hint of heat.
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| Aglio Olio XSama - RM24 |
Nanyang Chicken Chop is where local flair meets Western comfort. The signature chicken chop is pan-seared to golden perfection, juicy on the inside with a crisp, flavorful crust. It’s served alongside French fries, a refreshing mix of lettuce and cherry tomatoes, and a wedge of lemon for that extra zest. What sets this dish apart is the bold, aromatic Nanyang sauce, a house specialty that brings a uniquely Southeast Asian punch, perfectly balanced by a side of classic chili sauce.
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| Nanyang Chicken Chop - RM 25 |
Topping up the meal with a refreshing side salad! A crisp bowl of curly green lettuce and juicy cherry tomatoes, served with a zesty house-made vinaigrette. Light, vibrant, and the perfect palate cleanser to balance out the richer mains. Simple yet satisfying!
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| Topping Up Salad |
Sama Sama Cuisine offers a heartfelt journey through flavors that bridge tradition and creativity. With its vibrant blend of local Malaysian favorites and inventive fusion dishes, the restaurant captures the warmth of home-style cooking while adding a refreshing modern twist. From soul-soothing hotpots to playful pasta creations and crisp, satisfying salads, each dish reflects a thoughtful balance of taste, texture, and heritage. Whether you're here for comfort, discovery, or simply good food, Sama Sama Cuisine invites you to sit back, savour, and feel right at home, true to its name, “sama-sama”, meaning you’re most welcome.
Sama Sama Cuisine Y Space
Location: 2, Jalan Yahya Awal, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia
