After checking into Renaissance Hotel JB, we headed to Sin Kimdo in Taman Sentosa — the old-school JB supper spot known for mee tai mak and charcoal barbecue.
Kedai Makanan Sin Kimdo (Sin Kimdo Barbecue / Kimdo BBQ) used to be very, very famous around here — the kind of place that was packed and hard to find seats. On this visit it was quieter. We chatted with the server; they said it’s because of the Chinese seventh month — the Ghost Festival period, when many people eat out less. Different energy from the old packed nights — but the food is still as good. I’d give this round a clear 9 out of 10.
Where is Sin Kimdo Barbecue?
They’re at 23 & 25, Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru — look for the lit KIMDO BBQ · 串串烧 · Since 1983 sign with the giant crab (金都海鲜餐馆). Shophouse stretch that comes alive for dinner and late supper. From Renaissance Hotel Johor Bahru in Permas Jaya it’s a short drive; easy first-night food stop after check-in.
Hours lean evening / late-night (commonly from around 5pm into the early hours; listings vary by day). Worth confirming before you go if you’re making a special trip.
Mee tai mak — the famous one
If you only know Sin Kimdo for one thing, it’s probably the mee tai mak (bee tai mak / lao shu fen). Ours came in a hot metal pot — silver-needle noodles in a light broth with minced meat, shrimp, mushrooms, and spring onion. They’re well known for it, and for good reason — comforting soup that sits well beside heavier barbecue plates. This is still the order that makes the stop feel like “proper Kimdo.”
Barbecue — still the draw
The barbecue is the other half of the reputation: charcoal-grilled skewers from the front counter, the classic Taman Sentosa supper move. We had prawns, squid, scored sausage / fishcake, charred broccoli, and thick grilled meat skewers — eat while it’s hot. On a quieter night you don’t fight for space — which used to be half the story of coming here.
The chili — excellent, and very spicy
The chili is extremely nice — and very spicy. Ours was a thick yellowish-green dip with the BBQ plate. Don’t treat it like a mild table sauce. Go in knowing it hits hard; if you like heat, it’s part of why this place still scores high for me.
Greens on the side
We also had a plate of stir-fried qinglongcai (青龙菜) with garlic and crispy fried shallots — simple, glossy, and useful next to the skewers and mee tai mak.
Quieter during the seventh month
What stood out wasn’t a drop in quality — it was the room. Sin Kimdo used to be very crowded; finding a table could be the hard part. This visit was pretty quiet — empty red chairs out front, spare orange tabletops stacked by the entrance. Staff said it’s because of the Chinese seventh month / Ghost Festival — not a long stretch of slow business, just that seasonal lull. Same shop, same food reputation, softer crowd. Honestly, that made chatting with the server and settling in easier — without feeling like the kitchen had slipped.
Verdict — 9/10
Food still delivers: famous mee tai mak, solid barbecue, and chili that earns respect. Atmosphere is calmer than the old packed years, but I’d still go again after a JB hotel check-in — especially from Renaissance Hotel JB. 9/10.
FAQ — Sin Kimdo Barbecue Taman Sentosa
Where exactly is it?
23 & 25, Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
What should I order?
Start with the mee tai mak, add BBQ skewers, and go careful on the chili — it’s excellent but very spicy.
Is it still crowded?
Not on this visit — staff said it’s quieter during the Chinese seventh month (Ghost Festival). Used to be hard to find seats on normal nights; during this period it’s easier to walk in.
How does it pair with Renaissance Hotel JB?
Easy first meal after check-in — short drive from Permas Jaya to Taman Sentosa. See the Renaissance Hotel JB review for the stay notes.
How this note got written
Dictated on Cursor Mobile with Wispr Flow after hotel check-in — speak the supper notes, ship the page.