Toppen Shopping Centre is preparing to open Toppen Foodland in Johor Bahru this December, introducing a 35,000-square-foot dining destination with 32 outlets, according to an announcement from the centre. This expansion signals a significant boost to the shopping centre’s existing food and beverage offerings, creating a dedicated dining hub that caters to the diverse tastes of the Johor community.
A New Social Dining Space
The food hall aims to create what developers describe as a social dining hub for Johor residents, supporting a sense of community among diners. Officials noted that the project is part of Toppen Shopping Centre’s broader evolution into a full lifestyle destination, a strategy first announced in March 2026. The layout of Toppen Foodland has been structured to accommodate a mix of sit-down meals and quick-service options, targeting families and younger shoppers who seek variety without leaving the centre.
First Wave of Tenants
The initial roster of tenants for Toppen Foodland includes several brands making their debut in Johor Bahru, entering Malaysia for the first time, or opening in a shopping centre environment for the first time. Among these are:
Related: CP Foods Q1 profit rebounds despite cost pressures
- Sukiyaki: This Japanese steamboat and yakiniku buffet restaurant is set to make its Johor debut following its first Malaysian outlet at The Exchange TRX in Kuala Lumpur. Sukiyaki’s expansion to Johor marks its second location in the country, offering diners a unique and interactive dining experience.
- Lazy Monday: The homegrown Western-inspired restaurant chain, known for its record-breaking burger, will make its foray into a shopping centre environment for the first time. Having previously operated from standalone locations, Lazy Monday’s inclusion in Toppen Foodland is expected to attract customers eager to try their massive burgers and other Western delights.
- Sopoong: This Korean comfort food brand will be among the tenants at Toppen Foodland, offering a variety of Korean dishes to locals.
- Sushi Plus: The conveyor-belt dining concept is set to introduce its innovative sushi experience to Johor, allowing diners to pick and choose their favourite sushi pieces as they pass by on a conveyor belt.
- Luckin Coffee: This popular coffee chain will open its first outlet in Johor Bahru, serving high-quality coffee and beverages to shoppers seeking a caffeine boost or a place to relax.
- Bored Tacos: Born in Singapore, this Mexican-inspired taco joint will make its Malaysian debut at Toppen Foodland, offering a taste of Mexico to the diverse dining scene in Johor Bahru.
- Yobe: The frozen yoghurt brand will provide health-conscious diners with a guilt-free dessert option, allowing them to create their own sweet treats with a variety of toppings.
- B&B Bakery: This bakery will make its first appearance in a shopping centre setting at Toppen Foodland, offering a variety of baked goods.
By curating a diverse mix of debut brands and established concepts, Toppen Foodland aims to provide a unique dining experience that sets it apart from other options in the competitive retail market of Johor Bahru.
Market Positioning
The timing of Toppen Foodland’s launch positions it to capture dining traffic in a competitive retail market, as Johor Bahru continues to grow in popularity among both local residents and cross-border visitors from Singapore. Centre management has emphasized the variety of cuisines available, with operators selected to fill gaps in the existing dining setting. The Grab & Go component targets shoppers seeking quick meals, while the inline restaurants aim to provide more full dining experiences, catering to various preferences and time constraints.
Toppen Shopping Centre’s commitment to expanding its food and beverage offerings and creating a social dining hub aligns with its continued development as a lifestyle destination. With Toppen Foodland set to open its doors in December 2026, shoppers and diners in Johor Bahru can look forward to an exciting new culinary destination that brings together a diverse range of dining options under one roof.
