Malaysia — Johor Bahru — Bestmart, Taman Nusa Bestari 2 (No. 3 Jalan Danga), 81300 Johor Bahru, Johor
The best covered market in Johor Bahru?
April 2015
Bestmart was a little gem of a find, and rumour had it in 2015 that it wouldn’t be around much longer. But, as far as I know, in 2022, it is still going strong.
Bestmart was a typical Malaysian-covered market that sold everything — food, clothes, dodgy DVDs, electrical goods, etc.
I would guess Bestmart dates back to when the area was less commercially developed, and the market was the main shopping area.
The market inside was claustrophobic, with the stalls and the small shops crammed together.
One of my favourite shops was just inside the main entrance. It is what I would describe ‘general household’ shop. It sold pretty much everything you could need for the house. Everything!
It had a plentiful supply of woks.
And if you wanted a plastic dustbin or bowl, it was the place to go.
It was a crazy-packed shop, full of fantastic stuff.
The market area was great — lots of small stalls selling meat, fish, and vegetables.
Dried anchovies are popular in Malaysia and turn up in many dishes as a flavouring. You can usually find big piles of them on sale in most markets.
And there is something about stallholders in Malaysia. They love to stack their fruits and vegetables neatly.
More neat stacking.
The market was always busy — a popular shopping destination.
Fresh fish.
And prawns.
And squid.
Lots of fresh produce on display.
I loved the neat stacking.
Chilis are also popular in Malaysia, and you can find them on sale in most markets, usually in big piles.
Below are Jack Fruit.
Once opened up, they look like this (not a great photo), and it is the ‘pods’ that are eaten.
In the market was the local coffee seller I went to for my freshly ground coffee. The smell of coffee from the shop was always wonderful.
If you are in the area, Bestmart is worth checking out, either because you need to buy something or you want to experience a Malaysian-covered market.
