On our recent food trip to Johor Bahru, we ended up at Pin Wan Wan Mini Bowl @ Mount Austin. Despite making countless trips across the causeway over the years, we had never thought to explore Mount Austin. Looking back, it’s hard to believe we overlooked it for so long.
My husband and I have a shared love for authentic Chinese cuisine, so when I came across this place while searching for lunch spots online, it immediately stood out. The concept was too interesting to pass up—Chinese fast food served in mini bowls. Simple, clever, and right up our alley.
Getting to Pin Wan Wan Mini Bowl
The journey from our base at Amari Johor Bahru took roughly 25-30 minutes by Grab. Cost us around RM17, which felt reasonable considering the distance. Mount Austin sits pretty far from the usual tourist haunts, but that’s exactly what makes it special – you’re eating where the locals eat.
We arrived just past 11am to find plenty of empty tables. Smart timing, because the lunch crowd starts flooding in after noon. Office workers from nearby buildings mix with local residents, creating that authentic neighbourhood vibe you can’t fake.
The Pin Wan Wan Mini Bowl Experience
Pin Wan Wan does Chinese fast food differently. They specialise in Sichuan, Hunan, and Cantonese cuisine served cafeteria-style. No fuss, no frills – just good food made accessible.
The system works brilliantly. Grab a tray at the entrance and cruise along the counter lined with dishes. Each bowl comes properly labelled in Chinese and English with clear pricing. The hygiene standards impressed me – every dish stays covered except for one display bowl so you can peek before committing.
Menu Variety at Pin Wan Wan
Beyond the self-service options, an acrylic display showcases specialty dishes. Mini Buddha Jumps Over The Wall, Spicy Mala Grilled Fish, and Frog & Fish Stew cards line the shelf. Just grab whatever tickles your fancy and add it to your tray.
The chiller section stocks cold appetisers alongside homemade drinks and the usual canned suspects. Fried snacks hide under a covered display case, tempting you with their golden glory.
Loading up your tray feels like a treasure hunt. Once you’re done, head to the payment counter where staff take orders for made-to-order dishes. Self-service extends to cutlery, free vegetable soup, and condiments including chilli, garlic, and spring onions. They even provide ice cubes – thoughtful touches that matter.
What We Ordered at Pin Wan Wan Mini Bowl
The free vegetable soup deserves a mention. Dominated by salted vegetable flavours, it tastes naturally sweet without heavy seasoning. Perfect palate cleanser between bites.
Stir Fried Lotus Root with Pork
Crunchy lotus root slices paired beautifully with tender pork. Simple execution, maximum flavour impact.
Sichuan Stir Fried Eggplant
Oily and spicy with serious kick. The eggplant was tender with just the right bite while the sauce delivered that signature Sichuan heat we crave.
Sichuan Spicy Saliva Chicken
Despite the unappetising name, this dish absolutely slaps. Oily, spicy, incredibly shiok to eat. The chicken maintains a firm bite that pairs perfectly with the bold, punchy sauce.
Hot and Sour Shredded Potato
Raw crunchy potato strips swimming in vinegar-forward dressing. Leans sour but incredibly appetising and refreshing. Perfect balance to the heavier dishes.
Steamed Trio Egg
Regular eggs, century eggs, and salted eggs unite in harmony. Truly the best of three worlds.
Salt & Pepper Fried Enoki Mushroom
Humongous portion that felt incredibly worth it. Perfectly fried until crunchy, these didn’t even taste like mushrooms anymore. The salt and pepper seasoning packed serious flavour.
La Zi Ji
The presentation alone won me over. Generous portion size, and surprisingly, more chicken than chillies – a rarity for this dish.
Crispy exterior gave way to moist interior. The mala numbness builds gradually, becoming more addictive with each bite.
Final Thoughts
Every dish delivered despite our random selection approach. Heavily seasoned, authentically spicy – exactly what Sichuan cuisine should be. The mini bowl concept shines because you get restaurant-standard dishes in smaller portions, letting you sample more variety without waste.
Pin Wan Wan Mini Bowl @ Mount Austin delivers authentic Chinese flavours without pretension. The concept removes barriers – no need to commit to large portions or expensive set meals. Just choose what looks good, pay reasonable prices, and enjoy restaurant-quality food in air-conditioned comfort.
If you appreciate this style of cuisine, make the journey to Mount Austin for that local neighbourhood feel. They’ve also opened at KSL City for easier access.
Next time you’re planning a JB food trip, include Mount Austin in your itinerary. Pin Wan Wan Mini Bowl won’t disappoint, and you’ll understand why locals keep coming back for more of these perfectly portioned Chinese comfort foods.