Pin Ming Xuan 品茗軒 廣式茶樓 at Horizon Hills stands out as a well-curated dim sum destination in Johor’s bustling Iskandar Puteri region. Nestled within a cozy space at Jalan Hijauan, this restaurant marries traditional Cantonese tea house charm with attentive service and a menu that celebrates classic flavors with subtle modern touches.
The dining experience begins with warm hospitality. Staff are known for their attentiveness, even going the extra mile on rainy days by escorting guests to their cars with umbrellas. This level of care sets a welcoming tone that complements the food.
Pin Ming Xuan’s dim sum offerings highlight the balance between texture and aroma. Signature items like the crispy deep-fried yam puffs (蜂窝芋角) showcase a delightfully crisp exterior, while the Shanghai xiao long bao captures the delicate balance of soup and tender pork filling. The pan-fried carrot cake serves as a nod to comfort food, though some diners have noted it leans a bit oily, reflecting the challenge of perfecting this staple. A standout is the abalone glutinous rice chicken (鲍香糯米鸡), praised for its fragrant and well-cooked rice that carries the umami richness of abalone, making it a must-try for aficionados seeking authentic Cantonese textures.
Steamed varieties such as the siew mai and shrimp dumplings (har kau) hold their own, with fresh ingredients and just the right firmness. Traditional items like century egg with pork congee (生滚皮蛋瘦肉粥) are served generously, embodying the essence of Cantonese bowl comfort—subtle, savory, and soothing. For those who appreciate tea culture, the Tie Guan Yin jasmine tea offers a fragrant palate cleanser to accompany the assortment of dim sum, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
The ambiance resonates with lively chatter and the clinks of tea cups, typical of a bustling dim sum venue, but the space maintains a welcoming environment suited for families, small groups, or casual gatherings. Due to its popularity, be mindful of peak hours, as wait times can lengthen, especially for larger groups. However, the system of ordering while queuing optimizes the flow, allowing diners to maximize their meal time once seated.
While there are minor critiques regarding occasional sogginess in some dumplings or overpowering seasoning in select dishes, these are balanced by the attentive service, freshness of food, and the overall atmosphere that elevates Pin Ming Xuan beyond the average dim sum experience in Johor Bahru. The combination of traditional staples, quality ingredients, and thoughtful presentation make this tea house an essential visit for those seeking genuine Cantonese dim sum in Horizon Hills.
For anyone craving authentic dim sum with a touch of local warmth, Pin Ming Xuan 品茗軒 offers a thorough and satisfying culinary journey wrapped in comfort and care.
