Cafes with aesthetic interiors in Johor Bahru
The Covid-19 pandemic and its various lockdowns brought on a slew of changes for all of us. But one thing’s for sure – our love for good food and eye-pleasing spaces have remained.
With relaxing guidelines in the country, you’ll want to bookmark these 10 aesthetic cafes in Johor Bahru that you can visit for brunch excursions.
Table of Contents
- Cafes with aesthetic interiors in Johor Bahru
- 1. Origin Cafe – honey mousse cake
- 2. Off Day Cafe – Korean desserts & dalgona lattes
- 3. Lapo – Malaysian comfort foods in a picnic-style cafe
- 4. Yeon Cafe – cream tteokbokki at a Korean-inspired cafe
- 5. Bowl Bowl Cafe – poke bowls in a garden cafe [Closed]
- 6. Ukiyo Cafe – pretty desserts at a pink Japanese bakery cafe
- 7. The Founders – Australian-style brunch specials
- 8. You by JWC – cold brews & molten brownies
- 9. Lacuna – matcha desserts & drinks
- 10. Tekan.and – letterpress cafe serving mee suah & rojak lekor
- Cafes in Johor Bahru with aesthetic interiors
1. Origin Cafe – honey mousse cake
Image adapted from: 初 · 𝑶𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒊𝒏 𝑪𝒂𝒇𝒆
Street art murals are hard to miss while at Jalan Kulai, where you can see them on the front of buildings. Origin Cafe takes advantage of that, with large windows that let you look out onto the streets while you dine on adorable cakes and sip on tea.
Origin Cafe features minimalist decor and whimsical finishings, including a “Hobbit-hole” doorway and window that’s a highlight of the cafe’s dining area.
Image credit: @iam_lawrence_l
Their menu is made up of burgers, soups, snacks, rice bowls, and noodles, as well as creative cakes, teas and drip coffee.
If you’ve worked up an appetite before coming here, opt for their hearty mains of Minced Meat Rice (RM17.90), a Chinese-style dish of stir-fried pork with pickled vegetables and tofu, or a classic Japanese Curry Rice (RM17.90).
Image credit: @hito.cheng
Definitely make space for desserts here. Their Honey Mousse Cake (RM18.90) may be steep in price, but it’s a creamy mousse cake looks just like an animated block of cheese that’s perfect for the ‘Gram.
Refreshing teas (RM11.90/cup), such as Fig Mulberry, Osmanthus Lily, and Rose Herbs, will help refresh your palate. There’s also Drip Coffee (RM11.90) if you prefer something stronger.
Image credit: 初 · 𝑶𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒊𝒏 𝑪𝒂𝒇𝒆
Address: 41 Back Alley, Lorong Ismail, Taman Kulai, 81000 Kulai, Johor
Opening hours: Tue – Sun 11AM-8PM (Closed on Mondays)
Telephone: 012-963 2100
Origin Cafe’s Facebook
2. Off Day Cafe – Korean desserts & dalgona lattes
Off Day Cafe is a minimalist cafe that has a tree as its centrepiece. Its atmosphere also promises a zen affair for those dining here on their off days on brunch specials, cakes, and Korean desserts and drinks.
Image credit: off day cafe
Fuel up on a variety of breakfast plates, from OD Breakfast (RM28) – a platter with breakfast classics such as scrambled eggs, toast, chicken ham, and hash brown patties – to Ham and Cheese Croissant (RM19).
Image credit: @eatwithxq
Those who can’t stomach heavy meals in the morning can order toasts instead.
To help you narrow their extensive menu down, start with their Ang Butter (RM10), a popular Korean snack of butter and red bean paste on toast, or Strawberry Tartine (RM10), a dessert toast with strawberries and cream cheese over toast with a drizzle of maple syrup.
Image adapted from: off day cafe and off day cafe
Consider ordering Strawberry Bubble Waffle (RM23) – another treat for those with a sweet tooth, with crisp waffles folded and packed with whipped cream and strawberries.
The Dalgona Latte (RM15) is not to be missed either, with bits of honeycomb for an added crunch to this creamy and frothy drink.
Address: 57, Jalan Eko Botani 3/7, Taman Eko Botani 79100 Gelang Patah, Johor
Opening hours: 10AM-6PM, Daily
Telephone: 07-510 3880
Off Day Cafe’s Facebook
3. Lapo – Malaysian comfort foods in a picnic-style cafe
Image credit: @lapo.johohq
If hanging out in nature is how you prefer to spend your weekends, drop by Lapo. This cosy cafe located in Joho HQ Creative Hub – an event space in Johor – has a seating space that comprises shaded picnic benches set in the outdoors among trees.
Image credit: @lapo.johohq
Here, Malaysian comfort foods, desserts and Western fresh bakes will keep you company. You’ll find local-favourite packs of Mee Siam Johor (RM4) and Laksa Johor (RM4), to kuihs of Puteri Ayu (RM3.50/4pcs) and deep-fried Popiah (RM6/5 pcs).
But they don’t skip out on Western offerings you’ll see at typical cafes either, with pastries such as quiches (from RM9/slice) – hearty slices of pie that come with different fillings such as mushroom spinach, chicken rosemary, and seafood tom yam – on the menu.
Image credit: @lapo.johohq
Address: No 52B, Jalan Inderaputra, Stulang Laut, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening hours: 7AM-6PM, Daily
Lapo’s Instagram
4. Yeon Cafe – cream tteokbokki at a Korean-inspired cafe
Those not ready to hop off the Korean culture trend that has swept Malaysia can check out Yeon Cafe.
This new Korean-inspired cafe serves up a whole slew of Korean comfort food offerings – from kimbaps (from RM16) and bibimbaps (from RM16), to tteokbokki (from RM18) and Korean fried chicken (from RM17).
Image credit: @yeon_cafe
If you can’t handle spice but love the texture of rice cakes, you’ll be glad to know that they have tteokbokki with cream sauces instead of the usual spicy, red sauces. Sauces include creamy mushroom with beef (RM22) or creamy tomato (RM19), a vegetarian-friendly version of the beloved dish.
Image credit: @yeon_cafe
Bibimbaps come with a base of seasoned rice or salad for those with varied taste palates too. You can choose different meat options to go with it, such as cheesy chicken katsu (RM25) and bulgogi (RM23).
Another classic, the Korean fried chicken, comes with spicy gochujang (RM17) or garlic soy (RM17) seasoning. Or opt for Half and Half (RM19) if you want to try both flavours.
Image credit: @yeon_cafe
They also boast a counter of fresh bakes to ogle and choose from, including brownies (RM9/each), cookies (RM8/each) and cakes (from RM15/slice) that come in flavours such as banana chocolate and earl grey chocolate.
Pair these up with the variety of beverages they have here, including their Yeon Signature Latte (RM15), teas (from RM15/pot) and kombucha (RM13) with seasonal flavours.
Image adapted from: @sherwin_weiwei & Yeon Cafe
Address: 12, Jalan Perang, Taman Pelangi 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening hours: Wed – Mon 12PM-10PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Telephone: 016-771 2126
Yeon Cafe’s Facebook
5. Bowl Bowl Cafe – poke bowls in a garden cafe [Closed]
Exterior of this cosy cafe
Image credit: @gray_art_space
Bowl Bowl Cafe is a new cafe in Skudai that’ll make you feel as if you entered a Studio Ghibli movie scene. Instead of the typical 4 walls of a cafe, this one is housed in a glasshouse, with an attached garden with plenty of photo ops.
A wall of nostalgic mailboxes and a white stairways to explore here.
Image adapted from: @jingwen_ho
It also boasts pretty romantic vibes, even with the sun spilling through the windows, so don’t hesitate to bring along your bae to check out this spot.
Image credit: @bowlbowlcafe
Feast on healthy poke bowls that are pork and lard-free. You’ll get to build your own poke bowl (from RM11.90) from scratch, starting with protein options such as chicken, salmon, or tofu.
Then choose 4 from 15 ingredients such as lettuce and mushrooms, 2 from 5 dressings, and add a base of rice or salad.
Image credit: @aimialiahz
Address: 2, Jalan Bertingkat Skudai, Jalan Roda 2 81300 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening hours: Thu – Tue 9AM-3PM (Closed on Wednesdays)
Telephone: 014-313 2993
Facebook | Instagram
6. Ukiyo Cafe – pretty desserts at a pink Japanese bakery cafe
Image adapted from: @ukiyocafe.my, @ukiyocafe.my & @ukiyocafe.my
If you prefer to spend your weekends gorging on desserts rather than savoury brunch specials, drop by Ukiyo Cafe. This bakery cafe has a glass case of sweet treats – from cheesecakes and mousse cakes, to tarts and mille–feuilles, or stacked layers of vanilla cream and puff pastry.
Image credit: Ukiyo Café
Their pretty-in-pink dining area boasts rattan furniture and pink and gold furnishings too – a visual treat for afternoon brunch with your gal pals, or a special date spot.
Image credit: Ukiyo Café
Aesthetic decor aside, you’ll find just–as–pretty desserts here too. Strawberry Cheesecake (RM24), a creamy mini cheesecake served in a brie-inspired cylindrical box, and their Monterosso (RM23) – tiramisu cake served in an “egg” case similar to a Kinder Chocolate – are ones that you’ll want to check out here.
Those who still prefer to have savoury meals can find pastas, including their interesting Espresso Carbonara (RM16) – coffee cream pasta. Their Japanese sandwiches, such as “Katsu” Chicken Kara (RM18) and “Nori” Potato Salad (RM16), or croissants with fillings such as “Koshou” Salmon (RM20) are other savoury snacks you can get at Ukiyo too.
Address: 17-02, Taman Mount Austin, Jalan Austin Heights 8/3 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening hours: Tue – Sun 12PM-7PM (Closed on Mondays)
Telephone: 012-936 9760
Ukiyo Cafe’s Facebook
7. The Founders – Australian-style brunch specials
Image credit: @thefounderscafe.co
Johoreans might have missed Peoples and Places, a well-known cafe that Jay Chou visited while on vacation in JB, after it closed back in May 2020. But the cafe has since returned with a new look and space in Mount Austin, and with a new name to boot – The Founders.
Image credit: The FOUNDERS Cafe
Their Australian-style brunch specials are served from 10AM to 5PM. Order the English Big Breakfast (RM29) – a platter of breakfast staples such as scrambled eggs, beef bacon, and potato tots – or go with Banana Oatmeal Pancake (RM19.90) – a vegan-friendly banana oatmeal pancake with banana, honey and granola.
Image credit: @syafiq.kharis
Instead of the usual sourdough toasts you’ll see at most cafes, speciality hand-rolled bagels are served from 10AM-12PM here. These tend to sell out quickly, so you’ll want to get here as early as you can to try them out.
There are hearty options of Avo Smash (RM26.90) with avocado on toasted bagel with cream cheese, and coleslaw, to classics of egg salad (RM9.50) and grilled chicken with honey mustard (RM16.90) to choose from.
But if you do happen to miss out on their brunch, don’t fret.
They serve pastas from 6PM-9PM, with Tomato Sambal Clam (RM31.90) – spaghetti tossed with sambal – and Walnut Pesto Chicken (RM24.90), a light, herb-filled pasta dish, good ones to go with.
Address: 45, Jalan Tiong Emas Kawasan Perindustrian Tiong Nam Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening hours: Wed – Mon 9AM-10PM | Tue 10AM-10PM
Telephone: 017-331 1778
The Founders Cafe’s Facebook
8. You by JWC – cold brews & molten brownies
Image credit: @kenzitshere__
Those living outside of Johor might have heard of JWC. This micro-roastery has several cafes throughout Malaysia, including an Instagenic location in Puchong.
But you’ll want to give their new cafe, You, in Skudai a visit too. It boasts a gritty mix of open-brick walls and industrial surfaces, but with a touch of live plants and bench seats to add a cosy touch for diners dropping by.
Image credit: @you_byjwc
You’ll find the same selections of coffee here, brewed with their in-house blend of coffees, including their customer-favourite Classic Cold Brew (RM16) – an iced, bottled espresso and milk blend that is brewed for 48 hours.
Another must-try is You’s Molten Lava Cake (RM18.50). It’s a generous, rich slice of brownie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and served on a skillet with warm chocolate sauce that you have to pour over.
Image adapted from: @yukikowonggg
A fixed menu of cakes means you know you can always get your favourite ones here too.
Try their signature Tiramisu (RM19/slice), or unique Rainbow Cake (RM16/slice), with colourful layers of cake with cream cheese.
Image credit: @you_byjwc
If you’re feeling extra peckish while dropping by, there are plates of pastas and Korean fried chicken, and pizzas and rice bowls. Among their extensive menu are some pretty interesting dishes too, such as Laksa Spaghetti (RM28) – an Asian fusion dish with pan-seared salmon – and Coffee Teriyaki Chicken Chop (RM26), with a coffee and teriyaki sauce over deep-fried chicken.
Address: 102, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/3, Taman Sutera Utama, Skudai, 81300 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening hours: 11AM-12AM, Daily
You by JWC’s Instagram
9. Lacuna – matcha desserts & drinks
Image credit: @lacuna_space
We all have that one friend who is super into matcha. Whether that’s you, or one of your pals, head out to Lacuna. This cafe serves everything matcha – from drinks to desserts.
The Experience Series (from RM25) here lets you learn how to brew your own matcha drink from their trusty baristas, and then try out 4 kinds of matcha after.
Image credit: @leefranz
They serve 24 variations of matcha drinks with different tasting notes. You’ll have your pick of lattes to clear teas to choose from. They also have a Dirty Series of tea, milk, and espresso, as well as Fresh Beenz series with matcha drinks mixed with soya bean or oat milk in place of regular dairy milk.
To help you narrow down your choices here, start with their Kuki Matcha Latte (RM17), which is slightly bitter, with more umami tasting notes. Those who want that extra shot of caffeine with their matcha can opt for their Yuri Matcha (RM13).
If you have dietary restrictions, Soy Matcha Latte (RM14) or Oat Matcha Latte (RM14) are friendly options for your tummy.
Image credit: @areyoufoureo
Address: 102, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/3, Taman Sutera Utama, Skudai, 81300 Johor
Opening hours: Wed – Mon 12PM-7PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Lacuna Space’s Instagram
10. Tekan.and – letterpress cafe serving mee suah & rojak lekor
Image credit: @tekan.and
Tekan.and is a hub for artsy millennials, as it doubles as a letterpress cafe and creative studio, as well as a retail and event space. Here, you’ll get to feast on Malaysian staples of rice bowls and hearty noodles while you see how letters were once printed traditionally on paper.
Image credit: @tekan.and
Find affordable small plates of Dried Bonito Mee Suah Soup (RM4), which packs a punch with homemade noodles in an umami-flavoured light broth, and their Ramly-Don Ramly (RM9), a simple yet comfort food offering of rice with a Ramly patty and sunny side up egg.
There’ll be big plates too, including their signature Nasi Lemak (RM10) which comes with deep-fried chicken strips and in-house sambal, as well as Sambal Petai Prawn Rice (RM 16) and Butter Garlic Prawn Rice (RM16).
Image credit: @tekan.and
Don’t skip out on their finger-food snacks, as they serve interesting plates of Rojak Lekor (RM9), with all the familiar flavours of a bowl of rojak but with keropok lekor, and Deep-Fried Tempe Nuggets (RM6) for a twist on this Indonesian snack made of fermented soya beans.
Image credit: @thecreativecitizen.my
Address: 102, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/3, Taman Sutera Utama, Skudai, 81300 Johor
Opening hours: Fri – Wed 11AM-7PM (Closed on Thursdays)
Tekan.and’s Instagram
Cafes in Johor Bahru with aesthetic interiors
Now that we are able to get back to our usual cafe-hopping excursions that involve good food and aesthetic interiors, you’ll want to check out these cafes in Johor.
More guides in Johor here:
- New glasshouse cafe in JB with plant-themed desserts
- 53 things to do in Johor Bahru – animal sanctuaries, blue lagoon & more
- New Holiday Inn in Johor Bahru has a rooftop pool & in-house restaurant
Cover image adapted from: off day cafe, 初 · 𝑶𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒊𝒏 𝑪𝒂𝒇𝒆, & 初 · 𝑶𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒊𝒏 𝑪𝒂𝒇𝒆
This article was originally published on 24th April 2021 and was updated on 30th April 2022.