New cafes in JB to visit in 2024
Ah, JB. From the wide variety of groceries available in the many supermarkets in JB, to the loads of fun to be had at the likes of Game On and Sunway Big Box, it’s hardly surprising that we choose to return, week after week.
Part of everyone’s itinerary in JB also nearly always involves cafe-hopping. But if the snaking queues at the usual joints seem longer than usual, here’s a list of new cafes in JB that you can head over to.
The current exchange rate is S$1 = ~RM3.24 as of 1st October 2024.
What payment methods are accepted at cafes in JB?
When it comes to making payments in JB, it’s a good idea to have both card and cash. While you might think that cash is king and a universally accepted payment method, there are a few cafes that are completely cashless.
Transport-wise, booking a Grab is the way to go if you’re not driving to JB. Cafes in JB are located all over; many of which are challenging to go to via public transport.
Table of Contents
1. Eden by Wizard
Earthy cafe nestled in an industrial zone
Image adapted from @edenbywizards via Instagram
You’re not wrong for wondering if you’ve stepped into a terrarium the moment you enter Eden By Wizards. Its exterior oozes serious Japanese garden vibes, with its rough gravel flooring, plants, and large concrete slabs, which act as a pathway to the main door. The earthy theme is continued inside too, keeping things zen.
Image credit: @edenbywizards via Instagram
The menu features plenty of hearty Western food, including the Ocean Trout Mentaiko Pasta (RM35) as well as the Eden Fish & Chips (RM42). Alternatively, the Ayame Matcha Latte (RM17) is a good option too, if you’re just looking for something to sip on.
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2. OutLine Cafe
Go glamping under a faux moonlit sky
Image credit: @unagohhhh via Instagram
With vintage travel posters plastered on the wall, coupled with the fairy lights strewn overhead, you can be forgiven for thinking you’ve stumbled into a romantic glamping site upon entering OutLine Cafe.
The first thing you’ll notice is the illuminated moon on the wall. True to the glamping theme, expect to have your meal on camp chairs and outdoor-worthy wooden tables, with gravel beneath your feet.
Image credit: @mogmog.yokukamu via Instagram
If you’re worried that camping rations are all that’s offered here, think again. The menu here includes offerings such as Ribeye Steak (RM42.90) and Chicken Roulade (RM26), so there’s no need to scour for solid fuel tablets and mess tins at the Beach Road Army Market.
3. Flame & Fern
Flame-grilled mains at this cottagecore cafe
Image credit: Patrick Tan via Google Maps
If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the usual malls in JB, consider heading over to Flame & Fern. A mere 5–minute drive from Mid Valley Southkey, it’s located in a converted bungalow with exposed brick walls, parquet flooring and soft, warm lighting throughout. Perfect for that #cottagecore shot for the ‘Gram.
Image credit: @yoshiko_lifeistravel via Instagram
The large flame logo provides a huge clue as to what’s on the menu. With its massive grill, it’s no surprise that charred meats feature heavily here, with the Char-grilled Masala Chicken (RM32) and Woodfire Grilled Lamb Ribs (RM118) being some of the cafe’s signature offerings. Brioches (RM17) and bagels (RM6) are available too, if you’re looking for some small nibbles.
4. O’ Nut Korean Cafe
Go dog spotting while munching on corn dogs
Located a stone’s throw away from Sunway Big Box, O’ Nut Korean Cafe serves up a variety of doughnuts (from RM17) with unique flavours. These include Creme Brulee, Marshmallow Choco Chip and Tiramisu. But lest you worry about soiling your hands from all that sticky glaze, fret not, the sweet snacks here are all served on ice cream sticks.
They’ve got popular Korean street food such as corn dogs (from RM15) and tteokbokki (RM18) here too. The former’s also available in a variety of flavours including mozzarella, thin potatoes, and even spicy ramen.
5. Mollylicious Bakes
Industrial cafe with pizzas & cakes
Image adapted from @alextayz via Instagram
Those looking to channel their inner e-girl vibe can pay Mollylicious a visit. Featuring an eclectic interior that boasts neon–coloured inflatable couches, bare concrete walls, and classic chequered tiles, it makes for an Instagrammable spot if you’re going for that industrial grunge vibe.
Image credit: @mollylicious_bakes via Instagram
When you’re done feeding your phone, feast on pizzas such as the I Want Everything (RM55) or Anchovies Are Actually Ikan Masin (RM55). A variety of alcoholic sodas are available here too, with unique names such Bubblegum Soda (RM16) and Bad B*tch Soda (RM16).
6. Palates & Bagels by T.A.M
Industrial cafe with housemade bagels
Image credit: @palatesandbagels via Instagram
It’s hard to miss Palates & Bagels by TAM, especially with the huge hole in its 2nd floor window. It’s modelled after an old-school barber with a modern industrial twist, complete with a barber’s chair near the entrance.
Avocado, hashbrown & egg bagel
Image credit: @palatesandbagels via Instagram
The cafe’s signature offerings are quite literally in their name. Available from RM6, their bagels come in a variety of flavours, such as Parmesan or Pumpkin Seed. Mains such as Unagi Rice Bowls (RM28.90) and Truffle Mushroom Pasta (RM38.90) are available too, should you prefer something heavy to start your day with.
7. Blue Door Coffee House
Get taro desserts & drinks as late as 12am
There’s even a queen-sized bed in the middle of the room.
Image credit: @imsooyeonvalerie via Instagram
It’s unsurprising that Mount Austin counts as one of the more popular spots for Singaporeans, with attractions like the Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park and Loud Speaker Family Karaoke located here. One of the newest additions to the many bubble tea shops and cafes here is the Blue Door Coffee House, which is open till 12am on weekends.
Image credit: @jingxuanyyy via Instagram
Taro lovers will be glad to know that the tuber features heavily here. With offerings such as the Yam Croissant (RM13.80), Original Yam Classic Basque (RM18) and Homemade Taro Latte (RM17), you can most definitely be assured that your cravings will be satisfied here. The Matchamisu (RM22) blends artisanal matcha with tiramisu, making it a viable option if you’re not a fan of the root vegetable.
8. Kacani Coffee
Chase sunsets at this rooftop bar
Image credit: 杜彦伸Anderson Toh via Google Maps
Kacani Coffee’s hides in plain sight. But before you go snooping around for hidden entrances, relax, you don’t have to – the coffee joint occupies a small corner of Jaya Grocer’s Eco Galleria multi-storey parking garage. Given its location, it’s perfect for unwinding over a Hot Chocolate (RM8.90) after a long day, all while watching the sun set over the distant horizon.
Image credit: @azadmuhd via Instagram
You may very well relive your NS days here, with the cafe’s camping theme. Order instant noodles – from Nissin to classic Maggi – off the menu and you’ll get to “cook” it yourself on a portable stove. Nothing facilitates bonding better than a shared meal, after all.
9. Brooos & Co
Office-themed bar with photocopier & filing cabinets
Image adapted from @iamdelvan.chong, @tummydrunk via Instagram
Decked out like a 1980s office, Brooos & Co features typical office furniture like filing cabinets and photocopiers. Come nightfall, the bar trades its warm yellow lighting for eclectic neon hues of red and purple, much like how you’d roll up your sleeves and let loose at an after-work party. As the joint only closes at midnight, you can consider adding this to your list of late night things to do in JB.
Image credit: @munwhye via Instagram
Those wanting light bites can consider getting pastries such as their pain au chocolat (RM9). Otherwise, you can consider heavier mains such as Teriyaki Chicken Chop (RM25) and Grilled Squid & Avocado Sourdough (RM26). Cocktails including Irish Coffee (RM38) are available here too, should you like to end your work week on a high.
Do note that they only accept digital payments, so it’s best to have your travel e-wallet on hand.
10. Kokoro Cakery
Alcoholic cakes made with Japanese gin & vodka
Image credit: @koh_shubi via Instagram
Kokoro Cakery’s interior resembles that of a Japanese teahouse – with a spin. Instead of featuring teapots, tea leaves and other tea-related paraphernalia, you might notice that their displays are chock full of alcohol. This might seem unusual, until you realise that the cakery’s signature offerings are their line of alcoholic chocolate cakes.
Image credit: @refaeli_jry via Instagram
Available from RM185 for a whole cake, flavours here include the Tiramisu, which contains Haku Vodka, Kahlua and Bailey’s, as well as the Lotus Caramel Bliss Rum, which lists Lotus biscuits and Bacardi Rum as ingredients. If your wallet’s feeling the pinch, you’ll be glad to know that affordable options such as the Roku Gin White Snow (from RM155) are also available.
Alternatively, teetotalers can consider their range of non-alcoholic cakes too. These include the Hoshino Tevere matcha cake (from RM125), which is made from premium Japanese matcha.
11. Jibril
Butter chicken hidden behind a secret door
Can you spot the hidden entrance?
Image credit: @noorhaslindahalim via Instagram
Not unlike the many hidden bars in Singapore, Jibril’s JB outlet hides in plain sight. In fact, you’re more likely to chalk it up to a bookstore than an eatery, given the big black bookshelf stretching across its facade. Entering the restaurant’s no easy feat, given that you’ve to figure out which of the shelves hides the entrance.
Image credit: @jibriljohor via Instagram
The restaurant is famous for its Salted Egg Butter Sauce, which is drizzled across a variety of local dishes. Some of these include its signature Butter Chicken (from RM15.90) and the Butter Chicken Masak Merah (RM19.90). There’s also the Salted Egg Butter Lobster (RM19.90), if you’re feeling fancy.
12. Re Patisserie
Korean-inspired cafe
Image credit: @nearbykoala and @saltyaaron via Instagram
Located 10 minutes away from the checkpoint, Re Patisserie offers a cosy respite thanks to its minimalist Korean aesthetics and IG-worthy fruit tarts. With its cream-toned colour scheme, curved arches, and quirky wall cut-outs, this Instagrammable cafe in JB provides no shortage of opportunities to get your picture-perfect shot.
Pistachio fans will appreciate their Happy Nut choux puff pastry (RM23). Otherwise, the Cloud Hill (RM29+) tart offers a creamier and fruitier alternative for those who prefer a milder flavour profile.
13. Rapi Coffee
Night cafe for night owls
Image adapted from: @r.eazren via Instagram
For a low-key and chill spot to hang out at till late night in JB, head over to Rapi Coffee which opens until 4am on Mondays and Tuesdays, and until 6am from Wednesdays to Sundays. As its name suggests, you can get gourmet-style coffee, but also tea, kombucha, sparkling drinks, and chocolate drinks all for under RM15 each. If you’re coming for supper, get Malaysian faves like char kway teow (from RM7) or cookies (RM6-RM8) to satisfy sweet tooth cravings.
If you’re lucky, you might even be able to spot the kitty that hangs around the cafe.
Image adapted from: @z.annvar and @rapi.coffee via Instagram
Pick a spot between comfy bean bags indoors or outdoor seating to take in the fresh breeze. There are board games too if you’re there with the whole gang and want something to do.
14. Oh My Ice!
Pet-friendly cafe next to a tufting studio
Image credit: @oh_myice, @bosky_daily_life via Instagram
For all the coquette girlies, Oh My Ice! cafe’s decorations of pastel flowers scream #cottagecore vibes – perfect for your next Instagram post. But looks aren’t the only things this cafe is serving. Their Strawberry Cream Cake (RM23), Strawberry Bingsu (from RM15), and Strawberry Milk (RM16) all look like they came straight out of an animated movie.
Plus, sharing the space with the cafe is TuTu Tufting Studio where you can make your own carpets, coasters, and even mirrors with the help of their skillful staff from RM99.
Check out these new cafes in JB across the Causeway
Whether you’re an early riser looking to get your bagel fix, or just want to soothe your vocal cords with some taro latte after a karaoke sesh, there’s plenty of new cafes to check out if you’re getting sian of the usual ones.
For more JB-related content:
Cover image adapted from: @edenbywizards, @iamdelvan.chong, @jingxuanyyy via Instagram
Last updated by Ariel Soh, Mae-Z Fam on 1st October 2024.