A good cuppa, flatlay-friendly breakfast sets, and an Insta-worthy interior are what most of us seek when it comes to cafe-hopping. That’s all available in Singapore, but if you’re thinking “been there, done that”, then maybe a hop across the border might be due to check out the cafe scene there.
The options are plenty in our neighbour to the North. If you’re lost and not sure where to head on over to first, here are 25 JB cafes to check out.
Table of Contents
Gelato with Charcoal Croissant (RM17, ~S$4.99).
Image adapted from: Bev C
Fashion meets coffee at Bev C, a cafe that sells pieces from its own clothing line alongside handcrafted beverages and cakes.
Signature to the cafe is their line of Espresso Ice Cube drinks (from RM16, ~S$4.70). Yup, the ice cubes are made of espresso, so no longer will you lament diluted coffees from having your drinks sit out in the sun.
Dome cakes.
Image credit: Bev C Cafe via Facebook
Peckish diners can have their fill of sweet and savoury delights, such as OH MAMA! (RM18, ~S$5.28), a chicken rendang croissant or Dome Cakes (RM16, ~S$4.70) that are only available Friday-Sunday. These marble-glazed cakes are high-key photogenic for your next brunch post on IG.
Halal: No
Must-try: Espresso Ice Cube w Gula Melaka & Milk (RM17, ~S$4.99), Laksa Salsa Johor (from RM20, ~S$5.67), Homemade Strawberry Cheesecake (RM14, ~S$4.11)
Address: 54 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, Johor Bahru 80000, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon-Tue, Thu-Sun 10am-7pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
Contact: +60 16 725 3530 | Bev C website
Chaiwalla & Co. Container Cafe doesn’t have an air-conditioned area like many JB cafes do, but fret not because that’s what their handcrafted teas are for – to keep you cool. Plus, you get free rein to customise your own beverage, selecting from 4 tea bases, 15 flavours, and 9 toppings available. If you’re counting, that’s 540 drinks you can mix and match.
Image credit: @suibianeat via Instagram
The choices can be overwhelming so follow our fave orders for a fail proof drink. For a replica of the popular banana milk drink from Korea, get a fresh milk base, banana flavouring, and vanilla pudding. Or sip on a BBT classic with a milk tea base, caramel flavouring, and pearl topping.
There are more straightforward drinks too if you’re not looking to DIY your own. You can’t go wrong with an Iced Thai Milk Tea (RM9.80, ~S$2.88) or Iced Chai Latte (RM9.80, ~S$2.88).
Halal:Yes
Must-try: Build Your Drink (from RM6.80, ~S$2.02), Vietnamese Coffee (from RM10.80, ~S$3.17)
Address: Lot 2810, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru 80000, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Mon 10am-6pm | Tue-Sun 10am-12am
Contact:+60 17 706 6800 | Chaiwalla & Co. Container Cafe Facebook
Image credit: The Ice-Cream Project
The first thing most people would be excited to check out at an ice cream shop would be the glass case of flavours. But at The Ice-Cream Project, this display is curiously missing. That’s not to say there’s only 1 flavour available. Rather, ice creams are made a la minute, as liquid nitrogen is used to whip up cream and sugar into a frozen treat.
Rocher Fudge (RM21, ~S$6.16) and Brownies & Cream (RM19, ~S$5.58).
Image credit: @ainsfooddiaries via Instagram
While their arsenal of flavours isn’t the largest, they’ve got some interesting ones like Peanut Butter Cookie Dough and Milo Dinosaur – a flavour we Singaporeans will no doubt be familiar with.
Halal:Yes
Must-try: Brownies & Cream, Butterscotch (both RM19/cup, ~S$5.58)
Address: 31 Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, Johor Bahru 80000, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 12pm-10pm, Daily
Contact: +60 7 207 2021 | The Ice-Cream Project website
Image credit: @d_chum via Instagram
A note before visiting The Replacement: clear up your phone’s gallery for all the fab #OOTDs you’ll be taking here. The full-on white interior, marble walls, and beech wood furniture are sure to make vibrant outfits pop.
Image credit: @thereplacementlandk
Don’t just come here for the aesthetics of course, there’s plenty to eat here as well, including brunch staples, poke bowls, burgers, and pastas. They’ve even got Churros (from RM15.90, ~S$4.67) that come with both savoury and sweet dips.
Halal:Halal suppliers but serves alcohol
Must-try: Churros with Salted Egg Yolk Dip (RM17.90, ~S$5.25), Crab Meat Mentaiko Aglio Olio (RM26.90, ~S$7.89), Berries Compote French Toast (RM24.90, ~S$7.31)
Address: 33-34, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, Johor Bahru 80000, Malaysia
Opening hours: 9am-5pm, Daily
Contact: +60 12 547 7885 | The Replacement Instagram
Image credit: @unggalsg via Instagram
With vines creeping over the exterior of Flowers in the Window, we don’t blame you if you think this place has been abandoned. But the snaking queues waiting to get in will prove otherwise.
Image credit: @eatuntilpang via Instagram
All that greenery is another giveaway for what this JB cafe offers: clean and healthy food options like their lotus chips salmon bowl (RM24, ~S$6.97) – a warm salad of mashed peas, roasted pumpkin and avocado, crispy lotus, and grilled salmon.
Even their small bites are on the healthier side, such as their kakiage (RM9, ~S$2.62) vegetable tempura and baby spinach salad (RM9, ~S$2.62). They also have pastries and cakes (from RM12, ~S$3.49) in their display case that look almost too good to eat.
Halal:Yes
Must-try: Watermelon Strawberry Juice (RM15, ~S$4.35), Hainan Beef/Chicken Noodles (RM16, ~S$4.64), Smoked Salmon Bread (RM16.90, ~S$4.90)
Address: 9, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Wed-Mon 9am-4pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: +60 7 222 7489 | Flowers in the Window website
Image credit: @elite_elins via Instagram
If your days always start with Yakun or Toast Box, give Roast & Coffee a try. It’s a retro Hainanese outfit that serves kaya toast, eggs, and Nanyang-style coffee. Even its crockery stays true to the retro theme, with traditional flower motif cups and blue porcelain bowls.
Image credit: @swannomadventures via Instagram
You’ll spot some familiar items on the menu like Kampung Eggs (RM3, ~S$0.87) and Double Butter Kaya (RM3.20, ~S$0.93). Some of their dishes like the Homemade Zui Kueh (RM6.90, ~S$2.01) even have a bit of a Johorean twist. These have sweet sauce drizzled on them, which changes the taste completely.
Halal:No
Must-try: Signature Laksa (RM9.90, ~S$2.88), Crunchy Peanut Kaya Bun (RM5.90, ~S$1.71), Ice Bath Cham (kopi and teh) (RM8.90, ~S$2.59)
Address: 62 & 63 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 7am-5pm, Daily
Contact: +60 11 1895 6100 | Roast & Coffee Facebook
The mille crepe cake is still as popular as ever, as seen by the crowds that swarm both Maco Cafe & Bakery outlets in JB. Their thin crepes are slathered in a variety of flavours, including crowd pleasers Matcha Azuki, Hokkaido Milk, and Yam & Red Bean (from RM11.50/slice, ~S$3.34).
Crunchy Chocolate Mille Crepe.
Image credit: @macocafejb
If you’re more of a savoury person, the cafe also has loads of Western options including pastas, pizzas, and salads. You can even get a couple of starters such as onion rings (RM16.90, ~S$4.90) and chicken wings (RM18.90, ~S$5.50) to share if your mouth is feeling itchy.
Halal:No
Must-try: Original Vanilla Mille Crepe (RM95/cake, ~S$27.8), Musang Durian Mille Crepe (RM120/cake, ~S$35.21), Maco’s Signature Burger (RM24.90, ~S$7.31)
Taman Sutera Utama outlet
Address: 65 Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/2, Taman Sutera Utama, Skudai Johor Bahru 81300, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10.30am-10pm, Daily
Contact:+60 13 727 3366
Taman Mutiara Rini outlet
Address: 29 Jalan Utama 34, Taman Mutiara Rini, Skudai Johor Bahru 81300, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10.30am-9.30pm, Daily
Contact:+60 19 734 3366
They’ve got some feline friends to accompany you too.
Image credit: @kafukacafe via Instagram
In this minimalist and cosy little space called Kafuka, time seems to slow down somehow. The Japanese zakka-inspired decor is a refreshing change from the common industrial interior that many cafes go for nowadays. And if that isn’t enough to convince you to visit, they have adorable pots of miniature plants and furry companions that enliven the whole space.
Just like its decor, Kafuka’s menu is heavily influenced by Japanese cuisine with dishes like their signature Pork Patty Burger (from RM19, ~S$5.56), Karaage Chicken Burger (from RM19, ~S$5.56), and Cheesecakes (from RM12, ~S$3.51).
Halal:No
Must-try: Pork Patty Burger (from RM19, ~S$5.56), Karaage Chicken Burger (from RM19, ~S$5.56), Cheesecakes (from RM12, ~S$3.51)
Address: 16A Jalan Bendahara 12, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, Skudai, Johor 81300, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon-Wed 12pm-6pm | Fri-Sun 12pm-7pm (Closed on Thursdays)
Contact:+60 7554 4572 | Kafuka Cafe Facebook
Image credit: Sorella Cafe
You don’t have to travel all the way to Japan to get a taste of Japanese-French pastries and artisanal cakes. The pastry chefs at Sorella Cafe make their desserts and cakes by hand, so you know they’ve put a lot of care and effort into what they’re serving.
Kori Lemon Cake (RM15.90, ~S$4.64).
Image credit: @lollipop.run via Instagram
Their signature Kori Lemon Cake (RM15.90, ~S$4.64) is a frozen treat that is full of lemon zest – a refreshing dessert to combat the sweltering heat outside. But if you’re in the mood for hot food, they also offer Croissant Sandwiches (from RM24.90, ~S$7.27) with fresh croissants that are made in-house.
Halal:Halal suppliers but serves alcohol
Must-try: Homemade Waffles (from RM18.90, ~S$5.52), Dino Themed Puffs w Ice Cream (RM19.90, ~S$5.81)
Address: 48 Jalan Indah, 28/1 Taman Bukit Indah, Johor Bahru 81200, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-8pm, Daily
Contact:+60 7287 7779 | Sorella Cafe website
Think of L.café as a very hip Western bakery-cum-cafe, where you get to pick from a wide variety of freshly baked bread and pastries to go along with your coffee fix. They’re owned by Lavender, a Malaysian chain of bakeries that even has outlets at Jewel Changi and ION Orchard.
It’s not just their viennoiseries that are baked in house. The cafe also makes it a point to make its own jams and even sausages without the use of preservatives or hard-to-pronounce chemicals, meaning you’ll be downing food that’s as freshly made as it gets.
For savoury options, try the Chicken Ham & Cheese Bun (RM3.50, ~S$1.03) and Otak Cheese Bun (RM4.70, ~S$1.38) that can also be dabao-ed for breakfast. Otherwise, the Toffee Danish (RM7.30, ~S$2.14) and Chocolate Hazelnut Banana Danish (RM6.80, ~S$2.02) will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Halal:Yes
Must-try: Salted Butter Roll (RM7.30, ~S$2.14), Japanese Polo Bun (RM3.40, ~S$1), Iced Mocha (RM13, ~S$3.81)
Address: 64, 66 & 68 Jalan Serampang, Taman Pelangi, Johor Bahru 80400, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 9am-10pm, Daily
Contact: +60 7 335 9966 | L.cafe website
Image credit: Morihana Pastry 森花手工烘焙 via Google Maps
The silhouette of Morihana looks like it’s been lifted straight off drawings of houses we did as kids – complete with a little chimney on the roof. The cutesy aesthetic isn’t just in the cafe’s exterior, you’ll also be able to spot it in their pastries as well.
Clockwise from back: Rabenda, Azure, Teddy Bear, and Fuji.
Image credit: @picturemainstream
Take their famed Azure (RM24, ~S$6.97), which has a lime apple mousse that has been shaped perfectly into a ball. You’ll also want to snap pics of their adorable Teddy Bear (RM25, ~S$7.27) that contains Valrhona caramel chocolate mousse and coffee ganache topped with a salted caramel sauce.
While all of these sound decadent, their bakes are low in sugar and have no preservatives – so indulge away.
Halal:No
Must-try: ¼ Matcha Nama Cake (RM25, ~S$7.27), Peach Oolong tea (RM12/pot, ~S$3.49), Rose Watermelon (RM20, ~S$5.81)
Address: Lot B, Jalan Ekoflora Utama, Taman Ekoflora, Johor Bahru 81100, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Tue-Sun, 12pm-7pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact:+60 16 766 5613 | Morihana website
Image credit: @firdausamsudin via Instagram
It’s not a carpark you’ve stepped into when you visit Café Racer by Grillbar, even though you’ll see dozens of Vespas displayed on the walls and dining floor. These belong to the owner who’s a bike fan and equally passionate about food.
Image credit: @owenchia_lifediary via Instagram
The rest of the place is giving American diner with its red booth seats and checkered tile floor. The same vibes are also reflected on the menu, where you’ll find classic diner dishes like fried onion blossom (RM15.95, ~S$4.68), along with burgers and milkshakes.
Halal:Yes
Must-try: Wagyu Sirloin (RM55, ~S$16), Nachos Enchiladas Chicken Melt (RM15, ~S$4.40), Mudpie Milkshake (RM28)
Address: 72 Jalan Pingai, Taman Pelangi, Johor Bahru 80400, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Wed-Mon 5pm-11pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: +60 19 337 3400 (WhatsApp only) | Café Racer by Grillbar Facebook
Image credit: @ansel_cb via Instagram
Serious coffee drinkers who know their arabica from robusta will appreciate the simple menu at Sweet Blossom Coffee Roasters. They only serve 4 things: black coffee (RM9, ~S$2.61), white coffee (RM12, ~S$3.49), espresso tonic (RM12, ~S$3.49), and a selection of filter coffee (RM18, ~S$5.23).
Filter coffee.
Image credit: @sweetblossomcoffee via Instagram
The name is a dead giveaway, but yes, this JB cafe roasts their own single origin beans to produce their aromatic cuppas. While they don’t serve any cakes and pastries with their drinks, the cafe welcomes patrons to enjoy any treats they’ve bought at the patisserie next door on their premises.
Halal:Not halal certified but drinks do not contain alcohol
Must-try: Espresso Tonic (RM12, ~S$3.49)
Address: 28, Jalan Maju, Taman Pelangi, Johor Bahru 80400, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Sat-Wed 9am-5pm (Closed on Thursdays & Fridays)
Contact: +60 16 770 5139 | Sweet Blossom Coffee Roasters website
Image credit: M2 Cafe via Facebook
Visiting M2 Cafe will be like playing a game of Hidden Mickey on easy mode. Everywhere you turn – from the lights to the seats, and even on the tableware – are motifs of the Disney icon’s big ears, white gloves, red pants, and yellow shoes.
Image credit: M2 Cafe via Facebook
They have Western and Japanese dishes, and even hotpot on their menu. As for desserts, their Tiramisu Cake (RM18, ~S$5.24) has a cocoa-dusted Mickey logo on it while the choco dip in their Mickey Choco Fondue (RM25, ~S$7.28) comes in a Mickey mug.
Halal:No
Must-try: Belgian Caramel Cheesecake (RM18, ~S$5.24), Vanilla Peach Waffle (RM18, ~S$5.24), Smoke Duck Creamy Carbonara (RM18, ~S$5.24)
Address: 7-01 Jalan Austin Heights 8/8, Taman Mount Austin, Johor Bahru 81100, Malaysia
Opening hours: Wed-Mon 5pm-11pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Contact:+60 115 853 3065 | M2 Cafe Facebook
Image credit: @theatlasmaison via Instagram
The Atlas Maison has all the makings of a cosy cafe you’ll want to while an afternoon away at: an assortment of freshly-baked pastries, strong brewed coffee, and sweet and savoury brunch items. It doesn’t hurt that the cafe has a clean aesthetic with comfy booth seats and soft lighting to read the magazines displayed at the front bar.
Image credit: @theatlasmaison via Instagram
The fully-stocked display case is also quite satisfying to look at, but getting 1 or 2 pastries is even more satisfying on the belly.
Get the Caramel Mixed Nut Danish (RM11, ~S$3.19) that has layers of crispy, flakey pastry topped with crunchy nuts. It pairs beautifully with coffee (from RM11, ~S$3.19) or their signature Callebaut Hot Chocolate (RM16, ~S$4.68) which comes in 54% or 70% cocoa variations.
Halal:No
Must-try: Pain au Chocolat (RM7.5, ~S$2.19), Custard Doughnut (RM6, ~S$1.75)
Address: 32 Jalan Mount Austin 8/7, Taman Mount Austin, Johor Bahru 81100, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 9am-5pm, Daily
Contact:+60 14 320 7823 | The Atlas Maison Instagram
Coffee brewing is serious business at JWC, The Factory 30; their baristas have won awards for their cups of joe in national competitions.
You can catch these baristas in action at the V-shaped bar that takes up a substantial portion of the 1st floor. It’s not just regular gourmet brews like lattes and flat whites they’ll be able to whip up expertly, they are also well-versed in creating complex coffee-based cocktails like the fiery Irish Coffee (RM40, ~S$11.70) that comes with a shot of whiskey.
Halal:No
Must-try: Irish coffee (RM40, ~S$11.70), Tiramisu Box (RM38, ~S$11.11), Ice Drip Coffee (RM28, ~S$8.19)
Address: 30 Jalan Mutiara Emas 5/3, Taman Mount Austin, Johor Bahru 81100, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 11am-11pm, Daily
Contact:+60 12 521 6442 | JWC, The Factory 30 website
Image credit: Ammimajus annie via Google Maps
Ice cream on warm cookies already sounds like a match made in heaven. But the fact that these cookies from Creamery Boutique Ice Cream are filled with sauces that ooze out when you take a bite adds a new level of decadence.
Image credit: @rocksnclouds via Instagram
Choose from 12 ice-cream flavours and 6 large base cookies filled with chocolate lava, matcha lava, and salted egg lava. Psst, we’ve heard that Matcha Lava Biscuit with Earl Grey Ice Cream (RM16, ~S$4.68) is a great combination for tea lovers.
Halal:No
Must-try: Chocolate Banana, Cheese, Baby Milk – Single Scoop (RM9.90, ~S$2,90) Double Scoop (RM15.50, ~S$4.53)
Address: 33 Jalan Austin Heights 8/3 Taman Mount Austin, Johor Bahru 81100, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Sun-Tue,Thu 1pm-9pm | Fri-Sat 1pm-10pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
Contact: +60 12 451 3357 | Creamery Boutique Ice Cream Facebook
Image credit: @annettecaely via Instagram
Vegetarian food doesn’t just have to be salads, as dining at Image Cooker will show. You’ll hardly miss having meat once you sink your teeth into burgers like the Mushroom Steak Burger (RM18.90, ~S$5.30) that replaces meat with a thick slab of umami-rich portobello.
Quirky camera lens cup.
Image credit: @xxxapplegurle via Instagram
Meals aside, the cafe also serves quirkiness with their dishes plated on army mess tins and drinks in camera lens cups – something that might be worth capturing for your socials.
Halal:Not certified but dishes are vegetarian
Must-try: Mini Steamboat (RM20.90, ~S$6.12), Mushroom Baked Rice (RM20.90, ~S$6.12), Mini Potato Pizzas (RM16.90, ~S$4.94)
Address: 19B&C Jalan Harmonium 33/1, Taman Desa Tebrau, Johor Bahru 81100, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 11am-9pm, Daily
Contact:+60 16 776 9790 | Image Cooker Facebook
Image credit: @thebreworchestra via Instagram
The Brew Orchestra will make it easy to stick to your diet, even in food-centric JB. Their signature Power Bowls are packed with proteins like Flame Grilled Beef (RM26, ~S$7.60) or Cajun Grilled Chicken Leg (RM32, ~S$9.29). These come served with your choice of brown rice, salad, or mashed sweet potatoes to make a filling meal.
The Breakfast Orchestra.
Image credit: @yumikoleng via Instagram
There’s still the option to indulge if you’d like to. The Monster Burger (RM25, ~S$7.26) is their take on our McSpicy that’s worth giving yourself a cheat day. Or, blow your calories on The Breakfast Orchestra (RM25, ~S$7.26) that surprisingly feeds just 1.
Halal:No
Must-try: Eggs Benedict (RM24, ~S$6.97), Sweet Potato Latte (RM15, ~S$4.39)
Address: 19 Jalan Molek 1/5C, Taman Molek, Johor Bahru 81100, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-7pm | Sat-Sun 8.30am-7pm
Contact:+60 16 735 0952 | The Brew Orchestra Facebook
In the booming cafe scene, My Liberica is one of the few local coffee brands that Malaysia has to boast of. This gem along Taman Molek is run by a team of very serious coffee makers who also own their own coffee plantation.
Take a seat at the coffee bar to watch the baristas do their thang from up close and be fascinated by all their fancy equipment. Try their speciality Ice Drip Coffee (RM15, ~S$4.39), a concentrated cold brew coffee made from hand-picked coffee beans of the finest quality. It’s pretty strong for non-coffee drinkers, but caffeine addicts will no doubt fall in love with every sip.
Halal:Not certified but drinks do not contain alcohol
Must-try: Jackfruit Hand Brew Coffee (RM18, ~S$), Classic Blend (RM15, ~S$4.39), Specialty Chocolate Drink (from RM15, ~S$4.39)
Address: 73 Jalan Molek 3/10, Taman Molek, Johor Bahru 81100, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 11.30am-10pm, Daily
Contact:+60 7 355 5690 | My Liberica Coffee Facebook
Cake-ception.
Image credit: @thesugarpantrymsia via Instagram
Quite literally sugar, spice, and everything nice, The Sugar Pantry is where you’ll want to head to for cakes, cookies, macarons, and tarts. The owner of the cafe trained under Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, so expect well-executed desserts that make use of technical French baking techniques.
Image credit: The Sugar Pantry via Facebook
You’ll see that skill in desserts like the Paris Brest (RM17, ~S$4.93), which has mini choux pastries filled with a rich chocolate cream, and Matcha Lava Cake (RM20, ~S$5.85) that has an ooey-gooey centre that pairs well with the fresh berries and ice cream served on the side.
Halal:Not certified but no meats are served and all ingredients come from halal-certified suppliers
Must-try: Burnt Cheesecake (RM18, ~S$5.27), Durian Macaron King (RM32, ~S$9.36)
Address: 11 Jalan Molek 1/9, Taman Molek, Johor Bahru 81100, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-7pm, Daily
Contact:+60 17 770 7897 | The Sugar Pantry Facebook
Image credit: off day cafe via Facebook
The soft cream tones against grey concrete gives Off Day Cafe a minimalist aesthetic, but their food is anything but that. This JB cafe has a variety of cuisines available, such as Australian brunch sets, Korean desserts, and Malaysian coffee.
Strawberry Bubble Waffle.
Image credit: off day cafe via Facebook
If you’re one to document everything you eat, this JB cafe has plenty of Instagrammable desserts. The Strawberry Bubble Waffle (RM23, ~S$6.68) is quite the beauty to look at with its mass of strawberries atop fresh cream and waffle. There’s also the Strawberry Shortcake (RM13, ~S$3.78) that is made to look like a bunny with strawberries for ears.
Halal:No
Must-try: Dalgona Coffee (RM15, ~S$4.36), Strawberry Tartine (RM20, ~S$5.81), OD Breakfast (RM30, ~S$8.72)
Address: 57 Jalan Eko Botani 3/7, Gelang Patah 79100, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-6pm, Daily
Contact:+60 7 585 9539 | Off Day Cafe Facebook
Image credit: Eatbook
From afar, Keijometo looks nothing like a cafe, and could maybe pass off as a dilapidated and abandoned building. But the crowds and queues to get in will tip you off that there are goodies within.
It’s matcha (from RM9, ~S$2.61) that this JB cafe is most well-known for. They have 4 varieties available, which you can choose based on origin, cultivator, and flavour profile – much like wine in a fancy restaurant.
Mentaiko Tamagoyaki Sando (RM18, ~S$5.25).
Image credit: Eatbook
Matching the Japanese theme of the place is the trendy Japanese-inspired food they have on the menu like Mentaiko Tamagoyaki Sando (RM18, ~S$5.25) and Chicken Katsu Curry (RM24, ~S$6.98). Their dessert sandwiches such as Matcha Red Bean Sando (RM15, ~S$4.36) are definitely worth a try too.
Halal:No
Must-try: Chicken Katsu Sando (RM18, ~S$5.23), Watermelon Lychee Matcha Iced Latte (RM15, ~S$4.36), Matcha Strawberry Sando (RM14, ~S$4.07)
Address: 3 Jalan Chengai, Taman Melodies, Johor Bahru 80250, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11am-7pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact:+60 7 331 1825 | Keijomoto Facebook
Image credit: @jinnotgin99 via Instagram
Glass house cafes are always a treat to dine in for their panoramic windows that let in lots of natural light. Grumpy Goat & Friends is one such place that’s 2 storeys tall, with floor-to-ceiling glass panels facing a park in the distance. Inside, the decor is just as inviting, with potted plants in corners and air plants hanging from the ceiling.
The menu here consists of hearty Western mains with an Asian twist, such as their Tom Yum Pizza (RM29, ~S$8.40) which is Thai-inspired with a tangy and spicy tomato sauce and seafood covered in cheese.
Meltique Beef Sirloin Steak.
Image credit: @grumpygoatcafe via Instagram
Their signature is undoubtedly the Meltique Beef Sirloin Steak (RM79, ~S$22.97) that relies on a Japanese technique where fat is injected into the meat to make it more marbled, resulting in a richer flavour.
Not sure why, but they call this the Rihanna (RM25, ~S$7.29).
Image credit: @grumpygoatcafe via Instagram
Their desserts are unique as JB cafes go too – they have a line of waffles and ice cream named after celebrities like Rihanna (RM25, ~S$7.29), Taylor Swift (RM23, ~S$6.69), and Rihanna’s Sister (RM25, ~S$7.29).
Halal:Yes
Must-try: Signature Meltique Beef Sirloin (RM79, ~S$22.97), Taylor Swift (RM23, ~S$6.69), Tiramigoat (RM13, ~S$3.78)
Address: Gravity Green, 02 Jalan Suria, Bandar Baru Seri Alam, Masai 81750, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10.30am-11pm, Daily
Contact:+60 17 891 1366 | Grumpy Goat & Friends Facebook
Image credit: @rainforesttreehouse via Instagram
Getting back in touch with nature while enjoying a plate of Aglio Olio Mushroom (RM23, ~S$6.72) is possible at the Rainforest Tree House Cafe.
Located 30 minutes outside of Skudai, this JB cafe might be out of the way, but the drive is worth it as you get to dine in a lush green forest, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Plus, if you’re tired from driving, this place also doubles as a place of accommodation.
Image adapted from: @rainforesttreehouse via Instagram
You don’t have to stay overnight to try some of their delectable goods, many of which are made in their traditional stone oven – not found in average JB cafes. A must-order is their Wood Fire Bread (RM18, ~S$5.27) that is served with a variety of dips.
Halal:Yes
Must-try: Wood Fire Bread (RM18, ~S$5.27), Mushroom soup (RM21, ~S$6.14), Hungary Chicken (RM21, ~S$6.14)
Address: 25 Jalan Air Terjun Kampong Sri, Hutan Lipur Gunung Pulai, Kulai 81000, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Wed-Thu 9am-3.30pm | Fri 9am-3.30pm, 6pm-9pm | Sat 8am-4.30pm, 6pm-9pm | Sun 8am-4.30pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact:+60 129309914 | Rainforest Treehouse Cafe website
If these JB cafes’ dishes are practically screaming at you to be on your Instagram feed and in your tummy, you know what to do. With the KTM shuttle bringing you to JB in just 5 minutes at S$5 (RM5 for return trip) and Singapore-Malaysia bus services that let you travel to JB in comfort, it’s not hard to pop in and out for a cafe-hopping spree.
For other guides and things to do in Johor, check out:
Cover image adapted from: @kafukacafe, @eatwithxq & @d_chum via Instagram, Rainforest Tree House via Facebook, Eatbook
First published on 31st December 2015. Last updated by Raiz Redwan on 15th June 2023.
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