2022 is a year filled with long weekends, and I’m sure many of you are planning to visit Johor Bahru (JB) for food, karaoke, massages, or all of the above. Personally, I intend to spend a full day cafe-hopping and drinking my body weight in matcha lattes.
It’s hard to resist a good all-day brunch spot with IG-worthy corners aplenty, so, here are 16 cafes in JB (some of which quietly opened during the pandemic) to check out during your next trip across the causeway.
1. The FOUNDERS Cafe
The folks behind People & Places, one of the most iconic JB cafes, have opened their latest venture, The FOUNDERS Cafe, near Taman Mount Austin. Dotted with lush greenery and artsy feature walls, this Melbourne-inspired, industrial-themed space is already drawing large crowds.
The Quesadilla (RM27), which I’ve had twice at People & Places, is a must-order, especially if you haven’t tried the OG version. Other crowd favourites include the Roasted Peanut Butter (from RM8.90) on a hand-rolled bagel, and Signature Superfood Bowls (from RM22.90). Come dinnertime (6pm onwards), the cafe transforms into a vibey, neon-lit joint serving hand-stretched pizzas and oysters.
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???? Tiong Nam Tebrau, 45, Jln Tiong Emas, Kawasan Perindustrian Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
???? 9am–10pm (Daily)
2. Ukiyo Café
In the mood for something sweet? Look no further than Ukiyo Café in Taman Mount Austin. Decked out in pink, brown, and wood accents, the tranquil cafe specialises in French confectionery with a Japanese twist, as evident through the picture-perfect desserts on display.
The entire assortment of sweet treats is a sight to behold — we’ve heard good things about the Coffee Mille Feuille and Raspberry Chocolate Fudge Cube. You can also find a modest selection of savoury fusion snacks and pasta on the menu. The Aka Sausage Napolitan (RM16) and Mentai Prawn Carbonara (RM20), for instance, sound promising, but portions are tiny.
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???? 17-02, Jalan Austin Heights 8/3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
???? 12pm–7pm (Tue to Sun), Closed on Mon
3. Commune by The Creators
Commune by The Creators has been making its rounds on social media, and for good reason. The cafe’s clean, white hues and “nordic minimalism” design look great on the ‘gram — all the better to showcase the artfully plated dishes you can find here.
Expect hearty brunch dishes with Mediterranean influences like Seafood Risotto (RM34), Eggs Benedict Croissant (RM19), and Miso Alfredo Udon (RM25). They’ve also jumped on the bagel bandwagon with Fresh Baked Bagels (from RM8), which can be topped with cream cheese, Japanese furikake, and more.
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???? 228 & 230, Jalan Adda 7, Taman Adda Heights, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
???? 9am–6pm (Daily)
4. Keijometo
Keijometo has become a hotspot for camera-touting influencers and artsy individuals with a penchant for the “moody”, grey aesthetic. Its raw, unfinished industrial-themed concept reminds me of an art gallery, with concrete seats, an old-school box TV, and even a piano — one of the most IG-worthy spaces to emerge in the flourishing JB cafe scene.
The menu is predominantly Japanese, with highlights like Mentaiko Tamago (RM18) and Salmon Ochazuke (RM30). Come for the speciality matcha drinks and desserts prepared using Yuri matcha from Niko Neko Matcha, including the Matcha Red Bean Sando (RM15) and Watermelon Matcha Iced Latte (RM15). Matcha lovers must pay them a visit ASAP.
Do note that there is a minimum consumption of one beverage or one course per guest.
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???? 3, Jalan Chengai, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
???? 11.30am–9pm (Tue to Sun), Closed on Mon
5. Fifty Trees
Situated just a five-minute walk from Keijometo, Fifty Trees is a family-friendly cafe with a garden concept, high ceilings, and natural light streaming in through the windows, akin to dining in a greenhouse. But with air conditioning, of course.
This cafe boasts a fusion menu with an emphasis on local delights, including an all-too-familiar Hainanese Chicken Rice (RM13.90). Order the Nutella Banana Pancakes (RM19.90) or Homemade Tiramisu (RM14.90) and laze the afternoon away.
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???? 53, Jln Beringin, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
???? 9am–10pm (Daily)
6. D’ Cafe
The popular D’ Cafe is a mere five mins drive from KSL City, perfect for those looking to indulge in a spot of retail therapy before or after brunch. The space is graced with floor-to-ceiling windows and a glass skylight, giving plenty of opportunities for guests to whip out their cameras.
You can find the likes of Asian Sally (S$28), salmon fried rice, and Pot-a-tato Rosti (RM32) on the menu, so be sure to work up an appetite beforehand. Quench your post-shopping thirst with an iced coffee or sparkling Pomegranate Breeze (RM15).
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???? 9, Jalan Kelewang, Taman Sri Tebrau, 80050 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
???? 10am–7pm (Daily)
7. Dusk by Mok Mok
Helmed by the team behind Mok Mok Brunch & Bistro and Bloom by Mokmok, the bohemian-themed Dusk by Mok Mok may tempt you into booking a flight to Bali, pronto.
Amidst the selection of Japanese, Italian, and Western cuisine available, the comforting Gyutan Don (RM29) and Unagi Chazuke (RM38) have been a hit with the crowds. For the full “tropical paradise” experience, order the colourful Smoothie Bowls or a quirky mermaid tail-topped dessert like the Kumo Ultimo 2.0 (RM25).
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???? 49, Jalan Perang, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
???? 12pm–10pm (Daily)
8. Yeon Cafe
Also in the Taman Pelangi area is Yeon Cafe, a cosy Korean cafe with a warm and welcoming ambience that’ll make you want to stay for hours. If only.
From Rainbow Kimbap (from RM18) to Tteokbokki (from RM20), the cafe dishes up comforting Korean food classics that are oh Seoul good. Pair your Americano (RM10 for hot, RM12 for cold) with homely baked goods like the Earl Grey Scone (RM9), Pistachio Raspberry Financier (RM8), and assorted Sliced Cakes (from RM15).
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???? 12, Jalan Perang, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
???? 12pm–10pm (Mon, Wed to Sun), Closed on Tue
9. Mrs Whó
The Muslim-owned Mrs Whó serves all-day brunch in a space best described as “clean with pops of green”. Here’s a tip: visit during golden hour if you want to capture some seriously dreamy photos.
Go all out and indulge in the Whó Fried Chicken Waffles (RM31.90), Golden Cheese Sandwich (RM23.90), or Spiced Rendang Nasi Lemak (RM28.90). Don’t forget to leave some room for the equally decadent desserts, flavoured coffees, and refreshing spritzers.
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???? Jalan Storey, Bukit Senyum, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
???? 11am–8pm (Tue to Thu), 2pm–8pm (Fri), 9am–8pm (Sat & Sun), Closed on Mon
10. Principle Cafe by T.A.M
A stone’s throw away from Woodlands Checkpoint is Principle Cafe by T.A.M, a zen cafe serving Western cuisine with Japanese influences. You can expect the food served to be a little more refined, as the kitchen is run by an award-winning S.Pellegrino Young Chef.
Although many go straight for the Pan-sear Farmed Seabass w Beurre Blanc (RM42.90) and Smoked Duck Pizza with Mornay Sauce, there are tons of vegetarian options on the menu for guests with different dietary preferences. End the meal on a sweet note with the Hojicha Terrine Tart (RM13/slice) and colour-changing Iced Butterfly Pea Lemonade (RM10.90).
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???? 82, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
???? 11.15am–9pm (Mon to Fri), 10.15am–9pm (Sat & Sun)
11. Nikkō & Yōryō
Nikkō & Yōryō is a modern fusion industrial-themed Japanese cafe with vintage accents and lighting that wouldn’t look out of place in a Wong Kar-wai film set.
Savoury options include the Nikko Sando (RM18), Chirashi (RM28), and Tori Pasta (RM24), but if you could only order one dish, the bestselling Souffle Pancake (RM20) would be your best bet. Grab a glass of Cha Chu Yuzu (RM16) or Sparkling Passionfruit (RM15) and strike a pose in the incredibly IG-worthy space.
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???? No 72, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/4, Taman Sutera Utama, 81300 johor, Johor, Malaysia
???? 11am–11pm (Daily)
12. Signature by Nosh
You don’t have to be a fitness junkie or a health nut to enjoy the speciality poké and grain bowls served at Signature by Nosh. They’re located in a sports complex in the Taman Sutera area — very fitting.
Build your own Poké Bowl (from RM15.90) and top ’em with proteins like Spicy Aioli Salmon and Chilli Lime Prawn. The Poke Tacos (from RM9.90) and Vegetarian Fried Chicken (RM20.90) are both tasty and (relatively) healthy options, but you can totally go for the Shaka Fried Chicken (RM15.90) or Classic Burnt Cheesecake (RM12) if you like. Live a little.
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???? Sutera Sports World, Jalan Persisiran Sutera Danga 1, Taman Sutera Utama, 81300 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
???? 9am–10pm (Daily)
13. Lune24
Lune24 has one of the most rustic and unique open-air cafe concepts you can find in JB. They only open in the evening, and you’ve got to order from a small wooden kiosk straight out of a Studio Ghibli film. The narrow wooden tables and makeshift chairs make for a romantic “glamping” experience (for a few hours, at least).
Little is known about the rotating dessert-centric menu they offer, which may include the likes of Matcha Mango Cake, Dark Chocolate Berry Tart, and chocolate-coated Madeleines (RM12). Well, there’s no better way to find out than in person.
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???? R.O. Memories, 2, Jalan Bertingkat Skudai, Jalan Roda, 81300 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
???? 6pm–12pm (Mon, Thu to Sun), Closed on Tue and Wed
14. Soil JB
Soil JB is run by The Atlas Bakery, an artisanal bakery best known for French pastries. True to its name, the cafe is surrounded by green foliage and trees with aerial roots that further enhance the already-magical ambience.
The Pain Au Choclat (RM6) or Canele de Bordeaux (RM6) will transport you to Paris in the spring. Meanwhile, I’ll be sipping on my Matcha Espresso (RM16) with a book in hand, basking in the tranquillity of the space.
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???? Unit SL009, Spring Lab, Lot A (GF, Jalan Ekoflora Utama, Taman Ekoflora, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
???? 10am–6pm (Mon to Fri), 9am–7.30pm (Sat & Sun)
15. Grumpy Goat & Friends
Grumpy Goat & Friends is a sprawling natural botanical-themed cafe serving Western and Modern Asian dishes in the heart of the Seri Alam area.
You’ll no longer feel hangry once you tuck into the comforting Salted Egg Chicken Waffle Burger (RM29) and So Called Tom Yum Spaghetti (RM28). Dessert is a must, as the cafe is best known for its tiramisu-inspired treats, which include the adorably named Tiramiffle (RM18) and Tiramigoat (RM13).
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???? C1, Gravity Green, 6C, 02, Jln Suria, Bandar Baru Seri Alam, 81750 Masai, Johor, Malaysia
???? 10.30am–11pm (Daily)
16. Yard & Co.
Yard & Co may be all the way in Desaru, but the scenic views of the South China sea and idyllic atmosphere are well worth the long drive.
Tuck into their signature ahma’s bowl (RM23.90) and laksa pasta (RM26.90), or even the lobster & lobster (RM108), fresh lobsters with mentai mayo, if you want to feel like you’re relaxing in an Australian cafe by the beach (but in JB). As for desserts, the milk mochi (RM15.90) is both IG-worthy and fun to eat.
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???? Lot4785, 1, Jalan Siakap, Kampung Sungai Rengit, 81600 Pengerang, Johor, Malaysia
???? 12pm–7pm (Mon to Fri), 11am–7pm (Sat & Sun)
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I'm always feelin' either boozy or boujee ✨