Johor Bahru has no shortage of cafes. We Singaporeans should know that very well, considering we’re pretty much there every weekend.
When there are this many cafes, it requires one to be extremely unique in order to stand out from the crowd.
Looks like Xuan Cafe 轩•女皇烘焙 in Taman Sentosa has gotten the hint as their entire design and theme come straight out of a period drama.
Based on a traditional ‘siheyuan’ (Chinese courtyard house), this oriental-style cafe is split into two buildings: a smaller one by the gates and a larger one serving as the main dining area.
Paper umbrellas are scattered throughout the premises and there’s even a tree bursting with numerous ‘gongshans’ (bamboo hand fans).
They’ve truly done the theme justice here as even their tableware comes in an oriental design. It’s a fitting choice since their dishes are a fusion of Chinese and Western cuisine.
As you might expect from a cafe, classic brunch fare is served.
Take, for example, the Kou Shui Ji Eggs Benedict (S$7.82 / RM26). ‘Kou Shui Ji’, otherwise known as mouth-watering chicken, is a Sichuan classic and is essentially a cold version of the Cantonese Poached Chicken.
Other noteworthy dishes include the Shrimp Lao Gan Ma Spaghetti (S$5.42 / RM18) and Pineapple Avo Salmon (S$7.22 / RM24). I won’t bore you with the details as the dish names alone do all the talking!
Looking for something less filling? Enjoy quick bites such as Koushuiji Sandwich (S$5.99 / RM19.90) and Smoked Duck Sandwich (S$5.40 / RM17.90).
I’m not usually a dessert person but trust me when I say the sweets here are something special. Not only are they presented beautifully (a sign to grab your cameras!) but they’re highly raved online.
The Tiramisu (S$6.29 / RM20.90) is a signature of theirs — with layers of rich mascarpone cheese and coffee-infused ladyfingers stacked atop one another.
A common ‘complaint’ (or compliment, depending on how you see it) is that the alcohol packs a bit more punch than usual.
In general, the desserts lean more towards the traditional side, with the Osmanthus Peach Gum Jelly (S$3.88 / RM12.90) and Black Sesame Sweet Soup with Mini Rice Ball (S$3.28 / RM10.90) bringing classic flavours to the forefront.
Wash it all down with the Iced Oolong Milk Tea (S$3.91 / RM13), which boasts a nice roasted flavour that compliments the sweet, creamy milk.
So, if you’re ever in JB and ready to spice up your taste buds with some Western-Chinese fusion, you know where to go!
Which dishes will you get?
Xuan Cafe 轩•女皇烘焙
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📍187, Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
🕐 10am–7pm (Thu to Tue), Closed on Wed
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