Share this article
Back in the pre-pandemic days, we – like many others – enjoyed crossing the border to Johor Bahru (JB) to do some cafe hopping.
Since land travel to Malaysia is officially open again, you bet that I’m excited to check out Malaysia’s food scene after two long years.
While some of my previous haunts have sadly shuttered for good, a slew of new cafes has also popped up. If you too are planning a JB day trip, here are some places you can add to your itinerary.
20 Best Johor Bahru JB Cafes - Roots Cafe
1. Roots
Sporting a contemporary colonial look, you can’t miss this cafe decked in rows of sourdough pastries on display, with walls painted in blue and bright pops of yellow.
Roots is a bistro that serves unique modern fusion cuisine like Laksa Mashed Potato with Onsen Egg, Indian Masala Vege Stew, and Tomyam Angel Hair as some of their signature dishes. Part of their menu offerings also includes fermented beverages and mocktail selections, which you may even get to experience a live demonstration of your drink getting served.
The best part? You won’t even tell that they are a vegetarian-only restaurant and they do not serve any meat.
Opening hours: Daily 9am to 10pm
Address: 1, Jalan Austin Heights 3, Taman Mount Austin 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
20 Best Johor Bahru JB Cafes - Padi Kopitiam
2. Padi Kopitiam
Always bustling with people that love the good old days with good old Asian dishes like Nasi Lemak, Hor Fun Soup, and Hokkien Mee, Padi Kopitiam is a modern yet traditional coffee shop where you can spend hours with your group of friends at.
The 3 Padi Kopitiam outlets at Trus, Impian Emas, and Mount Austin, allow you to conveniently drop by for a cuppa kopi. You will love the warm lights and cosy interior that remind you of home.
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 5.30pm
Address: (Trus) 82-B1, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, (Impian Emas) 109, Jln Anggerik Emas 1, Taman Perusahaan Ringan Pulai, 81300 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia, and (Mount Austin) 15, Jalan Austin Heights 3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
20 Best Johor Bahru JB Cafes - Morihana
3. Morihana
Stepping into this pastry shop with the silhouette of a house on the outside got me all eager and excited. Morihana serves fun-sized and adorable cakes and patisserie that will get girls squealing “awwww”.
With a touch of Japanese flavours, fused with French and Taiwanese concept cakes, you can find whole signature cakes like Hojicha Pudding Chocolate Banana Cake to French Rose Watermelon Cake.
You can indulge in the rich flavours of Morihana’s cake in a welcoming home setting on a sofa, with warm sunlight peeking in through the circular window cutouts.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 12pm to 7pm, closed on Mondays
Address: Lot B, Jalan Ekoflora 1, Taman Ekoflora, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor. Malaysia
20 Best Johor Bahru JB Cafes - Content Grain Bowl
4. Content Grain Bowl
For those of you that are familiar with poke bowls, then you should also try out Content Grain Bowl which comes with protein selections like chicken bulgogi, lemon and herbs baked salmon, and wholegrain mustard chicken breasts.
Eating healthy has never been easier with these customised bowls that allow you to choose your nutritious and flavourful food in a bowl. You can also choose to accompany your grain bowls with healthy drinks such as oat milk and kombucha too.
Content Grain Bowl started operating over 2 years back, and opened a new outlet at Toppen Shopping Centre inside Decathlon just this year.
Opening hours: (Mount Austin) Daily 10am to 8.30pm, (Inside Decathlon) Daily 11am to 8.30pm
Address: (Mount Austin) 39, Jalan Austin Heights 8/1, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, and (Inside Decathlon) Toppen Shopping Centre, 33A, Jln Harmonium, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
20 Best Johor Bahru JB Cafes - Basilico Bistro
5. Basilico
I was pleasantly surprised when we walked past Basilico, without knowing that it is an Italian restaurant. Basilico bistro has a warm and welcoming storefront where they also offer outdoor seating.
We tried out their main dishes of Red Wine Braised Lamb Shank and Creamy Parmigiano Reggiano which were a total chef’s kiss. If I had enough space for more food, I would definitely want to try more of their lovely dishes of homemade pastas and pizzas.
The darker and moody atmosphere will be a hit for couples and maybe even love at first bite for you too.
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 10.30pm
Address: 17 Jalan Austin Heights, 8/1 Taman Mount Austin, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
6. Maizeland
We were recommended to visit this newly opened cafe and try out their fried chicken item by the local hairstylist that we patronised. Maizeland menu offerings range from pizza, pasta, to creamy salted egg chicken and juicy tiger prawns too.
The store exudes a level of elegance with its Victorian wall panelings, as well as wooden fluted panels that will be the perfect IG story background. Additionally, Maizeland is a sweet spot for you to hold private party events with its yummy food selection for your guests.
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 8pm, closed for break from 3pm to 4pm
Address: 18, Jalan Austin Heights 3/2, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor., Johor Bahru, Malaysia
20 Best Johor Bahru JB Cafes - Coconut Milkshake
20 Best Johor Bahru JB Cafes - Coconut Milkshake
7. CMS Coconut Milk Shake
Newly opened in April 2022, CMS Coconut Milk Shake is a Taiwan-concept milkshake store.
Like the coconut shakes that we are used to in Singapore but elevated up a notch, the CMS store serves coconut milk panna cotta desserts and specialty coconut milk items like lime coconut milk tea and coconut milk latte that you can enjoy in-store.
Just like what you will see in a typical Taiwan book cafe, you will also find rows of books of different genres on display, where you can browse freely.
A convenient window booth at the side allows you order and have your coconut milk shake to go.
Opening hours: Mon 12pm to 12am, Tue, Wed, Fri to Sun 11am to 12am, Thu 11am to 10pm
Address: 27, Jalan Austin Heights 8/4, Taman Mount Austin, 81100, Johor Bahru, Johor., Johor Bahru, Malaysia
20 Best Johor Bahru JB Cafes - Good Morning Truck
20 Best Johor Bahru JB Cafes - Good Morning Truck
8. Good Morning Food Truck
Calling all morning birds, have you tried the breakfast selections at Good Morning Food Truck yet? You will find sandwiches, toasts, and wraps for breakfast menu items, and Asian delights such as curry chicken rice and braised beef noodles for lunch.
I was looking forward to visiting this cafe after reading the reviews, but I was sad to know that I was not early enough to make it during their opening hours.
As it is located right next to the 7-11 in Eco Spring Labs, it is a store that you cannot miss.
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 7am to 3pm, Friday to Sunday 7am to 3.30pm. Closed on Tuesdays.
Address: Jalan Ekoflora 1, Taman Ekoflora, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
20 Best Johor Bahru JB Cafes - Kafe September
20 Best Johor Bahru JB Cafes - Kafe September
9. Kafe September
If you have seen Kim Kardashian’s house tour, you will feel like you’re stepping into her house when you are at Kafe September.
All-white minimalist interior with gentle curves, checked. Organically shaped sofa and coffee table, checked. Pampas grass, checked. The bare tree branch decoration sprayed white also gives off the illusion that it is the winter and fall season, even when we only have summer seasons all year round.
Aesthetics aside, you can find brunch items such as desserts, pastries, coffee, and drinks. Previously known as Tri-Patisserie, Kafe September started its new branding, new space, and new season in late 2022.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 1pm to 7pm
Address: Eco Palladium Block B 01-39, Pusat Perdagangan Ekoflora, Jalan Ekoflora 7/1, Taman Ekoflora, 81100 JB., Johor Bahru, Malaysia
10. Charlotte's Tearoom
https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ0wVKdPfc2/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=a1982316-c72a-4170-b46b-e1e09df600f3
On list of cafes we chanced upon, Charlotte’s Tearoom is one of the newer ones. It opened in mid-October last year.
If you love cakes, bubble teas and all things sweet, this is the place for you.
Apart from that, the cafe does have a few savoury finger foods like sandwiches, chicken nuggets and fries.
Plant-obsessed folk will also adore this place thanks to its laid-back garden theme.
Opening hours: Thursday to Tuesday, 12pm to 10pm; Closed on Wednesdays
Address: No 7-01 Jalan Austin Height 3/1, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru
11. Commune by the Creators
https://www.instagram.com/p/CbT7q69rw1w/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9cea6d1d-5b22-4d86-913a-27d95142a063
Minimalists who enjoy clean, white spaces are sure to love Commune by the Creators, which opened its doors to the public around early May last year.
A quick scroll through its menu reveals that it serves your typical cafe brunch items such as eggs benedict croissant, avocado on toast with smoked salmon and baked eggs.
There are also some pretty unique options too, like the miso alfredo udon, yoghurt chicken leg and French barramundi prawn bisque.
Opening hours: Daily, 9am to 6pm
Address: 228 & 230, Jalan Adda 7, Taman Adda Heights, 81100 Johor Bahru
12. Dusk by Mok Mok
https://www.instagram.com/p/CXVkN44Pg2I/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=77f36ee6-f6ad-49ef-ac8b-16276a4398c9
If the name of this cafe sounds familiar yet different at the same time, it’s because it is.
Dusk by Mok Mok is run by the same folks behind popular cafes like Bloom by Mok Mok and the now-defunct Mok Mok Brunch and Bistro.
The new cafe, which opened in April last year, is located just a stone’s throw away from Mok Mok Brunch and Bistro’s previous unit.
Similar to all the other concepts by Mok Mok, Dusk by Mok Mok is tastefully furnished and decorated, giving you the perfect backdrop for all those Instagram-worthy photos. It also has a chill Bohemian theme which makes you feel like you’re in Bali.
Menu-wise, there are Japanese options like curry katsu don and ikura salmon don, as well as mains like roasted chicken leg and seafood aglio olio.
Opening hours:Haru Coffee Daily, 12pm to 10pm
Address: 49, Jalan Perang, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru
13. Haru Coffee
https://www.instagram.com/p/CSwdNguJwoy/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=d15a03e6-6bcc-4e1a-b4ba-0a7b637cc377
Caffeine-dependent folk can pop on over to Haru Coffee for their coffee fix.
This place, which opened just last December, oozes %Arabica vibes with its clean, slick decor and photogenic cuppas.
The drinks here are mostly Korean-inspired and include black dalgona, dalgona latte and americano. Don’t drink coffee? They have other drinks like strawberry matcha latte, hazelnut milk and sea salt genmaicha latte.
Apart from drinks, their menu also includes brunch items such as the Haru Breakfast, as well as Korean-inspired dishes such as the Eat Well Original Rice Ball.
Opening hours: Friday to Tuesday, 8am to 6pm; Closed on Thursdays
Address: 48, Jalan Adda 7, Taman Adda Heights, 81100 Johor Bahru
14. Kaffeinted Fish (Closed)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CNWUYIGA-9a/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=668713f8-5dbe-42f7-be2a-5ebc2cc70ac4
Kaffeinted Fish sits out in an open space at Jalan Roda, Skudai and opened in April 2021.
Their first outlet had container cafe vibes and featured a chic outdoor seating space. The old menu had various bakes, drinks and brunch items, so we can’t wait to see what they have in store for the new branch.
Then, they opened a new glasshouse flagship store with a completely revamped menu on Apr 8, 2022.
By a bad stroke of luck, they shuttered again on Nov 27, 2023. Indoor seating and table service has been ceased. only the outdoor coffee house will be in operation, serving coffee and small desserts.
Please note that no reservations are allowed and you will need to allocate ample time to walk in and join the queue! There will be no more indoor seating for the rest of their tenure at the Glasshouse, too.
Address: 2, Jalan Roda 2, 81300 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
15. Origin Cafe Kulai
https://www.instagram.com/p/CNPJRKmgTQh/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=09d9a2e2-e581-43be-8bf9-b579ea9d580b
Design-wise, this cafe is probably my favourite one out of the lot with its Japanese-inspired layout and industrial elements.
The best part? The two large circular cut-outs in the middle of the cafe, which both divide yet complete the entire space.
Interior aside, the eatery serves cafe-style food like croissants, but also has Asian menu options including mushroom sesame oil ginger soup.
They also have dessert options like cakes and high tea sets.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 8pm; Closed on Mondays
Address: 41, Lorong Ismail, Taman Kulai, 81000 Kulai, Johor
16. Raw Brew & Dine
https://www.instagram.com/p/CXBeXodvLNT/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=776e165f-d6a9-4b94-9b17-baf38e7a1c1d
Raw Brew & Dine has two different menus — brunch and dinner — so diners have more variety to choose from.
The cafe, which opened in January last year, has European brunch, local fusion and casual dining options which will probably leave you spoilt for choice.
Some examples include salmon rillettes, spinach tortellini, foie gras and squid ink risotto. Pair these with some icy drinks like their summer americano.
Opening hours: Daily, 11am to 5pm, 6pm to 10pm
Address: 70, Jalan Pingai, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru
17. Soil JB
https://www.instagram.com/p/CbY9Q1QvEtg/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f2955aea-bf07-4a41-be89-fcc98b70ef3f
Soil JB is a concept by artisan bakery The Atlas Bakery and was opened in June last year.
Paying homage to its name, the walls of the gorgeous standalone establishment are draped in vines and plants, which give it a mysterious charm.
The menu offerings here are as beautiful as the cafe’s decor. Here, you’ll find fresh bakes, ice cream and fragrant cuppas.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm; Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 7.30pm
Address: Unit SL009, Spring Lab, Lot A (GF), Jalan Ekoflora Utama, Taman Ekoflora, 81100 Johor Bahru
18. Space Johor
https://www.instagram.com/p/CWGPkqbvFFy/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=704ddd57-83ef-4d3d-a79c-41cab576bf0b
Another cafe with a minimalist-style theme is Space Johor, which opened last year and is conveniently located at Holiday Villa Johor Bahru.
Here, cafe hoppers can sip on drinks like ice blended matcha and espresso macchiato while munching on delectable French pastries such as caneles and blueberry danishes.
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 8am to 10pm; Friday to Saturday, 8am to 12am
Address: G11, Holiday Villa Johor Bahru, 260, Jalan Dato Sulaiman, 80250, Taman Abad, Johor
19. The Kiopi
https://www.instagram.com/p/CVcofaxlAP_/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=094b5aa4-645b-4a08-8f16-78f61000b3b1
This quaint cafe opened in October last year and has an al fresco dining area for customers to enjoy their drinks while basking in the sun.
The menu is suited more to people who want drinks and a light snack and they have coffee, tea and smoothie options. Food-wise, expect to find sweets like pastries and waffles.
Do note that during the Ramadan period, the cafe is only open for two hours per day. No dining in is allowed during this period, but you can still order items to go.
Opening hours (Ramadan): Daily, 4pm to 6pm
Opening hours (after Ramadan): 2pm to 7pm, closed on Thursdays
Address: Homestay Hajah Aminah, No. 47, Kampung Serkat Barat, 82300, Johor
20. Uncle Jabb's Place
https://www.instagram.com/p/CY0qnIzlB87/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=114287f0-09a3-4622-9684-18b6037d6f9c
Another cafe where you can enjoy the outdoors and get plenty of sunlight is Uncle Jabb’s Place.
The gorgeous al fresco seating area will make you feel like you’re at someone’s wedding with its garden seats and shady umbrellas.
Menu-wise, you can expect mains like satay goreng and nasi impit, wholemeal chicken sandwiches and lemon butter chicken.
They also have a variety of drink options like dalgona Milo, Teh SuSu Uncle Jabb and kurma milkshake.
Opening hours: Friday to Wednesday, 3pm to 8pm; Closed on Thursdays
Address: Lorong Haji Ahmad Shah, Taman Rambah, 82000 Pontian, Johor
21. 9% Coffee House
Sporting a vintage-industrial theme is 9% Coffee House, which opened in 2021.
The cafe features an outdoor rooftop area where you can snap some Instagram-worthy photos or simply just enjoy the view.
Apart from an extensive coffee and drinks menu, the cafe also has a range of pasta, mains and pizzas for you to choose from. the baked pomodoro cheese with chicken chop and creamy smoked duck pasta sound delicious to me!
Opening hours: Daily, 12pm to 11pm
Address: No. 35, Jalan Ismail, Kampung Pegawai, 83000 Batu Pahat
Originally published in The Singapore Women's Weekly.