While Johor Bahru’s charm lies in its local food-packed nooks and crevices, it also has a massive hipster café scene to boast.
With an array of innovative and somewhat exotic creations that give even the most ambitious cafés here in Singapore a run for their money, we must say that when it comes to proper café-hopping, Johor Bahru is one great place to start—not to mention that prices are way cheaper there.
For the hipsters and those looking to liven up their social media accounts with pretty pictures and ever ready to try unconventional creations, this is for you. Here is our list of 11 cafés in Johor Bahru that’ll make your day trip worthwhile.
BEV C
Industrial-themed Bev C Café is located on the upper level of a restored shophouse and is definitely one of the most well-known cafés in Johor Bahru. Cool yourselves down from the scorching heat with Bev C’s popular espresso Ice Cube Drink with Chocolate or dig into their best selling White Chocolate Truffle Pie.
54 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee
Johor Bahru 80000, Malaysia
Tel: +60 16-725 3530
(Closed on Wednesdays)
Mon to Sun: 10am – 7pm
Nestled within the café-filled enclave of Jalan Dhoby, Big Bites Cafe is an artisanal café in Johor Bahru that specialises in coffee as well as a wide array of signature homemade Mille crepe cakes.
For those of you who adore all things durian related, the Musang King Durian (RM12.50++) is just the thing you need to perk you up. Boasting a strong aroma of durian, this is one dessert we would happily cross the border for in a heartbeat.
18 Jalan Ibrahim
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7221 1475
Daily: 9am – 7pm
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CHAIWALLA & CO. CONTAINER CAFE
Housed in a shipping container and situated in a public parking lot, Chaiwalla & Co. Container Cafe is a paradise for all hipster café lovers. You should definitely stop by to try their signature iced cold Thai Milk Tea—a much needed remedy to combat the sweltering heat—or simply grab a bite.
Lot 2810, Tan Hiok Nee Street
Johor Bahru 80000, Malaysia
Tel: +60 12-735 3572
Sun to Thu: 12pm – 12am
Fri to Sat: 12pm – 1am
FACULTY OF CAFFEINE
Faculty Of Caffeine’s decor is a tasteful blend of old and new furnishings. Coffee here is brewed with 100% Arabica beans and served in unique takeout cups that resemble eye charts. While their all-day brunch menu does not serve pork or lard, it is important to note that the café is ultimately not Halal-certified.
Note that Faculty Of Caffeine’s Google Map location is currently wrong and we suggest you follow the coordinates 1.460700, 103.763443 instead.
106, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru 80000, Malaysia
Tel: +60 16-713 2714
Daily: 9am – 5.30pm
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A cosy space to escape the overbearing midday heat, Flowers In The Window is one that promises a mixture of great food, beautiful interiors and Insta-worthy beverages.
Boasting an indoor garden with rustic touches, their beverages also adhere to the stunning flowery theme. The charming double-storey café has won the hearts of many ladies who make it a point to take their OOTDs there before leaving.
9, Jalan Dhoby,
Bandar Johor Bahru,
80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Mon to Sun: 10am – 8pm
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This cereal-centric café is where you get to feel like a kid all over again with over 20 local and imported cereal brands to choose from. Not only that, there are even options of flavoured milk to go with your cereal, making for one heck of a breakfast experience.
The humble cereal shop has their own clothing label so feel free to browse through some trendy clothing between spoonfuls.
Aeon Tebrau City
Level Two
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +60 13-757 0703
Daily: 10am – 10pm
MACO CAFÉ & BAKERY
Maco Café & Bakery is a spacious casual eatery that specialises in traditional French pastries such as Mille Crêpes and Valrhona Chocolate Fondant Cake.
Several savoury French classic dishes are also available on the menu and you can delight yourself in the all-time favourite Croque-Madame and other aromatic quiches.
65, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/2, Taman Sutera Utama
81300 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 13-727 3366
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 11pm
Fri to Sun: 11am – 11.30pm
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Escape from the mayhem of city life to this beautiful garden-themed café that is just 15 minutes drive away from the checkpoint.
At Mok Mok Brunch & Bistro, guests can look forward to fresh produce that are sourced from local farms and an exciting range of rice bowls and aesthetically pleasing desserts that are sure to impress.
78, Jalan Pingai, Taman Pelangi
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +60 18 270 6068
Daily: 11.30am – 11.30pm
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From the folks that brought you The Replacement Lodge & Kitchen and Faculty of Caffeine, Shakespeare Milkshakes is a wonderful addition to the hipster enclave in Johor Bahru. This Scandinavian-style café specialises in decadent milkshakes (not meant for full stomachs).
Besides sweet treats, look forward to a range of savoury croffles (croissant pressed between a waffle iron) and a wide selection of hot beverages and iced tea that will keep you coming back for more.
9 Jalan Trus
Johor Bahru 80000
Tel: +60 16 421 8530
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 12am
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THE REPLACEMENT – LODGE & KITCHEN
Run by the same team that manages Faculty Of Caffeine, The Replacement – Lodge & Kitchen is a café illuminated by its harmonious combination of white pastel presence and rustic wooden furniture.
Food and beverages served here deserve a thumbs up and we thoroughly enjoyed the Croque Madame and Red Ranger Juice.
33, 34 Jalan Dhoby
Johor Bahru 80000, Malaysia
Tel: +60 12-547 7885
Mon to Thu: 10am – 6pm
Fri to Sun: 9am – 11pm
Speciality coffee shop and patisserie Vanilla Bean is an excellent addition to Johor Bahru’s luxurious integrated marina, Senibong Cove.
The cosy third-wave café has a menu that includes Asian-inspired waffles, espresso beverages, artisanal cakes and a splendid selection of all-day brunch items. Their Ole Ole Waffle—an ondeh ondeh style waffle topped with gula melaka sauce, ice-cream and pandan ganache—is absolutely to die for.
Blk B, Pangsapuri Pinggiran Air
No.2 Persiaran Senibong,
Johor Bahru 81750
Tel: +60 7-380 4900
Mon to Thu: 9am – 8pm
Fri to Sun: 9am – 11pm
Words by: Alvin Tan
Edited by: Julee Ooi
For more recommendations, read our Johor Bahru guides to discover the best places to visit.
The old vanilla bean cafe is closed since May and the new vanilla bean cafe (different logo & located next door to the old one) will only be opened on 23rd August.