All Singaporeans know that Johor Bahru is the place to go when you want a short escape from all things expensive in Singapore. Everything is cheaper there — shopping, massages, transport, and most importantly, food!

There are a plethora of well-known cafes near the causeway that many of us Singaporeans love to visit. Aside from that, however, there are a number of other fantastic eateries deeper within Johor that we feel you need to check out. 

With that, here is our list of our 23 favourite cafes in Johor Bahru that you can refer to for your next day trip over the causeway.

Photo Credit: Birdfolks

ATLAS COFFEE EMBASSY 

The interior of this place is minimalistic and has great lighting to take amazing photos of your food for the gram. This place, like its name, says, is must-try for coffee as the barista behind these brews is none other than Malaysian Barista Champion JH Yee. Do try their Atlas Signature Blend coffee for an amazing coffee experience!

Taman Mount Austin
32 Jalan Austin Heights 8/7, Johor, Malaysia
Johor Bahru 81100
Tel: +60 7-358 7546
Daily: 8.30am – 7pm 

BASILICO

Basilico is a tiny Italian cafe that is neatly tucked away in the Mount Austin area. The lighting here is pretty dim — not so good for taking photos, but great if you want a cosy place to have a chill hang out session with some friends. Basilico’s aim is to sell authentic Italian food at affordable prices, and they’re definitely doing that right.

Taman Mount Austin,
17 Jalan Austin Heights 8/1, Johor, Malaysia
Johor Bahru 81100
Tel: +60 7-364 7463
Daily: 12pm – 10.30pm

BEV C

Popular industrial-themed Bev C Café is located on the upper level of a restored shophouse in Johor Bahru and it is a well-loved destination for cafe hoppers and foodies. Cool yourselves down from the scorching tropical 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
Mon to Sun: 10am – 7pm
(Closed on Wednesdays)

BIG BITES CAFE

Big Bites Cafe is an artisanal café that is nestled within the café-filled enclave of Jalan Dhoby. Here, they specialise in coffee as well as a wide array of signature homemade Mille crepe cakes. For those of you who adore all things durian related, you need to try their Musang King Durian and it is one dessert that we would happily cross the border for in a heartbeat.

18 Jalan Ibrahim
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7221 1475
Mon to Fri: 10am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm

CHAIWALLA & CO. CONTAINER CAFE

Housed in a shipping container and situated in a public parking lot, Chaiwalla & Co. Container Cafe is a hipster paradise for cafe hoppers. You should definitely stop by to try their satisfying signature iced cold Thai Milk Tea, which is a much-needed remedy to combat the sweltering heat.

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

Photo Credit: Creamery_JB

CREAMERY BOUTIQUE ICE CREAMS

Creamery Boutique Ice Creams serves up some really good ice creams, but what they truly are famous for is their massive lava cookie. When they say lava, they seriously mean lava. These cookies have molten chocolate cores, so once you cut it open, thick, creamy chocolate oozes out, just like a chocolate volcano.

Taman Mount Austin
33 Jalan Austin Heights 8/3, Johor, Malaysia
Johor Bahru 81100
Tel: +60 7-362 1300
Daily: 2pm – 10pm

DING DING JI PAI

You don’t need to take a plane to Taiwan if you’re hankering for some solid Taiwanese food; all you need to do is hop over the causeway to Ding Ding Ji Pai! We absolutely love their fried chicken; it’s the real deal! They also sell scrumptious, comforting rice bowls that really hit the spot.

FACULTY OF CAFFEINE

Faculty Of Caffeine’s decor is a tasteful blend of old and new furnishings. The coffee here is brewed with 100% Arabica beans and served in unique takeout cups that resemble eye charts. They also have a wide range of delicious brunch foods that tastes great with the coffee.

106, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru 80000, Malaysia
Tel: +60 16-713 2714
Daily: 9am – 5.30pm

FLOWERS IN THE WINDOW

Flowers In The Window is a cosy, picturesque cafe that promises a mixture of great food, beautiful interiors and Insta-worthy beverages. Boasting an indoor garden with rustic touches, 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
Mon to Sun: 10am – 8pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)

Photo Credit: gCafemtaustin

GCAFE

gCafe offers a wide variety of western style food such as salads, pasta, sandwiches, burgers and cakes. Our favourite dishes here has to be the Soft Shell Crab Pasta. They do their desserts and drinks really well too, and some of their customer favourites are the Lemon Cheesecake, Rosa Cafe Latte, Banana Crepe and Creme Brulee.

Taman Mount Austin
147, Jln Mutiara Emas 10/19, Johor, Malaysia
Johor Bahru 81100
Tel: +60 7-362 1261
Daily: 11am – 11pm

Photo Credit: muhdazizulhakim

JUST WANT COFFEE HOMIES 

Our favourite thing here at Just Want Coffee Homies has to be their brunch sets, which comprise a wide array of delicious brunch delights such as bagels, eggs, bacon and sausages. They also serve really good coffee, drinks and desserts such as Hot Sizzling Brownie and their Rose Latte.

Taman Molek,
Jalan Molek 1/27, Johor, Malaysia,
Johor Bahru 81100
Tel: +60 7-361 3338
Sun to Thur: 8.30am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 8.30am – 11.30pm

LA’FARINE

La’Farine is a gorgeous, newly-opened cafe in Mount Austin that serves up a delicious array of Western and local fare. They are also popular for their sinful, French-inspired desserts and freshly baked pastries that will definitely perk you up.

Photo Credit: Lamuse Coffee

LAMUSE  COFFEE 

Lamuse Coffee is a cosy cafe that serves western, Japanese and local fare for very cheap prices. Some classic local food that you should try here is their Nasi Lemak and Satay Chicken With Rice. They also have a newly launched Japanese menu that has classics such as Omurice Curry With Chicken Karaage and Chicken Katsu Curry.

Taman Desu Tebrau
28, Jalan Harmonium 23/13, Johor, Malaysia
Johor Bahru 81100
Tel: +60 7-351 8838
Daily: 7.30am – 6pm

LET’S GET CEREAL

This cereal-centric café is the perfect place to be at if you want to relive your childhood days. Here, they have over 20 local and imported cereal brands to choose from as well as a variety of flavoured milk to go with your cereal, making for one heck of a breakfast experience.

18, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru
80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 13-757 0703
Daily: 10am – 10pm

MACO CAFE AND BAKERY

This spacious, casual cafe specialises in traditional French pastries such as Mille Crêpes and Valrhona Chocolate Fondant Cake. They also dish out savoury French dishes and you can delight yourself in their 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

MOK MOK BRUNCH AND BISTRO 

Mok Mok Brunch and Bistro is a gorgeous garden-themed cafe and here, they serve a mix of western and Asian fare which include rice bowls, burgers, soba, and brunch sets. A must-try has to be their signature Gyutan Bowl and for desserts, do try their famous Kumo Ultimo —  amazing pillowy cream cheese souffle pancakes that will satisfy any sweet tooth!

78, Jalan Pingai, Taman Pelangi
80400 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 18-270 6068
Daily: 11.30am – 11.30pm

OUR TOAST OUR TIMES

Our Toast Our Times is an old school cafe tucked away in a crevice of Mount Austin that serves up an array of comforting local and fusion dishes that sure to pique your interest. Ever thought of having both bacon and Nutella in your sandwich? That’s the kind of interesting food you can expect from this place!

Jalan Austin Heights 8/5, Taman Mount Austin
Johor Bahru 81100
Daily: 8.30am – 6pm

SHAKESPEARE MILKSHAKES

Shakespeare Milkshakes is the brainchild of the people behind The Replacement Lodge & Kitchen and this Scandinavian style cafe is a wonderful addition to the hipster enclave in Johor Bahru. Here, they specialise in decadent milkshakes, iced teas as well as a range of savoury croffles (croissant pressed between a waffle iron).

9 Jalan Trus
Johor Bahru 80000
Tel: +60 16 421 8530
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 12am

TASTEA

This rustic western cafe at Mount Austin serves up a variety of scrumptious nosh that is sure to warm both the heart and the belly. Besides their delicious brunch items, they also serve up some pretty damn good waffles that will leave you craving for more.

49, Jalan Austin Height 8/5
Taman Mount Austin, Tebrau, 81100
Tel: +60 010-766 0138
Mon to Thu: 12am – 4.30pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Fri to Sun: 12am – 4.30pm, 5.30pm – 11pm

Photo Credit: The Alley Malaysia 

THE ALLEY MOUNT AUSTIN 

The Alley makes their own in-house tea to ensure that they stand out from their competitors. A popular bubble tea item here would be their Royal No.9 Milk Tea, but what really got us excited are their Aurora Series drinks — Northern Lights and Morning Sunshine fruit beverages, which are the prettiest, most mesmerising drinks we have ever seen.

Taman Austin Heights
Jalan Austin Heights 1/8, Johor, Malaysia
Johor Bahru 81100
Tel: +60 16-726 9343
Daily: 11am – 1am

THE CHEESE LAB

Newly opened The Cheese Lab specialises in decadent, sinful cheesecakes that taste like a little piece of heaven. Aside from their cakes, they also have a variety of fruity, refreshing drinks that are perfect to combat the scorching heat.

39 Jalan Austin Heights 8/5
Taman Mount Austin, Johor Bahru 81100
Daily: 1pm – 11pm

THE REPLACEMENT LODGE AND KITCHEN

The Replacement Lodge & Kitchen is a café illuminated by its harmonious combination of white pastel presence and rustic wooden furniture. Not only is the overall design of the place visuaully pleasing, the food served here is pretty damn solid as well and this winning combination makes it the perfect cafe to chill and unwind at while on your day trip to Johor Bahru. 

33, 34 Jalan Dhoby
Johor Bahru 80000, Malaysia
Tel: +60 12-547 7885
Mon to Thu: 10am – 6pm
Fri to Sun: 9am – 11pm

VANILLA BEAN

Vanilla Bean is a speciality coffee shop and patisserie as well as 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.

Blk B, Pangsapuri Pinggiran Air
No.2 Persiaran Senibong,
Johor Bahru 81750
Tel: +60 7-380 4900
Sun to Tue: 8.30am – 6.30pm
(Closed on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays)

If you’ve ever travelled to Europe, you’ll understand the joy that walking up to a pastry stand would entail. The aroma of freshly baked bread comes second to none and the endless varieties of brightly coloured tarts and pastries never fails to seduce the senses. Over at La’Farine located in JB’s Taman Mount Austin, you can experience just that with their many numerous French desserts and pastries.

For the love of Western pastries, local delicacies and everything in between, this is one place to visit to kickstart your JB day trip proper. For first-timers, Taman Mount Austin is just a short 15-minute drive from the checkpoint. We suggest hailing a cab or booking yourself a GRAB because it’s literally impossible to walk there.

Combining the best of Western bakeries and Malaysia’s local cuisine, La’Farine offers diners a well-rounded experience. We took a gamble and went for their Rendang Nasi Lemak (RM15.90) as opposed to the more conventional version.

There was nothing to complain about. The rice was fluffy and aromatic, the sambal was fresh, piquant and sweet and the chicken rendang was hearty, flavourful and extremely tender. The rendang gravy was thick, full-flavoured and paired exceptionally well with the rice.

A fried chicken rice dish stemming from Eastern Java, the Ayam Penyet Rice (RM14.90) impressed with its brilliantly seasoned, super crispy skin.

The chicken was succulent and the exterior, although crispy, was not oily at all. Served alongside it was a halved calamansi fruit which, when squeezed over top, gave the fried chicken a nice citrusy zing.

Their dessert selection is seriously off the charts. They have anything from cakes, crème brûlée, tarts and freshly baked bread with a selection of jams to pair with it. Many of the desserts seem to draw its influences from classic French recipes, especially their La’Farine Classic Dessert (RM15.90).

Without even taking a second to ponder, the wait staff confidently recommended it. Comprising layers of almond dacquoise—basically, a meringue made using almonds—fresh cream, diced fruits, toasted and toasted almonds, this dessert impressed with its many interesting textures underscored by a fruity, creamy decadence.

La’Farine (Taman Mount Austin) Jalan Austin Heights 8/1, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru Tel: +60 19-343 1415 Mon to Sun: 9am – 12am Tue: 11am – 10pm

Offering diners a spacious, charming respite from the midday heat, humble cafe, Restoran Tastea is one that deserves a stopover when exploring the cafe-laden enclave of Taman Mount Austin. Their menu focuses heavily on Western dishes, leaning more towards Italian comfort food with their wide spectrum of pasta dishes from the humble linguine to risotto.

If you’re on the prowl for a decent cafe-style brunch, we highly recommend coming here. Their food is delicious, portion sizes generous and above all, much more worth paying for than a cafe back in Singapore.

Hankering after a basic yet satisfying egg-forward dish, we settled for the Omelette with Mushrooms (RM16.90) over its slightly more expensive counterpart, smoked salmon.

Enriched with butter (lots of it), the omelette delighted with its savoury, creamy appeal. The flavour was spot on, striking a good balance between salty and creamy, nicely contrasting with the garlicky mushrooms served over top.

Their drinks menu is quite possibly one of the most elaborate we’ve ever come across with a healthy selection of classic coffee styles and some pretty unusual offerings. Feeling an itch for something sugary, we chose the Popcorn Latte (RM14.90).

In this fancy mix, the humble latte is topped with a mound of whipped cream before caramel popcorn is speckled around and over the glass. Taste-wise there was nothing spectacular. It was what it was, latte, whipped cream and caramel popcorn, that besides looking pretty in photos, didn’t possess much gastronomic value.

Restoran Tastea
49, Jln Austin Height 8/5,
81100 Johor Bahru,
Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-665 1538
(Closed on Thursdays)
Mon to Wed: 12pm – 10pm
Fri to Sun: 12pm – 11pm

No trip to Malaysia is complete without a piping-hot plate of KL-style Hokkien mee stall.

Brimming with intense charred flavours and heady wok hei aroma, the famous KL version is special in that it is stir-fried over a charcoal flame and is infused (heavily) with pork fat, a smattering of crispy golden pork lard and a dark soy sauce that gives it its signature dark colour.

While prowling the food-laden streets of Taman Mount Austin in JB in search of solid local Malaysian fare, we stumbled upon Petaling Street Hokkien Mee—or Lai Noodle House as they are also called—an unassuming eatery specialising in Malaysian-style zi char. Only a few days old when we visited, their food was remarkable

Boasting a smoky aroma and a myriad of savoury flavours, the KL Hokkien Mee (RM8.50) is not one to skip. Stir-fried to dark, caramelised perfection, each mouthful greets you with little surprises of crunchy lard morsels and a sweet, lip-smacking caramelised flavour courtesy of the dark sauce added.

The noodle variety used is also thicker (similar to Japanese udon) allowing more sauce to latch on and giving the dish more chew.

Adorned with many vibrant colours from bits of char siew, prawn, diced green onions and egg, the Yang Zhou Fried Rice (RM8.50) is great to have if you’re just looking for something simple to fill the tummy.

Their rendition of the popular Chinese fried rice dish is lighter in flavour and not as oily, which serves as a good option if you should decide to order cooked dishes to try.

A dish we were recommended to try was their Spicy La La (RM15), which ironically was disappointing, to say the least. Albeit the clams were fresh, the dish itself was bland tasting save for subtle hints of curry leaves, chilli and garlic.

Petaling Street Hokkien Mee
61 Jalan Austin Heights 8/5
Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru
Johor, Malaysia
Daily: 10am – 3pm, 5.30pm – late

Situated in Pelangi, Johor Bahru is Ink N Water, a well-known café that has been around for the past few years. It takes just a 10-minute drive from the immigration checkpoint close to Johor Bahru City Square to get to Ink N Water and it is not uncommon to see Singaporeans amongst the locals over there.

This café whips up a wide range of dishes, ranging from pasta to pizza to meatballs and salads. Coffee lovers will also be pleased to hear that they have a myriad of caffeinated drinks, made with coffee beans sourced from both Ethiopia and Brazil.

This café’s furnishing is rustic themed, giving off a retro vibe that makes the café feel extra homely and familiar.

We opted for their Salted Egg Yolk Waffle (RM17.90) which came with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and generously drizzled with their homemade salted egg yolk sauce and Hawaiian coconut shavings.

The waffle had the right texture—neither overly crispy nor soggy—and it wasn’t overwhelmingly sweet as well. The homemade salted egg yolk sauce went surprisingly well with the waffles.

Made from a blend of apple pieces, hibiscus, cranberries, sultana raisins, rose-hip peel and raspberry pieces, the aromatic Fruit Basket Tea Depot (RM14) is a crowd-pleaser.

Ink N Water is definitely a conducive café fit for those who are café hopping or looking for a place to chill. 

Ink N Water
46, Jalan Pingai, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru
Johor, Malaysia
Mon, Wed – Sat: 1pm – 1am
Tue and Sun: 1pm – 9pm
Tel: +60 7-336 4766

Just a short 3-minute walk from City Square Mall in Johor Bahru, Kam Long Curry Fish Head is a top choice of many locals and Singaporeans who frequent the eatery for its affordable and delicious Curry Fish Head.

Whether you are visiting on a weekday or weekend, there is always a snaking queue here. The reason is simple—the curry fish head is unique and pocket-friendly! At just S$7 for a small portion (good for 2 to 4 people), you get a bang for your buck for this huge and delicious bowl of curry packed with incredible flavours!

You need to add this to your itinerary the next time you visit Johor Bahru. Kam Long Curry Fish Head is truly a gem!

It is no surprise that this little food joint is so popular. With a simple search online, you will find tons of reviews of the amazing curry fish head here.

The prices here are so affordable. For a mere RM24, you get a massive portion of the curry fish head that is more than enough to feed 2. We found that the small fish head portion was just right for us as we were especially ravenous after queueing for about half an hour.

You have to get to the restaurant early as they run out around mid-afternoon. The curry fish head comes with a fresh fish head, beancurd skin and lots of vegetables! The fish is oh-so-fresh and the tender flesh falls apart off the bone easily.

The curry is a whole new level of awesome and tasted nothing like we have ever tasted. It is so delicious that we were spooning it into our mouths directly! It wasn’t too spicy but packed a punch, for sure.

Is Kam Long Curry Fish Head worth a visit? Definitely. This unique Curry Fish Head will change the way you feel about the dish.

Kam Long Curry Fish Head
74, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Bandar Johor Bahru
80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 16-752 8382
Daily: 8am – 4pm

Looking for more cafes in Johor Bahru?

With the surge of new cafes across the border, cafe-hopping is no longer confined to our sunny shores. 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 (that isn’t for the weak). 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.

When it comes to Instagram-worthy interiors and flat lay-worthy food, Shakespeare Milkshakes is your best bet. Time to cross the border for this beautiful cafe in Johor Bahru!

Chocolate lovers can go all out with the café’s Kinder Bueno Specialty Shake (RM18). The milkshake comes with a chocolate dipped glass encrusted with nuts on the outside, filled to the brim with a rich dark chocolate shake and topped with a savoury cheese stick, salted cookie, and a mini Kinder Bueno Chocolate.

Even though the shake was simply delicious and not overly sweet, it might be overwhelming for one. That’s a lot of sugar for one person!

The café’s Salted Caramel Affogato (RM18) features fluffy waffles sprinkled with gula melaka crumbs, vanilla soft serve lined with salted caramel sauce, a mini Kinder Bueno and a shot of espresso. The whole idea is to drizzle the espresso over the waffles and ice cream. But with so much going on the plate, the different elements did not seem to work out very well.

However, Shakespeare Milkshakes’ Beef Pastrami and Cheese Croffle (RM10) is a must-order! A croffle is essentially a croissant pressed between a waffle iron. Sink your teeth in a crispy puffed pastry stuffed with beef pastrami, sweet onions and packed with cheese.

Pair the croffle with the refreshing Watermelon Lychee Ice Fruit Tea (RM10) for the perfect afternoon snack. The medley of fruity tea and savoury croffle was a match-make in heaven.

Shakespeare Milkshakes is a great stop over for a sweet fix after a long day of shopping and feasting on street food in Johor Bahru. As we all know, there is always room for desserts.

Shakespeare Milkshakes
9 Jalan Trus
Johor Bahru 80000
Tel: +60 16 421 8530
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 11pm
Sat and Sun: 12pm – 12am

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best cafes in Johor Bahru.

Home to a vast number of cafes and trendy hangouts, the Jalan Dhoby area of Johor Bahru is a place that Singaporeans flock to most during their day trips.

New to the Jalan Dhoby enclave is Amphawa, a cafe that specialises in authentic Thai boat noodles. Besides their myriad of jaw-dropping noodle options that feature 3 different soup bases and a variety of noodle types, what diners can expect is a cosy space filled with lots of natural lighting, lush greenery and even an inbuilt waterfall.

For Thai boat noodles that are close to the real deal and super chill vibes, head on over to Amphawa Thai Boat Noodle Restaurant the next time you decide to cross the border for a day trip.

The storefront may not exactly give you the best impression given its tinted glass windows and black facade. But once you step in, you are immediately transported into an oasis that serves as the perfect haven to escape the midday sun.

The boat noodles here come in 3 varieties of soup broth—Amphawa, Rangsit and Tomyam. The Amphawa is a spicy and sour soup broth, the Rangsit is a clear herbal soup broth and the Tomyam is well, everything you would expect tom yum to be.

Out of curiosity, and mostly because the portion sizes per bowl here are extremely tiny, we got both the Amphawa and the Rangsit Beef Boat Noodles (RM1.90 per bowl) to try. Like its description, the Amphawa soup broth boasted a sour taste and a subtle spicy kick that was rounded out nicely by the thick and flavourful beef broth.

The Rangsit, on the other hand, was a tad cleaner in taste with mild herbal notes coming through. Both beef bowls came with one beef ball as well as a small garnish of pulled beef.

Similar to the beef boat noodle, the Chicken Boat Noodle (RM1.90) also comes with your choice of either the Amphawa or Rangsit soup broth—to which we obviously got both.

Although the difference was not as prominent, we must admit that the chicken version seemed a lot less heavily flavoured than the beef.

Hands down the best of the lot, the Tomyam Prawn Boat Noodle (RM1.90) comes served with cilantro, chillies and a piece of crunchy prawn. The soup base encompassed the elements of sweet, salty, sour and spicy perfectly.

After having knocked back about a hundred bowls, it probably wouldn’t hurt to round off your meal on a sweet note. Their Milk Tea Kaya Toast (RM6.90) is a good dessert to opt for. Drizzled with a milk tea-infused kaya, the thick toast is then given a generous sprinkle of desiccated coconut.

There are also lots of cool and colourful beverages to choose from. We went for the Thai Green Tea (RM8.90) as well as the Blueberry Soda (RM6.90). All their drinks come in a massive plastic cup that is ideal for sharing between two people.

Amphawa Boat Noodle Restaurant
40, Jalan Ibrahim,
Bandar Johor Bahru,
80000 Johor Bahru
Tel: +60 7-220 0060
Sun to Thu: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 12am

Nestled along the foodie haven of Jalan Tras and Jalan Dhoby lies Restoran Hua Mui, an old-school coffee shop that is said to be the birthplace of the original, authentic Hainanese chicken chop.

Although it may look unattractive at first glance, this shabby two-storey coffee shop is a huge hit among locals and tourists alike, who often pack it full from as early as 9 in the morning. From their popular charcoal grilled butter and kaya toast to other Eastern and Western food offerings, there is bound to be something to satisfy your craving.

Located just 15 minutes away from City Square Mall, Restoran Hua Mui is one spot that visiting Singaporeans should all check out to kick-start their day proper.

Established since 1946, the interior oozes an old school charm that is reminiscent of how old Singapore eateries used to look like. From its creaky staircase to its vintage floor tiles, this is perhaps something of a novelty for many of us who never got to experience coffee shops like this back home.

Boasting an extensive menu that comprises both Western as well as local cuisine, you can rest assured that there will be something to peak your fancy.

The star attraction of Restoran Hua Mui is their Hainanese Chicken Chop (RM15.90). Sitting atop a savoury gravy with some peas and a few potato wedges, the fried chicken chop itself was crispy beyond belief without being oily.

The initial slice down the middle revealed a juicy and succulent centre, an indication that it was marinated properly prior to the actual frying. The batter was flavourful with prominent notes of egg and milk coming through—which is something unusual as most fried chicken batters tend to be milder.

Compared to its more popular counterpart, It Roo Cafe, that is located just a short walk away, we would boldly admit that the chicken chop served here is heaps better.

Restoran Hua Mui
131, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru,
80000 Johor Bahru,
Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 11-3505 8916
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 8.30am – 6pm

Heading to Johor Bahru? Read our Johor Bahru guides to find out the best places to visit.

As sinful as suppers may be, not many can resist the temptation of slurping down a delicious bowl of bak chor mee when the late night hunger pangs strike. Who cares about diet when food can give you the ultimate satisfaction in life?

If you are bored of the usual supper places in Singapore, it is time to head over to Johor Bahru. The Malaysian state is home to many late night casual eateries and restaurants offering scrumptious Malaysian delicacies that will satisfy your tummy.

Here are 12 Supper Spots In Johor Bahru Worth Crossing The Border For.

#1 777 FOOD CENTRE

An al fresco coffee shop, this is a no-frills eating place where you can find an array of local dishes such as bak kut teh, char kuay teow, rojak, satay celup and more. Other favourites among diners there are the roasted chicken wings and BBQ Stingray stalls.

Jalan Perkasa 4
Taman Ungku Tun Aminah
Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Photo Credit: Lenscapers

#2 FA GE LOK LOK

Conveniently located outside KSL City Mall, Fa Ge Lok Lok is known among Malaysians and Singaporeans. ‘Lok Lok’ is essentially skewered meat, seafoood or vegetables that can be boiled of deep fried in oil. The selection at this mobile stall is aplenty too—chicken, duck, salmon, tofu and more.

Jalan Serigala
Taman Abad
Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Photo Credit: Johor Kaki

#3 FAMOUS DART FEI BIAO NOODLE HOUSE

Fans of fried fish bee hoon rejoice because this one is for you! Famous Dart Fei Biao Noodle House’s legendary fried fish soup with thick bee hoon has received many praises for its delectable milky fish soup and generous portions of fresh fish meat.

87 Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/2
Taman Sutera Utama
Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
Daily: 8am – 4.20am

Photo Credit: OpenRice Malaysia

#4 HI WAN KUEY TEOW KIA

This family business is currently run by their second generation and this humble eatery has since made a name for itself among locals and Singaporeans who go over to eat the kuey teow kia for supper.

Jalan Sri Pelangi
Taman Pelangi
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Daily: 5.30am – 3.30pm

Photo Credit: Malaysia Best

#5 KEDAI MAKANAN SIN KIMDO

Is BBQ food your calling? If so, you have to visit Kedai Makanan Sin Kimdo. We are not joking when we say that this place is BBQ heaven where you can indulge in all the skewered meat you fancy. Some barbecue options you have there include chicken wing satay, oyster mushroom and squid.

25, Jalan Sutera
Taman Sentosa
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Daily: 5pm – 3.45am

Photo Credit: Johor Kaki

#6 MARMOLADA FOOD CENTRE

Near to KSL City Mall, Marmolada Food Centre is only opened for business after 5pm. Visitors can delight themselves in a wonderful barbecue selection, chicken rice, rojak and so on. It is a great place to rest your weary feet and settle for dinner after a day of shopping and fun.

Jalan Harimau
Taman Abad
Johor Bahru, Malaysia

#7 MEDAN SELERA MELDRUM WALK

Those who are not familiar with Johor Bahru can consider trying out the row of street stalls at Medan Selera Meldrum Walk, which is only 5 minutes walking distance from City Square Mall. You will find a mixture of Chinese, Malay and Indian stalls where you can watch the hawkers in action right in front of your eyes.

23 Jalan Meldrum
Bandar Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Daily: 5pm – 12 Midnight

Photo Credit: Jasmyne Goh

#8 RESTORAN WOON KIANG

Another well-known Kuey Teow Kia restaurant on our list, many have raved about their hearty noodles in piping hot herbal soup paired with side dishes which you can order at the stall. If you are not keen on innards, they also sell braised duck meat to go along with the noodles.

#G-06, Jalan Pandan 1
Pangsarpuri Impian, Stulang
Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Photo Credit: Yento Lee

#9 SAN LOW SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Those who are traveling in a group or with family can consider San Low Seafood Restaurant, a three-storey Chinese restaurant in Johor Bahru. Seafood dishes that are good for sharing include their signature Fried Bee Hoon, crabs of various styles and others.

Jalan Merah 1
Taman Pelangi
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +607 332 3869/ +607 334 3623
Daily: 4.30pm – 1am

#10 TAMAN PELANGI FOOD CENTRE

Peak hour starts after 6pm for the hawker stalls at Taman Pelangi Food Centre. Locals themselves visit this place for affordable and decent Malaysian fare. You can expect the usual local dishes such as mee hoon kuih, Hokkien mee and yong tau foo.

Junction of Jalan Perang and Jalan Sri Pelangi
Daily: 6pm – 12 Midnight

Photo Credit: reuelwrites

#11 TAMAN SRI TEBRAU HAWKER CENTRE

One of the most popular places for supper in Johor Bahru, Taman Sri Tebrau Hawker Centre is always lively at night. Visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to variety as they have everything from zi char dishes to classic Malaysian delights such as oyster omelette and char kuay teow.

Jalan Keris
Taman Sri Tebrau
Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Photo Credit: Malay Mail Online

#12 TAPAI TANG

Recommended by locals, do not be put off by Tapai Tang’s rundown appearance because this is a hotspot for supper. Many who visit them order their famous salted kampung chicken. The fresh chicken is first marinated in Chinese spices and herbs. Thereafter, it is wrapped in parchment paper before being covered in a blanket of coarse rock salt and then put into the oven for baking.

128 Jalan Chengai
Taman Melodies
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +607 333 3662
Daily: 10am – 4am

Planning to go for a day trip to JB? Here is what you can do there.

Visiting another country for holidays might be a luxury that most working adults are deprived of due to time and budget constraints, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t get away! Located just a 45-minute car journey away from Singapore is Malaysian city Johor Bahru, where a paradise of heavenly street food and unbelievably cheap retail therapy deals await.

From shopping at Johor Bahru City Square, eating at Meldrum Night Market to the various transportation methods available, here is a brief guide on a Day Trip to Johor Bahru.

WHAT TO DO IN JOHOR BAHRU

Source: Sky Scraper City

Johor Bahru City Square

Johor Bahru City Square’s sheer number of retail and dining options – and their massive discounted prices – has attracted groups of Singaporeans on a daily basis to come forth and do their shopping.

Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Darul Ta’zim, 80000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-226 3668
Daily: 10am – 10pm

Legoland Malaysia

Legoland Malaysia theme park is the perfect playground for your little ones. But who said the park is only meant for kids? Adults are too seen reliving their childhood memories at Legoland Malaysia. There are over 40 rides to keep you and your loved ones entertained throughout the day.

7, Jalan Legoland, Medini, 79100 Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-597 8888
Daily: 10am – 6pm

If you ever find yourself in Johor Bahru – a land where a truckload of delicious street food and shopping haven awaits – here are 10 Amazing Malaysian Street Food that you should try.

Source: Wang Zu Bu Luo

Wang Zu Bu Luo

There are plenty of massage parlours across Johor Bahru and Wang Zu Bu Luo is quite a reputable spa chain amongst Singaporeans and Malaysians alike. Their professional services range from ear candling, meridian massages to cupping.

38, Jalan Serampang, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Baru, Malaysia

WHAT TO EAT IN JOHOR BAHRU

Meldrum Night Market

Walking through Meldrum Night Market is virtually akin to time travel. Located just a stone’s throw away from Johor Bahru City Square, the rundown back alley is lined with vendors selling an exhaustive array of Malaysian delicacies. From Apam Balik Pancakes to Mee Hoon Kueh, there is so much food to sample.

Salahuddin Bakery

Salahuddin Bakery that has touched the hearts of generations with its freshly baked curry puffs and wood-fired bread loaves since 1937. Despite the convenience and availability of modern electrical and gas ovens, Saladhuddin insists to bake breads with their age-old wood fire oven to keep things original.

From specialty coffee shop Faculty Of Caffeine to Chaiwalla & Co. Container Cafe, here is a Guide to 10 Cafes in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

Vanilla Bean

Specialty coffee shop and patisserie Vanilla Bean is a pretty new face in Johor Bahru’s luxurious integrated marina, Senibong Cove. The intimate third-wave café boasts Asian-inspired waffles, espresso beverages, artisanal cakes and a splendid selection of all-day brunch items. P.s. Order their Teh Tarik Waffles!

HOW TO GET TO JOHOR BAHRU FROM SINGAPORE

Bus – Take bus 170 from Kranji MRT and it will take you to JB Sentral. A trip costs between S$1.50 to S$2.

Car – Drive through Causeway Woodlands Checkpoint or Second Link Tuas Checkpoint. Do ensure that your Singapore car’s petrol tank must be at least filled three quarters – or risk being fined a hefty amount of S$500. Toll charges do apply.

Train – Take a train from Woodlands Train Checkpoint and you will arrive JB Sentral within minutes. Tickets start from S$5 for a one-way journey.

Check out our travel guides to Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

With the vast availability and affordability of multiple cuisines, Singaporeans are evidently very spoilt when it comes to food. Yet, we find ourselves constantly lamenting that we do not know what to eat.

Should you ever find yourself sick of the choices in Singapore, perhaps it is time to make a trip across the causeway to savour all that Malaysia has to offer.

Johor Bahru is less than an hour away by car or bus, and is a foodie paradise with its amazing variety of street food.

From old-world Salahuddin Bakery to the obscure bustling Meldrum Night Market, here is our guide to 5 Secret Street Food Destinations in Johor Bahru, Malaysia that you should check out during your next day trip to Johor Bahru.

Read: 10 Must-Try Street Food in Johor Bahru

#1 HIAP JOO BAKERY & BISCUIT FACTORY

Family-run Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory sells an assortment of buns and cakes, but is most famous for their freshly baked banana cakes (RM4.80 – small, RM9.50 – large). The fragrant cake is sliced into smaller portions and served in takeout plastic boxes. We love how the cake is slightly crisp on the outside, yet soft and moist inside. It was definitely one of the best banana cakes we ever had.

The wining formula behind Hiap Joo Bakery’s irresistibly delicious baked goods is no secret – they take immense pride in baking buns and cakes in their age-old traditional wood fire oven with zero artificial enhancements and preservatives. As a result, these sweet treats should ideally be consumed fresh within three days.

Do note that butter and coffee cakes are only available on Thursday mornings.

#2 HUA MUI COFFEE SHOP

Established since 1946, Hua Mui Coffee Shop is one of Johor Bahru’s oldest eateries. The unassuming two-storey shophouse is a beloved breakfast haunt amongst natives, where both Chinese and Western cuisine are prepared and served here. Pair your soft-boiled eggs and grilled kaya butter toast with an aromatic coffee brew.

Eggs and toasts aside, the halal-certified traditional shophouse’s best-selling dish is its signature Hainanese Fried Chicken Chop. In an attempt to retain Hua Mui’s enchanting old-world charm authenticity, operations have remained retro and dishes are actually being delivered upstairs with a mechanical pulley system.

#3 MELDRUM NIGHT MARKET

Walking through the hectic Meldrum Night Market is almost akin to time travel. Located just a stone’s throw away from the modern infrastructure City Square, the rundown back alley is lined up with vendors selling a a mind-boggling array of Malaysian food. From Apam Balik Pancakes to Char Kway Teow, there is so much to pig out on.

While not everyone is comfortable with the idea of sampling street food due to questionable hygiene, it is still fun to take a stroll down Meldrum Night Market. We enjoyed watching the Malaysian hawkers whip up a storm in their own stalls, and it also offers an opportunity to learn about the locals’ livelihoods!

#4 SALAHUDDIN BAKERY

Opened since 1937, Salahuddin Bakery is possibly Jalan Dhoby’s oldest occupant. While most youngsters flock to the café-saturated neighbourhood for its various new café openings, it is Salahuddin Bakery that has touched the hearts of generations with its freshly baked curry puffs and wood-fired bread loaves. We are so glad that the bakery has remained unfazed by Jalan Dhoby’s gentrification.

Salahuddin Bakery is a testimony that passion can indeed overcome all barriers – including the test of time. Majority of its loyal customers have been visiting the Indian bakery since childhood days.

Despite the convenience and availability of modern electrical and gas ovens, Saladhuddin’s descendants insist to prepare breads with their almost ancient wood fire oven to keep things like they were before.

#5 SHOON HUAT BAK KU TEH

As its name suggests, Shoon Huat Bak Ku Teh is a specialty Bak Ku Teh diner. The flavour of the pork ribs soup served here at Shoon Huat is far from the peppery ones Singaporeans are familiar with, and basically, nothing is similar to the ones we usually have. Instead, the clear broth is characterized by its distinct herbal tastes.

Similar to most Bak Ku Teh stalls, Shoon Huat offers free top-ups of soups. You can also choose to add ingredients such as fish maw and tau kee into your soup.

Read: 10 Cafes in Johor Bahru You Must Visit

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.

When it comes to café hopping in Johor Bahru, most Singaporeans find themselves guilty of only exploring hipster street Jalan Dhoby. But there are actually several more exciting cafes in this Malaysian city waiting to be discovered – so long as you are willing to venture further out.

Specialty coffee shop and patisserie Vanilla Bean is a pretty new face in 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.

Singapore National Barista Championship 2013’s second runner-up lovingly handcrafts Vanilla Bean’s coffees (from RM6/ S$2) and each fragrant cuppa is no less than gratifying.

Health junkies have to give Vanilla Bean’s bottled cold pressed juices a shot. We absolutely love the Dragon Quencher (RM13/ S$4.40), which is essentially a refreshing concoction of dragon fruit, green apple and pineapple.

Vanilla Bean is the very first café in Johor Bahru to sell Salted Egg Yolk Charcoal Waffle (RM17/ SGD5.80) and Teh Tarik Waffle (RM17/ S$5.80). The former is a wonderfully crisp charcoal waffle served with vanilla gelato and salted egg yolk sauce on the side, while the latter is topped with milk tea gelato, homemade Teh Tahrik sauce and milk.

But what had stolen our hearts was the divine Ole Ole Waffle (RM17/ S$5.80) – an ondeh ondeh style waffle topped with gula melaka sauce, ice-cream and pandan ganache. It is every bit Asian as we had hoped for it to be.

Sweet stuff aside, patrons can also help themselves to savoury delights such as Panini Grill (RM14/ S$4.80) and The Big Breakfast (RM19/ S$6.50).

My Vanilla Bean
G-08, Block B
Pangsapuri Pinggiran Air
No 2, Persiaran Senibong
Senibong Cove
81750 Masai, Johor
Tel: 016 7239238
Mon: Closed
Tue to Fri: 9am – 11pm
Sat: 9am – 12am
Sun: 9am – 8pm

The proximity of Johor Bahru has made the capital of the Malaysian State a popular weekend getaway destination for many Singaporeans.

To our surprise, the city has seen the opening of numerous impressive cafes, most of which are specialty coffee shops that serve a delectable variety of brunch items and splendid desserts.

We shortlisted a couple of reputable cafes that have been making waves online and offline. From specialty coffee shop Faculty Of Caffeine to Chaiwalla & Co. Container Cafe, here is a Guide to 10 Cafes in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

#1 ALICAFE SPECIALTY COFFEE

Do not let the looming dark exteriors of Alicafe Specialty Coffee put you off. The two-storey exotic specialty coffee shop is actually a great place to hang out at, and the adorable latte art deserves your attention. If you are feeling peckish, there is also a selection of hot food and scrumptious desserts available at wallet-friendly prices.

27, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru 80000, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7350 7739
Mon to Fri : 3pm – 12am
Sat to Sun : 2pm – 12am

#2 BEV C

Industrial chic Bev C Cafe is located at the upper loft of a restored shophouse and is definitely one of the most Instagramed cafes in Johor Bahru. Cool yourselves down from the scorching heat with Bev C’s popular espresso Ice Cube Drink with Chocolate (RM12.90) or dig into their best selling White Chocolate Truffle Pie (RM12.90).

54 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee
Johor Bahru 80000, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7221 3530
Mon: Closed
Tue to Fri: 1pm – 11pm
Sat to Sun: 12pm – 11pm

#3 CHAIWALLA & CO. CONTAINER CAFE

Housed in a shipping container and situated across a public parking lot, Chaiwalla & Co. Container Cafe is a paradise for all hipster cafe lovers. Try their signature iced cold Chai Latte (regular at RM7.80, large at RM8.80) and grab a savoury chicken mushroom pie or black pepper beef pie (RM5.80) too.

Lot 2810, Tan Hiok Nee Street
Johor Bahru 80000, Malaysia
Tel: +60 12-735 3572
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 12 am
Fri to Sat: 12pm – 1am
Sun: 12pm – 12am

#4 FACULTY OF CAFFEINE

Faculty Of Caffeine’s decor is a tasteful blend of old and new furnishings. Coffee served 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 cafe is ultimately not Halal-certified.

Note that Faculty Of Caffeine’s Google Map location is currently wrong and we suggest you to 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 – 6pm

#5 MACO CAFE & BAKERY

Maco Cafe & Bakery is a spacious casual eatery that specialises in traditional French pastries such as Mille Crêpes and Varlhona Chocolate Fondant Cake. Several savoury French classic dishes are also available on the menu and you can expect the all-time favourite Croque Madame and aromatic quiches.

65, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/2, Taman Sutera Utama
81300 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-556 8490
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 10.30pm
Sat: 11am – 12.30am
Sun: 11am – 10.30pm

#6 PACE CAFE

Characterised by a variation of geometric elements, Pace Cafe is a must-visit for all design and architecture fans. The cafe-cum-bar is tastefully designed by award-winning AZ Concept and we love how gorgeous both its interiors and exteriors are. Three different types of beans are used here- Colombia Inza, Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Kochere and Kenya Kirimara.

40, Jalan Ibrahim
Johor Bahru 80000, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-222 4896
Daily: 10am – 8pm

#7 ROOST, RECYCLED & REPURPOSED CAFE

As its name suggests, Roost, Recycled & Repurposed Cafe has an interesting concept of using only recycled materials for their furniture. The end result is a surprisingly beautiful mess – think random pushcart trolley and mismatched chairs. Aesthetics aside, the cafe’s menu too offers healthy fresh fruit juices as well as refreshingly hearty salads.

14A, Jalan Trus
Johor Bahru 80000, Malaysia
Tel: +60 16-776 7489
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 4pm, 6pm – 12am
Sun: 6pm – 12am

#8 THE ICE-CREAM PROJECT

The Ice-Cream Project’s vegan-friendly handcrafted nitrogen ice-cream are free from additives and preservatives. Each gelato mix is freshly churned right before your eyes with liquid nitrogen – which has an incredibly low boiling point of negative 196°C – and a smooth ice-cream is created within seconds.

31, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru 80000, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-300 7286
Mon: Closed
Tue to Thu: 3pm – 10pm
Fri to Sat: 3pm – 12am
Sun: 3pm – 10pm

#9 THE REPLACEMENT – LODGE & KITCHEN

Brought to you by the same people behind Faculty Of Caffeine, The Replacement – Lodge & Kitchen is a cafe 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 (RM19.90) and Red Ranger Juice (RM15).

33, 34 Jalan Dhoby
Johor Bahru 80000, Malaysia
Tel: +60 10 226 0311
Daily: 10am to 10pm

#10 VANILLA BEAN

Specialty coffee shop and patisserie Vanilla Bean is a pretty new face in 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.

G-08, Block B
Pangsapuri Pinggiran Air
No 2, Persiaran Senibong
Senibong Cove
81750 Masai, Johor
Tel: 016 7239238
Mon: Closed
Tue to Fri: 9am – 11pm
Sat: 9am – 12am
Sun: 9am – 8pm

For more recommendations, read our guide on 10 MUST-TRY Street Food in Johor Bahru.

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.

Despite the sliding Malaysian Ringgit currency, Johor Bahru’s cafe industry is still booming rapidly. Johor Bahru’s hipster street, aka Jalan Dhoby, is the best place to explore the various Malaysian cafes – do proceed to sample the city’s street food thereafter.

If you are sick of the overrated pricey cafes in Singapore and itching for a weekend day trip, we would highly recommend visiting newcomer The Replacement – Lodge & Kitchen in Johor Bahru. It can be accessed within a 10-minute walk from the Johor-Singapore Causeway and is characterised by its all-white interiors, potted plants and minimalistic furnishings.

Definitely one of the hottest cafes in Johor Bahru now!

Similar to Singapore, most cafes in Johor Bahru are closed on Mondays. Fortunately, The Replacement – Lodge & Kitchen is open daily, so dining there on Mondays ain’t an issue at all! The spacious halal-certified cafe was one of our highlights during a recent cafe-hopping adventure and we were glad that we succumbed to its inviting entrance.

Take a step in and expect to bump into fellow avid Instagrammers. We were not that surprised, given how the cafe was characterised by potted green plants and rustic wooden furniture with abundance of natural light shining in. The free wifi and blasting air conditioning were two great bonuses too.

Aesthetics aside, The Replacement – Lodge & Kitchen boasts an all-day brunch menu with wholesome dishes ranging from RM$16.90 to RM$26.90.

We particularly enjoyed their Croque Madame (RM$19.90) – a classic French ham and cheese sandwich with cheesy bechamel sauce and a fried egg.

We heard a lot of good reviews about their churros but were actually very disappointed by the lack of crisp.

Perhaps those who favour a mushy texture would take a liking to these desserts. You can choose your churros in original flavour (RM$12.90) or pair it with fruits (RM$16.90) or ice-cream (RM$19.90).

The Replacement – Lodge & Kitchen
33, 34 Jalan Dhoby
80000 Johor Bahru
Daily: 10am to 10pm

Are you sick of the ubiquitous cafes in Singapore? Perhaps it is time for café hoppers to start looking across the Causeway. The growth of hipster coffee shops has extended beyond Singapore’s national borders and spilled into nearby Malaysian city Johor Bahru.

There is even a street in Johor Bahru unanimously coined by visitors as ‘Hipster Street’! The stretch of road is called Jalan Dhoby and is home to several up-and-coming cafes.

And Bev C Cafe has stood out effortlessly with its unpretentious entrance and homely rustic interiors. Technically speaking, Bev C is not just a café, but also a fashion boutique store. The shop house loft is simply sleek and sick (in a good way) – we love every part of it and will definitely be back.

The ground floor showcases Malaysian fashion label The Girl Next Door, where you can shop for edgy attention-grabbing statement pieces. If fashion apparel and accessories are not what you are looking for, head upstairs for its co-shop Bev C Café.

Beverely is the founder and designer behind The Girl Next Door and Bev C Cafe. Her unique style can be experienced from her works and we love the tasteful interior design of the entire place. They even have a sketchbook for all to scribble and draw on.

The food menu is simple and honest. The best selling desserts are the decadent White Chocolate Truffle Pie (RM12.90) and citrusy Lemon Strawberry Pie (RM12.90). Savoury items are also up for grabs and you should try their Charcoal Croissants with chicken ham.

Spend the day catching up with friends over a cup of cappucino (RM 7.90) or flat white (RM 7.90). If you are looking for cold beverages to cool yourself down from the scorching heat, order the refreshing Lemon Tea Ice Cube Drink (RM 12.90) and popular Espresso Ice Cube Drink with Chocolate (RM 12.90).

54 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee
Johor Bahru 80000, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7221 3530
Mon: Closed
Tue to Fri: 1pm – 11pm
Sat to Sun: 12pm – 11pm

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.