Nestled in the area of Taman Mount Austin, Ding Ding Ji Pai is an adorable cafe that specialises in Taiwanese food with solid mains such as Braised Pork Rice and Fried Chicken Cutlet, on top of numerous creative renditions of their signature winter melon milk tea—all costing no more than S$5 each.

Here’s why you should pay this eatery a visit on your next day trip to Johor Bahru!

Their menu boasts a wide selection of snacks, beverages, desserts and hearty mains, all of which are extremely pocket-friendly. On top of that, you’d be glad to know that there’s free wifi over at Ding Ding Ji Pai.

A dish synonymous to Taiwanese cuisine would be Lu Rou Fan, otherwise known as Braised Pork Rice.

Served with salted vegetables, a braised egg and a chunky piece of braised tofu, Ding Ding Ji Pai’s Rice with Braised Pork (RM7.90) reminded us of the ones we’d get in Taiwan. The tender pork boasted an appropriate balance of fat to lean meat ratio and the marinate was aptly rich without being overly cloying.

For something more indulgent, the Fried Chicken Rice (RM11.90) would go highly recommended by us. Accompanying a bowl of rice that has been cooked in a light braised sauce is a huge piece of boneless fried chicken cutlet as well as a helping of salted vegetables.

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, we could tell that no effort was spared in the preparation of the dish. The meat was extremely well-marinated and the skin had a flavourful, intense seasoning sprinkled over.

No Taiwanese meal will ever be complete without some creamy milk tea and you’d be glad to know that Ding Ding Ji Pai offers a stunning array of beverages such that you’d be spoilt for choice.

The Winter Melon Milk Tea (RM8.40) is one of their signature beverages and for good reason. The strong aroma of black tea balances out the creaminess and we thoroughly enjoyed the subtle taste of winter melon.

Other options you might wish to try include Passion Milk Tea (RM8.40) and Mango Honey Lemon (RM8.40).

Ding Ding Ji Pai
31 Jalan Austin Height 8/8
Taman Mount Austin, 81300 Johor Bahru
Johor, Malaysia
Tue to Sun: 11am – 12 midnight
(Closed on Mondays)

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

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

BIG BITES CAFÉ

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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FLOWERS IN THE WINDOW

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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LET’S GET CEREAL

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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MOK MOK BRUNCH & BISTRO

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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SHAKESPEARE MILKSHAKES

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

VANILLA BEAN

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.

Along the popular street of Jalan Dhoby, lies Flowers in the Window, a gorgeous garden-themed café by the folks behind Roost just a couple of units down on the same street. Jalan Dhoby is known to have some of Johor Bahru’s best cafés and the street is just a stone’s throw away from the border.

After clearing the immigration, you can easily walk over to the street and enjoy a huge range of popular restaurants and cafés. Flowers in the Window is hard to miss. Their gorgeous exterior is decorated with plants and so much greenery that you will feel like you are stepping into a secret garden café.

This stunning café occupies two levels. Level one features their main café area where the baristas do their magic with a few seated tables. Level two is the roof of the two-storey building and it features comfortable sofa seats in a spacious area.

This whimsical café is a sight to behold. Every corner of it is Insta-worthy and beautiful.

We waited around 20 minutes on a Saturday afternoon and was promptly seated on the first floor. During a second visit, we managed to snag a seat on the top floor sofa seats.

The first floor had an open kitchen and you can watch the baristas whip up your drink of choice while you marvel at the greenery within the café.

Flowers in the Window rotate their cake and dessert offerings every day. During our first visit, we went for one that stood out most to us–Earl Grey Cake (RM14). This grey cake was a sight to behold and it actually tasted even better, much to our surprise.

The buttercream on the outside was done just right, slightly sweet without overpowering the taste of the actual cake. The cake had a cake pop-like texture but the taste was just fantastic!

Flowers in the Window is definitely a place that you have to visit the next time you go for a day trip to Johor Bahru.

Flowers in the Window
9, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru
80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 7-222 7489
Wed to Mon: 10pm – 8pm
Closed: Tuesday

For more recommendations, read our Johor Bahru guides to discover the best places to go to.