If you’re crossing the border soon, we’ve compiled a list of 30 Johor Bahru cafes that are worth visiting. Cafe hoppers, you can consider this your go-to guide! Here’s even better news: most of these coffee and brunch spots are within 30 minutes by car from the JB customs! From Korean-loaded sandwiches to a viral concrete cafe with Japanese-inspired mains, here are the best JB cafes to head to on your next visit to Malaysia.
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If industrial styles are your jam, you have to drop by Keijometo. The TikTok-famous cafe has been constantly packed since its launch in March this year, and its rise in popularity doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
One glance and you might mistake Keijometo as a hipster art gallery, thanks to its raw concrete outlook, which follows through inside with its bare-boned interiors. All-concrete walls, tables and seats adorn the space, adding to the rough and unfinished look. The vibes are truly one-of-a-kind here.
Food and drinks wise, you can expect a Japanese-influenced menu. Matcha is a focus here, so we recommend trying the Watermelon Matcha Iced Latte (RM15+/~S$4.27+), a creamy blend of high-quality matcha powder with fresh milk and sweet watermelon juice. There’s also the refreshing Tonic Americano (RM14+/~S$3.98+) to cool you down on a hot day.
For a light snack, order the Mentaiko Tamagoyaki Sando (RM20+/~S$5.69+): deep-fried egg patties sandwiched between white bread, topped with creamy mentaiko sauce and seared for a smoky finish. The Salmon Ochazuke (RM30+/~S$8.53+), an elegantly presented dish of grilled salmon, sushi rice, and matcha-based soup, is another popular pick.
Read our Keijomoto review.
Address: 3, Jalan Chengai, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11am to 7pm
Tel: +60 7-331 1825
Website
Keijometo is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
A 15-minute Grab ride from the JB customs will take you to Space Cafe, a hidden gem of a find in Holiday Villa Johor Bahru City Centre Hotel. This coffee and pastry cafe is a fantastic spot to rest and refuel, especially if you’re hitting the nearby KSL City Mall. Futuristic elements—think curved lines, metal furnishings, and circular shapes—fill up the space, adding a unique charm to the clean and minimalist cafe.
Caffeine addicts will be spoilt for choice here, as the coffee menu is very extensive. A must-try is the Caramel Biscotti Coffee (RM18+/~S$5.12+), which comes with house-made honeycomb candy for sweetness and crunch. Pour in the espresso and stir everything together for the perfect balance of sweet caramel, rich milk, and full-bodied coffee. Otherwise, go for the Orange Americano (RM18+/~S$5.12+) for a creamy and refreshing beverage that incorporates house-made cold brew.
If you’re feeling peckish, head to the glass display at the counter to pick from a small selection of freshly baked pastries. We recommend the Blueberry Danish (RM7+/~S$1.99+), which tasted as delicious as it looked. Alternatively, go for the Viennois Red Bean Butter (RM6+/~S$1.71+): sesame-crusted bread slathered with red bean paste and a generous slab of butter.
Read our Space Cafe review.
Address: Holiday Villa, G-11, 260, Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Wed-Mon 8am to 11pm, Fri-Sat 8am to 12am
Tel: +60 17-663 7562
Website
Space Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery.
For a dinner experience like no other, head to Merah Kitchen & Bar. This retro-industrial, neon-lit restaurant bar is conveniently located right off Jalan Wong Ah Fook, an easy seven-minute drive from the JB customs. It’s also within the vicinity of other popular eateries—think Hiap Joo bakery and Restoran Hua Mui—so you can make this a pitstop in the evening after exploring the area.
The entrance up the stairs is hidden behind a Japanese vending machine, which makes for a cool experience walking in. Upon entering, we were wowed by the spacious layout, colourful decor, and nostalgic knick-knacks.
You can expect a mishmash of Asian flavours, with highlights such as Nestum Prawn Aglio Olio (RM36.90/~S$10.49), inspired by the zi char classic: cereal prawn. Those who love spice can try the signature Majestic Johor Laksa (RM19.90/~S$5.66), a dry-style noodle dish with lots of fragrant herbs and spices.
There are tapas items on the menu, too, such as the ooey-gooey Mozzarella Cheese Sticks (RM24.90/~S$7.08), great for sharing amongst the table. Do note that the dishes on the menu change from time to time.
Read our Merah Kitchen review.
Address: 17, Jalan Ibrahim, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10am to 1am
Tel: +60 11-5135 9434
Website
Merah Kitchen & Bar is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
Another cool cafe that’s near the JB customs is Bev C’afe, hidden on the second floor of a multi-label clothing store. This hipster cafe ticks all the right boxes with their muted aesthetic and industrial vibes, but regulars return for their extensive selection of coffee and interesting desserts.
We were intrigued by their Lei Cha Cake (RM16+/~S$4.55+), which has a piquant herbal taste tempered with a fragrant peanut flavour. If that sounds too adventurous for your palate, go for the Citrus Chocolate Charcoal Croissant (RM10+/~S$2.84+), a sweet treat comprising a soft charcoal-spiked croissant soaked in a citrus chocolate sauce.
For drinks, the IG-worthy Iced Charcoal Latte (RM13+/~S$3.70+) is a popular option, or you can go with something lighter such as the Sparkling Cascara Tea (RM16+/~S$4.55+), made with the dried skin of coffee cherries.
Address: 54, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor MalaysiaOpening hours: Thurs-Tues 10am to 7pm
Tel: +60 16-725 3530
Website
Bev C’afe is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard
Located along Jalan Trus is a small and cosy Japanese cafe that you might miss in a blink when you walk past. Sunday Morning Coffee Shop is tucked on the second floor of a shophouse, and you have to go up a steep flight of stairs to enter. Here’s a tip: make a beeline to the window seat for the most natural light!
The warm and homey cafe serves small bites and pastries, with a focus on drip coffee. Start your morning with a light and refreshing Cold Drip Coffee (RM11/~S$3.13). Those who prefer milk in their coffee can try their Hand Drip Milk Coffee (RM11/~S$3.13) instead. We also enjoyed the Grapefruit Soda (RM11/~S$3.13), ideal to beat the heat.
The food menu isn’t as extensive, but you’ll find mains such as Japanese Curry Rice (RM17/~S$4.83) to fill you up. There’s also a Hot Sando with Curry Set (RM18/~S$5.20): a ham, cheese, and egg toastie served with house-made curry for dipping.
Round up your meal with a dessert; the Brownie (RM14/~S$3.98) is warmed up upon order, and comes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Read our Sunday Morning Coffee review.
Address: 124, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Thurs-Tue 10am to 6pm
Tel: +60 14-914 8198
Website
Sunday Morning Coffee Shop is not a halal-certified eatery.
Rowan & Parsley is a 25-minute ride from the JB customs, but it’s well worth the journey if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The theme here is rather special; think industrial meets English garden, melded with rustic elements.
The sprawling restaurant is spacious with lots of seating options for different groups of diners. If you’re snapping pics, request for a table right at the corner behind the coffee bar, as you get both natural light, and a gorgeous view of the greenery outside.
A must-try is the Big Brother Benedict (RM46+/~S$13.08+), a signature brunch dish comprising house-smoked beef, poached eggs, and Hollandaise sauce, on top of classic English muffins
If you’re not a brunch person, go for their mains instead. Featuring al dente pasta swirled in a rich tomato cream sauce, topped with fresh prawns, the Creamy Tomato Prawn Linguine (RM32+/~S$9.10+) is a delicious favourite. They do an excellent Cafe Latte (RM12+/~S$3.41+) too, if you’re hankering for a pick-me-up.
Read our Rowan & Parsely review.
Address: 17, Jalan Cenderai 20, Taman Perindustrian Kota Puteri, 81750 Masai, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Tel: +60 11-1005 4747
Website
Rowan & Parsley is not a halal-certified eatery.
While M Patisserie has since relocated, patrons will be glad to know that they’re still a short 10-minute drive from JB customs. You can find their affordable high tea set here at the new outlet, with their entry-level afternoon tea priced at just RM68+ (~S$19.34+) per person.
The two-tiered set comes with a mix of savoury and sweet bites, finger sandwiches, scones, and a pot of Gryphon tea of your choice so you can pinkies up with your friend. Nibble on cranberry scones, truffle egg mayo croissants, mini macarons, matcha cream puffs and more!
The high tea is available for advanced booking via M Patisserie’s Instagram page. It’s available from Friday to Sunday, 2pm to 4pm and 4:30pm to 6:30pm. A minimum of two diners is required.
Read our M Patisserie review.
Address: No. 03-09, Block G Komersil, Southkey Mozek, Persiaran Southkey 1, Kota southkey 1, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Fri-Wed 12pm to 6pm
Website
M Patisserie is not a halal-certified eatery.
Nimmies Pastry Cafe is arguably one of JB’s most famous cafes, known for their gorgeous Parisian-inspired decor that blends raw industrial aesthetics with classic vintage elements. One of the cafe’s standout items is the Crombolloni (RM20++/~S$5.69++), which is a cross between a bomboli and a circular croissant. You can get them in three flavours: Taro, Nutella, and Berry Pistachio.
On the menu are scrumptious mains such as Arab Maghreb Shakshouka (RM29++/~S$8.25++) and Chicken Cutlet Green Pesto Tagliatelle (RM38++/~S$10.81++). For the latter, online reviews have praised the thick, nutty pesto sauce and tender chicken breast with crispy skin.
Then, complement your meal with a glass of Gula Melaka Latte (RM20++/~S$5.69++). This creamy beverage features cold milk coffee infused with the sweetness of palm sugar.
Address: 171, Jln Beringin, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 11pm
Tel: +60 11-6133 2459
Website
Nimmies Pastry Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
When I ask my friends for cafe recommendations in Johor Bahru, The FOUNDERS Cafe is often a top suggestion. With its lively ambience highlighted by potted plants, paintings, and vibrant murals, it’s no wonder the cafe is always crowded regardless of the time of day.
The aesthetic cafe serves hand-rolled bagels, locally inspired mains, pasta, pizzas, and quesadillas. However, their desserts are what truly stand out. Try the Tiramisu Cake (RM16.90++/~S$4.81++), comprising fluffy layers of coffee-infused sponge cake, or the Thai Milk Tea Filled Donut (RM10.90++/~S$3.10++), a slightly chewy glazed doughnut filled with sweet Thai milk tea.
For drinks, they offer sparkling mocktails starting from RM16.90++ (~S$4.81++), along with a variety of coffee and tea. Standouts include the Matcha Latte (RM17.50++/S$4.98++), Sesame Latte (RM14.50++/~S$4.13++), and Oat Milk Latte (RM16++/~S$4.55++).
Address: Tiong Nam Tebrau, 45, Jln Tiong Emas, Kawasan Perindustrian Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 9am to 10pm
Tel: +60 7-360 9101
Website
The FOUNDERS Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery.
From robust black teas to delicate white teas, CHADDEE has got it all. Their teahouse in Mount Austin features unique offerings, such as the eyebrow-raising Phoenix Duck-shit Oolong Tea (RM21.50+/~S$6.12+), sourced from the mountainous regions of China. This tea is renowned for its intense floral aroma and lingering sweetness. Non-tea options are also available, including Coconut Lemonade (RM15.50+/~S$4.41+), which features a hint of citrus that complements the coconut’s sweetness.
Address: 2, Jalan Austin Heights 7/8, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 12am
Website
CHADDEE is not a halal-certified eatery.
The Replacement – Lodge & Kitchen is worthy to be featured in Kinfolk, thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows, whitewashed walls, and Scandinavian lighting. On par with its stunning interior are their sumptuous dishes.
A light but satisfying brunch option is their Soft Shell Crab Bun (RM$35.90/~S$10.21), where crispy soft shell crabs dressed in a chilli aioli sauce are nestled between pan-seared house-made bao. For something more classic, go for The Breakfast Platter (RM36.90/~S$10.49), a smorgasbord comprising muesli toast with scrambled eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes, sausage, house-made baked beans, and your choice of chicken ham or beef bacon.
Address: 33 Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 9am to 4:30pm
Tel: +60 12-547 7885
Website
The Replacement – Lodge & Kitchen is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
Image credit: @choonchin87
Opened by the guys behind the famous Roost Café as well as See and Saw, Flowers In The Window serves up quality nosh in a two-storey space that’s decked with pretty blooms.
Image credit: @yoshiko_lifeistravel
For a healthy yet tasty eat, order their Pan-Fried Salmon Salad (RM28/~S$7.96), a colourful dish featuring couscous, fresh veggies, and a house-made pesto dressing. Be sure to check out their display showcasing a selection of delectable cakes, fresh pastries, and bread too, including croissants (RM8/~S$2.27) and a country sourdough loaf (RM18/~S$5.12)—perfect to take home for brekkie the next day.
Address: 9, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Opening hours: Wed-Mon 9am to 4pm
Tel: +60 7-222 7489
Website
Flowers in The Window is a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: @qilasyuko
Seven Oaks Bakery Cafe is a Muslim-friendly cafe in JB with a huge variety of freshly baked pastries, from cruffins and croissants, to burnt cheesecake and bread. Fans love their pastries, available in locally inspired flavours such as Kaya Toast Cruffin (RM9++/~S$2.56++) and Salted Egg Cruffin (RM9++/~S$2.56++).
Image credit: @sevenoaksmalaysia
Their Matcha Croissant (RM12++/~S$3.41++), a photogenic bake that reveals a molten matcha centre, is also highly raved.
If you’re looking for something to fill you up, the cafe serves substantial brunch fare, such as Truffle Mushroom Croissant (RM20++/~S$5.69++), and Queen Benedict (RM20++/~S$5.69++): kouign amann with poached eggs, hollandaise, spinach, beef bacon, and smoked salmon.
Address: 134, Jalan Serampang, Taman Pelangi, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia, 80400
Opening hours: Daily 9am to 10pm
Tel: 60 7-338 3377
Website
Seven Oaks Bakery Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
A 30-minute car ride from the customs will lead you to Mount Austin, a treasure trove of cafes, restaurants, and local eats. A must-try in this area is Ukiyo Cafe. Decked in girly pink furnishings, terrazzo tables, and rattan seats, this bright and airy cafe specialises in dainty cakes and coffee. We highly recommend the Génie (RM22+/~S$6.26+), a fudgy matcha cube with bittersweet tea notes.
If you prefer tropical flavours, you’ll love the sunshine yellow Hawaii (RM26+/~S$7.39+), a layered dome consisting of this creamy mango crémeux, passionfruit jelly, and a coconutty base. Pair your sweets with a cup of Caffè Latte (RM13+/~S$3.70+) for the perfect afternoon tea treat!
Read our Ukiyo review.
Address: 17-02, Jalan Austin Heights 8/3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 12pm to 7pm
Tel: +60 12-936 9760
Website
Ukiyo Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
Image credit: @soil.jb
If you have some time to spare and don’t mind travelling a little further, bookmark Soil on your list of cafes in JB to visit. This photo-worthy spot sits on a yard, and is covered with vines from head to toe. Choose to sit in the outdoor garden to soak up the sun, or head indoors, which boasts cosy and minimalist interiors with lots of natural light streaming in.
Image credit: @soil.jb
The bakes are prepared by artisanal bakery The Atlas Bakery. Highlights include their flaky French Croissant (RM9/~S$2.60), Matcha Red Bean Croissant (RM11/~S$3.13), and Crème Brulee Tart (RM8/~S$2.27).
Get a double dose of caffeine with the Matcha Espresso (RM16/~S$4.55), a mix of bittersweet matcha with fresh espresso and milk.
Address: Unit SL009, Spring Lab, Lot A GF, Jalan Ekoflora Utama, Taman Ekoflora, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 9am to 6pm
Tel: +60 17-392 1148
Website
Soil is not a halal-certified eatery.
Re Patisserie is a Korean-inspired dessert cafe just a 10-minute drive from JB customs. Its minimalist space, decked in wooden tones and rattan chairs, makes taking pictures a lot easier, thanks to the ample natural sunlight, too.
Fans of pistachio-flavoured desserts can try the Happy Nut (RM23+/~S$6.60+)—this choux puff pastry is packed with pistachio cream and topped with chopped pistachio bits. The most aesthetic-looking dessert we tried on our visit was the Cloud Hill (RM29+/~S$8.30+). This features a delicate fruit tart stacked with lots of cream and spiked with bourbon.
Read our Re Patisserie review.
Address: 7, Jalan Kemuning, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Wed-Mon 11:30am to 7:30pm
Website
Re Patisserie is not a halal-certified eatery.
Opened by the folks behind JWC The Factory 30, Brooos & Co is an an office-themed cafe that’s a 16-minute drive from JB customs. Their popular drink, Pls Ta Chill (RM18++/~S$5.10++), combines milk, espresso, and pistachio paste, with crushed pistachio bits on the cup’s rim for added texture.
They also have happy hour deals on weekdays from 5pm to 8pm, where certain drinks, including the File Finder (RM25++/~S$7.09++) and Drama Queen (RM20++/~S$5.67++), are discounted to RM15++ (~S$4.30++) each. The former features a gin base with apple, lychee, and sea salt, while the latter has hints of guava, plum, and cranberry.
If you’d like some food to accompany your tipples, order the JWC Tacos (RM50++/~S$14.17++), which are available in three flavours: Smoked Salmon, Smoked Duck, and Pulled Chicken.
Address: 18, Jalan Sri Pelangi 4, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 12am
Website
Brooos & Co is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
D’ Cafe‘s garden-themed space ticks all the boxes for a cafe worth revisiting with its convenient location, minimalist aesthetic, and delicious food.
Their menu is extensive witha variety of brunch mains and desserts, such as Pulled Benny (RM28+/~S$8+) and Pot-a-tato Rosti (RM32+/~S$9.10+). It’s easy to see why the former is a crowd favourite, with its hearty combination of pulled chicken, poached egg, pickled cabbage, and creamy hollandaise on toast.
For drinks, consider the Pinky Grapefruit (RM15+/~S$4.30+), and Pomegranate Breeze (RM15+/~S$4.30+)—both are great options if you’re looking for thirst quenchers on a hot day.
Read our D’Cafe review.
Address: 9, Jalan Kelewang, Taman Sri Tebrau, 80050 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 7pm
Website
D’ Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
The name Hidden Garden By The Sea should tell you everything you need to know about this cafe. Located a 20-minute drive from JB customs, it boasts breathtaking seaside views during the day and picturesque sunsets in the evening.
Food-wise, Hidden Garden specialises in Western and Asian fusion dishes. Don’t miss their Unagi Dry Ramen Noodle (RM34+/~S$9.64+), Chicken Curry Waffles (RM29+/~S$8.23+), and Fusion Seafood Spaghetti (RM42+/~S$11.91+), which is coated in a delicious Sarawak laksa-inspired sauce and topped with squid, clams, and juicy prawns.
Try their Avocado Cafe Latte (RM20+/~S$5.60+) if you’re looking for a creamy pick-me-up, or go for their range of alcoholic beverages, including the Ocean Breeze Mojito (RM17+/~S$4.76+), which is spiked with white rum.
Address: MLO, 2387-1, KG, Kampung Teluk Jawa, 81750 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 9am to 12am
Tel: +60 12-372 3875
Website
Hidden Garden By The Sea is not a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: Mollylicious
Housed in an industrial building, Mollylicious Bakes resembles a chic New York loft with a touch of grunge. Its appeal among Gen Z foodies is accentuated by its exposed concrete walls, leather furniture, and vibrant graffiti art.
Image credit: Mollylicious
The menu centers around cakes, pastries, and hearty pizzas. Their Matcha Cheesecake (RM25/~S$7.12) is a popular pick, featuring a decadent cheesecake paired with sweet blue pea cream. Alternatively, try the Strawberry Shortcake (RM22/~S$6.27), a lighter option with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
Address: 31A, Lorong 2C, Jalan Abdul Samad, 80100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon-Tue 12pm to 8pm, Wed-Sun 1pm to 11pm
Website
Mollylicious Bakes is not a halal-certified eatery.
Located just a 10-minute drive from JB customs, Palates & Bagels opens from 8:30am, making it a perfect breakfast stop. Choose from their signature bagels: Original (RM6++/~S$1.71++), Parmesan Cheese (RM8++/~S$2.28++), and Flavoured (~RM7++/~S$1.99++). Flavoured bagels come with toppings such as Cranberry, Mixed Black Sesame, and Pumpkin Seeds.
For a more substantial meal, try their savoury bagels. There’s the Dvesh (RM26++/~S$7.41++), a hearty number stuffed with curry mayo and fried chicken, and the Ah Seng (RM30++/~S$8.55++): prawn patty, egg, caramelised onions, and sliced cheddar.
Read our Palates & Bagels review.
Address: 10 Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 8:30am to 9pm
Website
Palates & Bagels By T.A.M is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
Consider “glamping” in style at OutLine Cafe, a spacious two-storey cafe nestled in Mount Austin. Step into the space and you’ll be mesmerised by the striking feature wall adorned with a large illuminated moon. The cafe also features twinkling fairy lights, along with camping chairs and tables made from cinder blocks.
A popular item here is the Grilled Chicken with Cheese (RM24.90+/~S$7.11+), featuring succulent chicken topped with flavourful cheese, served with fries and a side salad. For a sweet treat, try their Banana Split (RM6.99+/~S$1.99+) or the Earl Grey Mille Crepe (RM16.90+/~S$4.82+).
Read our OutLine Cafe review
Address: 22 Jalan Austin Height 7/8, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Thurs-Tue 11:30am to 10pm
Website
OutLine Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery.
Padi Kopitiam is not exactly a kopitiam; it’s a nostalgic cafe offering a variety of local Malaysian dishes. Their standout item is the Padi Snowy Pop Bun. Priced at RM5.50++ (~S$1.55++) per piece, this milky treat is crisp on the outside and uber fluffy on the inside. There’s also the Sambal Chicken Floss White Bread (RM5.90++/ ~S$1.67++), which boasts soft white bread covered in a piquant shrimp-based paste, crowned with sweet chicken floss.
The eatery also serves kolo mee: Black Kolo Mee with Wonton (RM13.90++/~S$3.93++). This savoury bowl features springy kolo mee topped with sweet minced pork, earthy mushrooms, fish balls, vegetables, and crispy wonton skin.
Address: 15, Jalan Austin Heights 3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 5:30pm
Tel: +60 16-799 1116
Website
Padi Kopitiam is not a halal-certified eatery.
Nestled in Mount Austin is Cam Tea & Ember Cafe, a Chinese-style teahouse with wooden accents and camping-style tables. Priced at RM36.80 (~S$10.50), the Roasted Black Milk Tea Set is a must-try. It allows you to brew your tea and enjoy it with snacks such as Glutinous Rice Cake, Black Sesame Balls, and Green Bean Cookies.
For something refreshing, try the Gardenia Coconut Light Milk Tea (RM23.80/~S$6.73) instead, which comes with chewy lychee mochi and other toppings, including Peach Popping Balls and Sweet Red Bean.
For the complete tea-tasting experience, go for the hanfu dress-up for just RM29.90 (~S$8.54). You’ll be able to dress in one hanfu set of your choice and even have your hair styled.
Read our Cam Tea & Ember review here.
Address: 12 Jln Austin Heights 7/7, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon-Tue, Thurs-Fri 12:30pm to 11pm, Sat-Sun 11:30am to 11pm
Website
Cam Tea & Ember Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery.
You don’t have to travel to Bangkok just to enjoy their viral steam buns when you can visit Little Bun Cafe! The Japanese-style cafe specialises in fluffy steamed brioche buns served in a wooden basket, available in three flavours: Original (RM22+/~S$6.22+), Pandan (RM23+/~S$6.50+), and Walnut & Raisin (RM26+/~S$7.35+). You can choose two sauces to go with your bread, with options including Yuzu Sauce, Nutella, Taro Paste, or Honey Kaya.
Little Bun serves unique French toast too! A crowd favourite is the Yammy Golden Hour (RM29+/~S$8.20+), comprising brioche French toast stuffed with house-made yam paste and cheese, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Address: G-08 , Eco Nest Apartment Jalan Eko Botanic 3/5, Taman, Persiaran Eko Botani, 79100, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 9:30am to 6pm
Tel: +60 16-763 2623
Website
Little Bun is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
Yeon Cafe is another Korean-inspired cafe located just a 10-minute drive from JB customs. Inside, you’ll find cosy sofas with fluffy cushions, macrame table runners, and pastel flowers for added pops of colour.
Don’t miss their Genmaicha Mochi Tart (RM12+/~S$3.41+), starring a buttery genmaicha crust with chewy mochi and crispy cookie crumbs. For mains, try the Salmon Yuzu Ochazuke (RM33+/~S$9.37+), a traditional Japanese dish with hot tea-infused rice and salmon chunks coated in yuzu sauce.
Address: 12, Jalan Perang, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 10:30am to 10pm
Tel: +60 18-385 6899
Website
Yeon Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
With nine outlets across Malaysia, Four Beans is a Taiwanese-style dessert chain you should definitely check out. They also open till 10pm daily, making it a good place to grab dessert after a hearty dinner in Mount Austin.
Most people go for their World of Taro Soy Beancurd (RM16+/~S$4.54+), a generous bowl featuring soft beancurd, taro beancurd, taro balls, and orh nee chunks, accompanied by brown sugar and soya milk.
On our visit, we tried their Black Sesame Shaved Ice with Taro Ball (RM20+/~S$5.67+). This hearty bowl is packed with shaved black sesame ice, sweet red beans, and chewy taro balls. If you prefer something fruity, go for the Taiwanese Watermelon Shaved Ice (RM15+/~S$4.25+) instead.
Address: No 71, GF, L009, Jalan Austin Heights 8/1, Taman Austin Heights, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 2pm to 10:30pm, Fri 2pm to 11pm, Sat 1pm to 11pm, Sun 1pm to 10:30pm
Website
Four Beans is a halal-certified eatery.
Keep an eye out for a blue door symbol against a yellow wall in Mount Austin, where you’ll find The Blue Door Coffee House, a must-visit for all things pistachio and matcha-flavoured. Upon entering the hidden cafe, you’ll be met with a spacious dining area featuring a queen-sized bed in the middle, which also houses the cashier and drink counter.
We’ve got good things to say about their Croissant Pistachio Mochi (RM18/~S$5.10)—it spotlights a large piece of chewy mochi nestled inside the croissant, topped with luscious pistachio cream. The Matchamisu (RM22/~S$6.24) is another popular pick, combining the sweetness of the coffee-soaked ladyfingers with earthy matcha cream mascarpone.
Read our The Blue Door Coffee House review.
Address: 36A, Jalan Austin Height 7/8, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon-Wed 11am to 10pm, Thurs-Sun 11am to 12am
Website
The Blue Door Coffee House is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
Unlike most viral cafes in Johor Bahru, Hiritsu Coffee Roastery offers a much more tranquil environment for coffee lovers. One of their standout features is their hand brew bar, where baristas meticulously craft each drink from scratch.
Their signature Shaddock Gathered Coffee (RM18+/~S$5.10+) is a must-try, comprising cold brew coffee made with tonic water and pomelo, then topped with velvety, milky cream. There’s also the Running Peach (RM18+/~S$5.10+), a zesty concoction made up of cold brew mixed with tonic water, garnished with lime, peach, and edible ginger flower.
Among their popular desserts are the Bring Me Go Croffle (RM18+/~S$5.10+), a croffle topped with Häagen-Dazs vanilla ice cream and a ladyfinger biscuit, and the Matcha Financier (RM12+/~S$3.40+), which is generously filled with flowing matcha lava.
Address: 89, Jalan Beringin, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 9am to 7pm
Website
Hiritsu Coffee Roastery is not a halal-certified eatery.
Kafuka Cafe is more than just your typical Japanese-inspired cafe; it also features Zakka-inspired elements, emphasising design aesthetics from the 50s, 60s, and 70s in Japan. You’ll find miniature plant pots adding to the homey ambience, along with an adorable resident cat that visitors can play with!
Image credit: Sean Sean
Their menu features Japanese fusion nosh, including the Pork Patty Burger (RM19/~S$5.37) and Karaage Chicken Burger (RM19/~S$5.37). Fans of the cafe love their Key Lime Cheesecake (RM12/~S$3.39) too, which is said to be tart and rich.
Address: 16A, Jalan Bendahara 12, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, 81300 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Fri-Sat 12pm to 7pm, Sun 12pm to 5pm, Mon-Wed 12pm to 6pm
Tel: +60 7-554 4572
Website
Kafuka Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery.
Grab your foodie friends along for a trip to JB for a day of cafe-hopping without breaking the bank! These hidden cafes in Johor Bahru are well worth fitting into your Johor Bahru itinerary.
For more JB food content, check out our Mount Austin food guide for more eats in the neighbourhood. Otherwise, read our list of the best hawkers in JB, or our best Johor Bahru zi char guide.
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