This Minimalist JB Cafe Has Fresh Shio Pan, Yam Mochi Toast and More

KACJ Coffee is a minimalist cafe near JB customs

If you’re planning to cafe-hop in Johor Bahru on your next long weekend, here’s one spot to try. KACJ Coffee is a cosy, minimalist cafe in Taman Pelangi, a short 10-minute drive from the customs!

The current exchange rate is RM1 = ~S$0.30 as of 17 April 2025.

 

The cafe serves light bites and coffee, so you can fuel up right after crossing the Causeway.

There’s a wide range of bakes available for your perusal at the counter, ranging from buttery pastries to Asian buns. Everything is baked fresh at their bakery-kitchen.

We enjoyed the Sea Salt Butter Roll (RM5.90) AKA shio pan, which came with a lightly toasted exterior.

The Japanese-inspired bread was buttery and airy within, though we were disappointed that there wasn’t a discernible crust on the bottom of the bun. Nonetheless, given its wallet-friendly price—S$1.80 at the point of writing—it’s a decent snack to tide you over before your next meal.

The Yam Mochi Toast (RM11) fared better; this sandwich featured toasted bread slices loaded with a thick layer of stretchy mochi and creamy yam paste.

While we’re big on yam desserts, we would have preferred if there was less orh nee as it got a little jelak after a few bites. Thankfully, though, the yam paste wasn’t too sweet, and the stretchy mochi provided some textural contrast against its thick consistency. I’d recommend sharing this sandwich with a friend.

The highlight of our visit was the Iced Oat White (RM17), which was one of the better oat lattes we’ve had in JB. There was a perfect milk-to-coffee ratio, with neither overpowering the other.

We enjoyed their Iced Hojicha Latte (RM17) too, which boasted an intense, earthy flavour. There was a prominent roasted tea flavour, despite the drink being on the sweeter side.

KACJ Coffee sports simple, minimally decorated interiors with white walls, muted wood furnishings, and cement flooring. While we were there, the AC was on full blast, so make sure you bring a jacket if you’re scared of the cold!

Another popular cafe in JB worth visiting is Manzanita Patisserie, which has outlets in Komtar JBCC and Eco Botanic. You can also read our guide to the best cafes near KSL City Mall for a quick break between shopping.

Address:  32, Jln Sri Pelangi 4, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: Thurs-Tue 9:30am to 5:30pm
Tel: +60 10-554 3131
Website
KACJ Coffee is not a halal-certified eatery.

Photos taken by Marcus Neo.
This was an independent visit by Eatbook.sg.