Johor Bahru is full of cafes worth visiting now that cross-Causeway travel has reopened. One great option to add to your travel list is Merah Kitchen & Bar, a retro neon-lit cafe located just seven minutes away from the JB customs by car—great if you’re feeling hungry after spending a long time waiting to enter Malaysia.
Merah Kitchen & Bar is situated just off Jalan Wong Ah Fook, near popular eateries such as Hiap Joo and Restoran Hua Mui.
When you reach the address, look out for a Japanese vending machine, which hides the stairway that leads to the cafe.
Once in, be wowed by the nostalgic array of knick-knacks and decor, from toys to arcade game machines, and traditional glass-topped tables.
Neon signs and lights add to the retro vibes of the cafe.
On the food front, expect fusion dishes, as well as classic Malaysian fare. We highly recommend the Nestum Prawn Aglio Olio (RM24/~S$7.70). The spicy pasta is tossed in garlicky olive oil, then topped with prawns battered with Nestum flakes—a nod to the popular zi char dish that is cereal prawns.
Get the Mozzarella Cheese Sticks (RM15/~$4.90) to accompany your mains—these are well-fried, super cheesy, and affordable to boot.
If you’re looking for something to quench your thirst, get the Pineapple Mint Virgin Mojito (RM16/~S$5.20). The mocktail is topped with lime wedges, and served with fresh mint, as well as juicy chunks of pineapple.
For more JB food recommendations, check out our Johor Bahru hawkers guide, and Johor Bahru zi char restaurants guide!
Address: 17, Jalan Ibrahim, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 6pm to 12am
Tel: +60 11-5135 9434
Website
Merah Kitchen & Bar is not a halal-certified eatery, but their food contains no pork or lard.
Photos taken by Tan Zi Hui.
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