Niko Niko Onigiri is a goldfish-themed cafe in JB
Animal cafes are all the rage, with cat cafes, dog cafes, and even alpaca cafes popping up. So when we heard of Niko Niko Onigiri in Johor Bahru, a goldfish-themed cafe serving Japanese rice balls, we had to check it out.
The cafe is popular among Gen Z and locals for its themed concept, made-to-order onigiri, and affordable pricing. However, since it’s a 20- to 30-minute drive from customs, we wanted to decide for ourselves if it’s worth the trip.
The current exchange rate is RM1 = ~S$0.31 as of 13 November 2026.
The space had a cute, Japanese-inspired aesthetic, with natural light filtering in, colourful mosaic tiles, and adorable goldfish and onigiri motifs throughout the cafe.
However, the standout was an entire wall with built-in aquariums filled with goldfish, keeping you company as you eat. It also doubles as a unique photo backdrop, perfect for your IG feed.
Moving on to the food, we got three of their signatures and two drinks: Avocado Salmon Onigiri (RM 6.90), Beef Bacon & Egg (RM 5.50), Fresh Salmon Ochazuke (RM 26.90), Matcha Latte (RM 14.90), and There’s Orange Beneath The Blue (RM 15.90).
The two onigiri were served on a cute rattan tray.
The Avocado Salmon Onigiri features mashed avocado and fresh salmon sashimi encased in rice and wrapped with sheets of seaweed. The creamy avocado paired nicely with the salmon’s natural sweetness, complementing its richness so it didn’t get too jelak.
The Beef Bacon & Egg comes with tamago salad and beef bacon. The beef bacon was slightly sweet and chewy, which paired well with the creamy, mayo-based tamago salad.
We did note that both onigiri fell apart rather easily, so be prepared to get messy if you order them.
Next, the Fresh Salmon Ochazuke features a bowl of rice topped with raw salmon slices, wasabi, and bonito flakes, served with hot green tea and a side of potato salad.
The dashi broth comes in a teapot, so you can pour it yourself for a warm, comforting dish perfect for rainy days.
It had a clean, delicate flavour, with the savoury, umami-rich dashi broth carrying a subtle sweetness. The salmon tasted fresh and had a pleasant, springy texture that paired well with the broth.
Our only gripe was the portion of salmon, as we would have preferred a few more slices or thicker cuts, considering the price.
Lastly, the drinks—given how popular matcha latte is, we had to give theirs a try. Meanwhile, There’s Orange Beneath The Blue is a lime soda layered over peach syrup, garnished with two Goldfish gummies.
The glasses were also amusingly on theme, decorated with the graphics of an onigiri marvelling at a goldfish.
The Matcha Latte was milky and slightly sweet, with a siap-siap mouthfeel followed by earthy matcha notes. It wasn’t overly bitter, making it a good choice for those who prefer a milder matcha flavour.
The lime soda tasted similar to Sprite, with the peach syrup adding extra fruity flavour and sweetness. The goldfish gummies were chewy and slightly sour, a fun addition to the drink.
Overall, Niko Niko Onigiri has a unique concept that’s just as well-executed. With its adorable graphics, goldfish wall, and affordable Japanese fare, it’s worth a visit if you’re a fan of cute, quirky cafes.
If you’re spending a full day or more in JB, here are some of the best Johor Bahru cafes within a 30-minute drive from customs, including a seaside cafe and more. And if you’ve thoroughly explored JB, check out this Melaka food itinerary for other cool food spots worth visiting in Malaysia.
Address: 28, Jalan Dedap 7, Taman Johor Jaya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 9am to 8:30pm
Website
Niko Niko Onigiri is Muslim-friendly.
40 Johor Bahru Cafes Near Customs, Including A Seaside Cafe And Kueh Buffet
Photos taken by Nivian Chiang.
This was an independent feature by Eatbook.sg.
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