Pacific Kopi: Popular Nanyang Cafe In JB With Kaya Custard Toast, Mala Pan Mee And More

Pacific Kopi Jalan Dhoby is a popular Nanyang eatery in JB

If you’re looking for a good breakfast spot near the Johor Bahru (JB) customs, consider Pacific Kopi, a popular eatery known for its Nanyang-style coffee and range of Malaysian staples, including nasi lemak, pan mee and more. It’s a 10-minute drive from the checkpoint!

Pacific Kopi is located in a two-storey shophouse that looks like a cross between a rustic coffeeshop and a clean, minimalist cafe.

While its first floor is quite crammed, its second floor is roomier and more vibrant looking, so you get to enjoy your food in relative comfort.

We’ve heard plenty of good things about their Pacific Nasi Lemak Chicken Tender (RM10.90++), which sees coconut rice paired with fried chicken chunks, ikan bilis, peanuts, poppadam crisps, and some sambal chilli.

Though we were a little disappointed with the rice, which lacked flavour and aroma, the chicken was well-spiced and flavourful, and the crispy batter bits added a nice crunch to each bite. Meanwhile, the sambal struck a good balance between sweet and spicy, the anchovies were decently crispy and salty, and the poppadam crisps were a nice touch as well.

The Pacific Mushroom Chicken Mala Pan Mee (RM13.90++) thoroughly impressed us. Since this is a Muslim-friendly joint, this dish swaps out the typical pork for minced chicken, but it worked just as well. We found that the chewy noodles were thoroughly coated in the sauce and dried chilli. That said, it’s definitely on the spicier side, so we’d recommend it only if you have a high spice tolerance.

For something less hearty, try the Pandan Custard White Bread (RM4.50++). While this wasn’t a standout dish, we appreciated that it was slightly more milky and custard-like than your usual kaya spread.

Be sure to pair the aforementioned dishes with a cup of Iced Pacific Kopi (RM5.30++), which we found super rich and strong, yet not overly sweet. If you’re not a fan of coffee, there’s also the Kedongdong (RM5.90++), which is essentially ambarella juice that’s said to be high in antioxidants and vitamins

For other places to have breakfast in Johor Bahru, read our best JB breakfast spots guide. For new spots to check out, read our new JB cafes to check out in 2025 guide.

Address: 11, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 9pm
Tel: +60 18-874 1215
Website
Pacific Kopi is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.

Photos taken by Paula Formantes.
This was an independent visit by Eatbook.sg.