If you love bagels and are planning a trip to Johor Bahru, be sure to add Palates & Bagels By T.A.M to your list of must-visit cafes in JB. Located just a 10-minute drive from the customs, this popular cafe opens from 8am so you can stop by for brekkie if you cross the causeway early.
The current exchange rate is RM1 = ~S$0.30 as of 29 April 2025.
Palates & Bagels has garnered a 4.8-star rating across over 4,000 Google reviews, so you know they’re a favourite among cafe hoppers in JB.
The cafe is also known for its Instagrammable ambience. Upon stepping inside, you’re welcomed by rustic and moody interiors featuring shades of grey and muted browns, exposed brick walls, and dimmed lighting. Vintage decorations, such as old-school salon chairs, a typewriter, and a vintage telephone, add to the nostalgic vibe.
For more natural sunlight, consider heading upstairs to the spacious second floor, where you’ll find additional tables and seats. Don’t miss the cosy balcony overlooking the bustling street—it’s the perfect spot for snapping your #OOTD.
To place your order, choose and pay for your bagels at the counter on the first level. The cafe offers three signature bagels: Original (RM6++), Parmesan Cheese (RM8++), and Flavoured (RM7++). Flavoured bagels include Cranberry, Mixed Black Sesame, Pumpkin Seeds and more.
On our visit, we had the crowd-favourite Lily (RM15.90++). This petite cranberry bagel, suitable for those with smaller appetites, is generously filled with rose- and lemon-infused cream cheese.
It also features real lychee fruit, which adds a juicy, refreshing twist to each bite.
For something more substantial, consider their savoury bagels instead. You can try the Dvesh (RM26.90++), which features curry mayo and fried chicken, or go for the Ah Seng (RM30.90++): prawn patty, egg, caramelised onions, and sliced cheddar.
We tried the latter, which was packed with umami and had a savoury cheesiness. The soft and sweet prawn patty was also slathered in a mildly spicy, hae bee hiam-infused mayonnaise.
Palates & Bagels also serves hearty mains such as Truffle Mushroom Pasta (RM38.90++) and Unagi Rice Bowl (RM28.90++), along with a variety of pastries.
Give their signature coffee a try too. Crowd favourites include Honey Oat Latte (RM18++), White Cold Brew (RM16.90++), and Osmanthus Latte (RM16.90++).
For more cafe food in Johor Bahru, check out our JB Mount Austin food guide. We also have a guide to the best matcha cafes in JB!
Jalan Dhoby outlet
Address: Ibrahim International Business District, 10, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80888 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 6pm
Taman Melodies outlet
Address: 46, Jln Beringin, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 10pm
Website
Palates & Bagels By T.A.M is not a halal-certified eatery but serves no pork or lard.
Photos taken by Kia Ee Hor and edited by Casandra Nicholas.
This was an independent visit by Eatbook.sg
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