New cafes in JB to visit in 2024
Ah, JB. From the wide variety of groceries available in the many supermarkets in JB, to the loads of fun to be had at the likes of Game On and Sunway Big Box, it’s hardly surprising that we choose to return, week after week.
Part of everyone’s itinerary in JB also nearly always involves cafe-hopping. But if the snaking queues at the usual joints seem longer than usual, here’s a list of new cafes in JB that you can head over to.
1. Eden by Wizard – Earthy cafe nestled in an industrial zone
Image adapted from @edenbywizards via Instagram
You’re not wrong for wondering if you’ve stepped into a terrarium the moment you enter Eden By Wizards. Its exterior oozes serious Japanese garden vibes, with its rough gravel flooring, plants, and large concrete slabs, which act as a pathway to the main door. The earthy theme is continued inside too, keeping things zen.
Image credit: @edenbywizards via Instagram
The menu features plenty of hearty Western food, including the Ocean Trout Mentaiko Pasta (RM35, ~S$10.01) as well as the Eden Fish & Chips (RM42, ~S$12.02). Alternatively, the Ayame Matcha Latte (RM17, ~S$4.85) is a good option too, if you’re just looking for something to sip on.
Address: 19 Jalan Tiong Emas, Kawasan Perindustrian Tiong Nam Tebrau 3, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-6pm, Daily
Contact: +60 11-5428 2184
2. OutLine Cafe – Go glamping under a faux moonlit sky
Image credit: @unagohhhh via Instagram
With vintage travel posters plastered on the wall, coupled with the fairy lights strewn overhead, you can be forgiven for thinking you’ve stumbled into a romantic glamping site upon entering OutLine Cafe.
The first thing you’ll notice is the illuminated moon on the wall. True to the glamping theme, expect to have your meal on camp chairs and outdoor-worthy wooden tables, with gravel beneath your feet.
Image credit: @mogmog.yokukamu via Instagram
If you’re worried that camping rations are all that’s offered here, think again. The menu here includes offerings such as Ribeye Steak (RM42.9, ~S$12.23) and Chicken Roulade (RM26, ~S$7.67), so there’s no need to scour for solid fuel tablets and mess tins at the Beach Road Army Market.
Address: 22 Jalan Austin Height 7/8, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 11.30am-10pm, Thu-Tue (Closed on Wednesdays)
Contact: OutLine Cafe Instagram
3. Flame & Fern – Flame-grilled mains at this cottagecore cafe
Image credit: Patrick Tan via Google Maps
If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the usual malls in JB, consider heading over to Flame & Fern. A mere 5–minute drive from Mid Valley Southkey, it’s located in a converted bungalow with exposed brick walls, parquet flooring and soft, warm lighting throughout. Perfect for that #cottagecore shot for the ‘Gram.
Image credit: @yoshiko_lifeistravel via Instagram
The large flame logo provides a huge clue as to what’s on the menu. With its massive grill, it’s no surprise that charred meats feature heavily here, with the Char-grilled Masala Chicken (RM32, ~S$9.17) and Grilled Barramundi Steak (RM38, ~S$10.89) being some of the cafe’s signature offerings. Brioches (RM17, ~S$4.85) and bagels (RM6, ~S$1.71) are available too, if you’re looking for some small nibbles.
Address: 61, Jalan Chengai, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, 80250 Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Fri-Sun 8am-5pm | Mon & Wed-Thu 9.30am-5pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: +60 7-330 9061
4. O’ Nut Korean Kafe – Go dog spotting while munching on corn dogs
Located a stone’s throw away from Sunway Big Box, O’ Nut Korean Kafe serves up a variety of doughnuts (from RM17, ~S$4.87) with unique flavours. These include Creme Brulee, Marshmallow Choco Chip and Tiramisu. But lest you worry about soiling your hands from all that sticky glaze, fret not, the sweet snacks here are all served on ice cream sticks.
They’ve got popular Korean street food such as corn dogs (from RM15, ~S$4.30) and tteokbokki (RM18, ~S$5.16) here too. The former’s also available in a variety of flavours including mozzarella, thin potatoes, and even spicy ramen.
Address: Sunway Boulevard 88, Laman Niaga Sunway, Persiaran Medini 3, Bandar Medini Iskandar, 79250 Iskandar Puteri, Johor
Opening hours: Thu-Tue 8am-8pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
Contact: O’ Nut Korean Kafe Instagram
5. Mollylicious Bakes – Industrial cafe with pizzas & cakes
Image adapted from @alextayz via Instagram
Those looking to channel their inner e-girl vibe can pay Mollylicious a visit. Featuring an eclectic interior that boasts neon–coloured inflatable couches, bare concrete walls, and classic chequered tiles, it makes for an Instagrammable spot if you’re going for that industrial grunge vibe.
Image credit: @mollylicious_bakes via Instagram
When you’re done feeding your phone, feast on pizzas such as the I Want Everything (RM55, ~S$15.75) or Anchovies Are Actually Ikan Masin (RM55, ~S$14.55). A variety of alcoholic sodas are available here too, with unique names such Bubblegum Soda (RM16, ~S$4.57) and Bad B*tch Soda (RM16, ~S$4.57).
Address: 31A Lorong 2C, Jalan Abdul Samad, 80100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Wed-Sun 1-11pm | Mon-Tue 12-8pm
Contact: Mollylicious Instagram
6. Palates & Bagels by T.A.M – Industrial cafe with housemade bagels
Image credit: @palatesandbagels via Instagram
It’s hard to miss Palates & Bagels by TAM, especially with the huge hole in its 2nd floor window. It’s modelled after an old-school barber with a modern industrial twist, complete with a barber’s chair near the entrance.
Avocado, hashbrown & egg bagel
Image credit: @palatesandbagels via Instagram
The cafe’s signature offerings are quite literally in their name. Available from RM6 (~S$1.71), their bagels come in a variety of flavours, such as Parmesan or Pumpkin Seed. Mains such as Unagi Rice Bowls (RM28, ~S$7.98) and Truffle Mushroom Pasta (RM38, ~S$10.83) are available too, should you prefer something heavy to start your day with.
Address: 10 Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 8.30am-6pm, Daily
Contact: +60 11-2101 0150
7. Blue Door Coffee House – Get taro desserts & drinks as late as 12am
There’s even a queen-sized bed in the middle of the room.
Image credit: @imsooyeonvalerie via Instagram
It’s unsurprising that Mount Austin counts as one of the more popular spots for Singaporeans, with attractions like the Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park and Loud Speaker Family Karaoke located here. One of the newest additions to the many bubble tea shops and cafes here is the Blue Door Coffee House, which is open till 12am on weekends.
Image credit: @jingxuanyyy via Instagram
Taro lovers will be glad to know that the tuber features heavily here. With offerings such as the Yam Croissant (RM13.80, ~S$4.01), Original Yam Classic Basque (RM18, ~S$5.24) and Homemade Taro Latte (RM18, ~S$5.24), you can most definitely be assured that your cravings will be satisfied here. The Matchamisu (RM22, ~S$6.40) blends artisanal matcha with tiramisu, making it a viable option if you’re not a fan of the root vegetable.
Address: 36A Jalan Austin Heights 7/8, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon-Wed 12pm-10pm| Thu 12pm-12am| Fri-Sun 11am-12am
Contact: +60 10-425 4945
8. Kacani Coffee – Chase sunsets at this rooftop bar
Image credit: @norafoodie_jaybee via Instagram
Kacani Coffee’s hides in plain sight. But before you go snooping around for hidden entrances, relax, you don’t have to – the coffee joint occupies a small corner of Jaya Grocer’s Eko Galleria multi-storey parking garage. Given its location, it’s perfect for unwinding over a Hot Chocolate (RM8.90, ~S$2.53) after a long day, all while watching the sun set over the distant horizon.
Image credit: @azadmuhd via Instagram
You may very well relive your NS days here, with the cafe’s camping theme. Order instant noodles – from Nissin to classic Maggi – off the menu and you’ll get to “cook” it yourself on a portable stove. Nothing facilitates bonding better than a shared meal, after all.
Address: 3F Blok, Eko Galleria, B0429, B 3, Jalan Eko Botani 3/2, Taman Eko Botani, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 5pm-12am, Tue-Sun (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: Kacani Coffee Instagram
9. Broos & Co – Office-themed bar with photocopier & filing cabinets
Image adapted from @iamdelvan.chong, @tummydrunk via Instagram
Decked out like a 1980s office, Brooos & Co features typical office furniture like filing cabinets and photocopiers. Come nightfall, the bar trades its warm yellow lighting for eclectic neon hues of red and purple, much like how you’d roll up your sleeves and let loose at an after-work party. As the joint only closes at midnight, you can consider adding this to your list of late night things to do in JB.
Image credit: @munwhye via Instagram
Those wanting light bites can consider getting pastries such as their pain au chocolat RM9 (~S$2.58). Otherwise, you can consider heavier mains such as Teriyaki Chicken Chop (RM25, ~S$7.15) and Grilled Squid & Avocado Sourdough (RM26, ~S$7.44). Cocktails including Irish Coffee (RM38, ~S$10.87) are available here too, should you like to end your work week on a high.
Do note that they only accept digital payments, so it’s best to have your travel e-wallet on hand.
Address: 18 Jalan Sri Pelangi 4, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 11am-12am, Daily
Contact: +60-12 240 6442
10. Kokoro Cakery – Alcoholic cakes made with Japanese gin & vodka
Image credit: @koh_shubi via Instagram
Kokoro Cakery’s interior resembles that of a Japanese teahouse – with a spin. Instead of featuring teapots, tea leaves and other tea-related paraphernalia, you might notice that their displays are chock full of alcohol. This might seem unusual, until you realise that the cakery’s signature offerings are their line of alcoholic chocolate cakes.
Image credit: @refaeli_jry via Instagram
Available from RM185 (~S$53.06) for a whole cake, flavours here include the Tiramisu, which contains Haku Vodka, Kahlua and Bailey’s, as well as the Lotus Caramel Bliss Rum, which lists Lotus biscuits and Bacardi Rum as ingredients. If your wallet’s feeling the pinch, you’ll be glad to know that affordable options such as the Roku Gin White Snow (from RM155, ~S$44.55) are also available.
Alternatively, teetotalers can consider their range of non-alcoholic cakes too. These include the Hoshino Tevere matcha cake (from RM115, ~S$32.98), which is made from premium Japanese matcha.
Address: 25 Jalan Molek 2/1, Taman Molek, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10.30am-9.30pm, Daily
Contact: +60 12-513 2119
11. Jibril – Butter chicken hidden behind a secret door
Can you spot the hidden entrance?
Image credit: @noorhaslindahalim via Instagram
Not unlike the many hidden bars in Singapore, Jibril’s JB outlet hides in plain sight. In fact, you’re more likely to chalk it up to a bookstore than an eatery, given the big black bookshelf stretching across its facade. Entering the restaurant’s no easy feat, given that you’ve to figure out which of the shelves hides the entrance.
Image credit: @jibriljohor via Instagram
The restaurant is famous for its Salted Egg Butter Sauce, which is drizzled across a variety of local dishes. Some of these include its signature Butter Chicken (available from RM15.90, ~S$4.55) and the Butter Chicken Masak Merah (RM19.90, ~S$5.69). There’s also the Salted Egg Butter Lobster (RM19.90, ~S$34.01), if you’re feeling fancy.
Address: Pusat Perdagangan Larkin, 51, Jalan Geroda 2/1, Larkin Jaya, 80350 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 12pm-12am, Daily
Contact: +60 12-743 0350
Check out these new cafes across the Causeway
Whether you’re an early riser looking to get your bagel fix, or just want to soothe your vocal cords with some taro latte after a karaoke sesh, there’s plenty of new cafes to check out if you’re getting sian of the usual ones.
For more JB-related content:
Cover image adapted from: @edenbywizards, @iamdelvan.chong, @jingxuanyyy via Instagram
The post 11 New Cafes In JB To Visit Before They Get Crowded – Bagels, Rooftop Coffee House & Boozy Cakes appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.