TripZillaWhile Singapore has a vibrant café and restaurant scene, sometimes venturing a bit up north to our neighbour’s backyard provides a refreshing change, while also being easier on the wallet (thank you, O favourable exchange rates!). Apart from the usual dimsum or nasi padang haunts, there are no lack of cool cafes and restaurants to check out as well. Here are 7 new places in JB to fill your bellies (and IG stories with) at!
The Ice Cream Project (TIP) Express Outlet
Image credit: Visit Johor
With their first outlet still enjoying brisk business since opening in JB a few years ago, TIP is now welcoming customers at a smaller shop at R&F Mall. The concept remains the same though – fresh ice cream made upon ordering with the help of liquid nitrogen and mixer. We love their Brownie and Cream flavour the most; you can’t go wrong with chewy brownie pieces swirled into an icy milky concoction!
Address: #1-106, R&F Mall
Morihana Pastry
Image credit: Morihana Pastry
Located in a pretty setting in Spring Labs Eco Park, Morihana Pastry has gained a cult following since starting out as a home bakery in 2016. This place, which is their first a brick and mortar store, is often packed to the rafters, and more often than not their pastries are often sold out before the day ends! Located about 20 minutes’ drive from Woodlands Checkpoint, this light-filled café should be on your to-go list next time you’re in JB.
Address: Jalan Ekoflora 1, Taman Eko Flora, Johor
The Corner Café
Image credit: The Corner Cafe
It is literally a little box located at Trove Hotel, but don’t let that deter you! While it is too hot in the day to have a seat at one of their tables outdoors, it transforms into a cosy place in the evening – perfect for a little snack and iced tea to sustain you for the long way (boo, JB traffic) home.
Address: Jalan Dato Abdullah Tahir, Taman Abad, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor
Cuban Sandwich
Image credit: Cuban Sandwich
Everyone loves a good sandwich, and you can get a good deal at this newly opened shop located in Taman Mount Austin! Its airy and modern interiors may signal that its prices are upmarket, but it isn’t – you can get a sandwich with a drink for just RM15. They’ve got interesting sandwich choices here, such as Mexican Chicken and Xinjiang Lamb. Oh, and they are open until 3am!
Address: 31 Jalan Austin Heights 8/8
KyoChon
Image credit: KyoChon
The popular fried chicken chain from South Korea is now open in JB! While they have outlets located in KL and Penang, it is the first time they have opened so down south. Located at R&F Mall and The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey, you can’t go wrong with their signatures such as Soy Garlic drumsticks. Or, if you can’t make up your mind, they have a platter featuring their popular favourites too!
Address: Lot 1-115, R & F Mall, Jalan Tanjung Puteri, 80300 Johor and LG-048, The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey, No 1 Persiaran Southkey 1, Southkey, 80150 Johor Bahru
Gochabar
Image credit: Gochabar
A juice and smoothie chain from Taiwan, Gocha Bar is all about healthy drinks that also looks good for the ‘gram! The first to open in Malaysia, the extensive menu is ever-changing so that only the freshest fruit in season are used! Right now, it looks like summer is ripe for the picking, so expect loads of mangoes and pineapples!
Address: #01-077, R&F Mall, Jalan Tanjung Puteri, 80300 Johor
Routine by Soon
Image credit: Routine by Soon
From the same folks behind the popular People & Places Café, Routine by Soon serves up what they call “casual fusion food”, in a chic space in R&F Mall. While tucking into crowd favourites like their beef bowl and burnt cheesecake you can also load up on IG snaps – the “date me” backdrop is a hot choice!
Address: R&F Mall, Jalan Tanjung Puteri, 80300 Johor
Also read: Skyscape Johor Bahru – See Johor and Singapore From this Sky Bridge!
