No plans for the weekend or in the mood for a quick trip? Try café-hopping around JB…
Feel like a little change of scene and want to switch things up right now? You there are always more long weekends lined up for a short trip within Southeast Asia, but if you’re craving a getaway in a hurry, hop over to JB. Sure we all know Johor Bahru as the spot for some serious outlet shopping, but this time we went with a mission to chill out over some café-hopping. Here are the faves that we hit up…
The Atlas Maison
We can’t be the only one who didn’t think of pairing avocados with honey mustard, right? This has become our new fave way to eat avocados (#obssessed!) after a visit to The Atlas Maison. Alongside buttery scrambled eggs and a croissant, or a classic eggs Ben with smoked salmon and brioche, this is the kind of breakfast we’d make every day if we had this adulting thing under control.
We also love how the café has a corner (you can’t miss the neon ‘Bite Me’ sign by the pastry display) where you can toast your own bread. And if you like your ketchup homemade, they do that too – it was a little too sweet for our tastes, but still delish and tasted way better than what you get out of a bottle. That said, the honey mustard is addictive, and good on everything.
The Atlas Maison, 32, Jalan Austin Heights 8/7, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Shao Yi Dian
When faced with streets peppered with bubble tea stores, we’d nip into the one with the cutest decor (is that just us?). And Shao Yi Dian is definitely one for the ‘gram, with Tiffany blue-themed decor, hot pink neon signage, and a stunning wall of roses we reckon is there for your pure photo-op pleasure.
Drinks to fuel your impromptu photoshoot include the refreshing passion fruit tea, the classic bubble tea that you can’t go wrong with, and cheese teas for those who are a tad more adventurous with their tastes (though it’s not a taste that we’ve acquired yet, tbh).
Shao Yi Dian, GF-L007, Austin International Convention Centre, Jalan Austin Heights 8/1, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
The Dreamliner Airways Cafe
If you dream of flying out on a holiday but only have time for a trip across the causeway, The Dreamliner Airways Cafe can at least offer the experience of dining on a plane. Sure, you won’t be landing in a whole new world, but you’ll still have a hearty meal and a pretty convincing on-a-plane photo to trick your friends with. This ain’t your average airplane dining experience, we promise.
We popped by for lunch and were honestly surprised by the variety on the menu. Expect more than just your typical cafe eats – we also spied extensive selections of Malaysian, Korean, Western and other cuisines. Now that’s an upgrade on the average in-flight menu!
The Dreamliner Airways Cafe, 7, Jalan Harmonium 35/1, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Cheotnun Korean Dessert Cafe
Do you have to travel across the border for shaved ice? Maybe not, but while cafe-hopping in the sweltering weather, we definitely appreciate a pit stop to cool off. Us green tea lovers went for a matcha bingsu bowl topped with sweet red bean paste, toasted almonds, and even more matcha in the form of ice cream.
This two-storey cafe has plenty of photo spots too. From the spiral staircase by the side of the building to the al fresco rooftop seats to the brick walls and piano indoors, you’ll find a good background for your picture, we’re sure.
Cheotnun Korean Dessert Cafe, Jalan Storey, Bukit Ungku Aziz, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Chaiwalla & Co Container Cafe
You’ve probably already seen pictures of this popular cafe on social media. This distinct black container houses Chaiwalla & Co Container Cafe, where you can grab your chai latte, Thai milk tea (we had this, and we’d gladly get a second cup if we weren’t in a hurry!), Vietnamese coffee, or customisable bubble tea. Quick bites (think toast or pies) are also available if you’re feeling peckish.
Before you leave, we recommend snapping a picture by the wall of greenery, or by the door plastered with #hypebeast style stickers. If you want to capture your drink, get your shot quick because you’ll be guzzling these ice-cold drinks down before you know it!
Chaiwalla & Co Container Cafe, 36, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia