Johor Bahru continues to delight me, not just with its ever-growing list of activities, from petting zoos to escape rooms, but with its increasingly vibrant café and dining scene. This trip was all about slowing down, eating well, and enjoying great company, and it reminded me why Johor Bahru remains a favourite food getaway just across the causeway.
If you’re planning a Johor Bahru café-hopping itinerary, here are three recommended cafés and restaurants, each offering a distinct experience, from nostalgic Hong Kong flavours to smoky brunch plates and romantic bayfront dining.
1. 13 Units Hong Kong Café
13 Units Hong Kong Café instantly transports us back to early-2000s Hong Kong, complete with mahjong-themed décor, retro furnishings, and film-set-worthy corners that make the place irresistibly photo-friendly. One of its most charming touches? Cold drinks served with collectible mini mahjong tiles (my friend Jamie has amassed quite the collection too!).
Impressed by the table décor!
The menu centres around Hong Kong cha chaan teng (tea restaurant) staples, offering familiar comfort food at wallet-friendly prices. Think prawn noodles, wanton mee soup, char siew rice, and other Cantonese favourites.
I ordered the tangy prawn dumpling noodles, which delivered a bowl of satisfying springy noodles paired with generously filled prawn dumplings bursting with freshness. The fried dumplings were another highlight; crisp on the outside, juicy inside, and fried to golden perfection without feeling greasy. It’s the kind of place you return to when you crave no-frills, nostalgic Hong Kong flavours done right.
The bonus? Stephen Chow’s old movies were playing on loop in the backdrop. Talk about nostagia well done!
Address: 13 Units Hong Kong Café – Century Garden 【十三幺港式茶記】
172, Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Century, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
2. Flame & Fern Café
Flame & Fern Café offers a striking contrast with its modern, industrial aesthetic and focus on Western brunch meals cooked over open fire and charcoal grills. This cooking style gives many of their dishes a subtle smoky depth, a refreshing departure from typical café fare.
Positioned as a specialty café, Flames & Fern also takes pride in artisanal coffee and thoughtfully crafted beverages, making it a solid stop for both brunch lovers and coffee enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the standout for me was the seafood spaghetti. The pasta was cooked al dente and coated in rich, savoury sauce, while the charcoal-grilled prawns were plump, juicy, and infused with a gentle smokiness that elevated the entire dish. The sides, barramundi wings and fried squid rings, were crisp and deeply savoury, delivering a satisfying burst of rich flavours. Paired with a glass of hojicha latte, which was nutty, aromatic, and comforting without being overly sweet, the meal felt both indulgent and balanced.
Address: Flame & Fern Café
61, Jalan Chengai, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, 80250 Johor, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
3. The Veil
Recommended by my friend Samantha, The Veil is a glasshouse-style, bayfront restaurant facing Singapore, known for its romantic views, elegant interior, and refined Western dishes. It is also a popular venue for weddings and private luncheons, making it a sought-after setting for intimate celebrations.
Floor-to-ceiling glass windows provide an unobstructed view of the sea, creating a serene dining atmosphere. Although it was raining during our visit, the soft, muted light only added to the ambience. Inside, the space is styled with minimalist elegance: marble tabletops, neutral tones, and lounge-style seating that feels polished yet welcoming.
The menu leans towards Western cuisine with fine-dining influences, emphasising clean flavours and artful presentation. The salmon was cooked beautifully, flaky and tender, complemented by a savoury, well-balanced sauce that enhanced rather than overwhelmed the taste. Dessert was equally impressive, a crème brûlée served with artistic flair, featuring a silky custard base and a perfectly caramelised sugar top infused with berries that cracked delicately with each spoonful.
While the food was undoubtedly excellent, the ambience is the real star here, making The Veil an ideal choice for special occasions, romantic dates, and celebratory meals.
Address: The Veil
Persiaran Bayu Delima, Emerald Bay, 79000 Iskandar Puteri, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
In a nutshell … (or a foodplate)
Johor Bahru’s food scene continues to evolve, offering experiences that range from nostalgic comfort to refined indulgence. Whether you’re café hopping, planning a food-focused day trip, or looking for a memorable dining spot just across the border, these three places are well worth adding to your list.
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Follow me as I continue my gastronomic journey, one bite at a time.
