Toast Box Johor Jaya 土司工坊 in JB

Janet, the Operations Manager of the newly opened Toast Box café 土司工坊 in Taman Johor Jaya invited me for a visit. 



The large corner outlet in Johor Jaya stood out in the busy neighbourhood which is a JB makan hotspot. The outlet is easy to spot as it looks so attractive and inviting. Janet told me that this is the largest Toast Box 土司工坊 outlet in Southeast Asia. (When a big overseas F and B player comes in in such a big way, it's another sign of the thriving JB food scene.)



Inside, the interior décor has an elegant dreamy white theme which is very pleasing to the eye. It reminds me of those trendy wedding studios and there are a few famous ones here in Johor Jaya LOL. I feel light hearted and cheerful just by stepping into the outlet.



Everything is clean, neat and well thought through. Make your order at the counter or at your table from the extensive menu and all your orders will be served to you. This is Toast Box's first full service outlet in the world (imagine that) :D


Traditional Nanyang Kopi RM2.30

First things, first. When in Toast Box, one must of course drink their Nanyang style kopi. I like the medium body and mild flavours of Toast Box's old style kopi.



When I am in Singapore, Toast Box's kopi is one of my preferred options as it is widely available and is consistent in body, taste and flavour across it's outlets. The young staff are well trained.




The coffee beans are roasted right here at the Johor Jaya café with this machine. Only the Johor Jaya café has this roaster - none of the other Toast Box outlets has this, not even in Singapore.



Traditional kaya and butter toast at RM2.30 a set, pairs well with good old kopi.



Toast Box uses the famous Xiao Mei otak otak from Muar for their otah baguette.



The popular otah baguette was a tad dry for my taste.  A little moistness would make it perfect for me :D



We tried Toast Box's Chicken Curry with rice (RM7.50). The curry was rich with coconut milk and was mildly spicy. The chicken and potato chunks were nicely tender. I am glad that Janet insists on going the extra mile, using only chilled instead of frozen chicken for this dish - it's just like mum's cooking.



This is like home cooked rice eaten with the chicken curry. We can also choose toasted baguette for dipping in the curry.



Janet was eager for us to try the Singapore style laksa, one of Toast Box's signatures. The laksa gravy is heavy with coconut milk, spices, chili and hae bee hiam (spicy dried shrimps).



Each bowl of laksa comes with two of these large fresh prawns. The shelled prawns really got me sitting up :D



Janet let us try the laksa with popular mee tai mak 老鼠粉. The mee tai mak is slightly chewy and bouncy, and appeals to many people. Call me old fashioned but personally, old school bee hoon still works better with me. Shall ask for bee hoon next time  :P

This good laksa at RM7 with two large prawns is such good value, especially in the nice, cosy environment. This laksa at Toast Box, I think is hard to beat.



Toast Box Johor Jaya is a good place to hang out for tête-à-tête with friends. The variety of food and drinks is extensive, competitively priced and the environment is clean and beautiful. Needless to say, there is free wifi LOL

Restaurant name: Toast Box 土司工坊 Johor Jaya
Address: No. 2 & 4 Jalan Dedap 13, Taman Johor Jaya, Johor Bahru
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/zgJ59
GPS: 1.543071,103.801231
Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 7:00pm. Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays from 7:30am to 7:00pm.
No pork, no lard, no Halal cert

Date visited: 12 Nov 2013