JB has a cool new Instagram hotspot - Spring Labs Eco Ekoflora (about 30 minutes drive north after clearing JB immigration). There are many Instagrammable buildings and nice cafes to hang out in here. I tried Tropique Cafe & Restaurant and so love it 💗
Spring Labs is the lifestyle hub just next to Taman Ekoflora residents' club house (and Eco World Gallery). You need to drive to get here and the easiest way is to use Waze - just key in "Tropique Cafe & Restaurant".
There are so many pretty buildings here that make us unconsciously reach for our handphones in our pockets to "Instagram it". They reminded me of the Pained Ladies of San Francisco. We were there when the skies were overcast, so the weather felt like SFO too 😄
Tropique Cafe & Restaurant is in this two storey olive green and pink colour building with large arched windows.
Tropique Cafe & Restaurant is brought to us by the folks behind the famous Faculty of Caffeine, Replacement and Shakespeare Milkshakes, so we can see a bit of their DNA here.
The bright, cool ground floor with glass on all sides like a greenhouse. There is also an al fresco section outside, if you can't pull yourself away from the charming expansive views of Spring Labs.
The space upstairs. The furnishings are designed to be easily reconfigured, so that the space can be converted for events and private parties. Tropique Cafe is already a hotspot for events.
For starters, we had Chicken Wings Penang Style served with yogurt sauce (price RM18.90).
The golden brown wings were crispy outside, juicy inside. Flavour was mildly savoury with a bit of natural sweetness from the juicy meat inside.
Our first mains was Tropique's interpretation of a classic southern French comfort dish. Chicken Confit on Cassoulet of mixed bean stew, chicken sausage slices complemented by muesli toast, egg brûlée and rocket greens (price RM26.90). There is a choice of Duck Confit (which I like to try next time).
Faculty of Caffeine of Caffeine, The Replacement and now Tropique, they are known for their beautiful food that never disappoints in the taste department.
The savoury chicken was crisp outside and tenderly juicy inside. The mixed bean stew and muesli toast provide the carbs in a tasty way with interesting soft and crisp textures. It was my first time eating an egg brûlée which was eggy sweet from the gritty layer of sugar glaze on top.
Miso Salmon (price RM36.90).
It's a thick piece of Nordic salmon pan seared till the skin is browned and slightly crisp (locking in the juices and flavours). Served with crushed potato, crunchy pak choy greens and fried caper (berries) in a brown pool of miso broth.
I like this Miso Salmon as the savoury flavour of the juicy pink soft meat blends well with the savouriness from the miso broth. The crushed potato complemented the fish and miso flavours with natural sweetness.
And then, it's time for desserts, coffee and tea 😄
Tropique Cafe's signature Madam Lim's Brownie which owner/ founder Edward dedicates to his mum who created this dish.
It's a slab of house made rich, moist dark chocolate brownie topped with vanilla ice cream, and with house made crunchy Granola, popcorn and butterfly pea flower on the side (price RM22.90).
We indulged in a High Tea for Two (available 4pm - 7pm at RM120).
The set comes with house made sweet desserts, savoury mini bites, and specialty tea for two.
There were macaroons, crème brûlée tarts, brownies, chocolate profiteroles and seasonal French pastries which Edward will change from time to time (while maintaining or increasing the value for the guest).
Mini savoury bites like mini crab cake with house made tartare sauce, maki rolls with house made special toppings, etc.
Specialty teas available - Classic Breakfast, Moroccan Mint, Earl Grey Lavender, Peach Green, and Raspberry. We had the Peach Green - I like the flavour and aroma.
Flat white and cappuccino made with a blend of Brazilian and Colombian Arabica. Nice aroma and mild nutty flavour. I enjoyed this coffee.
👉 Tropique Cafe & Restaurant @ Spring Labs Ekoflora is a good new place in Johor Bahru to hang out with family and friends. The environment is nice, the food tastes equally delicious as it is beautiful (which is no mean feat as Instagrammers know 😜 ). Good specialty coffee and teas too.
Note: Thank you Edward for your hospitality.
I first met Edward's parents before knowing him. It was back in 2013 when his parents were running their own little bakery in Taman Impian Emas 👈 click
Edward at his pioneering Faculty of Caffeine cafe in downtown JB 👈 click
Restaurant name: Tropique Cafe & Restaurant
Address: Lot D, Jalan Ekoflora 1, Taman Ekoflora, Johor Bahru
GPS: 1°35'18.6"N 103°45'40.7"E | 1.588508, 103.761314
Waze: Tropique Cafe & Restaurant
Tel: 012-547 7886
Hours: 10:00am - 10:00pm (Tues off)
No pork, no lard, no Halal cert
Date visited: 21 Apr 2018
You too can make egg brûlée at home, it looks easy with a blow torch 😄 (I have not tried before lah 😂 )
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