Daniel invited me to visit his Barn 81 Cafe in Taman Melodies in Johor Bahru. I enjoyed the food, desserts and coffee here.
Johor Kaki Adventurous Foodie Traveler with 75 million+ reads 📧 johorkaki@gmail.com
Showing posts with label Coffee - Specialty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Coffee - Specialty. Show all posts
Barn 81 Cafe Taman Melodies JB. Tasty Savouries, Great Desserts, Good Coffee
Daniel invited me to visit his Barn 81 Cafe in Taman Melodies in Johor Bahru. I enjoyed the food, desserts and coffee here.
Nitro Brewery at Jalan Serampang Johor JB. Vamos Coffee Roastery
Thanks to buddy Corinne for showing me Vamos Coffee Roastery in Sri Tebrau, JB - it's a most fascinating place 😄 Vamos is no ordinary cafe - that is too mainstream 😄
AlleyLab Coffee Roastery Cafe. Craft Coffee Geek Haven in Johor Bahru JB
Updated 14 Aug 2019. AlleyLab Coffee Roastery at Citrine Hub in Sunway Iskander Nusajaya is where coffee lovers and coffee geeks in the know go for their cuppa Arabica in Johor Bahru.
1 Day Cafe Hopping Itinerary in Johor Bahru JB (Tuesday Edition)
Today is my cafe hopping and good coffee appreciation day in Johor Bahru. We started at 10am in the morning and left the last cafe at 10pm at night 😄 It's quite a tiring day but we felt very high throughout the day 😄
Sugar on Top SOT in Taman Pelangi Johor Bahru JK1372
Derek invited us to visit his new restaurant Sugar on Top or SOT in Taman Pelangi. Derek was very excited about his new set up emphasizing innovative Asian fusion cuisine which he observed while studying and working in the UK. We were thrilled by his infectious enthusiasm and quickly made our way to SOT.
EH HE Gallery | Ink Brew Cafe by JWC 墨跡手沖館 in Johor Bahru JK1124
Uncle Martin was very excited to show us Eh HE, his new discovery in JB old town, 10 minutes walk from the JB CIQ. EH HE is a brand new cafe sporting the theme of old JB cultural history.
In all honesty, I just tagged along with Uncle Martin with no great expectations of new cafes as they try to outdo each other with more of the same old creative decor - "same old creative", is an oxymoron I know.
But, a visit to EH HE changed my mind. It is still possible to have interesting concept cafes in an industry which once gave me the impression that it was already saturated and squeezed dry of ideas.
This is the entrance to EH HE at the historic Jalan Tan Hiok Nee side. EH HE is just beside Hiap Joo 协裕 Bakery and right opposite Kin Wah 锦华餐室 kopitiam.
EH HE is made up of 7 (seven) pre-War shop lots, so it's a huge space.
The quaint name EH HE is derived from the phrase EartH HEart. The word art is highlighted by it's absence (yeah, that's a bit beyond my old wooden head ;-p ).
Two large papier-mâché figures stood at the entrance from the Jalan Tan Hiok Nee side. As I gingerly skirted around the delicate looking figures while being led up the stairs by Uncle Martin, the first thought that came to my mind was "This is a cafe?".
Stepping into the first space upstairs, and greeted by these ancient China opera costumes in loud colours, a specialty coffee cafe was the furthest thing from my mind.
This is EH HE's Classic Accents Art House.
The Classic Accents Art House is a space for showcasing Chinese heritage artifacts. Many of the artifacts are on loan from other galleries in Malaysia and regularly rotated, so that there are always new old artifacts to behold at EH HE's Classic Accents Art House.
The theme during our visit was Chinese operatic arts.
Pauline, one of the artist-owner of EH HE sharing with us the fascinating stories behind Classic Accents Art House and the artifacts.
We next stepped into the large adjacent room (from the Art House).
The space is very bright as the roof is elevated to allow natural light to flood the interior. As much as possible, the original red brick walls of the heritage building are preserved, giving the space a rustic charm.
This is a very comfortable, open space to chill out with friends.
Pauline was full of passion and enthusiasm as she explained the inspirations behind EH HE Gallery | Ink Brew Cafe.
In yet another room upstairs, there is a giant fantasy mural on the wall of a little long haired girl in a red dress, giant ducks, ducklings, whales and forests.
Pauline, the artist who created this mural which she named "Temptation" explains the inspirations behind her hand drawn masterpiece which took 2 weeks to complete.
We can also chill in this comfortable fantasy room.
Next, we stepped down these steep ancient stairs with creaky old wooden floor boards and hand railing.
The space at the bottom of the stairs is in sharp contrast with the spaces upstairs. Ink Brew is a contemporary hipster cafe by Just Want Coffee (JWC), one of the leading coffee roasters and brewers in Johor Bahru.
Even the music here switched from Chinese opera upstairs to easy listening Spanish pop music down here at Ink Brew.
This reflects the modern youth in Johor Bahru who are comfortable with their heritage and are open to the modern world at the same time - switching comfortably, effortlessly, almost unconsciously between the two different Worlds.
This trait is an asset in our very small global village.
Ink Brew serves the full range of specialty coffees from espresso, syphon to hand brews. The food and beverages at Ink Brew are specially created by JWC as tributes honouring the rich heritage of old Johor Bahru.
Barista Windy is a picture of concentration and focus.
The food and coffee are generally good as one would expect from Just One Coffee (JWC).
Garden Pizza RM15.90+. A thin pizza crust topped with fresh greens and dressed with tofu sauce.
The Forest Waffle RM16.50+. Savoury waffle, not really appealing to my taste buds.
Balloon Waffle RM17.90+. Waffle with traditional ice cream topping was more to my taste ;-D
Tan Hiok Nee Coffee 陈旭年咖啡 RM16.80+.
This coffee commemorates Tan Hiok Nee 陳旭年, the Major China of Johor in the 1870s. There is a ritual to drinking this coffee to appreciate it's meaning which the friendly staff will gladly explain to you ;-D
When you drink the coffee you would first taste a blend of citrusy bitterness, then tartness from the caramelised orange before sweetness from the icing sugar. This taste profile represents 苦尽甘来, a Chinese saying that when one swallows bitterness to the end, one will be rewarded with sweetness. This represents the spirit of the ancestors of Johor Bahru in building the city.
Irish Coffee RM26+
Chingay Coffee 游神 - 五帮共和 RM16.50+.
The idea behind this coffee is interesting. It is a blend of 5 Arabica beans representing the 5 Chinese clans (Hokkien, Teochew, Hakka, Hainanese and Cantonese) at the annual Chingay in Johor Bahru. I must admit that my tongue is not well tuned enough to discern the five beans. Still the cold brew is likable and the idea of celebrating the harmony among the five, once warring Chinese clans has already won me over.
View of EH HE | Ink Brew Cafe from along Jalan Ibrahim.
I am touched by the sincerity of Classic Accents Art House and Just Want Coffee towards preserving and showcasing the Chinese heritage of Johor Bahru.
Now we have one more nice, comfortable place to cool our heels as we explore the dusty JB old town on foot. Actually, I can stay here happily the whole day ;-D
Restaurant name: EH HE Gallery | Ink Brew by JWC Cafe 墨跡手沖館
Address: No. 1, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru 80000, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia. Junction of Jalan Trus and Jalan Tan Hiok Nee (just beside Hiap Joo Bakery)
Map: http://bit.ly/EHHEGallery
GPS: 1.456477, 103.764608
Hours: 12:00 noon to 11:00 pm daily
Non Halal
Date visited: 5 May 2015
Return to Johor Kaki homepage.
In all honesty, I just tagged along with Uncle Martin with no great expectations of new cafes as they try to outdo each other with more of the same old creative decor - "same old creative", is an oxymoron I know.
But, a visit to EH HE changed my mind. It is still possible to have interesting concept cafes in an industry which once gave me the impression that it was already saturated and squeezed dry of ideas.
This is the entrance to EH HE at the historic Jalan Tan Hiok Nee side. EH HE is just beside Hiap Joo 协裕 Bakery and right opposite Kin Wah 锦华餐室 kopitiam.
EH HE is made up of 7 (seven) pre-War shop lots, so it's a huge space.
The quaint name EH HE is derived from the phrase EartH HEart. The word art is highlighted by it's absence (yeah, that's a bit beyond my old wooden head ;-p ).
Two large papier-mâché figures stood at the entrance from the Jalan Tan Hiok Nee side. As I gingerly skirted around the delicate looking figures while being led up the stairs by Uncle Martin, the first thought that came to my mind was "This is a cafe?".
Stepping into the first space upstairs, and greeted by these ancient China opera costumes in loud colours, a specialty coffee cafe was the furthest thing from my mind.
This is EH HE's Classic Accents Art House.
The Classic Accents Art House is a space for showcasing Chinese heritage artifacts. Many of the artifacts are on loan from other galleries in Malaysia and regularly rotated, so that there are always new old artifacts to behold at EH HE's Classic Accents Art House.
The theme during our visit was Chinese operatic arts.
Pauline, one of the artist-owner of EH HE sharing with us the fascinating stories behind Classic Accents Art House and the artifacts.
We next stepped into the large adjacent room (from the Art House).
The space is very bright as the roof is elevated to allow natural light to flood the interior. As much as possible, the original red brick walls of the heritage building are preserved, giving the space a rustic charm.
This is a very comfortable, open space to chill out with friends.
Pauline was full of passion and enthusiasm as she explained the inspirations behind EH HE Gallery | Ink Brew Cafe.
In yet another room upstairs, there is a giant fantasy mural on the wall of a little long haired girl in a red dress, giant ducks, ducklings, whales and forests.
Pauline, the artist who created this mural which she named "Temptation" explains the inspirations behind her hand drawn masterpiece which took 2 weeks to complete.
We can also chill in this comfortable fantasy room.
Next, we stepped down these steep ancient stairs with creaky old wooden floor boards and hand railing.
The space at the bottom of the stairs is in sharp contrast with the spaces upstairs. Ink Brew is a contemporary hipster cafe by Just Want Coffee (JWC), one of the leading coffee roasters and brewers in Johor Bahru.
Even the music here switched from Chinese opera upstairs to easy listening Spanish pop music down here at Ink Brew.
This reflects the modern youth in Johor Bahru who are comfortable with their heritage and are open to the modern world at the same time - switching comfortably, effortlessly, almost unconsciously between the two different Worlds.
This trait is an asset in our very small global village.
Ink Brew serves the full range of specialty coffees from espresso, syphon to hand brews. The food and beverages at Ink Brew are specially created by JWC as tributes honouring the rich heritage of old Johor Bahru.
Barista Windy is a picture of concentration and focus.
The food and coffee are generally good as one would expect from Just One Coffee (JWC).
Garden Pizza RM15.90+. A thin pizza crust topped with fresh greens and dressed with tofu sauce.
The Forest Waffle RM16.50+. Savoury waffle, not really appealing to my taste buds.
Balloon Waffle RM17.90+. Waffle with traditional ice cream topping was more to my taste ;-D
Tan Hiok Nee Coffee 陈旭年咖啡 RM16.80+.
This coffee commemorates Tan Hiok Nee 陳旭年, the Major China of Johor in the 1870s. There is a ritual to drinking this coffee to appreciate it's meaning which the friendly staff will gladly explain to you ;-D
When you drink the coffee you would first taste a blend of citrusy bitterness, then tartness from the caramelised orange before sweetness from the icing sugar. This taste profile represents 苦尽甘来, a Chinese saying that when one swallows bitterness to the end, one will be rewarded with sweetness. This represents the spirit of the ancestors of Johor Bahru in building the city.
Irish Coffee RM26+
Chingay Coffee 游神 - 五帮共和 RM16.50+.
The idea behind this coffee is interesting. It is a blend of 5 Arabica beans representing the 5 Chinese clans (Hokkien, Teochew, Hakka, Hainanese and Cantonese) at the annual Chingay in Johor Bahru. I must admit that my tongue is not well tuned enough to discern the five beans. Still the cold brew is likable and the idea of celebrating the harmony among the five, once warring Chinese clans has already won me over.
View of EH HE | Ink Brew Cafe from along Jalan Ibrahim.
I am touched by the sincerity of Classic Accents Art House and Just Want Coffee towards preserving and showcasing the Chinese heritage of Johor Bahru.
Now we have one more nice, comfortable place to cool our heels as we explore the dusty JB old town on foot. Actually, I can stay here happily the whole day ;-D
Restaurant name: EH HE Gallery | Ink Brew by JWC Cafe 墨跡手沖館
Address: No. 1, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru 80000, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia. Junction of Jalan Trus and Jalan Tan Hiok Nee (just beside Hiap Joo Bakery)
Map: http://bit.ly/EHHEGallery
GPS: 1.456477, 103.764608
Hours: 12:00 noon to 11:00 pm daily
Non Halal
Date visited: 5 May 2015
Return to Johor Kaki homepage.
Grazia Cafe in Johor Bahru, Taman Sutera Utama
Grazia Cafe is a quaint little eatery tucked in a corner of Taman Sutera Utama near Sutera Mall.
Every nook and corner of Grazia Cafe bears the imprint of Kellie, the youthful owner.
Kellie wanted to a create a relaxing, unpretentious space for her customers where everyone would feel at home.
The furnishings in Grazia Cafe are eclectic, a mishmash of odds and ends. This is partly because Kellie is a lady of many interests and also because many of the items in Grazia were bought secondhand.
Kellie dreamt of owning her own cafe and started Grazia three years ago on a shoestring budget. So, many of the furnishings were pre-used and adopted from other places. Re-use, recycle and re-purpose are also Earth friendly ideas which Kellie brought home from her travels.
Kellie is a coffee enthusiast, and hence there is also an espresso bar in Grazia Cafe.
Kellie loves to mail postcards to her family and friends from the place she is travelling. So she welcomes customers to buy and mail postcards from Grazia Cafe. Just hand your written postcard to the staff, and s/he will stamp and mail it for you.
Grazia serves a wide range of cafe fare such as pizzas and pastas, all with a local twist. Kellie's younger brother who had worked in a Singapore hotel before, helms the kitchen at Grazia.
The homemade cream of mushroom soup RM7.90.
Savoury and mushroomy, the soup was likable flavour wise but was blended a bit too finely for my liking. In Johor, the public generally prefers finely blended mushroom soup.
Bacon and Ham Pizza RM18.90.
A thin crispy crust topped with fried bacon, turkey ham slices, chopped capsicum and shiitake mushroom, and melted cheese.
Omelette with bacon, chicken sausage, potato wedges, and baked beans.
Simple omelette with chopped ham, this was one of most beautifully executed omelette that I have ever eaten. The eggy plump yellow torpedo had a pillowy bounce and moist texture with bits of soft savoury ham.
Egg lovers must try this omelette.
Bacon Aglio Olio RM13.90.
Spaghetti with shiitake mushroom, bacon, cheese, garlic and chili. The smooth syrupy sauce was aromatic and savoury. The pasta was cooked till slightly softer than al dente in deference to local taste buds.
Smoked Duck Aglio Olio RM16.90.
Same spaghetti with savoury smoked duck breast slices, shiitake mushroom, garlic and chili.
Brownie with ice cream RM8.90.
Generic vanilla ice cream but the warm homemade brownie was chocolaty rich, syrupy moist and buttery sweet.
Perfect with coffee.
Cappuccino RM7.90.
Brewed from a blend of Brazilian and Sumatran Arabica, the medium bodied cappuccino was gently savoury with mellow caramelly sweet notes and aroma, and citrusy aftertaste.
Nice coffee!
My coffee kaki Corrine's Americano (RM6.50) on the way. Tasted smokey and piquant.
An iced coffee we tried which was not on the menu yet :P Watch out for it :D
Grazia Cafe also serves warm blended fresh milk which are popular with customers.
A casual, cosy, family friendly chill out place with nice food and good coffee at reasonable prices.
Thank you Kellie for the invite.
Restaurant name: Grazia Cafe
Address: 80, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/3, Taman Sutera Utama, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/JsNUQ
GPS: 1.515212,103.668891
Hours: 12:00 noon to 11:00 pm
Tel: +60 7-559 6428
Non Halal
Date visited: 1 Sep 2014
Return to Johor Kaki homepage.
Pure Bean Coffee in Johor Bahru, Taman Gaya
Cafe hopping with coffee kaki Corrine and we hopped to Pure Bean Coffee in Taman Gaya, Ulu Tiram.
The layout and decor inside Pure Bean Coffee was simple, straightforward and familiar. Pure Bean is the sister cafe of Baristas Coffee in Kulai. Both cafes are different in concept, one in the country (Kulai) and the other in the city (JB), but the resemblance between the siblings was unmistakable.
The interior at Pure Coffee is understated, without the flamboyance and flair associated with trendy hipster cafes sprouting up everywhere nowadays.
The moment I stepped into Pure Bean for the first time, I felt I've been here before.
Sometimes, neat and simple is what we need and prefer.
The familiar food could be part of it.
Right at the entrance was this tray of quintessentially English crumbly buttery scones made by owner Mr Foo, who is also a pastry chef. (Scones are also available at Baristas Cafe in Kulai.)
The buttery scones reminded Corrine of her New Zealand uni days...
Belgian waffle with vanilla ice cream and fresh strawberry topping. The waffle is the stiffer, slightly chewy kind, not the airy almost fluffy type.
A very pretty and nice sweet dessert.
My cuppa cappuccino.
Made with Johor grown Liberica and Robusta, the brew's body was heavy and taste was robust with a bittersweet aftertaste. (No sugar added - I only add sugar to instant coffee and Nanyang kopitiam coffee.)
I like this cold brew of Columbian Arabica blended with Robusta. The cold brew was fermented for 3 days, giving it a subtle alcoholic and herbal undertone. The Arabica gave the coffee a caramel sweetness and chocolaty bittersweetness with citrusy notes. The Robusta gave the blend a caffeine kick which I like.
Pure Bean does a brisk business of hot and cold take away coffees.
My ice coffee made with Columbian and Kenyan AA Arabica blend. Bittersweet flavour with citrusy pamelo aftertaste.
Pure Bean is a cosy place to cool your heels and chat with friends over nice pastries and good coffee. Wifi and handphone charging points available.
Thank you Mr Foo for your invite.
Restaurant name: Pure Bean Coffee
Address: 94, Jalan Gaya 1, Taman Gaya 2, Ulu Tiram, Johor, Malaysia
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/jjKsk
GPS: 1.564649,103.801735
Hours: Mon - Fri : 12pm - 11pm | Sat - Sun : 10am - 11pm
No pork, no lard, no Halal cert
Date visited: 17 Jul 2014
Johor Kaki's hipster cafe hopping guide in Jay Bee.
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