For subscribers
Letter From Johor Bahru
Johor’s kopitiams and their brew of nostalgia that are gaining popularity in Malaysia and abroad
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Huai Heong's Singapore Prawn MeHuai Heong's Singapore Prawn Mee, along with two traditional pastries, called Kok filled with kaya and a kopi cendol combo drink.
ST PHOTO: HARITH MUSTAFFA
Follow topic:
- Johor state has seen a rise in heritage-tinged kopitiam chains like Oriental Kopi, capitalising on local fare and retro aesthetics, with some expanding beyond to Singapore and Australia.
- These kopitiams blend familiar tastes with Insta-worthy surrounds, attracting older customers seeking nostalgia and younger patrons looking to relax in comfortable cafes with aesthetic vibes.
- Experts pointed to the importance of fundamentals like business focus and maintaining product quality.
AI generated
JOHOR BAHRU - In a Johor Bahru cafe, my steaming hot kopi-o comes in a thick porcelain cup and saucer, set on a marble-top table. The surroundings are cool and comfy, the furniture is retro, and the floor tiles are chequered black-and-white vintage. Around me are families tucking into their nasi lemak and laksa, and Instagramming Gen Zs scrolling on their phones.
If you’ve visited Johor recently, you would likely have come across such eateries offering humble coffee-shop or kopitiam fare like coffee, kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs and noodle bowls. All this in air-conditioned comfort with spacious seating, served with a dose of nostalgia amid decor featuring old-school wooden tables and chairs, vintage patterned tiles, and even a classic Singer sewing machine.
