Indulge in a truly authentic kopitiam-style coffee experience at Roast & Coffee, nestled in the heart of Johor Bahru. Whether you’re in search of a comforting cup of traditional Malaysian coffee or craving a taste of local flavours, Roast & Coffee is a hidden gem that you should try.
Roast & Coffee @ Bandar Johor Bahru
Conveniently situated along the bustling Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, just a stone’s throw away (15-minute walk) from the Johor Bahru Checkpoint, Roast & Coffee enjoys a prime location that makes it easily accessible to both Malaysians and Singaporeans alike. Its strategic location near the Singapore border makes it an ideal spot for those looking to indulge in delicious kopitiam-style brews and cuisine before or after crossing the border.
If you are driving there, do note that the parking situation there can be rather challenging. There are only limited parking spaces nearby. It might be prudent to instead park at Komtar JBCC Mall and walk over to Roast & Coffee.
The ambiance at Roast & Coffee is a blend of rustic and modern elements, creating a simple yet inviting atmosphere. The warm wood tones and soft lighting add a cozy touch, making it an ideal place for breakfast or catching up with friends.
| Did you know? Roast & Coffee started with a small noodle stall, before becoming the modernised kopitiam that we know today. They now have 4 outlets in Johor. It was founded by Joelle Lee. She is the one responsible for all the popular recipes in Roast & Coffee. |
However, during peak hours, Roast & Coffee can get quite crowded, making it challenging to move around to your table. The lack of sound-absorbing materials in the establishment also can make the place rather noisy. Nevertheless, unlike traditional kopitiam shops, Roast & Coffee offers the comfort of air-conditioning, providing a temporary respite from the tropical heat that is characteristic of Malaysia’s weather.
The Food
Roast & Coffee boasts a diverse menu that caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences. From local delights to Asian and Western cuisines, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. During my visit, I only tried mainly their local cuisine dishes. I was particularly craving Nasi Lemak after not finding any good ones in Singapore.
Tiga Rasa (Toast) – RM3.90
The Tiga Rasa Toast is a true delight that promises a unique and tantalising blend of flavours. As the name “Tiga Rasa” suggests, this toast brings together three distinct tastes – butter, peanut butter, and kaya (coconut jam) – for a flavour-packed experience.
I was excited to try it, expecting a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and nutty notes that would harmoniously complement each other. However, upon tasting it, I found that the peanut butter was overpowering, and the kaya spread was not sufficiently generous to balance it out.
Chee Cheong Fun – RM4.90
The Chee Cheong Fun may not win any culinary art plating contests, but its taste makes up for its unassuming appearance. When the dish arrived, I couldn’t help but notice that it looked like a messy plate of rice noodle rolls simply thrown together.
However, as soon as I took a bite, I was pleasantly surprised by the taste. The sambal that came with it was surprisingly not bad, and paired well with the Chee Cheong Fun.
Nasi Lemak with Rendang Chicken – RM11.90
The Nasi Lemak with Rendang Chicken was a visually appealing dish with a generous portion of fragrant coconut rice, accompanied by a piece of tender rendang chicken, sambal, sunny-side up egg, cucumber, and peanuts. The flavours were rich and aromatic, with the rendang sauce imparting a burst of spices and herbs.
However, one observation I made was that their rendition of Nasi Lemak leaned towards the oilier side, with a fair amount of chili oil from the sambal. While it didn’t necessarily affect the taste, it did make the dish slightly less enjoyable for me. Nevertheless, the sambal was still commendable, albeit not quite up to the standards of Village Park Nasi Lemak.
As someone who has sampled Nasi Lemak from various places in Singapore, I can confidently say that Roast & Coffee’s rendition was definitely better in comparison. However, when compared to the standards of Malaysian Nasi Lemak, I would rate it as average. Given the choice, I would opt for Village Park Nasi Lemak any day for its authentic taste and quality.
Verdict
In conclusion, Roast & Coffee in Johor Bahru offers an affordable dining option with a cozy ambiance and air-conditioned comfort. While their food selection is diverse, the taste of their dishes is considered average at best. It’s a place I would consider dropping by if I happened to be in the area, but would not be one that I would deliberately pay a visit to.
It’s worth noting that just opposite Roast & Coffee, there’s a famous banana cake stall called Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory. This bakery is known for its delicious banana cakes, which are definitely worth a try if you’re in the vicinity. So, if you do visit Roast & Coffee, be sure to check out Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory for a delightful treat to complement your trip!
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My Rating
70%: Ambiance
75%: Price (value for money)
70%: Taste
70%: Location
70%: Service
71%: Overall Rating
Opening Hours
Open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Address / Contact Information
+6011 1895 6100Roast & Coffee
No. 62&63
Jalan Tan Hiok Nee
Bandar Johor Bahru
80000 Johor Bahru
Johor
