There is no better way to start a weekend in Johor Bahru than with a marble table, a cup of thick local kopi, and a plate of charcoal-toasted kaya bread with two half-boiled eggs. The kopitiam is a JB institution, a proper old-school coffee shop where Hainanese uncles have been pulling the same brew for decades and where breakfast quietly turns into brunch as friends pull up more stools. Between the heritage shophouses around Jalan Trus and Jalan Tan Hiok Nee and the newer neighbourhood favourites out in Taman Molek, Sutera Utama, and Johor Jaya, the city has a kopitiam for every mood.
Researched by the My Weekend Plan editorial team. Last updated: September 2026. Rankings are based on the total number of verified Google reviews (minimum 4.0★) at the time of writing.
We did the rounds so your weekend plan is sorted. Every kopitiam on this list holds a Google rating of 4.0 or higher across thousands of real reviews, and we have kept to genuine traditional coffee shops and Nanyang-style kopitiam rather than third-wave specialty cafes. Where a brand runs several outlets, we picked the strongest single branch so you get ten distinct spots. From the legendary Hua Mui to the retro charm of Retro Garden 1968’s, here are the 10 best kopitiam in Johor Bahru to build your next morning around. Bring your appetite and an empty afternoon.
What Makes a Johor Bahru Kopitiam Special?
A kopitiam is more than a coffee shop. The word joins the Malay “kopi” with the Hokkien “tiam” for shop, and the classic JB version traces back to Hainanese immigrants who ran the coffee counters of old Johor Bahru. The formula has barely changed: coffee beans roasted with sugar and margarine for that dark, caramel-heavy kopi, served kaw (thick) or with condensed milk, alongside kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs you crack into a saucer with a splash of dark soy and white pepper. Many JB kopitiam also share their space with hawker stalls, so the same visit can hand you a bowl of curry mee, a plate of chicken rice, or a Hainanese pork chop. It is unpretentious, affordable, and deeply local, and it is one of the truest tastes of the city.
Why a Kopitiam Breakfast Is the Perfect JB Weekend Plan
Nothing beats the heat and the crowds like an early kopitiam run. Get there before nine and you beat both the queue and the midday sun, then linger over a second kopi while the shop fills up around you. It is cheap enough for the whole family, easy enough for a spontaneous catch-up, and central enough that you can pair it with a walk through the heritage quarter or a spot of shopping afterwards. For day-trippers crossing the Causeway, a JB kopitiam is the classic first stop, a proper local breakfast at a fraction of Singapore prices. Whether you want a nostalgic marble-table institution downtown or a buzzy neighbourhood spot near home, a kopitiam morning is the most relaxed, most Johorean way to open a weekend.
How to Choose a Kopitiam in JB
Not every kopitiam suits every visit, so weigh these points before you head out:
- What they are known for: Some kopitiam live and die by their kaya toast and kopi, while others draw crowds for a signature Hainanese pork chop, curry mee, or laksa. Go where the specialty matches your craving.
- Opening hours: Traditional shops often open at dawn and shut by mid-afternoon, so they are breakfast-and-lunch affairs. If you want a late brunch or an evening kopi, check the closing time, as a few here run into the night.
- Location and parking: Heritage-quarter kopitiam around Jalan Trus and Jalan Dhoby are walkable but tight on parking on weekends. Neighbourhood outlets in Sutera Utama, Taman Molek, or Johor Jaya are easier to park at.
- Crowd and waiting time: The famous names get long queues on weekend mornings. Arrive early, or pick a quieter branch if you would rather not wait for a table.
- Halal considerations: Many traditional Chinese kopitiam are non-halal, while some newer ones are Muslim-friendly. If this matters to you, check the shop’s own listing or ask before you order.
- Air-con or open-air: Older shops are fan-cooled and atmospheric; several modern kopitiam are fully air-conditioned. Choose based on how long you plan to sit and the weather that morning.
Table of Contents
- 1. Restoran Hua Mui (Jalan Trus)
- 2. 1975 Toast & Coffee (Taman Melodies)
- 3. Roast & Coffee – Retro Garden 1968’s (Jalan Tan Hiok Nee)
- 4. Oriental Kopi (Johor Jaya)
- 5. Pacific Kopi (Jalan Dhoby)
- 6. Padi Kopitiam (Jalan Trus)
- 7. Ah Hong Kopitiam (Sutera Utama)
- 8. WonderLicious Kopi (Taman Melodies)
- 9. Tai Hong Kopitiam (Taman Pelangi)
- 10. JUBILEE’S Nanyang Coffee (R&F Mall)
1. Restoran Hua Mui (Jalan Trus)
No kopitiam sums up old Johor Bahru quite like Hua Mui. This three-storey Hainanese institution on Jalan Trus has been serving downtown JB since 1946, and the marble tables, ceiling fans, and wood-panelled walls have barely changed. Regulars come for the thick local kopi and kaya toast, but the shop is just as famous for its Hainanese pork chop, chicken chop, and a laksa that has its own loyal following. It sits right in the heritage quarter, so it makes an easy first stop before a wander down Jalan Tan Hiok Nee. Weekend queues can be long and it closes by late afternoon, so come early and come hungry. It is the definitive JB kopitiam experience.
Operating Hours: Daily 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Address: 131, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: 07-224 7364
Google Review: View on Google
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2. 1975 Toast & Coffee (Taman Melodies)
1975 Toast & Coffee has become one of JB’s most photographed kopitiam, and for good reason. Tucked into Taman Melodies, it revives the nostalgic Nanyang coffee-shop look with vintage tiles, old signage, and a warm, retro glow that draws a younger crowd alongside the regulars. The stars here are the charcoal-grilled kaya toast, the runny half-boiled eggs, and a smooth, aromatic kopi, backed by a fuller menu of local plates and pastries. It keeps long hours right through to midnight, which is rare for a kopitiam, so it works as an early breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a late supper spot. Come for the coffee and the throwback atmosphere, and stay for the friendly buzz.
Operating Hours: Daily 9:00 am – 12:00 am
Address: 52, Jalan Beringin, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: 011-6500 2934
Google Review: View on Google
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3. Roast & Coffee – Retro Garden 1968’s (Jalan Tan Hiok Nee)
Sitting on the heritage strip of Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Roast & Coffee’s Retro Garden 1968’s outlet leans hard into old-Johor nostalgia and pulls it off with charm. The interior is a playground of vintage collectibles, enamel mugs, and retro posters, making it a favourite for photos as much as for the food. On the plate you get the kopitiam classics done well, charcoal kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs, and a full-bodied house-roasted kopi, with local rice and noodle dishes to round out the meal. Its spot in the old town means you can pair breakfast with a stroll past the street art and heritage shophouses. It opens early and closes mid-afternoon, so plan a morning visit.
Operating Hours: Daily 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Address: 62 & 63, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: 011-1895 6100
Google Review: View on Google
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4. Oriental Kopi (Johor Jaya)
Oriental Kopi has grown into one of Malaysia’s most talked-about modern kopitiam brands, and the Johor Jaya branch brings that polished experience to the east side of JB. It marries a smart, air-conditioned setting with a menu that runs deep, from silky kopi and kaya toast to Hainanese chicken chop, curry mee, and a proper sit-down local breakfast. The real draw for many is the bakery counter, where the crispy egg tarts and flaky kaya puffs sell out fast and make an easy takeaway gift. It gets busy at weekends thanks to its popularity, so expect a wait during peak brunch hours. A reliable, comfortable pick if you want a contemporary kopitiam with plenty of variety.
Operating Hours: Daily 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Address: 30, Jalan Dedap 22, Taman Johor Jaya, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: 011-2888 6363
Google Review: View on Google
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Website Info5. Pacific Kopi (Jalan Dhoby)
Pacific Kopi on Jalan Dhoby is a heritage-quarter gem that keeps the traditional kopitiam spirit alive with one of the highest ratings on this list. Set in a classic old-town shopfront, it serves a rich, fragrant kopi and toast that regulars swear by, along with local breakfast staples in a no-frills, authentic setting. The location, just off the busy Jalan Wong Ah Fook shopping belt, makes it a handy stop for both locals and day-trippers exploring downtown JB on foot. It has the unhurried feel of a proper neighbourhood coffee shop, where you can nurse a cup and watch the old town wake up. Get there in the morning, as it closes by early evening.
Operating Hours: Daily 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Address: 11, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: 018-874 1215
Google Review: View on Google
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6. Padi Kopitiam (Jalan Trus)
Padi Kopitiam brings a bright, Muslim-friendly take on the coffee-shop tradition to the Ibrahim International Business District end of Jalan Trus. The setting is clean and modern with cheerful padi-field touches, and the menu spans local breakfast favourites, nasi lemak, roti bakar, and a generous range of coffee and teh. It is a comfortable, air-conditioned choice for anyone who wants the kopitiam experience in a more contemporary, family-friendly space right in the city centre. Its central location makes it easy to fold into a downtown outing, and the longer hours mean you are not rushed to finish before lunch. A solid all-day option when you want variety and a relaxed, spacious room to sit in.
Operating Hours: Daily 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Address: 82-B1, Jalan Trus, Ibrahim International Business District, 80888 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: 011-1439 5460
Google Review: View on Google
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Website Info7. Ah Hong Kopitiam (Sutera Utama)
Out in the buzzing Sutera Utama commercial strip, Ah Hong Kopitiam is a neighbourhood favourite that has built a big following on the west side of JB. It is best known for its freshly baked bread and generous toast, from thick-cut butter and kaya slices to full sandwich sets, all paired with a smooth house kopi. The shop is spacious and lively, filling up with families and groups on weekend mornings, and the local breakfast menu covers all the usual comforts. Its Skudai location makes it a natural stop for anyone living or staying around Sutera, Bukit Indah, or the university area. Reliable, hearty, and well-priced, it is the kind of everyday kopitiam locals return to week after week.
Operating Hours: Daily 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
Address: 60, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/4, Taman Sutera Utama, 81300 Skudai, Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: 07-288 1971
Google Review: View on Google
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8. WonderLicious Kopi (Taman Melodies)
WonderLicious Kopi is a Nanyang-style coffee shop in Taman Melodies that earns some of the warmest reviews of any kopitiam in JB. The focus is squarely on doing the basics beautifully, a fragrant, well-balanced kopi and crisp charcoal toast layered with house kaya and butter, plus soft-boiled eggs done just right. The space is cosy and tastefully done, striking a nice middle ground between old-school authenticity and modern comfort. It suits couples and small groups who want a calm, quality breakfast rather than a noisy, crowded hall. One thing to note, it closes on Tuesdays and keeps daytime hours, so plan around that. If you take your toast and coffee seriously, this is a standout stop.
Operating Hours: Mon, Wed–Sun 8:30 am – 6:00 pm; Tue closed
Address: 75, Jalan Chengai, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: 013-822 8338
Google Review: View on Google
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Website Info9. Tai Hong Kopitiam (Taman Pelangi)
Tai Hong Kopitiam is a long-running Taman Pelangi name that locals have relied on for a proper traditional breakfast for years. The Pelangi branch keeps the classic coffee-shop format, a busy hall of hawker stalls under one roof, so you can order kopi and toast from the drinks counter while grabbing curry mee, chee cheong fun, or a plate of economy rice from the stalls around you. It is authentic, affordable, and always lively, especially at weekends when the neighbourhood piles in. The early-to-mid-afternoon hours make it a breakfast-and-lunch spot, so arrive before the closing rush. If you want the real, unvarnished JB kopitiam experience with plenty of food choices, Tai Hong delivers.
Operating Hours: Daily 7:30 am – 4:30 pm
Address: 48-50, Jalan Kuning, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: 016-754 4850
Google Review: View on Google
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10. JUBILEE’S Nanyang Coffee (R&F Mall)
Rounding out the list is JUBILEE’S Nanyang Coffee inside R&F Mall, a comfortable, mall-based kopitiam that is ideal for travellers and shoppers near the Causeway. It serves the full Nanyang spread, a rich traditional kopi, kaya toast sets, and half-boiled eggs, alongside heartier local mains for a proper sit-down meal. Being in an air-conditioned mall means no queuing in the heat and easy parking, a real plus on a hot JB afternoon. The long hours right up to 11pm make it one of the few kopitiam here you can visit for a late supper or an evening coffee. Its spot beside the customs complex makes it a convenient first or last taste of JB for day-trippers crossing over.
Operating Hours: Daily 7:30 am – 11:00 pm
Address: G-156, R&F Mall, Jalan Tanjung Puteri 1, Tanjung Puteri, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: 016-745 8216
Google Review: View on Google
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Johor Bahru’s kopitiam scene rewards both the nostalgic and the curious. For the definitive heritage experience, the legendary Hua Mui and the old-town charm of Pacific Kopi and Retro Garden 1968’s on the Jalan Trus and Jalan Tan Hiok Nee belt are impossible to beat. For a modern, comfortable brunch with plenty of choice, Oriental Kopi, Padi Kopitiam, and JUBILEE’S bring air-conditioned ease and longer hours. And for a true neighbourhood morning, WonderLicious, Ah Hong, 1975 Toast & Coffee, and Tai Hong show why locals keep coming back. Every spot here clears a 4.0 Google rating, so you can walk into any of them with confidence.
Opening hours and rest days do change, and several of these close by mid-afternoon, so a quick check before you head out is always worth it, especially for the famous names that draw weekend queues. Now grab your kopi, crack open those eggs, and start your JB weekend the local way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous kopitiam in Johor Bahru?
Restoran Hua Mui on Jalan Trus is widely regarded as the most iconic kopitiam in Johor Bahru. Operating since 1946, this Hainanese institution is famous for its thick local kopi, kaya toast, and its signature Hainanese pork chop and chicken chop. It sits in the heart of the heritage quarter and draws long weekend queues, so arriving early is the best way to beat the crowd and secure a marble table.
How much does a kopitiam breakfast cost in JB?
A traditional kopitiam breakfast in Johor Bahru is very affordable. A set of kaya toast with two half-boiled eggs and a cup of kopi typically costs around RM6 to RM12, depending on the shop. Add a local main such as curry mee or a Hainanese chop and you might spend RM15 to RM25 per person. Prices are generally a fraction of what you would pay across the Causeway, which is part of why JB kopitiam are so popular with day-trippers.
Are there halal kopitiam in Johor Bahru?
Yes. While many traditional Chinese kopitiam in JB are non-halal, there are Muslim-friendly options such as Padi Kopitiam, which serves local breakfast favourites in a halal-oriented setting. Halal status can change, so if this matters to you it is best to check the shop’s own Google listing, signage, or social media before you visit rather than assuming. When in doubt, ask the staff directly when you arrive.
Which JB kopitiam are open late or in the evening?
Most traditional kopitiam open early and close by mid-afternoon, but a few keep longer hours. JUBILEE’S Nanyang Coffee at R&F Mall runs until 11pm, and 1975 Toast & Coffee in Taman Melodies stays open to midnight, making both good choices for an evening kopi or late supper. Oriental Kopi and Padi Kopitiam also keep extended daytime hours into the evening. Always double-check current times, as hours can shift on public holidays.
What should I order at a Johor Bahru kopitiam?
Start with the classics: a cup of local kopi, served kaw (thick) or with condensed milk, and a plate of charcoal-toasted kaya butter bread with two soft half-boiled eggs, which you season with dark soy and white pepper. From there, many JB kopitiam are known for specific dishes, such as Hua Mui’s Hainanese pork chop and laksa, or the curry mee and chee cheong fun found at hawker-style shops like Tai Hong. Oriental Kopi’s egg tarts and kaya puffs also make a popular takeaway.
Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.com.my. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
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