Johor Bahru is actually my hometown.
But every time I come back, I realise something quite ironic.
The specialty coffee scene here keeps growing — more cafés, more roasters, more people taking coffee seriously — yet somehow, I still end up staying at home, making my own coffee.
I'll scroll, save places, tell myself "next time I go".
But when I'm actually back in JB, I just feel like sitting at home, brewing something simple, and not moving.
Maybe that's just the comfort of home.
Is the Specialty Coffee Scene in Johor Actually Growing?
At the same time, it's hard to ignore how much things have changed.
With people constantly coming in from Singapore to eat, shop, and spend, JB has naturally evolved. And with that, the café culture has followed.
More roasters. More cafés. And more people who actually care about coffee.
Not just "nice place to sit" — but genuinely good coffee.
So even though I don't always go out, I've been keeping a list of places I'd visit… when I feel like it.
What Is Liberica — Malaysia's Third Coffee?
Before the cafés, this is something I think more people should know.
Most people only know Arabica and Robusta. But Malaysia actually has something else — Liberica. Sometimes people call it the "third coffee".
What makes Liberica different?
- Naturally slightly sweeter
- Works well with milk
- Lighter roasts lean more fruity; darker ones feel more like chocolate or nuts
Places like MY LIBERICA in Kulai have been pushing this forward — even bringing it to bigger stages like the World Barista Championship.
Not something you must try. But definitely something worth knowing.
Which Specialty Coffee Cafés in Johor Bahru Should You Know?
These are not "best café" rankings. Not "must-go" lists.
Just places I keep seeing, keep saving, and keep telling myself I'll visit… eventually.
Sweet Blossom Coffee Roasters
One of those names that keeps appearing whenever people talk about specialty coffee in Johor. Clean, balanced flavours. Nothing too fancy — just done properly. The kind of place you can rely on for a consistent cup.
Dateless Coffee Roaster
Feels a bit more experimental. The kind of place that plays around with beans and flavour profiles. Probably somewhere I'd go when I'm in the mood to try something different.
August Drip Coffee
This one stands out because they let you brew your own coffee — and you even get a small discount if you do it yourself, with guidance. Feels more interactive, especially if you're curious but not confident yet.
JWC Roastery
One of the more well-known names. More approachable, more casual. The kind of place where coffee, brunch, and catching up all happen together.
Theus Micro
Feels quieter. More focused on the coffee itself rather than the crowd. Probably somewhere you go when you actually want to sit down and pay attention to what you're drinking.
Lekker Coffee Roasters
Has that neighbourhood feel. Warm, comfortable, not trying too hard. The kind of place you could easily become a regular at.
Cofa Store
Feels more lifestyle-driven. More aesthetic, more curated. Shows how cafés now are not just about coffee anymore — but the whole experience.
Space Cafe
More bold visually. A bit more experimental in its vibe. Shows a more creative side of what cafés in Johor can be.
Mrs Whó
More café than roastery. But still a solid place if you're looking for somewhere to hang out, eat, and have a decent cup of coffee.
Vamos Coffee Roastery
Simple, straightforward. Focused on roasting and serving good coffee without overcomplicating things.
Brewsmith Coffee Roasters
Feels more serious, more craft-focused. Probably more appealing if you're already quite deep into coffee.
Is There Specialty Coffee in Johor Outside of JB?
My grandparents used to live in Segamat.
It's a quiet place. Not much going on, and over time, people slowly move away.
But it still means a lot to me.
And honestly, I didn't even realise there were specialty coffee places there until much later.
After my grandmother passed.
I still think about that sometimes. If I had known earlier, I probably would've gone for a cup every time I visited.
Soon Specialty Coffee
Feels like a hidden gem. Quiet, low-key. A reminder that good coffee doesn't only exist in busy cities.
V Coffee
Simple and approachable. The kind of place that makes specialty coffee feel less intimidating.
Drunk Coffee Roasters
The name is playful. But having a roastery in Segamat itself already says a lot about how far the specialty coffee scene in Johor has grown.
☕ A note
I haven't gone back to Segamat since my grandmother passed. Maybe one day I will. And when I do, I think I'll finally explore this side of Johor properly. Slowly. One cup at a time.
Why Do I Still End Up Brewing at Home?
It's funny.
The specialty coffee scene in Johor is growing so much. More options, more quality, more places to explore.
But somehow, I still find myself at home, making my own coffee.
And maybe that's okay.
Because at the end of the day, whether it's at a café or at home…
it's still just about enjoying the cup in front of you.