Coffee and camping chairs: Inside JB's roadside cafe scene and where to find them
Before the “healing chair” label caught, JB's late-night cafe scene was built out of car boots and spare chairs. Here’s a guide to the best spots and where it's heading.
In Johor Bahru, a unique roadside cafe scene has emerged, where late-night coffee and camping chairs are the norm. These cafes, often set up in car boots or on gravel patches, cater to a Malay and young demographic that thrives away from downtown areas. The trend gained traction during COVID-19 lockdowns, inspired by posts of camping chairs perched on picturesque landscapes. The term "roadside cafe" best describes this phenomenon, as many cafes retain their original camping chair DNA.
The scene's first stop features a warm, welcoming owner, Mohd Rasif, who reopened his cafe in March after closing his restaurant in December. Despite insect repellent being necessary, Rasif's cafe offers excellent coffee and a friendly atmosphere. Located near the Sultan Ismail highway, it welcomes customers until 2am.
Another notable spot is Jalan Rawa, run by Farid Shahbudin, who has been running a catering business since 2018. His cafe, set up in a customized van, draws in customers en route to the Second Link. With a slightly less inviting vibe, it still offers decent coffee and service, open from 7pm to 2am.
Medan Selera Layang, nestled in a quiet Taman Molek street, stands out with its trailer parked by the owner's bungalow. The cafe's owner provides a full kitchen experience, and the ambiance is laid-back. Open from 7pm to 2am, this spot offers cozy coffee and warm service.
The final stop showcases Ranting Kafe, set in the quaint Kampung Melayu Majidee. With a mix of young and old patrons, this cafe retains a professional yet inviting atmosphere. Its tiramisu, priced at RM12 (S$3.75), completes the experience. Open until 2am, Ranting Kafe captures the spirit of the roadside cafe scene in Johor Bahru.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
