Aesthetic & Delicious Cafe Near KSL in JB!
Hello 🍋s!
I recently went on an impromptu JB staycay with my family and because it was so last-minute, I didn’t have time to do my usual research — you know, where to go and what to eat 😂
Since we were staying at KSL Hotel, I wanted somewhere nearby for convenience. My Google search? “Cafes near KSL” 😆 That’s how I stumbled upon this cafe!
Honestly, I went in without scrolling TikTok or Lemon8 beforehand (which is very unlike me), but it turned out to be one of the best cafes I’ve visited in JB! It’s only about 1km from KSL, roughly a 5-minute Grab ride away.
Here’s what we ordered:
🍝 Mapo Tofu Pasta — RM29
Very generous with the pasta, tofu, and minced meat! This was my favourite. Piping hot, spicy with a slight sweetness. Perfect comfort food! Such a fun twist from the usual rice pairing (though rice is still the OG), but this comes a close second
🍗 Lemongrass Chicken Chop — RM29
Really lovely lemongrass fragrance without being overpowering. Comes with a side of glass noodles, and the sauce was kinda like Vietnamese/Thai inspired - tangy and slightly spicy
🍝 Smoked Duck Carbonara — RM30
Again, super generous amount of smoked duck!!!Portion is quite big too, so it's good for sharing. It can get a little gelat towards the end since it's a cream-based pasta, but still really satisfying!!
🍟 Truffle Fries — RM22
Couldn't really tell if the fries were truffle-seasoned, but my sister said she could taste a hint of it 🤭
Came with a truffle dip too. Fries were fresh and super crispy!
🍓 Matcha Strawberry — RM20
Their matcha uses Niko Neko, which I love!! The strawberry-to-matcha ratio was just nice for me hehehe.
🍵 Akane Dark Roast Houjicha Latte — RM15
With fresh milk, less sweet. Very roasty and thick! Really good as well, though I still preferred the matcha strawberry~
🍼 Taro Milk — RM19
Taro paste at the bottom and not overly sweet, feels like what you can get from a bbt store, like those orh nee drink!! Also really yummy 😋
Overall, this was such a lovely, unexpected find ✨ Maybe it felt even better because we went in with zero expectations hehe. We visited around 1.30pm on a Sunday before hotel check-in and the place was surprisingly quiet which I honestly loved.
The food was presented super aesthetically and tasted great, service was warm, and the whole experience felt super relaxing. Definitely coming back to try more of their mains!
📍The Early Bird (Taman Melodies)
86, Jln Beringin, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia
During my recent visit to this quaint cafe near KSL, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the menu blended traditional flavors with contemporary twists. The Mapo Tofu Pasta was an absolute standout for me. The combination of spicy, slightly sweet sauce with tofu and minced meat made it comfort food elevated to a new level. It reminded me of enjoying familiar Asian flavors reimagined in Western-style dishes, which is quite rare to find so well-executed. The Lemongrass Chicken Chop paired with tangy, mildly spicy sauce and glass noodles had a bright, fresh flavor that balanced the richness of the pasta dishes. This dish seemed inspired by Vietnamese or Thai cuisine and was refreshing and light, perfect for those preferring something less heavy. Aside from the mains, their drink selection was equally impressive. The Matcha Strawberry drink, made with Niko Neko matcha, had the perfect balance of creamy matcha and sweet strawberry, not overpowering but very satisfying. The Akane Dark Roast Houjicha Latte stood out with its strong roasted aroma and smooth texture, especially for those who enjoy less sweet, bold flavors. The Taro Milk was a delightful surprise, reminiscent of the orh nee desserts I enjoyed growing up, with a natural taro paste at the bottom and just the right sweetness level. And while the Truffle Fries didn’t have an overpowering truffle flavor, the crispiness and truffle dip complemented them well, making a good side to share. What truly made this cafe memorable was the combination of its calm, aesthetically pleasing environment and genuinely warm service. Visiting around 1:30 pm on a Sunday, the place was quiet, allowing us to relax fully before checking into our hotel. It felt more like a hidden neighborhood gem than a typical tourist spot, which added to its charm. If you're ever staying at KSL or exploring Johor Bahru, I highly recommend stopping by this cafe to enjoy their creative spins on Asian-Western fusion dishes and specialty drinks. It’s a place that surprised me with quality, portion sizes, and atmosphere—all important when you want a memorable cafe experience. I’m already planning my next visit to try more of their menu, especially the smoked duck carbonara, which was rich and satisfying. This hidden gem near KSL is definitely worth a visit for food lovers and cafe enthusiasts alike!
