Our visit to Roast and Coffee Johor Bahru (JB) had become one of the highlights of my long weekend trip for a short getaway. JB has always been one of those places that feels familiar yet exciting at the same time, with good food, affordable shopping, and plenty of new places constantly popping up to explore.
SKS City Mall JBCC
What made this trip even more interesting was the opening of a brand-new mall in Malaysia: SKS City Mall.
The mall itself felt modern and spacious, with bright interiors and plenty of shops slowly opening up. Some stores were already bustling with crowds, while others were still preparing for their grand opening. Even though the mall is still relatively new, there was already a sense that this place could become one of the upcoming hangout spots in JB, especially with its convenient location right next to the Sheraton Johor Bahru.
After hours of exploring, we started craving something simple. Something that is not a heavy meal, but just a light snack and a good cup of coffee to recharge. That was when we came across Roast and Coffee.
Roast and Coffee
The café is very spacious, offering both indoor and outdoor seating areas. At the entrance of Roast and Coffee, there is also an eye-catching display featuring two giant cups of coffee, which immediately adds a fun and welcoming touch to the overall atmosphere.
Our Order List
Traditional Shokupan Set
The toast at Roast and Coffee was beautifully golden and crisp, served warm on a wire rack that kept it lightly crunchy. What I really liked was the spreads that consists of butter, honey, and kaya were served on the side, allowing you to mix and match according to your own preference.
Every bite had that satisfying crunch on the outside while staying soft and fluffy inside. My personal favourite combination was mixing the butter and honey together. It created a perfect balance of flavours, where the slight saltiness from the butter paired with the gentle sweetness of the honey made each bite incredibly addictive.
As for the kaya, I preferred enjoying it on its own spread over the shokupan. Roast and Coffee’s kaya carried a lovely gula melaka richness with a gentle sweetness that never felt overpowering, it was smooth, fragrant, and thoroughly enjoyable on its own.
Margarine Condensed Milk Toast
The margarine condensed milk toast arrived gloriously crispy, generously layered with butter and condensed milk. Each bite was rich and buttery with just the right touch of sweetness from the condensed milk, simple and indulgent enough that having a bite of it sweetens our day.
Kopi Gu You
No visit to Roast and Coffee is complete without trying the Kopi Gu You which is a classic order where a small knob of butter is dropped straight into the coffee before serving. By the time it reaches my table, the butter has already melted in, blending seamlessly into the brew. It sounds unusual, but the combination works surprisingly well. The bold coffee aroma melds beautifully with the butter, which smoothens the brew and adds a subtle hint of saltiness. It is one of those things you simply have to try for yourself.
Milo 1968 vs Milo (Cold)
Roast and Coffee put their own spin on a local classic with the Milo 1968. Both are Milo, but what sets them apart is simple. Milo 1968 is one is topped with an extra dusting of Milo powder, which Singaporeans normally call Milo Dinosaur, while the other is just a straightforward iced Milo.
Their menu extends beyond just toast and coffee, with other local favourites also on offer such as Nasi Lemak and Hor Fun.
My Thoughts
You do not need an elaborate travel plan to enjoy yourself. Sometimes a quick trip across the border, a new mall to explore, and a cozy café break are already enough to recharge mentally. The SKS City Mall is approximately a 5 to 10-minute drive from JB Customs Checkpoint depending on the traffic conditions.
For anyone planning a short weekend trip to JB, visiting the new SKS Mall can be a fun addition to your itinerary. And if you ever feel tired from all the shopping and walking, stopping by Roast and Coffee for a simple toast and coffee break might just become one of the most comforting moments of your trip.
If you are also interested in exploring more food spots in Malaysia, you can check out our other food reviews where we share hidden gems, local favourites, and must-try eats from different parts of World.
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Location:
L2-22 SKS City Mall JBCC
Jalan Storey, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor
You can find directions on HERE
