I recently found myself getting sucked into the black hole of coffee after meeting some new friends who are true coffee connoisseurs. As someone who's avidly "not a huge fan" of coffee, I've always disliked coffees that are bitter or sour. Whenever I mention this, my friends inevitably say, "Grace, you just haven't tried good coffee." I only half believe them because, no matter what I try, I always seem to taste the bitterness and end up not enjoying the drink. If you can relate, we're probably on the same "not a huge fan of coffee" team.
Recently, however, my "super into coffee," self-proclaimed "coffee master" friend dragged me to JB and somehow convinced me that coffee isn't actually bitter. According to him, good coffee can even taste sweet. Naturally, I was skeptical, but I couldn't say no and figured I had to give it a try.
So, here are a few of his highly recommended coffee roasters in JB that you absolutely have to visit if you're a coffee lover.
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Sweet Blossom Coffee Roasters
Address: 28, Jalan Maju, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia
Photo credit: Sweet Blossom Coffee website
Sweet Blossom Coffee mainly sells its own specially roasted beans. However, we highly recommend taking a break at the café and trying one of their drinks before picking up a bag of coffee to bring home.
Their roasting philosophy is clear. They focus on gently developing each bean's unique origin characteristics during the roasting process, balancing acidity and sweetness while maintaining clarity and maximising the flavour of every origin. As a result, their coffees are generally lighter roasted and well suited to a variety of brewing methods.
With delicate fruity notes in every roast, this is exactly the kind of coffee I enjoy. Instead of being bitter, it carries a natural sweetness that really stands out. The GEMBUEL PAJA LILIANA, brewed as a pour-over, completely blew my mind. It tasted nothing like the traditional coffee I was used to. Instead, it reminded me of a sweet cup of hot tea with a gentle hint of acidity. The combination was unlike anything I'd ever tasted, and if there's one cup that could convince me to become a coffee drinker, it would be this one.
August Drip Coffee
Address: 211, Jalan Dato Sulaiman, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia
Photo credit: August Drip Coffee on Facebook
If you're a true coffee lover who frequents JB, this probably isn't a hidden gem to you. Many coffee enthusiasts flock here to savour beans sourced from all over the world. Located near KSL, this quaint café has built a loyal following, with many visitors dropping by not only for a cup of coffee but also to stock up on beans.
If you're planning a visit, take your time at the café and sample a few of their offerings before deciding which beans to bring home.
Clod Coffee Bar & Roasters (takeaway only)
Address: 123, Jln Beringin, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia
Photo credit: clodcoffee on Instagram
A relatively new addition to JB's specialty coffee scene, Clod Coffee Bar & Roasters is a hidden gem that has yet to be discovered by many.
Looking for coffee that smells nothing like traditional coffee? Then Clod is the place to visit. They don't just brew great coffee, they create a full sensory experience. Imagine a cup of coffee with aromas of pineapple pie or orange, jackfruit, and milk. Sounds intriguing? Curious how coffee can smell like that?
We highly recommend making a day trip to Clod Coffee Bar & Roasters and embarking on a sensory roller coaster with their selection of over 30 different coffee beans.
Rosta Lab Coffee & Roastery
Address: NO.33, 5, Jalan Utama, Kampung Melayu Majidee, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia
Photo credit: rosta_lab on Instagram
They are the definition of a wholesome coffee house. Why? Kitten and coffee! How could you possibly go wrong with that combination? Even if you're not an avid coffee fan like me, this café is worth a visit just to watch their adorable kitten in action (no, they won't be brewing your coffee).
Rosta Lab Coffee & Roastery takes its coffee seriously, offering specially curated brews such as the Acid Bloom. It has a bright acidity balanced with delicate floral notes and natural sweetness, making it one of the coffees you absolutely have to try. Their beans are typically roasted to a medium or darker profile, so if that's your preference, you'll feel right at home here.
Aside from the coffee, don't forget to treat yourself to their desserts, pastries, and other drinks, including their popular matcha latte.
Brewsmith Coffee Roasters
Address: C-1-12 Block C. The Lakefront, Persiaran Southkey 1, Kota Southkey, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia
Photo credit: BREWSMITH on Facebook
Every cup of coffee brewed here comes with a flavour card that breaks down its tasting notes, making it easy to better understand the drink's flavour profile.
One of the best things about this café is that it's still relatively under the radar, so it rarely gets too crowded. Its clean, minimalist aesthetic also creates the perfect setting to chat with the baristas, who are always happy to recommend a brew or share the story behind their carefully curated blends.
Besides selling their own beans in-store, they also supply them wholesale to cafés across Malaysia. Their selection features beans from renowned coffee-growing regions such as Colombia, Ethiopia, and Brazil. Whether you prefer washed or anaerobic natural beans, there's something here to suit every palate.
These hidden gems aren't your typical cafés serving an extensive menu of food and drinks alongside coffee. Instead, they focus on what they do best: coffee. From carefully sourcing and roasting their beans to expertly brewing every cup, each café takes great pride in its craft.
If you're a serious coffee lover looking for quality beans to brew at home, we highly recommend visiting these cafés. Grab a cup, chat with the baristas, and discover the beans that best suit your taste before bringing them home.