Johor Bahru's Best Cafes: Inside 'The Replacement Lodge & Kitchen'
Just several minutes from the border of Singapore and Malaysia at the Woodlands Crossing is Johor Bahru’s vibrant cafe hopping scene, which sees many Singaporeans and Malaysians alike flocking to the cafe strip of Jalan Dhoby for a spot of brunch and coffee.
The Replacement Lodge & Kitchen is probably one of the most famous ones around, and it’s almost impossible to miss while just driving around the area looking for a parking lot.
True to it’s namesake, The Replacement did use to offer lodging for two above the cafe, but has since converted the space into an office.
Inspired by Melbourne’s coffee culture, The Replacement has been around since 2015.
Housed on the first floor of a shophouse, you’re greeted upon entry by a waft of the smell of coffee, and the tasteful and beautiful interior is enough to make any Kinfolk aesthetic lover feel right at home.
Even on a Friday at lunch hour, we didn’t have to wait that much for a table, but when we got up to leave at about 3pm there were quite a few more patrons.
We ordered off the regular menu and the lunch special, including a Berries Compote French Toast (RM24.50) and a Chicken Leg with Butter Cream (RM29.90), completing the meal with refreshing iced teas including their specialty Tropical Vibe (RM15) and refreshing Yuzu Summer (RM15).
The chicken was cooked just right, crispy on the outside but tender on the inside. The butter cream surprisingly went quite well with the chicken, and did not seep too much into the chicken making the meat soggy, which can happen at some places.
The fluffy french toast was pan fried really well too, with just the right texture and crisp. The sweetness of it all balanced nicely with the minty berries compost. The brioche toast is actually made in house, and the dish is completed with a side of vanilla ice cream.
As for the iced teas, what I found funny and interesting is that both drinks looked exactly the same, save for a different leaf garnishing the drink. A little diversity would’ve been nice I think, if only for a more pleasing look when putting them together.
The Yuzu Summer combines sweet with sour and the Tropical Vibe is on the sweeter side.
Overall I’d have to say The Replacement is definitely worth the trip.
The food here is great, decor is dreamy, and boasts a really nice and relaxed atmosphere.
The only issue here is with parking, as the streets were all full on the Friday we went so you might have to wait a tad for a spot. If you’re not up for waiting, there is parking just a minute away at Bank Negara Malaysia, where we paid RM3 at the multi-storey car park. However, you can always continue circling around the streets for a lot as there are plenty of parking opportunities around.
It’s not hard to see why many make The Replacement a stop on their day trip to Johor.
If you’d like to plan your orders before you visit, you can take a look at their menu on their website here.
Address: 33 - 34 Jalan Dhoby, Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Operating Hours:
Monday to Thursday – 10am till 7pm
Friday to Sunday – 9am till 11pm
