AN INDEPENDENT PERSPective


 It's so important to be true to yourself            "
khaliladis.com
  • Home
  • About
  • Books
  • Services
  • Media
  • Events
  • Blog
  • Awards/Accolades
  • Clients
  • Portfolio
  • Contact
  • Corporate Responsibility

Goodbye Kampong Glam, Hello JB!

12/17/2018

0 Comments

 
JB is taking the word ‘hipster' up a few notches and giving Kampong Glam a serious run for its money.

By Khalil Adis
Picture
JB offers a myriad of entertainment options and value-for-money deals. Photo: Khalil Adis Consultancy
When the Singapore authorities announced in October that Blu Jaz Cafe's entertainment licence is cancelled, it marked another dent for the entertainment industry in the hip Kampong Glam enclave.

Home to Zam Zam Restaurant, the historic Sultan mosque, bars and restaurants, Kampong Glam is a popular hangout destination among locals and tourists alike.

However, since the banning of shisha in July 2016, the area has lost its lustre as many businesses were affected.

One in particular, called Cafe Le Caire, was a popular watering hole but is now no longer in operation.

What still remains are the textile and carpet shops.

With one less entertainment outlet in Singapore, JB's heritage area is fast coming up as a viable alternative.

Once associated with sleaze, Jalan Dhoby is now home to a number of hip establishments which are popular among the young and the young-at-heart.

In addition, the shophouses are decorated with funky street art almost reminiscent of Georgetown's.

With two weeks shy of 2019, here are our top picks to explore within JB's heritage area.

#1: Restoran Hua Mui
​No.131, Jalan Trus, Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru​, Malaysia
Picture
Restoran Hua Mui is located within the heritage area and is very popular among Johoreans. Photo: Khalil Adis Consultancy.
Restoran Hua Mui serves a good mix of Western and local dishes and is popular among Johoreans and Singaporeans.

Unfortunately, it gets especially busy during lunchtime and that is when service standards drop.

I would recommend coming here to have your breakfast instead before exploring the rest of the heritage area.

The chicken and eggs sandwiches come highly recommended with a dollop of Lingham's Chilli Sauce. 

#2: Explore the pre-war shophouses at Jalan Trus ​
Picture
Street murals that adorn the pre-war shophouses. Photo: Khalil Adis Consultancy.
Located at the intersection of Jalan Dhoby and Jalan Trus, the shophouses were built during the 1800s but has now been given a new lease of life thanks to the creative facade treatment.

There is also a shop here that sells vintage clothing and apparels.

Whichever you decide to check out, the shophouses here will certainly appeal to photography buffs and those looking to update your #ootd Instagram shots.

Who knows? You might just find an outfit at the boutique here!

#3: Hiap Joo Bakery
13, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru​, Malaysia
Picture
Come early to stock up on your coconut buns as they tend to run out very fast. Photo: Khalil Adis Consultancy.
Hiap Joo Bakery is one of JB's best-kept secrets that it reportedly counts the Sultan of Johor as one of its fans.

Renowned for their coconut buns and freshly made banana cakes, many locals make a beeline for them in the morning.

In fact, their coconut and kaya buns are so popular that they usually run out by noon.

What makes Hiap Joo Bakery authentic is its old-school method of cake-baking which it inherited from its former British owner.

All the cakes and buns are baked in a classic wooden kiln which leaves them with a unique charcoal aftertaste.

If you still can't get enough of its freshly made cakes and buns, fret not!

You can buy its very own kaya spread to savour it from the comfort of your home.

#4: IT Roo Cafe
17, Jalan Dhoby, Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Picture
Get ready to whet your appetite with the delicious chicken chop servings. Photo: Khalil Adis Consultancy.
For lunch, just head to IT Roo Cafe located just around the corner.

Touting itself as having "the best chicken chop in town", you can choose to have it either grilled or fried with a choice of mushroom or black pepper sauce.

The dish comes complete with a serving of coleslaw and fries.

Aside from its signature dish, IT Roo Cafe also serves up popular local dishes like fried rice and noodles.

Be sure to arrive early as it can be difficult to get a seat during the lunch hour.

#5: Chaiwala & Co. Container Cafe 
Lot 2180 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru Johor, Malaysia
Picture
Embark on a tea and coffee adventure at Chaiwalla & Co. Photo: http://chaiwallaandco.blogspot.com
Owned by a former sailor, Chaiwala gets its namesake from a disused shipping container which has become its signature look.

In fact, it has spawned a number of copycats within its immediate vicinity making it a draw among photographers and hipsters alike.

Some of its signature drinks include Thai milk tea and Vietnamese coffee served hot or chilled.

You can even customise your drinks with a base comprising either tea, milk tea, coffee, fresh milk or smoothie with a range of flavours.

The only drawback is there is no wifi here so it is best to stick to taking your Instagram shots.

#6: Cafe Al-Fayeed
Off Jalan Pahang, Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Picture
A waiter attending to customers at Cafe Al-Fayeed. Photo: Khalil Adis Consultancy.
Fancy a serving of shisha?

Well, look no further than Cafe Al-Fayeed which is also located within walking distance.

Prepared by tattoed servers with technicoloured dyed hair, there are many flavours to choose from with an option to have it served with ice at just RM11!

Cafe Al-Fayeed also serves up popular side dishes such as fries to go along with your shisha.

For those who prefer a heartier portion, the cafe also offers a wide selection of Western and local dishes at very reasonable prices. 

Music can get a tad bit loud with popular hip-hop tunes and EDM club bangers blaring from the speakers.

#7: Santai2
Picture
Santai2 will make you feel immediately at ease with their congenial staff. Photo: Khalil Adis Consultancy.
Ok, we don't really have a specific address here but it will be hard to give this wellness establishment a miss as it is housed within a red-hot container along Jalan Dhoby.

Offering foot massage and traditional Malay urut, Santai2 is a welcome respite after all those walking.

Foot massage starts from around RM45 while a full body traditional Malay urut is priced from RM65.

Both male and female therapists are available.

#8: Pasar Karat
Jalan Segget, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Picture
Get ready to have your mane perfectly coiffed with a wide range of pomades at your disposal. Photo: Khalil Adis Consultancy.
​Stock up on those pomades in various fragrances or shop for handphone covers at this night market located just a stone throw's away from the heritage area.

Pasar Karat, which means rusty market, comes alive from 7 pm onwards and attracts a strong Johorean crowd.

Selling just about anything from exotic pets to Malay kuehs, the night market gets especially busy during Ramadan as many would throng the market as they gear up for Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
0 Comments

    Khalil Adis

    An independent analysis from yours truly

    Archives

    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    June 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    September 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    December 2016

    Categories

    All
    121 Residences
    ABSD
    Affordable Homes
    Airbnb
    Allianz Real Estate
    Ang Mo Kio
    Astaka
    Astaka Holdings Limited
    Avenue South Residence
    Aviation Park
    Bandar Malaysia
    Bank Negara Malaysia
    Bayan Lepas LRT Line
    Bedok
    Below Market Value Property
    Branded Residences
    Bright Hill
    BTO Flats
    Budget 2019
    Budget 2020
    Bukit Chagar
    Bukit Panjang
    Cagamas Berhad
    Cairnhill 16
    Causeway Point
    Cheonggyecheon
    Chinatown Kuala Lumpur
    Circle Line
    City Plaza
    Cochrane MRT Station
    COVID19
    CPF
    Cross Island Line
    Defu
    En-bloc
    Energy Saving Tips
    Estate Planning
    Excelsior International School
    Family Violence
    First Home
    Foon Yew High School
    Forest City
    Geylang Serai
    Geylang Serai Bazaar
    GlaxoSmithKline
    Glomac Berhad
    Government Land Sales (GLS) Programme
    Greater Southern Waterfront
    HDB
    Health City Novena
    Heng Swee Keat
    High Speed Rail
    Home Mortgage
    Home Ownership Campaign 2019
    Home Renovation
    Home Rental
    Hougang
    Ibrahim International District
    IKEA Cheras
    Imperial Jade Residenz
    Interior Design
    Iskandar Halal Park
    Iskandar Malaysia
    Iskandar Regional Development Authority
    JB Food Trail
    JB-Woodlands RTS Link
    Johor Bahru
    Johor Bahru City Council
    Johor Bahru City Square
    Johor Property
    Johor Real Estate
    Joint Tenancy
    Joo Chiat Complex
    JPPH
    Jurong Lake District
    Jurong Regional Line
    Jurong West
    Keppel REIT
    Khaw Boon Wan
    KLCC
    KOMTAR JBCC
    KTM Terminal Skypark
    Kuala Lumpur Property
    Kuala Lumpur Real Estate
    Land Transport Authority
    LED Lighting
    Lim Guan Eng
    London Property Market
    London Real Estate
    Loyang
    LRT Bandar Utama-Klang Line (Klang Valley LRT Line 3)
    Malaysia Property
    Malaysia Real Estate
    Masterskill University College Of Health Sciences
    Media Interview
    Melaka Property
    Melaka Real Estate
    Menara Maybank
    Merdeka Generation Package
    Ministry Of Finance Malaysia
    Ministry Of Social And Family Development
    MM2H
    Mutiara Rini Sdn Bhd
    MyTOWN Shopping Centre
    National Day Rally 2019
    Negeri Sembilan Property
    Negeri Sembilan Real Estate
    Novena
    Ocean Financial Centre
    One Bukit Senyum
    One Cochrane
    Overleveraging
    Oxley Towers Kuala Lumpur City Centre
    P2P Funding
    Pan Island Link
    Park Nova
    Park Place Residences At PLQ
    Pasar Karat
    Pasar Seni MRT Station
    Pasir Gudang
    Pasir Gudang Hospital
    Pasir Ris
    Pasir Ris East
    Paya Lebar Central
    Paya Lebar Quarter
    Paya Lebar Square
    Penang Property
    Penang Real Estate
    Penang Transport Master Plan
    Pengerang Rapid Project
    Persada-johor
    Petaling-street
    Plaza-rakyat-lrt-station
    Plp-architecture
    Plq-mall
    Pr1ma
    Ptptn
    Public-relations
    Punggol
    Punggol-digital-district
    Rapid-transit-system-rts-link
    Renovation
    Selangor-property
    Selangor-real-estate
    Sengkang
    Serangoon-north
    Seri-alam-properties-sdn-bhd
    Singapore-budget-2019
    Singapore-budget-2020
    Singapore-economy
    Singapore-general-election
    Singapore Luxury Property Market
    Singapore Office Market
    Singapore Property
    Singapore Property Market
    Singapore Real Estate
    Singapore Retrenchments
    SME Co-Investment Fund III
    Sri Geylang Serai
    Suasana Iskandar Malaysia
    Sungai Buloh Kajang Line
    Sungai Buloh - Kajang Line (SBK Line)
    Sungai Buloh Serdang Putrajaya Line
    Tampines
    Tampines North
    Tanjong Katong Complex
    Tavistock
    Teck Ghee
    The Workers' Party
    Thomson East Coast Line
    Thomson-East Coast Line
    Thomson-East Coast MRT Line
    Tokyo Property Market
    Tokyo Real Estate
    Transit Oriented Development
    TREC
    TriTower Residence
    Tun Razak Exchange
    UM Land
    Universiti Kuala Lumpur
    Universiti Teknologi Mara
    URA Draft Master Plan 2014
    URA Draft Master Plan 2019
    Urban Redevelopment Authority
    US-China Trade War
    Vivian Balakrishnan
    Waterway Point
    Wisma Geylang Serai
    Woodland Regional Centre
    Woodlands Central
    Woodlands North Coast
    Woodlands North MRT Station
    Woodlands Regional Centre
    Yishun
    Y Waterway@Punggol

    RSS Feed

Picture

100 Peck Seah Street
#08-14
PS 100
Singapore (0793333)
Email: ACCOUNTS@KHALILADIS.COM
Phone: +65 8201 9254

What the market is saying

"Hi thank you so much. Keep updating." - Sharveena

"I bought your new book through Popular Bookfest in KLCC yesterday. I just finished my reading. I like it so much as it saved my time to search those information that I have been looking for it. Thank you for writing this book. I believed you have spent a lot of time to prepare it". - PY Chan

Want more bite-sized news?

    Subscribe Today!

Submit
  • Home
  • About
  • Books
  • Services
  • Media
  • Events
  • Blog
  • Awards/Accolades
  • Clients
  • Portfolio
  • Contact
  • Corporate Responsibility