[JOHOR BAHRU] I wouldn’t have noticed The Lightwood by MUES if I ever walk past, located at the basement floor of an old residential building.
Walking past the small gate at the entrance which will only open at 8:30am, customers will be greeted by a long flight of stairs leading to the basement storey, with a stone-paved garden.
The walls are all painted in hues of pastel green outside, equipped with tables and benches if one will ever wish to dine under the sun (probably not in Malaysia’s humid climate).
Inside, the interior is designed with a Scandinavian-style, with natural sunlight shining through the glass sunroof, potted plants for a touch of nature and comforting muted colours.
Using mainly sourdough on their menu, a comprehensive selection of Brunch (RM 16 – 35, SGD 5 – 12.50), Mains (RM 22 – 39, SGD 7 – 13), Desserts and Pastries (RM 18 – 25, SGD 6 – 8).
The usual brunch items such as Avocado Toast with(RM 24 – 28, SGD 8 – 9), Scrambled (RM 16, SGD 5), Grilled Ham & Cheese (RM 23, SGD 7.0) are available.
For the Mains, expect Spaghetti (RM 32, SGD 10.50), Garlic Butter Chicken (RM 32, SGD 10.50), Duck Confit (RM 38, SGD 12.50) and Al Fungi Risotto (RM 36, SGD 12).
The Shashuka with Sourdough Focaccia (RM 22, SGD 7) came with poached eggs in tomatoes, olive oil, pepper, onion, carrot and pumpkin.
While the combination was well balanced and decent, I felt that the tomatoes sauce lacked a stronger punch and the distinctive tangy taste that would be appetising and refreshing.
What I enjoyed was the Sourdough French Toast (RM 21, SGD 7) that came with berries and fruits, honey and a dollop of cream.
While the Sourdough French Toast might seem thinner or limpy compared to the brioche counterpart, there was a pleasant contrast in textures.
The edges had more crisp, coupled with the sourdough leaned towards a more moist and chewy bite.
The sourdough also added more complexity to it, a nice citrusy sour touch which balanced well with the sweet honey used.
Coffee starts from RM 8 (SGD 2.50) a cup, with options such as Black (RM 10, SGD 3), White RM 11, SGD 3.50), Mocha (RM 13, SGD 4) and Dirty Latte (RM 14, SGD 4.50).
For non-espresso-based drinks, check out their TWG Tea (RM 22, SGD 7), Matcha Latte (RM 13, SGD 4), Avocado Chocolate Smoothie (RM 15, SGD 5) and Berries Banana Yogurt Smoothie (RM 15, SGD 5).
The Dirty Latte (RM 14, SGD 4.50) came with espresso shot poured over chilled milk.
The difference between a cup of iced latte and dirty latte is the milk used, the former uses refrigerated milk with ice cubes added before serving, whereas no ice cubes are served with chilled milk in the latter.
With distinctive layers in a Dirty Latte, the first mouthful would be the full flavour of the robust espresso shot, followed by a mix of milk and espresso.
Opened at 8:30am in the morning, The Lightwood by MUES should make a good breakfast spot for cafe hoppers entering JB early in the day.
The Lightwood by MUES
18k Basement, Jalan Abdul Samad, Kampung Bahru, 80100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 6pm (Mon, Wed – Sun), Closed Tues
Google Maps – The Lightwood by MUES
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* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape who loves all things [NEW]. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
