[JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia] Remember one of the well-known café in JB which shot to stardom after being patronized by King of Mandopop, Jay Chou?
Fast forward to post-pandemic era, the defunct People & Places Café has since then shifted to around 5 minutes’ drive away from its previous location, also renamed into the FOUNDERS Cafe.
Their new space is much more spacious compared to its predecessor and furnished with industrial-chic design elements such as grey unfinished cement walls and neutral colour themed furniture.
Further soften with a touch of nature using potted plants and huge white curtain suspending from its high ceiling.
For those who are already familiar with the owner’s style, of course you will find traces of his hipster vibes and loud personality scattered around – from artist impression of his self-portrait to mural walls.
With a slightly revamped menu, there is a new category addition featuring their speciality hand-rolled bagel with flavours such as Grilled Beef Tenderloins (RM21.50, SGD6.70), Roasted Pumpkin & Beef Bacon (RM18.50, SGD5.75) and Wholegrain Mustard Chicken with Fried Egg (RM18.50, SGD5.75).
I dived straight for their most decadent looking Aussie Beef Bagel (RM34.90, SGD10.80) which came sandwiched with 150 grams of grilled juicy beef patty, potato hash brown, caramelized onions, slice of cheddar cheese and slathered with their house concocted sesame BBQ sauce.
Served with an accompany side of sweet potato fries to complete the meal.
So sinful, but so savoury good with how various components gelled together to create this calorie bomb.
For the bagel purist, one can also opt for the Smoked Salmon Bagel (RM18.90, SGD5.85), which came with fillets of brined salmon, capers, tomato, and green onion cream cheese.
A simple go-to classic which never fail to satisfy with umami saltiness cured fish flavour complimented with lemony tang of capers and cream cheese.
Making a comeback from their brunch menu are also some of the old familiar favourites such as English Big Breakfast (RM32.90, SGD10.20), Tom Yum Quesadilla (RM27.50, SGD8.55) and Kampong Eggs Anyway (RM12.50, SGD3.90)
I also ordered their vegan-friendly bowl of Mess of Plants (RM23.50, SGD7.30), tossed in a colourful mix of vegetables and fruits such as roasted pumpkin, cauliflower and pomegranate doused in beetroot yogurt sauce.
Maybe its just me, but I secretly enjoy the healthy bowl of greens to balance out the diet.
Despite a bigger space, the place still gets filled easily due to their strong following and popularity.
They are open from 9am onwards so it is advised to head over early to prevent long waiting time.
The FOUNDERS Cafe
Tiong Nam Tebrau, 45, Jln Tiong Emas, Kawasan Perindustrian Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 9am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Google Maps – The FOUNDERS Cafe
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* Written by Lewis Tan @juicyfingers, a self-proclaimed coffee addict. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
