[JOHOR BAHRU] Transport to a different space as you enter through the arched doorway.
The Portal Cafe is one of the latest additions to the list of cafes to explore in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
It is found near Nimmies Pastry Café, Hiritsu Coffee Roastery, and Vamos Coffee Roastery at Taman Melodies.
The walls of four interconnected private housing units were demolished to create a single, standalone compound.
This is to create their own standalone compound to house 50 people at maximum capacity.
The space is created with nature in mind, fully equipped with huge plant walls, potted plants and a hanging tree as a centrepiece.
Natural elements of the space were enhanced with granite and marble table tops and wooden armchairs with cushioning for the comfort.
The menu is comprehensive, ranging from Starters (RM 22 – 26, SGD 6.30 – 7.50), Snacks (RM 24 – 36, SGD 6.90 – 10.30), Brunch (RM 32 – 44, SGD 9.20 – 12.50), Pasta/ Rice (RM 28 – 34, SGD 8 – 9.70) and Desserts (RM 24 – 32, SGD 6.90 – 9.20).
Inspired by local and Asian flavours, check out their Rojak Royale (RM 25, SGD 7.20), Whipped Miso Tofu (RM 24, SGD 6.90), Soulmate Burger (RM 28, SGD 8), Bulgogi Beef Hash (RM 38, SGD 10.90), Laksa Soft Shell Crab (RM 44, SGD 12.60), Masak Lemak Prawn Rice Bowl (RM 28, SGD 8) and Miso Carbonara (RM 34, SGD 9.70).
The Laksa Soft Shell Crab (RM 44, SGD 12.60) comes with a deep-fried soft-shell crab set on top of two slices of buttered brioche.
It is further paired with sautéed capsicum and tomato, generously drenched in their house made laksa gravy.
A generous portion of the deep-fried soft-shell crab with a golden brown crisp on the outside, soft and tender meat on the inside.
The laksa gravy carries a slight spicy kick with a distinctive coconut taste, which complements well with the soft shell crab.
One suggestion is to place the buttered brioche on the side instead of placing it into the laksa as it can get a little too soggy.
As the name implies, the Crab Loaded Fries (RM 36, SGD 10.30) come with a generous amount of crab meat chunks and spicy seasoned French fries, drizzled with Texas mayo and seaweed.
I enjoyed the thick-cut fries and crab meat chunks, which added a variety of textures.
The desserts menu is only limited to 3 items, namely Nutella Panna Cotta (RM 24, SGD 6.90), Ba- Tella Toast (RM 32, SGD 9.20) and Dutch Baby Pancake (RM 28, SGD 8).
Ended my meal with the Ba-Tella Toast (RM 32, SGD 9.20) that comes with 2 slices of grilled brioche toast, drizzled with Nutella sauce and maple syrup, donned with caramelized banana and berries.
With a relaxing space and comprehensive menu, The Portal Cafe can be a cool space to check out on your next trip to JB.
The Portal Cafe
84, Jalan Meranti, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm (Mon, Tues, Thurs – Sun), Closed Wed
Google Maps – The Portal Cafe
Other Related Entries
Nimmies Pastry Café (Johor Bahru)
Hiritsu Coffee Roastery (Johor Bahru)
Vamos Coffee Roastery (Johor Bahru)
CHAMPS x RUEYS (Johor Bahru)
Space Cafe (Johor Bahru, Johor Bahru)
* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape who loves all things [NEW]. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
