Frenché Roast Cafe: The hidden pastry cafe in JB you didn’t know about
Tucked away in a quiet corner of the city, Frenché Roast Cafe is a delightful hidden gem that is well worth the visit. Located in the downstairs area of a condo apartment in Johor Bahru (near Mount Austin), this charming cafe might be a little out of the way, but for those who seek it out, it offers a culinary experience that is nothing short of extraordinary.
The first thing that strikes you as you descend the steps to Frenché Roast Café is the simplicity and modernity of the ambience. The design is clean and minimalistic, with an open layout that creates a sense of space and calm. The walls are adorned with subtle, tasteful art, and the furniture is sleek yet comfortable.
It’s a place that invites you to sit down, relax, and take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. There’s nothing pretentious about the decor, yet it exudes a quiet elegance that makes it the perfect spot for both casual meetings and solitary moments of reflection.
But the true star of Frenché Roast Café is not its ambience, lovely as it is— it’s the pastries. As soon as you step inside, you’re greeted by the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked goods, a scent that instantly makes your mouth water.
What I tried at Frenché Roast Cafe
From the first bite of their Cromboloni, it’s clear that the pastries here are something special.
The Shrimp Katsu Cromboloni (RM 22.90) has everything a croissant should be— flaky on the outside, buttery and soft on the inside.
What’s better is that this time there’s a fried prawn patty between it. The patty is juicy and paired with bits of pomegranate, it brings out the sweetness of the prawns.
I have to be honest and say that I probably never had a similar dish before but this was a great first experience and one that I will be using to benchmark future Crombolinis. While I think that the patty was juicy and the “buns” were buttery, I however wish there was a tad bit more sauce to finish off the bite.
This, paired with a nice smooth Matcha Latte (RM15.90) will guarantee to hit the spot every single time.
Their Cinnamon Roll (RM15.80) is a beautifully crafted pastry with a distinctive spiral shape, showcasing its delicate layers of flaky, golden-brown dough. Each layer is crisp and buttery, typical of a laminated dough that resembles a croissant.
The cinnamon filling is visible between the layers, giving a warm, spiced flavour that promises a rich aroma. This warm roll is perfectly baked with a crisp exterior while maintaining a soft, airy inside, making it an enticing treat for any pastry lover.
I feel that these Cinnamon Rolls were unlike the others I have tried. For one, these were not dry at all. They were moist and packed with cinnamon sugar on the inside. Next, unlike many places outside, these had a very buttery overall feel that I really enjoyed. Of all the Cinnamon Rolls, these stood out to me the most having combined the different elements to it.
The enjoyment does not stop their Seafood Risotto (RM45) is a killer, too. At the heart of this dish is a rich, creamy risotto, cooked to perfection with a luxurious texture that’s both velvety and indulgent. The risotto is infused with a deeply flavourful prawn broth, which serves as the foundation of its taste.
The prawn broth, simmered to extract every nuance of the shellfish’s essence, adds a profound depth of flavour to the risotto. Its golden hue permeates the creamy rice, creating a harmonious blend of seafood richness and savoury notes. Each grain of rice is infused with the umami character of the broth, resulting in a dish that is both comforting and complex.
Crowning this risotto are wild tiger prawns, a standout feature of the dish. These prawns are known for their striking, striped shells and their sweet, succulent meat. Grilled or seared to perfection, they add a delightful contrast in both texture and flavour.
Overall, I felt that this plate of risotto was an extremely flavourful one and one that I thought was only possible to find in fancy restaurants. I feel that if you have made the trip here, this is definitely a must-order every single time!
If you are feeling peckish like a rich tai tai, then I recommend their High Tea Set (RM90 for 2 pax) which also comes with a pot of premium tea. It comes in a cute Eiffel Tower mimicking the feel you get sipping on teas and canapes in Paris. At first look, you see these incredibly crafted, hyper-realistic fruit cakes. They come in various different flavours – apple, orange, mango and lemon.
Now what’s a high tea without scones, right? The set does come with scones, golden brown croissants and many other small canapes. I didn’t think that it would be possible for a cafe to set a standard so high similar to a hotel’s High Tea set. That’s not until I tried their different fruit tarts – they were my go-to favourites.
Each little hyper-realistic fruit tart packed its own little surprise on the inside which had the respective flavours burst out in your mouth. In Singapore, these fruit tarts would easily go for S$5 each with how intricate they are. However, over here, you can have the whole set for 2 for only RM90— what a steal!
Final thoughts
In summary, Frenché Roast Café may be a bit out of the way, hidden in the basement of a condo apartment, but it is well worth the journey. Its simple, modern ambience provides a peaceful retreat, while the pastries are nothing short of exceptional.
Whether you’re a local looking for a new favourite spot or a visitor in search of memorable pastries, Frenché Roast Café is a destination you won’t want to miss. I for sure would make the trip back here!
Expected damage: RM20 – RM50
*This post is brought to you in partnership with Frenché Roast Cafe.
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