Yeon Cafe - Must Try Genmaicha Tarts & Yuzu Salmon Ochazuke

Step through the stone pathway entrance of Yeon Cafe and you’ll feel like you’ve just walked onto a Korean drama set. Located in Taman Pelangi, this Korean-inspired dessert cafe sits just 10 minutes from JB customs, making it the perfect pit stop for Singaporeans looking to indulge in aesthetic vibes and seriously good bakes.

The moment you enter Yeon Cafe, K-pop tunes fill the air while fluffy cushions, macrame table runners, and pastel flowers create that cozy Seoul cafe aesthetic. Natural sunlight streams through the windows, making those window seats the most coveted spots in the house. The minimalist decor strikes the perfect balance between Instagram-worthy and genuinely comfortable – a rare find where the ambience doesn’t sacrifice practicality.

What sets this place apart? The cafe’s attention to detail extends beyond just the decor. Each plant has its own name, and the warm wooden tones paired with pastel yellow walls create an inviting atmosphere that makes you want to settle in for hours. Whether you’re journaling solo, catching up with friends, or need a workspace away from home, Yeon Cafe delivers that rare combination of photogenic charm and actual comfort.

Mochi Tart (RM12++)

This isn’t your typical dessert tart. The buttery genmaicha tea-infused crust provides an earthy base, layered with chewy mochi and finished with crispy cookie crumbs. The roasted rice tea flavor cuts through the sweetness beautifully, creating a sophisticated balance that appeals to those who appreciate Japanese-inspired flavors with a modern twist.

Salmon Yuzu Ochazuke (RM33++)

Here’s where Yeon Cafe showcases its Japanese fusion prowess. This traditional Japanese rice dish arrives with a teapot of hot broth that you pour over the rice yourself. The salmon comes encased in a delicate, crispy batter and coated with tangy yuzu sauce, adding a citrusy brightness to the dish. It’s comfort food with an elevated presentation – filling enough for lunch yet light enough that you’ll still have room for cake.

Rainbow Kimbap (RM23-RM34)

The visual star of the savory menu, these rice rolls are stuffed with fresh ingredients and wrapped in seaweed. Options range from the vegetarian version at RM23 to premium picks like the Prawn Katsu or Cheesy Chicken Katsu at RM34. The fillings are generous, and while some might find the rice on the softer side, the freshness of ingredients shines through.

Creamy Spicy Chicken Tteokbokki (RM22-RM24)

Unlike traditional tteokbokki, Yeon Cafe’s version features a creamy sauce that’s become a crowd favorite. The rice cakes are soft and chewy, swimming in a luscious, mildly spicy sauce that’s perfect for sharing. The Chicken Creamy Mushroom version at RM24 offers an unusual twist with mushroom sauce – something you won’t find at most Korean cafes.

Baked Goods Counter

The counter display is where Yeon Cafe truly shines. From the Lotus Biscoff Burnt Cheesecake to the Pistachio Raspberry Cake, the selection rotates with seasonal offerings. The cakes strike that perfect balance of not being overly sweet, allowing the actual flavors to come through. Prices for cake slices hover around RM17-RM19, with daily specials adding variety to the menu.

Raspberry Milk (RM15++)

This pink-hued drink is as photogenic as it is delicious. Packed with vibrant raspberry flavor, it leans toward the sweeter side with a creamy texture that makes it feel more like a dessert drink than a beverage. Perfect for those who want something visually striking for the gram.

Beyond the obvious Instagram appeal, Yeon Cafe succeeds where many aesthetic cafes fail – the food actually delivers. The cafe operates with no pork and no lard, making it accessible to more diners, though it’s not halal-certified. Portions are surprisingly generous, with many dishes suitable for sharing between two to three people.

Parking is readily available in front of the cafe, a major convenience factor when visiting JB. The cafe opens from 10:30am to 10pm daily, giving you flexibility whether you’re planning a brunch visit or an evening dessert run.

Address: 12, Jalan Perang, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Opening Hours: Daily: 10:30am - 10pm

Contact: +60 18-385 6899