Coffee and camping chairs: Inside JB's roadside cafe scene and where to find them

A distinctive cafe scene, characterized by late-night, alfresco settings with camping chairs, has taken root in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, gaining popularity particularly among young Malay patrons since around 2024. This trend, often featuring downtempo pop music like Lana del Rey, has flourished away from the traditional downtown areas.

Several factors contribute to the rise of these "roadside cafes." Their late operating hours appeal to a different crowd, and the concept inherently embraces an outdoor, relaxed ambiance, contrasting with urban settings. The scene's roots trace back to the COVID-19 lockdowns, when Gen Z began sharing images of camping chairs set against calming vistas online, popularizing the trend under hashtags like #healingchair or local terms such as “port lepak.” Johor Bahru's spread-out geography and a more lenient municipal approach have also facilitated the scene's growth.

While the trend has evolved into hybrid models, many establishments retain the core DNA of the camping chair setup. Whether operating from a van or a shipping container placed on a gravel lot, these businesses embody a spirit of freedom associated with the open road and roadside convenience. The article explores nine such cafes, assessing their scale and unique offerings.

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Hey, ‘bang.

One featured cafe, Kopi Kampung Kak Cer, exemplifies the scene's spirit. Owner Mohd Rasif, who transitioned from running a restaurant to opening the cafe near his home in March, greets patrons warmly. Despite challenges, like needing insect repellent due to the down-to-earth setting, Rasif's positive attitude shines through. His previous venture, Mood Degil, went viral before closing due to its own popularity, making his current success and continued smile a testament to the scene's resilient and cheerful ethos.

Another notable spot is Brewtiful Coffee, situated along the coastal highway. Owner Farid Shahbudin estimates that 25 to 30 percent of his customers are Singaporeans passing through. Shahbudin, who has managed a catering business since 2018, fulfilled a long-held dream of opening a cafe in June 2024, embracing the roadside cafe concept.

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About 25 to 30 percent of customers are Singaporeans en route to the Second Link.