I happened to walk past Slowspace while around Jalan Ibrahim, and it looked like the kind of JB café worth checking out.
Located at 43 Jalan Ibrahim within the Ibrahim International Business District, the café sits not that far from the customs area, but feels slightly removed from the more predictable routes.
Inside, the café has an aesthetic and easygoing feel, with wooden tables, round stools, a long counter, and soft lighting.
And there’s always a more spacious upstairs seating area with large windows, and a little daylight slipping in.
As it is managed by the team behind Paperbaked and Endless Clothing, you will find delicate cakes and a range of streetwear fashion on the side.
The menu was more extensive than I expected.
For mains, there are Truffle Mushroom Carbonara (RM 26), Slow Shakshuka (RM 28), Golden Seafood Risotto (RM 35), Ground Beef Mac and Cheese (RM 28), Herb Garden Chicken (RM 32), Spicy Sea of Seoul (RM 29), and Seafood Aglio Olio (RM 26).
The waffle section was what caught my attention, with savoury options such as Big Breakfast (RM 28) and Hawaiian Wagyu Burger (RM 38), along with sweet versions like Chocolate Deluxe (RM 10), Matcha Mochi (RM 10), Biscoff Crush (RM 8), and Peanut Chocolate Crush (RM 8).
I decided to order a number of pistachio things.
The Dirty Pistachio Waffle (RM 12) was my favourite item of the visit, partly because it reminded me of those old-school neighbourhood bakery waffles, the kind made fresh and filled with peanut butter, kaya or chocolate spread.
Except that this version came stacked in pieces, with pale green pistachio cream sandwiched between the layers and spilling slightly down the sides.
The waffle itself was soft and slightly chewy rather than crisp, but that familiar texture was exactly what made it enjoyable for me, as it felt more like a nostalgic snack.
For desserts, there are Vanilla Canelé (RM 14), Chocolate Canelé (RM 14), Burnt Cheesecake and Almond Crisp (RM 21), Belgian Chocolate Cake (RM 18), Strawberry Shortcake (RM 22), and Earl Grey Lemon Cake (RM 18).
I also had the Pistachio Canelé (RM 14) which was interesting in a different way.
It came with a dark-ridged exterior, crumbs scattered around the plate, with overflowing pistachio drizzle.
Do not expect a firm caramelised shell here, but something softer, more playful, and messier to eat.
Slowspace turned out to be quite a find, with a comfortable design-led space, playful desserts and a menu that gives you more than just coffee and cakes.
Slowspace
43 & 43A, Jalan Ibrahim, Ibrahim International Business District, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80888 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon, Wed – Sun), Closed Tues
Google Maps – Slowspace Johor Bahru
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