Doña Bakehouse is one of those Johor Bahru cafés that has become hard to miss, especially if you are already around Jalan Tan Hiok Nee for Hiap Joo banana cake (next door).
The bakery started during the pandemic, when founder Jasmine Teo developed a deeper interest in baking and artisanal techniques.
What began from a home kitchen has since grown into a proper bakehouse brand, with the original branch at Jalan Tan Hiok Nee and a newer outlet at Tiara Sport World along Jalan Pasir Pelangi.
(There’s one at Kuala Lumpur TSLAW TOWER too.)
Inside the Jalan Tan Hiok Nee outlet, the space has a soft vintage European feel, with dark wooden flooring, chandeliers, curved wooden chairs, marble-toned tables and large windows that bring in natural light.
It is definitely prettier than the usual bakery stop.
Doña Bakehouse is best known for its viennoiseries and cakes, with items such as Classic Croissant, Pain Au Chocolat, Almond Croissant, Pistachio Rose Croissant, Lemon Meringue Croissant, Ham and Cheese Croissant… many to choose from.
The Mushroom Cheese Danish (RM 14.90) came with a glossy laminated base, topped with mushrooms and melted cheese.
What I liked was that the mushrooms remained soft and juicy, while the pastry was still flaky with buttery layers that held up quite well against the topping.
The Almond Croissant (RM 15.90) looked generous, with sliced almonds over the top and an almond cream filling that gave it that sweet, nutty richness. Also better than the average.
There are also cakes and desserts such as Petit Gâteaux, Artisan Layered Cake and Cake Rolls.
Between the classic and chocolate versions, I had the original Cake Roll, which reminded me of the Japanese ones.
The sponge was soft and light, with a smooth cream filling that was not too heavy, making it easy to finish with coffee.
I would say Doña Bakehouse works best when you are in the mood to sit down, order a few bakes to share, and not rush through the experience.
I am keen to return for more of the brunch items next time, like the Doña’s Breakfast, Almond Butter Banana Toast or Avocado and Egg Tartine.
Dona Bakehouse
14, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80888 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 5pm (Mon – Thurs), 8:30am – 6:30pm (Fri – Sun)
Google Maps – Dona Bakehouse Tan Hiok Nee
Dona Bakehouse
Tiara Sport World, Jalan Pasir Pelangi, Pasir Pelangi, 80500 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)
Google Maps – Dona Bakehouse Tiara Sport World
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