A fusion café and a seafood feast – two wildly different but equally memorable meals in Johor Bahru.

Part 1: Lunch at Keijometo

Hidden behind a raw concrete exterior, Keijometo offers a moody, industrial vibe that sets the tone for its unique Japanese fusion dishes.

Drinks:
• Osmanthus Matcha Latte – Floral and fragrant with just the right hint of matcha. Smooth and not too sweet.
• Lemonade Matcha Latte – Zesty and refreshing, with a sharp citrus punch that cuts through the earthy matcha.

Food:
• Salmon Ochasuke – Beautifully grilled salmon served with rice balls, one of which was torched for that smoky aroma. Comforting and satisfying.
• Truffle Carbonara Udon – Creamy with rich umami from the truffle, topped with seaweed and sesame. A standout fusion dish.
• Butter Spicy Edamame – Addictive little bites tossed in spicy butter sauce with chili flakes and garlic — impossible to stop snacking.
• Karaage – Crispy Japanese-style fried chicken, juicy on the inside and perfect with a squeeze of lemon.

Location:
3, Jln Chengai, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia

Website: https://www.instagram.com/keijometo/?hl=en

Overall Rating: 4.3/5.0

TLDR: Modern Japanese vibes, both in the décor and the food. A place to chill, sip, and indulge.

Osmanthus Matcha Latte & Lemonade Matcha Latte — Photo: Sham Neo

Osmanthus Matcha Latte (back) & Lemonade Matcha Latte (front)
Rating: 3.8/5.0

Photo: Sham Neo
Salmon Ochasuke
Rating: 4.0/5.0

Photo: Sham Neo
Truffle Carbonara Udon
Rating: 4.0/5.0

Photo: Sham Neo
Butter Spicy Edamame
Rating: 4.5/5.0

Part 2: Dinner at Hai Kah Lang

Later in the evening, it was off to Hai Kah Lang — a seafood-centric restaurant serving local-style comfort food with a Teochew twist.

Drink:
• 我不是傻瓜 (“I’m Not a Fool”) – A fun mix of lemon, cucumber, and green tea (like Pokka-style). Refreshing and playful with a nice citrus-cucumber crunch.

Food:
• Fresh Oysters – Massive and ultra-fresh, served on ice with lemon wedges. Simple, briny, and perfect.
• Fried Soft Shell Crab – Golden, crispy bites served with a mayonnaise-based purple dipping sauce. Crunchy and creamy – unexpectedly good!
• Teochew Oyster Omelette – Classic and comforting with crispy edges and plump oysters. Great with chili and garlic sauce.
• Lala Soup with Kway Teow – Milk-based fish soup packed with lala (clams) and smooth flat noodles. Light but full of flavor.
• Mixed Seafood Soup with Mee Tai Bak – Creamy milk-based fish soup brimming with prawns, squid, clams, and chewy mee tai bak (silver pin noodles). Warm, hearty, and hits all the right notes.

Location:
173, Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia

Website: https://www.facebook.com/haikahlang

Overll rating: 4.5/5.0

TLDR: From palm-sized oysters to rich bowls of seafood soup, this was a feast that warmed the soul.

Photo: Sham Neo
Mixed Seafood Soup with Mee Tai Bak
Rating: 4.5/5.0

Photo: Sham Neo
Lala Soup with Kway Teow
Rating: 4.2/5.0

Photo: Sham Neo

Final Thoughts

Day 2 in JB was all about contrasts — trendy matcha and modern plates by day, hearty seafood and nostalgic local flavors by night. Both Keijometo and Hai Kah Lang brought their own charm to the table, and I’d happily return to both.

Reviewed by: Marina Wee