The Behemoth: Monsta Cafe

The lions have been spending quite some time recently over weekends across the Causeway exploring coffee joints. The burgeoning of numerous indie java joints in the Lion City's most immediate neighbour - the state of Johor in Malaysia - is already evident ('The Dispensary' signboard was spotted over a vacant shophouse). With the luxury of less insane rents and space, creative minds have seen the potential of the area given Singaporeans' penchant for a heading to the laidback state for cheap eats, spa, haircuts and shopping. Throw in 'gourmet coffee' into the equation and you might just strike gold as well.

Not all java joints in Johor have been particularly memorable, but this one is worth the mention:

Not the newest kid on the block but almost an institution
unto itself, Monsta Cafe spans two storeys of a
shophouse and is a  mecca for serious java imbibers.

Oh yes siree, the expert hands of a barista are indeed
essential to extract liquid gold from good beans.

An extensive food menu makes this place a great
brunch and dinner spot too.

But the lions are here this evening with 2 gorgeous ladies for
the coffee alone.

The price of a cuppa includes a latte art of your choice.
Or you might just want to leave it to the wild imagination
of the barista for, hopefully, a pleasant surprise.

Holler! FHM gives out coffee awards as well?

Not so scary monster artwork in the menu.

The drizzle and the cool weather makes the thought
of a hot cuppa all the more comforting.

I see they hire the best in the country.

Vintage meets industrial chic.

How quaint! Sit around mini table-tennis tables.

Cuchi goes for the much raved about Cold Brew
that came in a medicine bottle reminiscent of
CSHH back home. It was deliciously fruity but was
also suspiciously sweet. Did they add a little
sugar syrup in there?

Bear within a bear in Cute Cute's well-balanced M Latte.
But the 'leave-it-to-the-barista' plan might also disappoint
as the lattes for both their gorgeous
companions came with the commonplace leaf art.

Takeaways available.

Back to school?

Coffee Contraptions.

Old school hairdressing chairs.

Heading up to the 2nd floor for a look.

Something for the little ones to muck around.

Cosy corners for group gatherings.

Then again, you might want to head for the balcony during cooler evenings.

Wind down the day on carpet grass.

A little 70s vibe here.

Here is our review for Monsta Cafe:

Coffee Quality: 8.0 pawprints out of 10

Ambience: 8.5 pawprints out of 10

Monsta Cafe
No.157 Jalan Bestari 1/5,
Taman Nusa Bestari,
81300 Skudai Johor,
Malaysia