If you ever miss the taste of childhood—when teatime meant mum’s homemade yam cake, crispy prawn fritters, or a bowl of soothing porridge—Good Time Café 好时光 is your time machine. Tucked away in Johor Bahru’s Eco Botanic, this nostalgic café brings back the heartwarming dishes of the 80s and 90s, complete with chicken-printed enamel plates, vintage décor, and old-school drinks like longan water.
🧾 A Short History: Why This Café Feels Like Home
The idea behind Good Time Café is simple but powerful—to recreate the comforting food memories from our younger days. The founders wanted to serve the kind of dishes mums and grandmas used to prepare for tea breaks or light lunches, using familiar ingredients and traditional preparation methods.
From the moment you step in, you’re surrounded by retro tiles, wooden furniture, and warm lighting that feels like your childhood kitchen. This café isn’t just themed—it’s a love letter to old-school Malaysian food culture.
Stepping Into the Past: An 80s-Style Kopitiam Experience
From the moment you walk in, Good Time Café transports you to a bygone era. The interior design features retro tiles, wooden stools, and those classic enamel chicken bowls and plates that instantly trigger nostalgia. It’s not just decor—it’s a sensory rewind to simpler times.
The air carries the aroma of fried snacks and herbal soups. You’ll hear soft background music that might remind you of old Rediffusion radio days, and see locals—young and old—enjoying familiar dishes that echo memories of family teatime.
What We Tried: Comfort Food with Heart
During our visit, we ordered a spread that would make any Malaysian mum proud:
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Prawn Fritters (虾饼) – Crispy, golden, and full of umami. These were perfect with a splash of sweet chili sauce.
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Otak-Otak Pau – A fun twist on the classic otak-otak, this fluffy bun hid spicy, fragrant fish paste inside. Not too fiery, so even kids can enjoy it.
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Yam Cake (芋头糕) – Steamed to soft perfection, topped with shallots and dried shrimp. It had that “kampung-style” flavour we crave.
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Yam Rice with Pork Soup (芋头饭配猪杂汤) – Hearty and nourishing. The yam rice was slightly sticky, with hints of fried shallots. The pork soup was rich with offal and herbs—like something your auntie would make on a rainy day.
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Porridge (粥) – Simple and smooth, with preserved vegetables and shredded chicken. Soul food at its best.
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Longan Water (龙眼水) – Ice-cold and sweet with dried longan and red dates. A drink straight out of a 1980s school canteen.
Each dish felt like a hug—wholesome, nostalgic, and rooted in tradition.
Honest Take: Prices vs. Nostalgia
Let’s address the elephant in the room: prices have gone up. While the quality of food remains high and the portions are just right, many regulars have noticed that compared to “last time,” everything feels a bit pricier.
For example, a bowl of yam rice with soup that might’ve cost RM5–6 in the past now hovers around RM10+. While understandable due to inflation, it’s something to note if you’re visiting as a family.
That said, you’re also paying for the experience—the nostalgia, the ambiance, the unique menu.
Final Thoughts: Worth a Visit for the Memories
Good Time Café 好时光 is more than a café—it’s a cultural time capsule. Whether you’re from Johor, Singapore, or further abroad, it’s a place that gently reminds you of the food your mum or grandmother used to make. The attention to detail, from the food presentation to the retro decor, creates an emotional connection that few modern cafes can replicate.
If you love heritage food, 80s-style vibes, and a genuine taste of Malaysian tea time nostalgia, this is a JB hidden gem worth adding to your foodie itinerary.
📍 Café Details
Address: No. 24A & 26, Jalan Eko Botani 3/2,
Taman Eco Botanic, 79100 Gelang Patah, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (daily, check socials for latest)
Contact: +60 7‑510 3008
Halal: Not halal (pork served)
Kid-Friendly: Yes!
🆚 If You Like These JB Cafés, You’ll Love Good Time Café
Here are other nostalgic-themed cafés in Johor Bahru you can explore:
1. Kopilicious
📍 1, Jalan Setia 3/7, Taman Setia Indah, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
Retro décor with kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs, and traditional kopi.
2. Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory
📍 13, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor
Not a sit-down café, but a JB heritage gem known for banana cake from a traditional wood-fired oven.
3. Restoran Hua Mui (华美茶餐室)
📍 131, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor
Established in 1946, this kopitiam serves old-school Hainanese chicken chop and kopi in a classic shophouse setting.
4. Chaiwalla & Co. Container Café
📍 Lot 2829, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor
A hip twist on nostalgia—chai, milk tea, and Thai street drink vibes in a repurposed shipping container on heritage street.
These spots offer their own unique versions of “old-school”—but Good Time Café stands out for its food authenticity and attention to retro detail, from plating to flavors.
🚗 Travel Tips for Singapore Visitors
Coming from Singapore? Here’s how to make the most of your JB day trip:
🧭 Getting There:
- By Car/Grab from Woodlands Checkpoint: ~25–30 minutes via Coastal Highway
- Key in “Good Time Café Eco Botanic” on Grab or Google Maps
- Located near EduCity and surrounded by cafes, shops, and Eco Galleria
🅿️ Parking:
- Street parking available directly in front of the café
- Visit during off-peak hours (before 11 AM or after 2:30 PM) for easier seating and parking
📸 Bonus JB Café Hopping Tip:
After brunch at Good Time Café, explore nearby:
- Eco Galleria – for shopping and photo spots
- Keijometo Café – for matcha drinks and aesthetic vibes
- The Glasshouse Café – perfect for a coffee break surrounded by plants
- Restoran Todak (Orang Asli Seafood) – great for dinner by the sea in Permas Jaya
