I bought the mini shio pan, including the Japanese seaweed flavour. The seaweed version had a little spicy kick that made it more interesting than ordinary butter bread. And the best part? After reheating the bread in the oven at home, it tasted almost as if it had just come out of the bakery!
A Lovely Bakery with a Cosy Vibe
Bread & Better Bakery has a welcoming, modern bakery atmosphere that makes browsing the bread selection part of the experience. It is a lovely place to stop by when exploring Johor Bahru, especially if you enjoy discovering speciality bakeries rather than buying the usual supermarket bread.
The bakery focuses on shio pan, with a range of sweet and savoury flavours. Instead of offering only traditional bread, it gives this Japanese-inspired favourite a creative twist, making it fun to try several flavours in one visit.
One tip: if you are visiting on a weekend or during a busy holiday period, consider going earlier in the day. Popular flavours may sell out, and you would not want to travel all the way to JB only to miss the bread you came for!
What Is Shio Pan, and Why Is It So Popular?
Shio pan is a Japanese-style salt bread known for its buttery aroma, lightly crisp exterior and soft, chewy interior. The name refers to salt bread, and its appeal lies in the balance of savoury saltiness and rich butter flavour.
Unlike a traditional flaky croissant, shio pan is generally more bread-like, with a tender, chewy centre. Its base can develop a deliciously crisp, buttery crust during baking.
Bread & Better Bakery takes this simple concept further with different flavours and sizes. You can choose classic versions or explore more adventurous options, making it ideal for anyone who likes sampling different breads rather than committing to just one large loaf.
Mini Shio Pan: Small Bites, Big Flavour
I decided to get the mini shio pan, which was a great choice because the smaller size makes it easier to sample different flavours.
The one that stood out to me was the Japanese seaweed mini shio pan. The seaweed added a savoury, umami flavour, and there was a slight spicy kick that made each bite more exciting. It was not just plain salty butter bread; the extra seasoning gave it a distinctive character.
I also like the mini size because it is convenient for sharing with family, serving as an afternoon snack, or enjoying alongside a cup of coffee or tea. If you are travelling with family or friends, getting a few different flavours is a fun way to discover everyone's favourite.
Shio Pan vs Bagel: What Is the Difference?
Although both shio pan and bagels are popular bread choices, their textures and flavours are quite different.
Shio pan is buttery, soft and chewy inside, with a lightly crisp exterior and a savoury finish. The butter is an important part of its flavour, and the bread feels rich and tender.
Bagels, on the other hand, are typically denser and firmer, with a more substantial, chewy bite. Traditional bagels are boiled before baking, which helps create their distinctive dense, slightly glossy crust.
If you prefer bread that is buttery, tender and easy to bite into, shio pan may be more appealing. If you enjoy a firm, dense chew, a bagel might be your choice.
For me, shio pan is especially tempting because of that buttery aroma and the contrast between the outside and the soft centre.
The Best Part: Reheat It at Home!
One of my favourite things about buying shio pan is that you do not necessarily have to finish everything immediately.
I brought the mini shio pan home, stored the bread in the fridge, and later reheated it in the oven. The result was wonderful! The outside became warm and lightly crisp again, while the inside was soft and buttery. It tasted almost like freshly baked bread straight from the oven.
That made the purchase even more worthwhile because I could enjoy the bakery experience at home instead of having to finish all the bread during the trip.
My reheating tip: Let refrigerated bread warm in a preheated oven at around 160–180°C for a few minutes, checking frequently until heated through and lightly crisp. The exact time depends on the size of the bread and your oven. Avoid overheating it, as this can dry out the centre.
If you plan to keep the bread for longer, freeze it in an airtight bag rather than leaving it in the fridge for several days. Refrigeration can make bread stale more quickly. Reheat only what you intend to eat, and follow any storage instructions provided by the bakery, especially for varieties with perishable fillings.
A Wide Variety of Shio Pan Flavours: From Mentaiko to Matcha!
One thing I love about Bread & Better Bakery in Johor Bahru is that they do not just stick to the traditional buttery salt bread. They offer a variety of creative and interesting shio pan flavours, making it difficult to decide which ones to try!
Besides the mini Japanese seaweed shio pan that I bought, they also have special flavours such as mentaiko, truffle, lemon, chocolate and green tea. There are so many different options that even a simple bread run can turn into a fun little food adventure!
If you enjoy savoury flavours, the mentaiko and truffle varieties are worth looking out for. Mentaiko, which is seasoned pollock roe commonly used in Japanese cuisine, brings a distinctive savoury taste. Truffle, meanwhile, is known for its earthy aroma and rich flavour.
For those who prefer something sweeter or more refreshing, chocolate and green tea offer a different experience. Lemon is another interesting option wtih 2 cute eyes on top if you enjoy a citrusy flavour that contrasts with the buttery richness of the bread.
My personal choice was the mini seaweed shio pan. The seaweed gave it a savoury taste with a slight spicy kick, making it more interesting than ordinary butter bread.
With so many creative flavours available, Bread & Better Bakery is a place where you can discover something different each time you visit. Just be prepared to spend a little time choosing your favourites!
Bread & Better Bakery is located in Taman Sentosa, Johor Bahru, making it a possible stop on a JB food trip.
Address: 1, Jalan Kasa 7, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Published listings show approximately 9am–6pm or 9am–8pm, so check the bakery's latest official listing before travelling.
Price range: Budget around RM6–RM16 per regular shio pan, depending on the flavour. Mini packs and special flavours may cost more.
Best for: Japanese-style salt bread, buttery savoury snacks, trying different flavours and bringing baked treats home.
Prices and opening hours may change, so it is worth checking the latest menu before your visit.
Is Bread & Better Bakery Worth Visiting?
For bread lovers, I would put Bread & Better Bakery on the list for a future Johor Bahru food trip. The attractive bakery atmosphere, creative shio pan flavours and convenient mini sizes make it enjoyable to explore.
My personal highlight was the mini Japanese seaweed shio pan, with its savoury flavour and slight spicy kick. But the real surprise came after I returned home: reheating the bread in the oven brought back that freshly baked taste and made it feel as though I had just bought it.
If you are planning a JB food adventure, remember to leave a little space in your bag for bread. You might enjoy the shio pan at the bakery, but you can also save some for a warm, buttery treat at home!
My verdict: A lovely bakery to explore if you enjoy buttery bread, interesting savoury flavours and the simple pleasure of freshly reheated shio pan.
