Whatever Cafe, Johor Bahru
The clean lines and minimalist décor of this café instantly puts one at ease.
Despite its simple and bare look, the café exudes a casual yet welcoming vibe that instantly draws you in, right into its warm and cozy nook, promising a good time for every occasion.
The main draw for diners to Whatever Cafe in Mount Austin is not only their food which is of high standards, but also their generous portions and excellent service. Their minimalist menu belies the wide variety of choices here, ranging from Korean Chicken to the local Kampong-style fried rice.
With the recent salted egg craze of almost everything from pastry tarts to deep fried seafood, one popular choice here is their Salted Egg Deep Fried Chicken Chop. This dish is always served piping hot with fries and salad at the side, and the thick and creamy salted egg sauce pairs well with the crispy chicken skin. The chicken here is done just right with the meat both tender and flavorful. Hot tip – ask for more salted egg sauce as we couldn’t stop dipping our fries into it! Chili-lovers will be stoked to know that the sauce is not all buttery-salted-egg-goodness! There was a zing that leaves a delectable spicy aftertaste in your palate; just the right spice level with a hint of tanginess.
Besides fusion varieties, Whatever Café also offers classic Italian favourites such as Spaghetti Aglio Olio with shrimps. The pasta, which comes in a generous portion, is cooked right with just the right bite without being too hard or chewy. The shrimps are fresh and succulent.
Next up, a timeless favourite with the locals is the Kampung-style Fried Rice. Each mouthful is packed with chewy sausage slices, fresh prawns, egg and anchovies. The result? Both flavourful and savoury without being overpowering! Worth of a mention are the anchovies which add a briny and crunchy texture to the almost creamy mix of rice.
If you are not looking to fill your tummy but just want some light bites on the side, ask for the Korean Chicken Wings. Fried to a cracking-good crisp, it comes draped with a layer of savoury sweet secret marinade with just the right hint of spiciness for me. I have always been a fan of crispy yet juicy chicken wings, but few places can get it right as Whatever Café has done, because they are either too oily or dry.
End your meal with the Coconut Ice Cream– simple yet rich and creamy. Their signature ice-cream comes with generous bits of coconut and is sweet without being cloying – much worth the calories!
So whether you are looking for a place for a simple gathering or a romantic date, head down to Whatever Café, which is sure to impress with its selection cuisine and cozy ambience.
