Flame & Fern Cafe – Charcoal-Grilled Brunch with Big Flavours in Johor Bahru

We’ve been making more trips across the causeway recently — thanks to how convenient it’s become to zip over to Johor Bahru via bus or the KTM train. And with the Johor Bahru–Singapore RTS Link set to complete by the end of this year, there’s even more reason to explore the JB food scene.

Apart from all the local street food, JB has become a treasure trove of stylish cafes and modern eateries. One spot that has been sitting in my bookmarks forever is Flame & Fern Cafe, and I finally made the trip down this month — and it was worth it.

Tucked within the residential streets of Taman Melodies, Flame & Fern feels like you’ve stepped into someone’s bustling backyard kitchen. As I walked through the front yard, I was greeted by the smell of charcoal smoke, the sight of chefs grilling over open flames, baristas brewing, and bakers pulling fresh brioche from their tins. The whole place has a warm, theatrical vibe — like brunch with a little drama, in the best way possible.

And that’s exactly what makes it special.

Charcoal Grill, Elevated Brunch

In a city saturated with brunch spots dishing out the usual suspects — eggs Benedict, smashed avo, and painfully dry sourdoughs — Flame & Fern is quietly carving out its own path. At the heart of its concept lies an open fire grill, and almost every dish carries with it the unmistakable, primal kiss of smoke.

The Homemade Beef Bacon & Egg (RM45) could have been just another breakfast sandwich. But here, it becomes something else entirely. The beef bacon is house-made, thickly sliced, and grilled until the edges crisp up like the bark on a good brisket. It rests atop a pillow of soft scrambled eggs, its richness offset by a slick of truffle mayo, all held together by their fresh, buttery brioche. It’s smoky, indulgent, and deeply satisfying — a nod to American breakfast culture, but with a clear Malaysian soul.

Brunch That Thinks Bigger

Equally compelling is the Seafood Two Ways open-faced sandwich (RM38). A crisp-fried soft shell crab, golden and airy, shares the spotlight with a delicately seared scallop, both nestled atop a foundation of poached egg, yogurt aioli, and tobiko. It’s a textural wonderland: crunchy shell, creamy egg yolk, juicy scallop, popping tobiko — all held together with a clarity of flavour.

Then there are the Grilled Lamb Ribs (RM68 for half, RM138 for full). Ribs are a risky proposition: they’re often under-seasoned or overdone. But these were neither. The meat pulled apart with gentle pressure, its interior moist, its edges burnished with char. The accompanying spicy-sweet soy sauce — reminiscent of kicap manis but with a kick — delicious with each bite of lamb. Paired with crisp straw fries and pickled vegetables, it’s a dish built for sharing, but you won’t want to.

If you’re feeling decadent, the Hanwoo Beef Flank (RM268) might be Flame & Fern’s most luxurious offering. Grilled over open flame and sliced for sharing, it is unapologetically bold. The beef is marbled, tender, and smoky — but what stands out is how the kitchen doesn’t hide behind its premium cuts. There’s character in the char, precision in the seasoning, and enough respect for the beef to let it speak for itself.

Thoughtful Sides & Pasta

Balance out the meats with a beautifully plated Burnt Caesar Salad (RM29), topped with baby romaine, grilled chicken, Caesar dressing, and plenty of crunch.

Meanwhile, the Barramundi Wing (RM25), marinated in shrimp paste and served with chipotle mayo and lime, is a dish that deserves its own spotlight. It reimagines har cheong gai (prawn paste chicken) using fish, and the result is crisp, punchy, and wildly addictive — the kind of thing you’d expect to see in a modern izakaya, not a brunch café.

Pasta often takes a backseat in places like this, but the Tiger Prawn Aglio Olio (RM37) commands attention. The prawns, grilled till they blush with char, lend the spaghetti a richness while the tobiko sprinkled atop adds texture and brininess, a smart finish to a familiar dish.

Sweet Endings

For dessert, the Hazelnut Chocolate Fudge (RM32) with hazelnut gelato was a decadent treat — rich, creamy, and very satisfying.

But if you prefer something fruity and vibrant, the French Toast (RM27) is a must. Soft and fluffy, drizzled with Nutella sauce, and topped with strawberries, banana, and pistachio — it’s like a party on a plate.

Wash it all down with their curated drinks: I personally enjoyed the Matcha Coconut Niko Neko (RM19), but their Strawberry Apple Peach Tea and Tsubaki Hojicha were also light and refreshing.

A Café Worth Crossing the Border For

Flame & Fern has made an effort to break the mould of what brunch should look like — and they do it with a confident, fire-grilled touch. With the exchange rate in our favour, this spot offers amazing value for Singaporeans seeking a weekend food adventure. It’s a place that truly makes the trip across the causeway worthwhile.

So yes — we’ll definitely be back. And if you’re planning your next JB cafe hunt, make sure this one’s on your list.