Kafe Desaru Utama

Bandar Penawar, 82200 Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia
$$$ Cafe
(109 Reviews)
Price Range RM 1–20

Welcome to Kafe Desaru Utama, a delightful cafe nestled in the charming town of Bandar Penawar, Johor. A hidden gem for both locals and visitors, this cafe offers a scrumptious menu that celebrates Malaysian flavors, with a focus on hearty portions and vibrant tastes. Whether you're stopping by for a casual meal or looking to indulge in local favorites, Kafe Desaru Utama promises an experience filled with warmth and culinary pleasure.

The atmosphere here is refreshingly unpretentious, with its open-air setting that transforms a roadside car park into a cozy dining experience. Enjoy your meal while savoring the gentle breeze and the lively chatter of fellow diners, creating a unique vibe that makes every visit special.

One of the stars of the menu is the beloved Barramundi Fried Rice, which has become a crowd favorite—one customer, Fadzli Mohd Isa, declared that it features an entire barramundi for just RM15! The dish showcases tender, flaky fish paired with flavorful fried rice, making for a satisfying and visually enticing meal.

Don’t miss their Chicken Chop, renowned for its extraordinary pepper sauce that adds a unique kick to every bite. Norfatiha A Rahim raves about the chicken chop, asserting that nothing else compares. Additionally, the Bubur Berlauk is highly recommended, often praised for its comforting warmth and rich flavors.

If you’re in the mood for something lighter, consider trying the Tom Yam Seafood or Mee Goreng Seafood. Jessica Icca shares her delight in these dishes, highlighting their generous portions and professional presentation. The perfect blend of spices and fresh ingredients ensures that every mouthful is a celebration of Malaysian cuisine.

Your dining experience, however, isn’t without its critiques. Some customers have noted that while the food remains fantastic, improvements can be made in the presentation of the dining items, particularly the plates, which some found to be stained and aging. Addressing this would elevate the dining experience even further.

Overall, Kafe Desaru Utama solidifies its status as a must-try for anyone seeking authentic Malaysian dishes served with heart. The captivating flavors, generous portions, and casual ambiance come together to create an enjoyable spot for families, friends, and food enthusiasts alike. So, gather your loved ones and indulge in a delightful culinary adventure that Kafe Desaru Utama has to offer!

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Popular for
Dinner
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Coffee
Late-night food
Quick bite
Small plates
Dining options
Dinner
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Cash only
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

04:00 PM - 02:00 AM

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

04:00 PM - 02:00 AM

Thursday

04:00 PM - 02:00 AM

Friday

04:00 PM - 02:00 AM

Saturday

04:00 PM - 02:00 AM

Sunday

04:00 PM - 02:00 AM

109 Reviews
Fadzli Mohd Isa

29 Aug 2025

Please order the barramundi fried rice. You’ll get one whole barramundi! Oh please God, it cost me RM15!

Bad Bunny

06 Aug 2025

Everywhere i go, this cafe always in my heart. The food was nice as always. But this time the Nasi Goreng Ayam butter kinda dry lil bit and the chicken portion getting less. And 1 thing i dont like is the plate is getting older and the stain is turning yellow. Maybe the owner can change it to new please. I really want to post the picture but cant.

Norfatiha A Rahim

29 Jul 2025

Chicken chop here is always the best! Their pepper sauce is absolutely unique and delicious — nothing else compares! :) Bubur berlauk is definitely a must-try as well. The nasi goreng and soup are also satisfying and never disappoint. Highly recommended!

Justin Lam

22 Jul 2025

Having food in open environment (converted road side car parks) has its own little touch that too with some delicious food being served. The local delights Nasi Goreng varieties are really good with good portion of food. Tried the Danging soup which had good portion of meat with added spices.

Richard York

30 Jun 2025

Good food but service is very bit slow. I bought whole fish with rice. The dish was really good where the sauce has sweetness from the pineapple matches well with deep fried whole fish and rice. The fish is cooked to perfection as the crust was crunchy and flaky fish. No fishy smell at all. I'm very impressed with this dish. I am unsure the name of the drink but it is really refreshing with the citrus from the lemon and lime. However as I mentioned earlier about service being slow. I wanted to order another one but server forgot my order.

jessicca icca

16 Jun 2025

KAFE DESARU UTAMA is a must-try for malaysian local lovers! The Tom Yam Seafood and Mee Goreng Seafood and Kiew Tau Goreng was a standout – the amount and display and most importantly the taste is delicious like professional chef hand cooking. The portion sizes were generous, and the value for money was excellent. I'll definitely be back to try more of their menu."

Adam Rahman

14 Jun 2025

Food is perfect. But please change the plate. It looks dirty even it's not. The stain are stuck with the plate. It turn the white plate into yellow already.

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