Ji Yue Coffee 集月咖啡

Came across some social media posts that are mentioning about a Ji Yue Coffee 集月咖啡 that is hidden somewhere within Viva Vista Shopping Mall; for those whom are unfamiliar with the name of the mall, Viva Vista Shopping Mall is a mixed-use development that comprises of both retail and residential spaces within the complex. Located along South Buona Vista Road, the nearest MRT station to Viva Vista Shopping Mall would be Haw Par Villa MRT Station along the Circle Line — while there is a walkable path from the MRT Station, we would recommend taking a bus just two stops down instead. Ji Yue Coffee is pretty much what one would perhaps call a hidden gem; for one, the cafe is situated at the back of the building — it is located along the stretch of shops that lines a narrow pathway away slightly away from the main road outside. It is not too difficult to know about the existence of Ji Yue Coffee though, considering the MCST (i.e. Management Corporation Strata Title) of the building had placed tables and chairs along the corridors facing the main road with menus of the various F&B establishments within the building; one can also notice the sign of Ji Yue Coffee hanging by the glass door leading into the space. Ji Yue Coffee is a small nook; there is only chairs for a maximum of three pax to sit around the space — a small side table can be shifted around, but the space otherwise does not have proper tables for dining in. The slightly rustic vibes with the dim yellow lighting and wooden-accented furniture and fittings evoke vibes of an intimate coffee house hidden in the back alleys in Korea, Japan and Taiwan. With their main focus being on their coffee, Ji Yue Coffee serves up the usual selection of espresso-based coffees that one can typically find in specialty cafes. Apart from coffee, Ji Yue Coffee also serves up drinking chocolate as well. Those whom are looking for a light munch can also look forward to some bakes that are freshly baked in-house, though the availability of such items may be limited.

Visiting Ji Yue Coffee on a weekday morning, we visited them just a day after their off day — they were no bakes items that are available a the day of our visit as such. Ji Yue Coffee does announce their off days for the month via Instagram profile in their bio, so those who intend to drop by Ji Yue Coffee might want to check out their off days for the month before heading down. Serving up specialty coffee that is roasted by Sweet Blossoms Coffee Roasters (a coffee roaster in Johor Bahru, Malaysia which also operates their very own cafe there) on the day of our visit, the beans in the hopper was of an El Salvador origin — the tasting notes of the coffee was described to be one that consists of Navel Orange, Baker’s Chocolate and Hints of Buah Ciku. The White (7 Oz) was a well-pulled cuppa; a cup of coffee that carried a light body, there is a particularly intense roasty aroma and a fruity finish to the White (7 Oz) here — we especially liked how the cuppa was smooth and creamy without having felt too milky as well. A very well-balanced cuppa which is a great perk-me-up. Considering how the size of the space and how low-key Ji Yue Coffee is, Ji Yue Coffee is pretty much of a hidden find — one that is run by very humble founders that are all about positive vibes; supporting businesses that shares a similar methodology and attitude towards food and coffee. We are pretty tempted on gatekeeping this spot considering how it seems to be a quiet nook that is best to keep undisturbed from boisterous influencers to the benefit of the founders and the regulars whom patronise the spot, though this is a spot that would be quite a pity to see it go considering the passion that the founders have for their craft — it carries some sort of character that is difficult to find elsewhere. Needless to say, we would find some time to return to Ji Yue Coffee for their range of bakes since we did not get to try them this time round; would also like to wish these folks all the best with what is to come for them!