The cafe scene in Malaysia’s capital is gradually growing from just alright to well-established, and in recent years, it is a rising trend for regional visitors to pop by Kuala Lumpur for a day or two of cafe-hopping.
While skilful baristas are still far from abundant, the rising demands of consumers and their willingness to splurge have triggered the birth of many more up-and-coming potential cafes.
From PULP by Papa Palheta to Merchant’s Lane, here is our guide to Cafes and Coffee Shops in Kuala Lumpur. Do share with us your favourites in Kuala Lumpur too!
DR.INC
Firstly, Dr.Inc is actually intended to sound like “drink” and not “doctor inc”. The quaint hideout is located a stone’s throw away from Bangsar’s main bustling area and is more than just any other ordinary cafe. Dr.Inc also shares the same space with local boutique designer Nala Designs.
8, Jalan Kemuja, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur
Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: +60 3-2283 4698
Daily: 9am – 7pm
DRIP LOFT
A new wave of cafe has sprouted along Kuala Lumpur’s streets and Drip Loft is one of the brilliant hybrids. Combining a coffee shop and a comprehensive vape store, visitors get to indulge in aromatic caffeinated beverages and try a vast variety of different vapes.
1, Bangsar Baru, 5, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: +60 3-2202 1330
Daily: 12pm – 12am
FEEKA COFFEE ROASTERS
Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur is Feeka Coffee Roasters, a third-wave specialty coffee shop that is the go-to place for a satisfying cuppa. The casual eatery also offers an all-encompassing menu of cakes, sandwiches and other delightful mains.
19, Jalan Mesui, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: +60 3-2110 4599
Daily: 9am – 11pm
LEAGUE OF CAPTAINS
League of Captains is a successful venture by Malaysian clothing brand Pestle & Mortar, where both cafe hoppers and shopaholics alike can come forth to shop for clothes whilst indulging in espresso-based beverages. The industrial-chic two-storey cafe offers alfresco dining upstairs.
42, Jalan Doraisamy, 50300 Kuala Lumpur
Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: +60 3-2602 2281
Mon to Thu: 8am – 11pm
Fri: 8am – 12am
Sat: 9am – 12am
Sun: 9am – 11pm
LOKL COFFEE CO
Located in Kuala Lumpur’s historic neighbourhood, LOKL Coffee Co is a one-stop destination for coffees, cakes and comforting food with Asian twists. Start your day with a hot cappuccino (RM$12) and fill your tummies with a scrumptious Buttermilk Chicken Chop (RM$25.50).
30, Jalan Tun H S Lee, 50100 Kuala Lumpur
Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: +60 3-2072 1188
Mon: Closed
Tue to Sun: 8am – 8pm
MERCHANT’S LANE
Situated in Chinatown district, Merchant’s Lane is considered a hidden gem – unless you look hard enough to spot its barely visible entrance. Do try their bestselling dessert, aptly named Better Than Sex (RM$16) – which is essentially a pandan roti jala topped with melted cheese, served with kaya ice-cream and completed with a drizzle of gula melaka.
150, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: +60 12-389 6386
Daily: 10.30am – 8pm
PULP BY PAPA PALHETA
Independent boutique coffee shop PULP by Papa Palheta is actually the brainchild of the same people behind Singapore’s reputable Papa Palheta and Chye Seng Huat Hardware Coffee Bar. An impressive collection of roasted beans and coffee equipment are available for purchase too.
29, Jalan Riong, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: +60 3-2201 3650
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 10pm
Sat and Sun: 9am – 11pm
THREE LITTLE BIRDS COFFEE
While there are a total of three Three Little Birds Coffee cafes across Kuala Lumpur, it is the cafe at Sentul that coffee connoisseurs should check out. Look out for Artisan Roastery’s SmartRoast Merlin coffee roaster, where you can witness the entire roasting process and then sample the freshly roasted beans firsthand at Three Little Birds Coffee itself.
D7, Jalan Sentul, Sentul, 51000 Kuala Lumpur
Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Mon to Thu: 8am – 11pm
Fri and Sat: 8am – 12am
Sun: 9am – 10pm
Tel: 0125080510
VCR
VCR is housed within a double-storey dark-grey shophouse, and is the ultimate hipster brunch place to check out. We thorough enjoyed the Soft Shell Crab Burger (RM$24) – a tasty battered crustacean sandwiched between two lightly toasted fluffy brioches. Highly recommended!
2, Jalan Galloway, Bukit Bintang, 50150 Kuala Lumpur
Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: +60 3-2110 2330
Daily: 8.30am – 11pm
About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.