Liku-Likoo in KL
We’re all guilty of looking past a place simply because we didn’t see its beauty. The story usually flips only when they’re been given a new purpose or look.
That’s Liku-Likoo for many of us, a new cafe in KL’s Bukit Bintang that’s housed in a building left abandoned for 30 years – a spot we would normally walk past without a second thought. It has breathed new life into the space, with kombucha on tap, local dishes served with a twist, and rustic furnishings that pay homage to the building’s past.
A rustic cafe with traces of the pastÂ
We all love the comfort of air-conditioned malls to beat the Malaysian heat. But when we need a break from chasing trends, we start craving something more grounded. That’s where Liku-Likoo and its open-concept, 2-storey cafe space comes in.
The cafe stands out for being unapologetically raw in its ambience.
No forced makeovers, the building’s former abandoned state has been elevated with minimal furnishings that don’t distract. Some of them are even crafted from reclaimed wood salvaged from a nearby fire-damaged building.
Take a peek behind the coffee bar. A time-worn medicine cabinet with handwritten Chinese prescriptions carries the legacy of a former family-run apothecary in the building, adding a timeless beauty to the cafe.
The entire space seamlessly blends old and new, exuding a lived-in flair that’s a breath of fresh air in the sea of more polished cafes in the city. It’s like an escape from KL. But you’ll be right in the heart of it. It reminded us of a cafe tucked inside a heritage Penang shophouse, with bits and bobs dotted around that carry a sense of nostalgia and history.
The food at Liku-Likoo
Liku-Likoo recently opened in March 2025 with a soft launch menu.
We ordered the Nasi Ulam (RM10), a wholesome Malaysian-beloved dish. At Liku-Likoo, it’s given a unique Japanese twist. The rice is presented in onigiri form, wrapped in seaweed, and served with an omelette that’s prepared tamagoyaki style.
While we wished there was a bit more ulam in the mix, the kick from the sambal definitely made up for it.
There are also various sides on the menu to level up the dish. The Beef Rendang (RM11) and Grilled Chicken with Percik Sauce (RM12) caught our eyes. The chicken leaned towards the saltier side, but otherwise a good accompaniment to the rice, while the beef was slow-cooked to tender perfection.
Housemade kombucha and coffee
The drinks at Liku-Likoo deserve their own moment too. The kombucha is a standout, and mild in flavour – perfect for those who usually shy away from the sharp, fermented kick typical of the drink. These drinks are served on tap and brewed on the cafe’s first floor, which makes each cup feel a little more personal.
The Passion Fruit Kombucha (RM13), in particular, is a must-try. This one leans more towards a fruity, refreshing cooler than your usual kombucha. It’s light, smooth, and super easy to sip on.
You know coffee is the real deal at the cafe when the beans come from places like Colombia, Indonesia, and Brazil – heavyweight champs of the coffee world. Liku-Likoo also roasts the beans in their caffeine beverages in-house, on the first floor, and packs them up here to supply to other sister cafes in the city.
A cafe in a formerly abandoned building
Liku-Likoo is proof that you don’t need to be flashy to leave a lasting impression, just decent food, quality coffee, and an ambience that feels real. So if you ever find yourself in KL craving something a little different, give Liku-Likoo a try.
During our visit, we spotted a few elderly ladies huddled at a table, sketching the surroundings and drawing inspiration from the space itself. Who knows – you might just end up staying longer than you planned to.
Address: 56 Lorong 1, 77a, Jalan Changkat Thambi Dollah, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12pm-10pm, Daily
Contact: 011-6281 5355 | Liku-Likoo Instagram
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- 12 spots in Bukit Bintang for under-RM12 food
- Fortune Street, fusion baos in Subang Jaya
- Commons KL, a lesser-known hub of eateries in KL
Cover image adapted from: TheSmartLocal Malaysia
Photography by Jia-Ju, edits by Mia.