Listen HiFi Cafe in Chow Kit
Even in an age where music is instantly accessible through streaming services, physical media is making a surprising comeback. Listen HiFi Cafe in Chow Kit is proof that vinyl records are leading the charge, bringing the concept of putting on a vinyl record to escape the cacophony outside their doors to Kuala Lumpur.
A vinyl-focused cafe in downtown KL
Located on the third level of a building on Jalan Kamunting, Listen HiFi is Chow Kit’s latest cafe, boasting a bird’s-eye view of downtown KL and KL Tower from corner windows. Though the view is great, the collection of carefully selected modern records for the hushed audience is even better.
The bright and airy vinyl cafe boasts city vistas pretty much all around the space, with plenty of natural light and around 20 tables outfitted with record players and headsets.
Since most patrons are deep in their listening, it’s best to keep your voices low to avoid disrupting the vibe.
Over 100 vinyl records to spin
With over 100 vinyls in their collection, the cafe offers audiophiles plenty to explore musically. Listen HiFi Cafe’s music library focuses on modern mainstream music, with featured genres such as pop, rap, R&B, jazz, indie, and rock, and records from artists such as Laufey, Daniel Caesar, Lady Gaga, and SZA tucked in vinyl bins and arranged along a wall.
If you’re curious about their collection before your visit, you can browse the cafe’s full catalogue online here.
Listen HiFi Cafe also carries three exclusive records you won’t find on any streaming platform: Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft (Isolated Vocals), Mac Miller’s NPR Tiny Desk, and Frank Ocean’s unreleased Endless.
Helpful tips on printed displays are around to guide you through operating the turntable, but if you’re ever unsure about handling the vinyl records or using a record player, the staff are always happy to help.
And if you’re wondering why you’re leaving your phone at the door for a listening session here, listening to a vinyl record is a completely different experience from streaming on a device. The audio is crisp and clear, with that signature warm crackle you get from the needle tracing the record’s grooves, giving it a charm that digital audio can’t replicate.
To top it all off, a pair of high-quality noise-cancelling headphones elevates the listening experience, so you can sink comfortably into the music and let your surroundings fade away.
A 90-minute listening session costs RM25/pax, which also includes the use of headphones.
The food at Listen HiFi Cafe
The menu at Listen Hifi is limited to drinks and pastries, but they have standout creations like the Black Yuzu (RM13.50) and Matcha Strawberry (RM16.50).
Citrus and coffee usually makes for an amazing combo and the Black Yuzu is no exception. The drink had a heavy espresso flavour that was contrasted by the zesty sweetened yuzu juice.
As for the matcha strawberry concoction, the drink strikes a balance between the slight bitterness of matcha and the sweetness of strawberry puree, with neither overpowering the other. It’s one of the best strawberry matchas we’ve tried from a cafe in KL.
If you get hungry, the cafe also carries a humble range of pastry offerings such as croissants and muffins.
How to get to Listen HiFi Cafe?
Listen HiFi is easily accessible via public transport by alighting at Dang Wangi LRT station or Medan Tuanku Monorail station, both within walking distance from the cafe. The cafe sits covertly on the third floor, above a restaurant, so it might be difficult to recognise it even if you’re standing across the street.
If you’re confused about the cafe’s location, look out for Padangs On Wheels, and you’re in the right place. Head inside the restaurant, and there’ll be a lift on the right side of the door to lead you up to the third level, where Listen HiFi is located.
A vinyl cafe in Chow Kit
If you’ve always wondered what different music sounds like on a record, Listen HiFi is a good place to start. No matter how picky you are with music, there’s something for everyone with their over-100-something catalogue of albums.
As it’s usually a full house, especially on the weekends, the owners suggest making a reservation, which you can do here.
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Cover image adapted from: TheSmartLocal Malaysia
Photography by Brooklyn.