Janet in Food Guides On November 13, 2020, 5:50 pm

10 Cafes In Cheras With Minimalist Interiors That Will Make Your Weekend Brunches A Zen Affair

Minimalist cafes in Cheras

Mention the town of Cheras and most Malaysians will immediately think of Pasar Malam Taman Connaught. This is because there are a wealth of food haunts located in this foodie district, with this 2km-long pasar malam home to some of the best foods you’ll find hiding out here.

But if you’re looking for a quieter affair on the weekends that don’t involve a lot of walking, we’ve compiled a list of 10 minimalist cafes in Cheras that are well-worth the visit in this town.

Table of Contents

Minimalist cafes in Cheras

1. Core – breakfast plates & speciality coffee

Image credit: @core_bythemechanic

Core is a new cafe that opened in July 2020. But you’ll see your share of photos of their minimalist interior and exterior online, as they’ve been drawing crowds who want to snap photos at their aesthetic premises for their ‘Gram.

Core is a new addition to the minimalist cafes in Cheras scene
Image credit: @mielifestyles

The cafe’s visual appeal aside, you won’t be skimping on good food on your visit either. Core’s menu is made up of hearty meals and speciality coffee. Those swinging by for brunch can order the Big Breakfast (RM28), which comprises breakfast staples such as scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, and toast.

Other mains to order are Fried Chicken Burger (RM24) – crispy, deep-fried chicken tucked between homemade charcoal buns – and Curry Laksa (RM22), with all the familiar flavours of laksa but served with spaghetti noodles, mussels, and squid instead.

Image credit: @jasmine.chin

Opt for fresh bakes, such as Burnt Cheesecakes (RM16/slice) with interesting flavours of sweet potato and earl grey, and their customer-favourite Natsu (RM18) – a decadent pastry with black sesame cream tucked between a halved eclair, and topped with creamy caramel whipped cream.

Image adapted from: @sj_foodslover

There’s also Desire (RM20), a dessert dish that serves fresh strawberries and a scoop of earl grey milk tea ice cream on a fluffy black sesame waffle. Pair these sweet treats up with their Filtered Coffee (RM16) – you can get the Cold Brew or have it served piping hot and brewed with a V60.

Or have a classic cup of Black (RM8) and White (RM10), or Rose Latte (RM12) that comes decorated with dried rose petals on top of your usual latte art.

Desire and Rose Latte
Image adapted from: @wendy_mushroom & @jyncedt

Address: Ground Floor, D-G-12, Medan Connaught, No.1, Jalan 3/144A, 56000, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10AM-6PM, Daily
Telephone: 03-9108 1828
Core by The Mechanic Facebook

2. Project Happiness – salted egg croissants & savoury waffles

Image credit: @shea.brew

We can’t get enough of fresh bakes from bakeries in KL and PJ. So we’re adding Project Happiness, a minimalist cafe with woodsy decor that serves croissants with hearty fillings and savoury waffles to keep your belly full of flakey and fluffy carbs, to our list.

Image credit: @projecthappiness_my

Salted Egg Lava Croissant (RM13.80), served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, is a must-try here. But if the idea of rich salted egg oozing out of a croissant makes you feel jelak, you’ll want to get their Mashed Avocado Croissant (RM13.80) instead.

Waffles come with savoury and sweet toppings to suit every preference – there is a range of options, from Buttermilk Chicken Waffle (RM20.80) to Summer Berries Waffle (RM17.80), that comes with blueberry and strawberry toppings.

Image credit: Project Happiness

In case that’s not enough to fill your belly, there are heartier plates of pasta and rice dishes you can order, such as Nasi Biru Butter Chicken (RM16.80) with buttery curry over crispy chicken and butterfly pea rice, and Pedas Sambal Prawn Pasta (RM17.80) that serves pasta in a mildly spicy sambal gravy.

Image credit: @woofpacks.co

Address: B-16-UG, Jalan C180/1, 43200 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon – Wed & Fri 10.30AM-6.30PM | Sat & Sun 11AM-9PMP (Closed Thursdays)
Telephone: 014-633 0619
Project Happiness Facebook

3. Hello Summer 夏日即化 – Japanese food in a Korean cafe-inspired setting

Image credit: @jaysdaily_

Located in a house just a stone’s throw from Sunway Velocity Mall, Hello Summer 夏日即化 is a minimalist cafe with modern Korean cafe decor elements such as wood furniture and concrete. Find plenty of cosy corners here to snap photos at, from an adorable mock-post in front of the store to a desk inside that gives off major artsy vibes.

Hello Summer adds quirky photo spots to the list of minimalist cafes in Cheras
Image adapted from: @catherinephang96 & @selinaphy94

While you won’t find typical cafe offerings of cakes or desserts here, Hello Summer serves up authentic Japanese food such as Sukiyaki (RM32.90), a steamboat fare of Australian beef and a flavourful broth of mushrooms and vegetables that feeds up to 2.

Image credit: @5hinnn_

There’s also ochazuke, another Japanese comfort food dish where tea, soup, or hot water is poured over rice to make a porridge-like mixture before you dig in. Salmon Ochazuke (RM28.90) is served with grilled salmon over Japanese rice and a side of green tea or genmaicha of your choice, or you can opt for Chicken Ochazuke (RM13.90) that comes with grilled chicken instead.

Image credit: @calcium_wl

Some seriously IG-worthy drinks include Grapes Melting (RM15.90), jasmine tea mixed with grapes and yoghurt, and Watermelon Melting (RM15.90), where the same base of jasmine tea and yoghurt is served with fresh watermelons instead.

They come in generous 500ml jugs and are topped with ice cream to make for a chilly treat on a hot day.

Image adapted from: @queenaratchaga

Address: No. 276, Jalan Cheras, Maluri, 56100 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11AM-9PM, Daily
Telephone: 011-2356 7177
Hello Summer Facebook | Instagram

4. Toast Lab – 22 types of toasts (Closed)

Image credit: @venusdesigner

If you’re looking to change up your usual breakfast plates, Toast Lab has 22 different types of sandwiches on its menu. The cafe’s interior is minimalist, with wood and rattan furniture, and plushies of smiley loaves sitting on chairs to keep you company while you’re dining here.

Image credit: @toastlab.my

Their signature toasts come with pretty unique fillings such as Taro Chicken Floss Toast (RM11) – layers of taro yam, chicken floss, and cheese sandwiched between 2 slices of bread – and Red Bean Matcha Pudding Toast (RM11) that comes with soft red bean and matcha pudding.

Image credit: @toastlab.my

If you really want your usual breakfast plate chow, Mashed Potato Cheese Bacon Egg Toast (RM13) has all your breakfast classics – bacon, eggs, and mashed potatoes – in sandwich form. There’re also familiar toasts, such as Peanut Butter Bacon Toast (RM12) and Cheese Crab Toast (RM13).

Opt for white bread or wholemeal bread, and add on fillings such as chicken floss (RM1) or luncheon meat (RM2) to make your sandwiches more satisfying.

Image credit: Toast Lab 吐司道

Address: No. 44, Jalan Manis 3, Taman Segar, 56100 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon – Thu 9AM-6PM | Fri – Sun 9AM-11PM
Telephone: 010-232 2944
Website

5. Les Petits Jours – creative cakes

For a quiet affair with homey comfort food and housemade creative cakes, drop by Les Petit Jours that’s tucked away in a quiet commercial hub in Cheras. Their simple menu is made up of home-cooked Chinese dishes and fresh bakes that change regularly.

Image credit: @trendygourmetmy

You can expect dishes such as Scallion Oil Chicken, Mapo Tofu, and Granny’s Pork Curry that has chunks of boneless pork in curry, that all come in a standard Set Meal (RM20), served alongside a bowl of rice and a soup of the day or side dish.

Image credit: @fuduography

Their dessert of the day is the main star here. It usually includes creative chiffon cakes (from RM12/slice) – Orange Matcha Chiffon Cake, Lychee Black Tea Chiffon Cake, or Lavender Chiffon Cake, to name a few – that look almost too good to eat.

Image adapted from: @icapturedem & @icapturedem

You can also expect to find small fresh bakes, such as mochis and madeleines, as well as classic bakes such as Classic Banana Cake (RM8) and Classic Tiramisu (RM15/slice), and cheesecakes (from RM12/slice).

Image credit: @icapturedem

Have these with coffee, such as Cold Brew Coffee (RM12) and Latte (RM12). If you prefer caffeine-free options, there’re speciality teas (RM10/cup) too – flavours include fruit-infused ones such as Strawberry’s Dream, a concoction of strawberry, apple, rose, blueberry and orange, and Apple Cinnamon Pie, with hints of apple, pineapple, rose, cinnamon, and vanilla.

Image credit: @jessicaluvstoeat

Getting to this spot may be a little tricky for first-timers. But if you’re coming by car, there are spacious parking bays located in the building. Just be sure to park near Block C of the 3-block building for the easiest access to the cafe.

Address: 1st Floor, C-1-4m Medan Connaught Centre Point, Jalan 3/144A, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Wed – Fri 12PM-5PM | Sat & Sun 12PM-6PM (Closed Mondays & Tuesdays)
Telephone: 016-704 0095
Les Petits Jours Facebook

6. Chye Seng Foo Coffee Shop – creative cheesecakes

Image credit: @chye.seng.foo_coffeeshop

Just a few blocks from Hello Summer 夏日即化 is Chye Seng Foo Coffee Shop, a minimalist cafe that also occupies a cosy house. Because it’s away from bustling shops, you’ll be in for a peaceful dining experience here even if you visit during the weekends.

Image credit: @chye.seng.foo_coffeeshop

While they serve bento boxes and pastas to fill your bellies up, many of their customers make a beeline for their desserts. Find a series of cheesecakes (RM16/slice), such as Lemon Cheesecake, Oreo Cheesecake, and Matcha Cheesecake, that’s served with a stick skewered through, and picture-ready for the ‘Gram.

Ms. Pavlova (RM15) is another customer-favourite – seasonal fresh fruits over a light and airy bed of homemade pavlova, and topped with a drizzle of mango syrup.

Ms. Pavlova
Image credit: @chye.seng.foo_coffeeshop

Chye Seng Foo Coffee Shop also serves teas, such as Pu Er (RM7) and Cha Wang (RM8) alongside cups of Flat White (RM12) and Cafe Latte (RM12).

Don’t miss out on their Cold-Brew Based Mocktails, such as Xiang Ri (RM18) that infuses pineapple juice and passion fruit with espresso, and Dew (RM20), which has flavours of tangy green apple and white grape with cold brew.

Xiang Ri
Image credit: @chye.seng.foo_coffeeshop

Address: 268, Jalan Cheras, Taman Miharja, 55100 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10.30AM-9.30PM, Daily
Telephone: 017-390 7896
Chye Seng Foo Coffee Shop Facebook

7. jēn Cafe – signature paus with unique fillings

Salted Egg Fried Chicken Bao
Image adapted from: @rachel_c414

We’re no strangers to paus because we can easily find them anywhere, from hawker stalls to dim sum parlours. But jēn Cafe has signature paus with interesting fillings that makes them worth a drive out to for.

There’s the Salted Egg Fried Chicken Bao (RM17) and Korean BBQ Chicken Bao (RM17) that packs kimchi and glazed fried chicken between halved paus, and a side of fries.

Other options include Cheesy Scrambled Egg on Bao (RM9) and Rou Song Bao (RM15) that come with chicken floss, egg, cheese and a mayo dressing. You can also add on cheese (RM2), egg (RM3) or fried chicken (RM8) to make your pau even more substantial.

jēn Cafe in Cheras has Scandinavian-inspired decor for those with an appreciation for minimalist cafes
Image credit: @pictrified

If you’re looking for heartier bites, there are mains such as Shanghai Scallion Oil Noodle (RM10) that is a comfort food offering of dried noodles with fried egg, pak choi, and fried scallion, and Katsu Curry Rice Bowl (RM17).

Shanghai Scallion Oil Noodle
Image credit: @junior_how

Have your dose of caffeine with Latte (RM12) or Filter Coffee (RM15), which you can get with an extra espresso shot (RM3) or with soya milk (RM2). Tea lovers will also get their share of drinks with Yuri Matcha Latte (RM13) or Mokuren Genmaicha Latte (RM13).

Address: 6-1, Jalan Manis 3, Taman Bukit Segar, 56100 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Wed – Sun 10AM-5.30PM (Closed Mondays & Tuesdays)
Telephone: 03-9134 8978
Jen Cafe Facebook

8. Bookmark Coffee – coffee art with fusion Western mains

Those looking to switch up their regular cup of Joe during the weekends can hit up Bookmark Coffee. They are a cosy book cafe that serves complimentary coffee art with their cups of coffee.

Image adapted from: @celestyeap

These coffee artwork are created by the talented barista at the counter, and completely complimentary. You’ll see characters such as Pikachu and Totoro making an appearance in the works. To get this IG-worthy beverage, all you have to do is to order any cup of flavoured lattes such as Butterscotch Latte (RM11), Apple Latte (RM12) or Salted Caramel Latte (RM11).

Image credit: @ant214ong

Bookmark Coffee’s menu is made up of a series of mains that include Fish and Chips (RM22), as well as pastas with interesting options of Nasi Lemak Pasta with fried chicken (RM22) or fried fish (RM24), or Salted Egg Sotong Pasta (RM24).

There are also vegetarian-friendly, meatless dishes, such as Fried Mushroom and Egg Rice (RM18) and Meatless Sambal Pasta (RM19).

Image credit: Bookmark Coffee Cheras

Address: A-1-1, Center Point Medan Connaught, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 010-357 1305
Bookmark Coffee Cheras Facebook

9. The Mechanic – all-day breakfast

Those who often make their way out to Cheras for their cafe-hopping excursions probably heard about The Mechanic. This cafe has monochromatic decor that makes it a prime spot for cafe-hoppers looking for photo ops.

Image credit: The Mechanic Cafe

The team of foodies behind The Mechanic is the same one behind Core, which is why you’ll find similar food offerings and vibes here. But while they are a little further away from downtown KL compared to Core, they occupy 2 spacious lots that boasts more seating options – from bar seats to nooks with couches and armchairs.

Image credit: The Mechanic Cafe

Fill up with one of their many all-day breakfast plates. Salmon & Avocado Breakfast (RM26) has poached salmon, and fresh slices of avocado and scrambled eggs on charcoal toast. Or grab their signature Mechanic Big Breakfast (RM22) with scrambled egg, chicken fillet, sausage, croissant, vegetables and bacon.

Image credit: @yapclaire_98

Don’t miss out on their coffee, with Bentong Ginger Latte (RM12) being an interesting choice, with latte infused with ginger straight from Bentong. Or go for Hot Matcha (RM12), or their signature Lemonade Espresso (RM13) that is a unique mix of the 2 drinks.

Snagging photos of minimalist scenes in cafes is always a plus, and The Mechanic Cafe in Cheras has no shortage of them.
Image credit: The Mechanic Cafe

Address: No. 135-1 A&B, Jalan Dataran Cheras 8, Dataran Perniagaan, Belakong, 43200 Cheras, Selangor
Opening hours: Sun – Thu 10AM-6PM | Fri & Sat 10AM-9PM
Telephone: 03-9544 2373
The Mechanic Facebook

10. Breakfirst Cafe – cosy seats & chiffon cakes

Breakfirst Cafe has become a popular spot for hungry diners in Cheras in the mornings. Their breakfast platters, such as Breakfirst Brekkie (RM26) with bacon, sausage, croissants, and scrambled eggs, and Good Doggie (RM18) with crispy bits of ham and caramelised onions over a hot dog, come in generous portions.

Image credit: @a.s.hgram

But leave some space for desserts, as their mini chiffon cakes (RM17/each) in refreshing and rich flavours of Earl Grey Melon and Rose Lychee, and Black Forest and Matcha Mango, are all good ones to go with for those with a sweet tooth.

Mini chiffon cakes
Image adapted from: @c__for__cake & @lorrainestella_

This cafe is also spacious, as it’s located on the 2nd floor of a shoplot, so you can look forward to a more comfortable dining experience. There are plenty of seating areas too, ranging from proper dining tables to a concrete “stage” area that you can sit on to sip on coffee and dig into their selection of cakes.

Image credit: @foodforyou_56

Address: A-2-1, Block A01, Centre Point Medan Connaught, Jalan 3/144A 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon, Wed – Fri 10AM-6PM | Sat & Sun 10AM-7PM (Closed Tuesdays)
Telephone: 017-366 9091
Breakfirst Facebook

Minimalist cafes in Cheras for zen affairs

The next time you’re in town, drop by one of these 10 cafes in Cheras that serve hearty meals in minimalist spaces to fuel up and level up your IG game. They are a change of scene from the street food most associate this town with, but are just as good an excuse to drive a little out of the KL city centre for.

For more food guides, check out our other articles:

Cover image adapted from: @foodforyou_56, @wendy_mushroom, @ant214ong & @pictrified