New cafes in KL and PJ in 2020
A good portion of 2020 had many of us stuck at home and missing out on cafe-hopping excursions and food shots that didn’t include plastic containers. Now that we’re allowed to dine out again – albeit with necessary social distancing measures – you’ll want to check out these new aesthetic cafes in KL and PJ that opened in 2020.
From cafes housed in a designer watch store to a library cafe with reading nooks, here’s a round-up of 20 cafes that you’ll want to bookmark for your next food hunt.
Other cafes to check out in the Klang Valley:
Table of Contents
- New cafes in KL and PJ in 2020
- 1. M’Laboori – library cafe with vegetarian-friendly pizzas
- 2. Brew N Bloom – kopitiam classics at a plant nursery cafe
- 3. Orito – freshly baked choux pastries
- 4. Ones. Storee – minimalist Korean-inspired cafe set inside a fashion boutique
- 5. Wu CoffeeGallery – gallery cafe serving Japanese food
- 6. BeReal – vegetarian-friendly cafe serving brunch specials
- 7. Yew Yew – Japanese-inspired cafe with creative cakes
- 8. Curio Coffee Roaster – Scandi-inspired decor and black coffee with soda
- 9. Vernakular – hidden cafe with matcha loaf and smores
- 10. Three Guys Cafe – Japanese rice bowls and bubble tea served in a book cafe
- 11. The Sherry – outdoor picnic-inspired patio to gorge on brunch specials
- 12. Gure Cafe – speciality coffee & pure matcha in Ara Damansara
- 13. Space Grey – florist cafe serving chocolate and matcha cookies
- 14. T42 – lei cha and jawa mee in a Japanese-inspired cafe
- 15. Planter Chin – plant-filled cafe & seasonal kombucha
- 16. Aki’s Kohi – Japanese-inspired cafe serving matcha affogato and strawberry latte
- 17. Half & Haru Coffeebar – retro vibes & matcha toast
- 18. The Hub – well-known speciality coffee spot with new outlet
- 19. Kaffe 16 – outdoor courtyard & dark chocolate lattes
- 20. Niko Neko 2.0 – all-white new outlet with matcha mocktails
- New aesthetic cafes in KL and PJ
1. M’Laboori – library cafe with vegetarian-friendly pizzas
Image credit: M’Laboori
If book cafes are where you beeline to on the weekends, M’Laboori is a new vegetarian-friendly library cafe that all bookworms will want to put on their radar. Their space comes complete with cosy reading nooks and shelves filled with books in English and Chinese that you can read while grabbing a bite to eat here.
Image credit: @hipsjer
While many may have the impression that vegetarian-friendly food is bland, M’Laboori serves up local favourites with a vegetarian twist without skimping out on the flavours. For starters, opt for Mala-Top Fried Rice (RM9.90), with rolled-up omelette, acar, and a deep-fried bean curd “drumstick” with slightly spicy fried rice stir-fried with veggies and tofu.
Or go with familiar plates of Nyonya Curry Mee (RM9.90) or Nasi Lemak (RM15.40), served with veggie-based sambal, fried tempeh and brinjal.
Image adapted from: @m.laboori & @m.laboori
If it does get too spicy for you, their Love You 500 (RM10) – a dalgona coffee made with healthy brown rice milk coffee – will cool you right off. Else, Childhood Memories (RM5.90), which is kopi-o sweetened with coconut milk, will do the trick too.
Image adapted from: M’Laboori & M’Laboori
Those who prefer Western mains will have personal-sized, vegetarian-friendly pizzas (RM10) to choose from – toppings such as pumpkin and cherry tomatoes, and mushroom and cheese are available. There are also hearty burgers, with Girl Girl (RM9.90) replacing the usual meat patty for enoki mushroom patty, and Boy Boy (RM9.90) with fermented soya bean patty.
Image credit: @m.laboori
Finish off your meal with organic cakes (from RM10/slice), with lacto-vegetarian and ovo-vegetarian options, and flavours such as citrus coconut cake and dark chocolate with almonds available on the menu.
Address: 55A, Jalan SS2/75, Petaling Jaya, 47300 Selangor
Opening hours: Tue, Thu, Fri & Sun 10AM-10PM | Mon, Wed & Sat 10AM-11PM
Telephone: 03-7490 6407
Facebook | Instagram
2. Brew N Bloom – kopitiam classics at a plant nursery cafe
Image credit: Brew n Bloom
It’s safe to say that cafe-hopping millennials don’t drop by plant nurseries regularly. But Brew N Bloom might just convince you otherwise, as they are a cosy cafe set in one, serving kopitiam classics of kopi kaw and half-boiled eggs.
Shop for plants, including succulents (RM4.90/each), at the plant nursery.
Image adapted from: @1pug2catskopitiam & @jinfei813
Fuel up on local favourites such as Nasi Lemak Bungkus (RM2.50), Signature Prawn Mee (RM10.90) with fresh prawns and squid, and Penang Asam Laksa (RM11.90).
Or if you’re dropping by for breakfast, their combo set (RM10) comes with half-boiled eggs, roti bakar, and a cup of coffee or milo for you to dig into, while the All-day Breakfast (RM13.90) has Western breakfast choices of toast, sausages, ham, eggs, mushrooms, and baked beans.
Image credit: @elvy217
Besides Malaysian staples of Kopi C (RM3.50) or Milo (RM3.50), they also offer trendy cafe beverages such as Rose Latte (RM10.90) and Vietnamese Coffee (RM6.90) that you can have with cakes (from RM10/slice), such as cheesecakes and mille crepe cakes.
Image adapted from: @brewnbloom
Address: Jalan Bukit Jalil Indah 2, 57000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Thu – Tue 9AM-4.30PM (Closed on Wednesdays)
Telephone: 012-224 3208
Facebook | Instagram
3. Orito – freshly baked choux pastries
Image credit: @aaron_aaadidas
If you’ve already visited these bakeries in KL and PJ, Orito is another one to add to your list for freshly baked pastries to gorge on during brunch excursions. But their dark, cave-like space with industrial vibes is a change of scene from the woody interiors you’ll see at most bakeries.
They serve some pretty unique pastries to boot too, such as babkas, or sweet braided bread, with chocolate and hazelnut (RM12) or cinnamon (RM11) fillings. Their choux pastries are must-try items as well – So-Matcha (RM15) comes with matcha cream and mousse filling, and Chocolate Salted Caramel (RM16), chocolate cream and salted caramel filling.
Choux pastry
Image adapted from: @yumtummy28_
Have your pick of doughnuts (from RM9/piece) while you’re here too. They are slightly pricier, but you can look forward to doughnuts filled with generous portions of sweet fillings such as matcha, salted caramel, and passionfruit with chocolate.
Image credit: @yvonnesoo
While they have go-to drinks of Flat White (RM13) and Matcha Latte (RM13) for cafe-hoppers, if it all gets too sweet for you, opt for their artisanal tea. They serve florals one of Eden Rose (RM12), a fragrant mix of lavender, bergamot and vanilla, to fruity ones such as Vert Malesherbes (RM12), with hints of strawberry, peach and passion fruit.
Image adapted from: @vert.img
Address: B.0.5, Plaza Damas 3, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tue – Sun 11AM-6PM (Closed on Mondays)
Telephone: 012-382 6878
Website | Facebook | Instagram
4. Ones. Storee – minimalist Korean-inspired cafe set inside a fashion boutique
Image adapted from: Ones. Storeee & @h2s2l2
It’s hard to overlook Ones Storee while you’re driving through SS2 in PJ. The exterior of this cosy Korean-inspired cafe is painted entirely in pale pink. As it’s located inside a clothing store, you’ll want to jio your friends for a girl’s day out, as you can shop for clothes, and gorge on desserts and, after that, snap #OOTD photos at its various photographable spots.
Image credit: @waltzwithstars
Find drinks such as Melting Choco (RM12) – hot chocolate served with marshmallows – and Purpze (RM15) – Ribena with fresh grapes and sparkling water – to sip on after browsing through racks of trendy blazers and pastel-toned blouses and dresses.
Image adapted from: @dnizaini & Ones. Storeee
As the cafe just opened, they serve a rotation of light bites such as cookies (RM9/pc) and cakes (RM17/slice) for now. But there’s some pretty unique ones already on their menu, such as the Bing 7.0 (RM23), an IG-ready dessert of ice cream on a cone that’s served tipped over on a dish and with fruits and corn flakes.
Image credit: Ones. Storeee
Address: 72, Jalan SS2/75, Petaling Jaya, 47300 Selangor
Opening hours: 12PM-7.30PM, Daily
Telephone: 010-382 4569
Facebook | Instagram
5. Wu CoffeeGallery – gallery cafe serving Japanese food
Wu CoffeeGallery has concrete and open-brick walls, and pops of green from live plants on countertops and one even growing from “broken” walls.
Image credit: @brandonkok_
Wu CoffeeGallery is a new cafe serving Japanese ramen and coffee, and is founded by Mobius Academy, an arts and design university in PJ. This is why you’ll see art corners decked out with creations from their students here, making it a gem for cafe-hoppers looking for a treat for their bellies and eyes.
Photo spots at Wu CoffeeGallery
Image adapted from: @josephine1199 & @astoneng
There’ll be ramen, donburi, and sides of Shoyu Dumpling (RM12) and Japanese Chashu (RM12) to order while you’re here. Opt for Chasu Mazesoba (RM19), a dry ramen with pork slices, or Ebi Katsa Aka Spicy Ramen (RM19) that comes with deep-fried prawn in a flavourful broth, if you’re feeling peckish.
Tori Karaage Don (RM18) and Soboro Don (RM16), a ground chicken bowl with green beans, are Japanese rice bowls worth trying out here too.
Image credit: @low.key.eating
For light bites, Japanese Sweet Potato Roll (RM13) and Matcha and Hojicha Roll (RM13) are cakes that go well with their drink offerings such as Matcha Latte (RM13) and Gula Melaka Latte (RM12).
Address: 38-2, Dataran Sunway, Jalan PJU 5/11, Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya, 47810 Selangor
Opening hours: Wed – Mon 10AM-8PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Telephone: 016-244 6388
Facebook | Instagram
6. BeReal – vegetarian-friendly cafe serving brunch specials
Image adapted from: @yvonnesoo & @jd_chang
If keeping healthy is one of your new year’s resolution goals, BeReal is a vegetarian-friendly cafe in Kepong that health-conscious Malaysians will want to keep in mind for brunch excursions. All their dishes, from cakes to brunch specials, are made in-house and served in a sustainable farm-to-table way.
Image credit: @andrealee.913
Those dropping by for breakfast can have their morning staples of a pair of half-boiled kampung eggs (RM2.20) and fresh fruit salad (RM5) with sourdough bread and jam (RM6.90). But for something heartier, their all-day Bereal Big Breakfast (RM12.90) has homemade bacon, sausages, and eggs served in a skillet.
If you’re dropping by for brunch, do try the Do Chua Pork Burger (RM13.90), another hearty option of pork patty and pickled vegetables sandwiched between sourdough buns. Pumpkin Tamarind Soup (RM13.90) is a customer-favourite worth trying too, with flavourful, light soup that pairs well with freshly baked sourdough bread slices.
Image credit: @issy_eatsy_eats
You won’t have to feel bad while having your share of sweets at BeReal, with slices of cakes, such as Pumpkin Cheesecake (RM7.50) and Nangka Cake (RM7.50), made with organic ingredients too.
Address: 44-1, First Floor, Jalan Burung Pucung, Taman Bukit Maluri, 52100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Fri – Wed 9AM-6PM (Closed on Thursdays)
Facebook | Instagram
7. Yew Yew – Japanese-inspired cafe with creative cakes
Image credit: @reiroro
The next time you’re on Jalan Sultan, drop by Yew Yew. This hole-in-the-wall Japanese-inspired cafe on the block is great for popping in for coffee and cakes while you’re in the heart of KL, as you’ll have bar seats by a window and an outdoor bench area to choose to sit at, and take in views of the city.
Image credit: @pridestar
There’s a glass case holding light bites of Choco Sea Salt Cookies (RM5/cookie) and Scones (RM7/scone), as well as cakes such as Mint Chocolate Chip Cake (RM9/slice) and Lemon Meringue (RM13) for you to order.
Image credit: @johnson_lai
Fuel up on caffeine – there are your usual Latte (RM12) and Matcha Latte (RM12), but do try out their Cold Brew Coffee Kombucha (RM13), which is a unique mix of kombucha with cold brew for a refreshing drink that doubles as an energy booster in the Malaysian heat.
Image credit: @jasmine.chin
Address: 63D, Ground Floor, Bangunan Ka Yin, Jalan Sultan, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tue – Sun 10AM-6PM (Closed on Mondays)
Telephone: 011-6563 1233
Facebook | Instagram
8. Curio Coffee Roaster – Scandi-inspired decor and black coffee with soda
Image credit: @uriocoffeeroaster
Coffee connoisseurs in need of a new spot to check out for speciality coffee now have Curio Coffee Roaster, a micro-roaster in KL that roasts their own coffee beans. They are located on the 2nd floor of a shoplot in a neighbourhood, so you can expect to be in for an upgraded cup of Joe while taking a seat in their Scandi-inspired space decked with minimalist white walls and wood furniture.
Image adapted from: @winnielongg
Their signature Black Soda (RM14) is a highlight here, as it serves fizzy water with shots of espresso in a wine glass.
This is also a good hangout spot, as there are plenty of seats and magazines for you to read while you nibble on their cakes of the day (from RM13/slice). Expect decadent offerings of burnt cheesecake and yam mousse, as well as freshly baked brownies (RM7) and scones (RM6).
Curio Coffee Roaster has magazines for you to pick up and read at its natural-lit space
Image adapted from: @joey.ky & @joey.ky
Address: G26-1A, Roof Top Rivercity, Jalan Ipoh, 52100 Kuala Lum3pur
Opening hours: Tue – Sun 9AM-6PM (Closed on Mondays)
Telephone: 012-290 2302
Facebook | Instagram
The watch store has minimalist decor while the cafe has industrial concrete surfaces and touches of wood decor to separate the two spaces visually
Image credit: @dayanabasirahh
Vernakular Store is a designer watch store with a coffee bar, and you’ll see the separation distinctly, with a clear line and distinctive decor elements dividing the two areas. With how cool the store looks, it has become popular among diners for the trippy photo op it offers.
Image adapted from: @yumtummy28_
Unique decor aside, Vernakular has decadent fresh bakes to gorge on that make it worth visiting. You’ll find flavourful slices of loaves (RM13/slice), with options of Matcha Loaf, Huckleberry Loaf, and Sakura Matcha Loaf available.
The S’more Brownie (RM13) is a customer-favourite brownie that is topped with a melted Hershey’s chocolate bar and torched marshmallows. While it is a treat for those with a sweet tooth, it can get jelak for some, so order a filter coffee (RM13) that is served without sugar or milk to go with it.
Image credit: @yvaispace
Address: 33, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Sun – Thu 7.30AM-10PM | Fri & Sat 7.30AM-11PM
Facebook | Instagram
10. Three Guys Cafe – Japanese rice bowls and bubble tea served in a book cafe
Image adapted from: @mielifestyles & @bthology_studio
Another new book cafe in town is Three Guys Cafe, which you’ll find tucked away in KEDAI, a hub of artisanal shops in KL. Here, you’ll find English fiction books arranged neatly on shelves and countertops, and cosy nooks for you to sit and browse through the novels while you feast on Japanese rice bowls and sip on unique drinks.
Image credit: @ailing1205
For starters, go with the Saba Fish Don (RM19) and Duck Breast Don (RM19), which are hearty rice bowls that’ll fill you up once you’re done checking out the stores here. They even come with a complimentary and substantial serving of miso soup.
Image credit: @angelk88n
Their flavoured lattes, such as Charcoal Latte (RM13) and Mint Latte (RM12), are pretty unique ones to consider ordering here. Otherwise, you can go for their signature bubble tea drinks, Brown Sugar Boba Fresh Milk (RM11) and Milo ‘KAW’ Boba (RM10), which come in adorable bear-shaped bottles.
Image adapted from: @davinzi_code &@sj_foodslover
Address: Unit 2-14, Level 2, Block B, KEDAI, Jalan Ilmu, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tue – Sun 10AM-6PM (Closed on Mondays)
Telephone: 010-430 9123
Facebook
11. The Sherry – outdoor picnic-inspired patio to gorge on brunch specials
Image adapted from: @sixthsenselife & @carelychu
For those who don’t mind alfresco seating, The Sherry is a cafe with bohemian vibes located in Taman OUG. There’s an outdoor patio that has a tent and picnic tables for you to grab a seat at and check out their brunch specials.
The brunch specials are served from 9AM-3PM, and Bacon Avo (RM24), with avocado, bacon, sourdough bread, and scrambled eggs, is definitely a dish worth waking up early for. Those who prefer something less heavy can opt for the Fruity Sourdough (RM26), a vegan-friendly plate of sourdough bread, seasonal fruits, and salad.
Image credit: @wennyhooeats
Their signature dishes are served from noon to closing. There are options of Pan Seared Salmon (RM35) and Giggling Duck Queck (RM28), with smoked duck breast served with pumpkin puree and chimichurri.
Their starters are served all day, including the Roasted Pumpkin Soup (RM22), a hearty soup that’s both vegan-friendly and a customer favourite. Cakes-wise, try out their Earl Grey burnt Cheesecake (RM20/slice) and Burnt Cheesecake (RM15/slice).
Image credit: @rynnierynn_
Address: 32, Jalan Selera 1, Taman Bukit Indah, 58200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Sun – Fri 12PM-11PM | Sat 12PM-5PM
Telephone: 012-764 6028
Facebook | Instagram
12. Gure Cafe – speciality coffee & pure matcha in Ara Damansara
Image credit: @josephcshong
Those living in Ara Damansara will get to switch up spots for their daily dose of caffeine as Gure Cafe, a new spacious neighbourhood cafe for coffee and fresh bakes, just opened in October 2020 at Pusat Dagangan NZX. The coffee-based beverages include everything – from cold brew black (RM11) and white (RM12), to Flat White (RM10) and Affogato (RM12).
All their coffee drinks are brewed with coffee beans from roasters such as Brewsmiths Coffee and Eureka Grinders, so you’ll get to switch up your regular cup of 3-in-1 coffee.
Image credit: @gure.cafe
But those not into coffee can go for Matcha Latte (RM12) and Pure Matcha (RM11) that’s served without milk or sugar. As they just recently opened, you’ll also find a starting menu of fresh bakes, such as Rendang Pie (RM7.50) and Egg Tarts (RM2.50/pc), for now.
Find cosy spots in Gure Cafe to chill out over a cup of coffee
Image credit: @josephcshong
Address: K-G-06, Jalan PJU 1A/41B Pusat Dagangan NZX, Ara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, 47301 Selangor
Opening hours: Sun – Thu 9AM-6PM | Fri & Sat 9AM-7PM
Telephone: 014-911 1320
Facebook | Instagram
Image credit: @crystalfoodtour
Space Grey may not be as spacious as other cafes – there are less than a handful of tables here – but this new spot, tucked inside a florist shop called Floral Reef, is nonetheless a treat for those who would like to be surrounded by flowers as they munch on decadent matcha cookies and sip aromatic coffee.
Image adapted from: @wafflewongg
Look out for their bottled milk (RM11/bottle), which come in different flavours such as coffee, cocoa, and matcha. But you’ll want to give their Coffee Juice (RM11) a try, as it’s a unique bottled blend of double espresso with fruity notes. Or you go for freshly brewed coffee (from RM8), which goes well with their speciality cocoa cookies (RM6/each) with oozy matcha filling.
Image adapted from: @jia_jingggg
Address: 55A, Jalan SS2/75, Petaling Jaya, 47300 Selangor
Opening hours: Wed – Mon 10AM-6.30PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Telephone: 03-7490 6407
Instagram
14. T42 – lei cha and jawa mee in a Japanese-inspired cafe
Image credit: @mylazybeauty
Those who prefer heartier meals while out on their cafe-exploring excursions can drop by T42. This new pork-free cafe in Bukit Jalil boasts Japanese-inspired vibes while serving local Hakka Chinese home-cooked staples.
Find dishes such as Lei Cha (RM15), a dish where you have to pour green tea over a bed of fluffy rice, peanuts, grains, herbs, and seeds, and Hakka Fried Noodle (RM13), another Hakka Chinese staple of stir-fried noodles with veggies, to order here.
Image credit: @elvy217
Other plates to get here are Vegetable Curry Noodle (RM15) with fried tau kee and fresh prawns, and Jawa Noodles (RM15), another hearty soup and noodle offering packed with eggs, tau kee, and bean sprouts, and topped with a slightly spicy broth.
Try their unique take on desserts with their Trio Set (RM25), which comes with a Mini Jackfruit Cheese Tart, Hojicha Madeleines and a Mini Chocolate Coffee Almond Tart.
Trio Set
Image adapted from: @t_fortytwo42
Pair this set up with just-as-interesting drinks, such as their Pink Cloud (RM13), which has cream cheese foam on strawberry puree with milk, and Teh No Tarik (RM13) – earl grey tea with lychee jelly and cheese foam.
Address: 42, Jalan 17/155C, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tue – Sun 11.30AM-8.30PM (Closed on Mondays)
Telephone: 011-1447 2995
Facebook | Instagram
15. Planter Chin – plant-filled cafe & seasonal kombucha
Image credit: @mielifestyles
Hang out in a cosy greenhouse in the city at Planter Chin, a new cafe in Bangsar that serves coffee from its plant-filled space. They are nestled on the 2nd floor of a building with Taman Hati, a small plant studio that sells everything – from air plants (RM38) to potted mints (RM40) and terrariums (RM180).
Image adapted from: @planterchin & @randygrapher
Sip on White Coffee (RM13), or Yuri Matcha (RM12) and Tsubaki Houjicha (RM12), which you can have with non-dairy options of oat milk (RM3) or soy milk (RM2) too, while you take a break from the city here. For something a little different, opt for Lemon Soda Coffee (RM14) – a blend of lemon and coffee that’s surprisingly refreshing.
Or skip the coffee altogether for their seasonal kombucha (RM14), which is flavoured with seasonal fruits and flowers such as lychee and chrysanthemum.
Image credit: @fanny_ho3021
Small, freshly baked cakes (from RM7/slice) and loaves (from RM5/slice) will keep you company while you’re here too. They are also planning to launch a kitchen with hearty food soon, so you’ll have 1 more reason to return and brunch with your pals when that happens.
Image credit: @tamanhatijz
Address: 6A, Jalan Kemuja, 59000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tue – Sun 10AM-5PM (Closed on Mondays)
Telephone: 019-616 5193
Facebook | Instagram
16. Aki’s Kohi – Japanese-inspired cafe serving matcha affogato and strawberry latte
Image credit: @ykc.94
Cheras is already packed with minimalist cafes that you’ll want to visit for zen brunch affairs. Now, you can add a spot to your list: Aki’s Kohi, a Japanese-inspired cafe boasting woody decors and serving flavoured lattes and pretty desserts.
Image adapted from: @food.raeservation
Think Japanese desserts and the first words that come to mind are exquisite and kawaii. And Aki’s Kohi pretty desserts are just that. You can find drinks, ice cream and cake slices topped with pretzel and Pocky sticks, and served on wooden trays with dainty doilies.
Don’t miss out on their Strawberry Latte (RM15), a pretty-in-pink latte with in-house strawberry jam in milk, and Matcha-gato (RM13), which gets a twist as matcha is drizzled over vanilla ice cream and granola in place of the usual espresso in affogatos.
Image credit: @hobbyfloristkl
Their fresh bakes are just as pleasing to the eyes. While their pastries and cakes offerings are rotated regularly, you can expect to find options such as pound cakes (RM8/slice), salty brownies (RM10/pc), Almond Tiramisu (RM16/slice) and Matcha Swiss Roll (RM13).
Address: Lot 2-00-07, D’alamanda Shop Lot, Jalan Pudu Impian 4, Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Thu – Tue 9.30AM-5.30PM (Closed on Wednesdays)
Telephone: 016-301 8087
Facebook | Instagram
17. Half & Haru Coffeebar – retro vibes & matcha toast
Image adapted from: @sherreenl & @yientingg
Another coffee spot on the list with two visually distinct spaces is Half & Hafu Coffeebar. As their name suggests, you’ll find this retro cafe sharing space with Half & Hāfu Hair Salon, so diners can consider getting a snip before grabbing a bite at the coffee bar – or vice versa.
Image credit: @monstereatery_
You’ll definitely want to try their house speciality drink, Half n Hafu (RM14). This Instagenic drink is an interesting mix of rich mocha with orange juice, topped with chocolate powder and a dried orange slice.
Their chiffon cakes (from RM15) have flavours such as rose lychee, lavender orange, and matcha chocolate that switch up daily. But we will definitely recommend going for their signature Matcha Toast (RM10) – toasted bread served with a simple yet rich spread of fragrant matcha.
Half n Hafu and Matcha Toast
Image adapted from: @skintightjean & @halfnhafu.coffeebar
Address: Lot B-1-05, 1st Floor, The Hub SS2, 19 Sentral, Jalan Harapan, Petaling Jaya, 46300 Selangor
Opening hours: Tue – Sun 11AM-8PM (Closed on Mondays)
Telephone: 03-7931 1990
Instagram
18. The Hub – well-known speciality coffee spot with new outlet
If you’re regularly on the look out for coffee spots in KL, you’ll most likely have heard about The Hub already. This cafe serving speciality coffee has a well-known cosy outlet in KL that coffee connoisseurs have been flocking to. So those living in the vicinity of Damansara Heights will be glad to know that they now have a new outlet here.
Image credit: @jd_chang
This outlet’s decor doesn’t disappoint. It mixes up modern and minimalist elements, with stainless steel surfaces that are softened visually with curved wooden finishing and furniture.
Look out for their new store’s decorative feature – a conveyor belt set over their coffee bar where canisters of coffee beans circle around.
Image credit: @navdesigngroup
Expect their usual range of coffees on the menu – Piccolo Latte (RM11), Latte (RM12), and Ice Drip (RM18), which is made by a skilled barista at the counter. Because of the open concept design of the coffee bar, you can observe the preparation and brewing processes of the drinks – a boon for newbie coffee fans.
Image credit: @rey.winter.stuff
While they only have a small selection of cakes (from RM16/slice), there are plenty of seats and free WiFi available at The Hub’s spacious new location that makes it a great hangout spot. There’s also roadside parking for those driving here to get a to-go cup of coffee.
The cafe’s location is also easily accessible by public transport, as it’s just a 4-minute walk from Semantan MRT station.
Image credit: @00feng
Address: Lot G01-01, Block A, Plaza Zurich, Damansara Heights, Jalan Gelenggang, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 8AM-5PM, Daily
Facebook | Instagram
19. Kaffe 16 – outdoor courtyard & dark chocolate lattes
Petaling Street is a hub of aesthetic cafes, and Kaffe 16 now joins the list of cafes in the heart of the city that’s worth exploring. Located just a minute’s walk from Chinatown, the cafe is great for those in need of a spot to rest their feet after exploring the city. There are 2 levels of seating and even a scenic courtyard to take a break at.
Image adapted from: @ernestsoo & @paulinetee
The cafe serves pork-free dishes, so you and your geng can feast on Japanese rice bowls, such as Chicken Katsu Don (RM16) and Japanese Curry Rice (RM20). Look out for their signature dishes: Karaage Chicken Burger (RM27) – deep-fried chicken, yuzu coleslaw, and miso mayo are tucked between toasted buns, and Big Breakfast (RM30), a platter of baked beans, sausages, eggs, grilled vegetables, and toast.
Image adapted from: Kaffe 16 & @nomorehangry
But if you’re looking for a less substantial meal, go for their cakes (from RM10/slice), with flavours such as dark chocolate crepe cake and burnt cheesecake, as well as Panna Cotta (RM18) and macarons (RM5/pc). Drop by on the weekends to get their weekend specials of fruity and chocolate-filled tarts (from RM15 each).
Drinks that you won’t want to miss out here is their Dark Chocolate Latte (RM13), as they use Beryl’s Chocolate in all their chocolate desserts and drinks. To help you beat the summer heat, there’s Chocolate Frappe (RM16) and Vanilla Latte Frappe (RM16) too.
Image credit: @meiyan725
Address: Lot 16, Jalan Panggong, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tue – Sun 10AM-6PM (Closed on Mondays)
Facebook | Instagram
20. Niko Neko 2.0 – all-white new outlet with matcha mocktails
Image credit: @nikonekomatcha
If sipping on hot drinks in an all-white space soothes you, drop by Niko Neko 2.0. This popular artisan matcha brand in Bangsar has a new location in Petaling Street that boasts pristine-looking interiors for those who like to take breaks in sparse, yet tastefully and minimally decorated, spaces.
Image adapted from: @nikonekomatcha
Those who know of Niko Neko know that they take their matcha seriously – their matcha drinks don’t just have a single flat flavour, but come with different tasting notes. For starters, Kiku Matcha Latte (RM12) has umami and bitter notes, while Tsubaki Houjicha Latte (RM9) is slightly nutty with its roasted rice tea base.
Image credit: @sundayswithk
Taking the artisanal matcha concept up a notch, they also serve non-alcoholic mocktails with matcha. Momotaro (RM14), a refreshing mix of matcha with white peach, lychee and rose petals, and Apple Asam Boi (RM14) with matcha, apples, and a local delight of asam boi syrup, are recommended.
Their fresh bakes are also made with – you guessed it, their house-made matcha powder. Try the Matcha Sourdough Croissant (RM10) or go for the Mini Matcha Burnt Cheesecake (RM10), which they have partnered with The Tokyo Restaurant, known for its decadent cheesecakes, to develop.
Address: 81, Jalan Tun HS Lee, Chinatown, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tue – Sun 11AM-5.30PM (Closed on Mondays)
Facebook | Instagram
New aesthetic cafes in KL and PJ
With relaxation of the MCO guidelines now, we can step out and check out this list of new aesthetic cafes in KL and PJ that opened in 2020 to support our local businesses.
As COVID-19 is still a cause of concern, be sure to wear your masks, social distance, and adhere to SOPs that the cafes have in place to help curb the spread of the virus.
For more cafes to hop to in KL and PJ, click here:
- 11 bakeries in KL and PJ with freshly baked pastries
- 10 cafes in Klang Valley with old school aesthetics
- 11 cheesecake places in Klang Valley
Cover image adapted from: @mielifestyles, @mielifestyles, @dayanabasirahh & @sixthsenselife
Drop us your email so you won't miss the latest news.
