Petaling Street cafes near Pasar Seni stations
Even if you own a car, you might find yourself opting for public transportation to escape the sakit kepala traffic jams in KL. With the iconic Petaling Street accessible from the connected Pasar Seni LRT and MRT stations, it’s a no-brainer to choose trains over cars to get around, especially on the weekends.
When you start to feel those hunger pangs while exploring these hotspots, there’s a collection of cafes in Petaling Street, near the Pasar Seni stations, too – under 10 minutes, to be exact. Here are 16 of them that have every type of cafe food and snack you can imagine, from revamped local delights to IG-worthy desserts.
Table of Contents
1. Da Bao
Burger-like mantous
Image adapted from: @picazone.by.elanque via Instagram, @hellgrenanna via Instagram
Keeping true to its namesake, Da Bao is a 2-storey restaurant that specialises both in savoury baos and cocktails. The baos are mainly served on the ground floor, while the bar Kapitan Haus is located upstairs.
Image credit: @dabaomy via Instagram
The burger-like baos are essentially meat fillings, each sandwiched in a fluffy, steamed mantou that are made from scratch daily. Options for fillings include soft shell crab (RM34), fish tempura (RM26), braised pork (RM28), and Taiwanese fried chicken (RM22).
Image credit: @dabaomy via Instagram
You might think that these mantous are mere snacks, and wouldn’t be filling enough for a full meal, but you’d be surprised how satisfying wolfing 2 of them down is.
Finish off the meal with yet another bao dessert – a scoop of matcha ice cream wedged between a fried mantou (RM18).
Address: 145, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Sun-Thu 11.30am-11pm | Fri & Sat 11.30am-12am
Contact: Da Bao’s Facebook | Instagram
2. Ching Ching by Pandan Republic
Unique fusion Malaysian desserts
Image credit: @hungrywolfgrams via Instagram
Ching Ching by Pandan Republic makes Malaysian desserts with a twist while paying homage to Peranakan delicacies. Think intricately made nyonya kuihs served alongside gula melaka cheesecakes, kuih kapit soft serve, and the oldie but goldie pandan layer cake.
Image credit: @pandanrepublic via Instagram
Their signature item is the Pandan Coconut Soft Serve (RM13), a smooth and creamy ice cream with an aromatic pandan fragrance – a treat rarely found elsewhere.
Image credit: @yyeetengg via Instagram
Those who prefer a savoury meal before desserts can check out their main courses. The menu is simple but their Sam Gu’s Hakka Lei Cha (RM23), a traditional Hakka dish made with various types of vegetables mixed together with ground tea, is highly recommended because of its thick and rich tea flavour.
Address: Lorong Panggung, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Thu–Tue 10am-6pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
Contact: 010-221 7296 | Pandan Republic’s Facebook | Instagram
3. Monster. A Garden Cafe
Hang out with cats & munch on croffles
Image credit: @d_chum via Instagram
If you’re always hitting the like button cat videos, you’ll want to make your way over to Monster. A Garden Cafe. Not your average cafe, they are a haven for cats and cat lovers, housing chubby, grumpy, chonky, and all around adorable kitties in an aesthetically pleasing space on the 2nd floor of a shoplot.
Image credit: @lingweiix via Instagram
There’s no entry fee or dining time limit, as long as you order something to munch on. Have your pick of savoury croffles like Chicken & Croffle (RM30.50) or rice bowls such as Monster Chicken Katsu Rice (23.50), and pair them with drinks like Peach Soda Pop (RM15) and White Coffee (RM12).
Image adapted from: @monster.a.garden.cafe.kl via Instagram
Take note of the house rules to dine with the felines. You’ll need to sanitise your hands before petting the kitties and keep the flash off when taking photos. You should avoid picking up the cats and waking them when they’re asleep too.
Image credit: @monster.a.garden.cafe.kl via Instagram
Address: No. 54, 1st Floor, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon & Wed-Fri 10.30am-7pm | Sat & Sun 10am-6.30pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: Monster. A Garden Cafe’s Instagram
4. Luck Bros Kopi
Familiar and new renditions of Malaysian dishes
Image credit: @hajidazhar via Instagram
Located in a 150-year-old heritage building, Luck Bros Kopi – formerly known as Luckin Kopi – retains its old-school kopitiam charm with its quaint ambience and rustic interior.
Image credit: @kevin.voon via Instagram
Malaysians will find their menu familiar, with local delights such as Roti Bakar (RM3.90), Nasi Lemak (RM20.90), Curry Puff (RM3.50/pc), Rojak (RM10.90), and more served.
Patrons can also enjoy newer renditions such as Mi Sedaap Sambal Petai (RM14.90) and Salted Egg Chicken Rice (RM14.90).
Image credit: @kuyilfooddiary via Instagram
Those who are attracted to novel items can order their Luckin Toast (RM12.90). It’s pretty much regular toasted Hainanese bread served with kaya, butter, peanut butter, and Nutella spread, and two mandatory hard-boiled eggs. But what makes the dish special is the plating.
Instead of the usual rectangular-cut bread with the spread already sandwiched between the toasts, Luck Bros Kopi arranges the separate ingredients like how you would a fine dining platter. Purists might roll their eyes at the over-the-top presentation, but it’s gratifying for the tummy, eyes, and camera, so it’s definitely worth an order.
Image credit: @luckbrosmy via Instagram
The cafe has also become a popular supper spot in KL, opening till 2am and setting up tables up between alleys when evening falls to accommodate the late-night rush.
Address: 14, Jalan Panggong, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 10am-2am | Fri-Sun 9am-2am
Contact: 012-610 8856 | Luck Bros Kopi’s Facebook | Instagram
5. DoDoo
Viral jiggly puddings
Image credit: @carol.eats via Instagram
You don’t have to be chronically online to have heard about the viral jiggly pudding that’s almost too adorable to eat – yes, the one that jiggles when smacked with a spoon.
DoDoo is a cafe in Petaling Street that has hopped on the trend, selling earl grey-flavoured Jiggly Cat and Rabbit Puddings for RM15.
Image credit: @dodoo_kl via Instagram
DoDoo occupies two floors. The 2nd floor is where you’ll be enjoying the puddings, as well other pastries and desserts like matcha canele (RM9) and sausage rolls (RM15) that they serve in collaboration with the popular VCR.
The 1st floor is dedicated for their main courses.
Address: 192, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11am-11pm, Daily
Contact: DoDoo’s Instagram
6. Neighbour Club
Uniquely flavoured coffee drinks
Image adapted from: @_whoiszerovi_ via Instagram
From popular coffee roasters JWC comes a new venture in the heart of KL – Neighbour Club, a recently opened cafe that operates as a cafe in the day and a bar by night.
Image credit: @jwc.neighbourclub via Instagram
They have a collection of signature drinks that are experimental and priced at RM12 each. Try unique concoctions such as Kaya Butter, an earl grey-based latte with hints of pandan, and the Guava Fizz, a fizzy mix of guava, cranberries, and coffee.
The Flaming Brownie (RM26) is also a signature at Neighbour Club. Just as it sounds, a walnut brownie is doused in Cointreau and then flambéed.
Address: Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 10am-10pm | Sat & Sun 10am-12am
Contact: Neighbour Club’s Instagram
7. Malaya Garden
Teh tarik ice cream in a tropical-themed cafe
Image credit: @foodiedoodee_ via Instagram
Malaya Garden opened the doors to their tropical-themed space on Jalan Balai Polis back in April 2021. This 3-storey cafe has been attracting attention online, thanks to their aesthetically pleasing interior that melds together KL’s old colonial charms with contemporary decor that are loved in present-day cafes.
Take a trip up to the cafe’s 2nd and 3rd floors to soak in views of buildings in KL, including Merdeka 118.
Image adapted from: @chermie_wong via Instagram, @leila_ahmad via Instagram
The melding of East meets West is apparent in their menu too, which is made up of all-day breakfast specials. They include the Malaya Big Breakfast (RM33), with coconut-infused toast and sides of half-boiled eggs, chicken otak–otak patties and salad, and the Colonial Big Breakfast (RM36), with chicken sausage, scrambled eggs over sourdough toasts, and beef bacon strips.
Other creative dishes include the Seafood Curry Laksa Pasta (RM32) and Rendang Chicken Lasagna (RM22).
Image credit: @eatwithjin_ via Instagram
For something sweet, their Kopi Tiramisu Afogato (RM16) pairs teh tarik ice cream with local kopi espresso while the Deep Fried Cempedak Fritters (RM13) has deep-fried cempedak fruit topped with coconut flakes and a drizzle of gula Melaka syrup.
Address: 1A, Jalan Balai Polis, 50000, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 8am-8pm, Daily
Contact: 016-912 1268 | Malaya Garden’s Instagram
8. Lim Kee Cafe
Modern menu items served in an old-school Chinese kopitiam setting
Image credit: @walter_x_tang via Instagram
Operated by Tian Jing Hotel, Lim Kee Cafe has the allure of an old-school Chinese kopitiam with their rattan furniture and vintage decor, but their menu consisting of teatime bites boasts modern drinks, cakes, ice cream, and the customary Hainanese toast bread completed with half-boiled eggs.
Image credit: Lim Kee Cafe via Facebook
Peckish diners looking for a late-afternoon snack can try out their various ice creams, with flavours ranging from coconut, mascarpone, hazelnut, to yoghurt raspberry, and more (RM10 per scoop).
Image credit: @wander.sher via Instagram
They also have a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic cakes including mocha rum, tiramisu, cheesecake, and Black Forest (around RM13 each) for those who are craving something more substantial.
Address: 66-68, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 9.30am-5.30pm, Daily
Contact: 011-2323 9810 | Lim Kee Cafe’s Facebook | Instagram
9. Merchant’s Lane
Western & Asian cuisines in a pre-war shophouse
Image credit: @merchantslane via Instagram
Merchant’s Lane is a long-time resident in Petaling Street but it’s still packed with people and it’s not hard to see why. With an atmosphere that resembles Penang’s ChinaHouse, Merchant’s Lane continues to attract a steady stream of customers who patronise them for both their food and ambience.
Image credit: @merchantslane via Instagram
Tucked upstairs in one of Petaling Street’s pre-war shophouses, it has a nice and cosy environment that exudes heritage, lots of greenery for photo backdrops, and delish food that justifies its higher price point.
You’ll get specially crafted Western and Asian cuisines (priced around RM28 per dish) with dishes such as beef stew, stir-fried spaghetti, chicken rice, and more on the menu.
Image credit: @merchantslane via Instagram
Address: 150, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tue–Fri 11.30am-9.30pm | Sat & Sun 9.30am-9.30pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 03-2022 1736 | Merchant Lane’s Facebook | Instagram
10. Yew Yew
Delicate chiffon cakes in a cosy coffee shop
Image credit: @jonaschenth via Instagram
Though they are charming and cosy in size, Yew Yew is a popular place to grab coffee and indulge in drool-worthy cakes in the Petaling Street area – they’ve since expanded with multiple outlets across the Klang Valley.
Image credit: @deareatopia via Instagram
At their KL branch, you can plop down on bar seats that overlook the busy streets of KL for a quick caffeine boost after exploring the city. They have limited seats indoors, but there’s also a bench outside the store if you’re looking to rest your legs and watch the world go by.
Image adapted from: @yewyewcoffee_kl via Instagram
Their menu boasts a selection of pastries and cakes, including croffles and chiffon cakes. They have several options of croffles, such as Sugar Cinnamon (RM8) and Lemony (RM10), while their Rose Lychee Chiffon Cake (RM18) is a crowd-favourite here.
You can pair these with their various signature drinks, such as Cafe Latte (RM13) and Matcha Yuzu Fizz (RM15).
Yew Yew @ Petaling Street
Address: 63D, Ground Floor, Bangunan Ka Yin, Jalan Sultan 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10am-6pm, Daily
Contact: Yew Yew’s Facebook
11. Bunn Choon
Century-old egg tart business
Image credit: @elainemok via Instagram
Established in 1893, Bunn Choon’s egg tart is a true historical gem that has withstood the test of time. Originally housed in the now-demolished Imbi Wet Market, Bunn Choon relocated to Petaling Street where it continues to sell its legendary egg tarts and other traditional Chinese pastries.
Their egg tarts are known for their golden-brown crust, thick and smooth egg custard, and fragrant aroma that you can catch from shops away.
Image credit: @isaac_chong82 via Instagram
You can opt for the original egg tart or the bamboo charcoal sesame egg tart for RM2.90 a piece.
Bunn Choon also doubles as a dim sum joint where you can get your standard dim sum staples such as siew mai, shrimp dumpling, glutinous rice, and more for around RM6 a plate.
Image credit: @magiepar via Instagram
Address: No 8. Lorong Panggung, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 7.30am-3.30pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 016-228 7625 | Bunn Choon’s Facebook | Instagram
12. Ho Kow Hainam Kopitiam
Hainanese breakfast staples in a 60-year-old kopitiam
Ho Kow Hainam Kopitiam is also one of the old boys of Petaling Street. They have been operating since 1956 and their cafe is still packed to the brim on most weekends.
The menu is pretty traditional. You will find the usual Hainanese breakfast staples of Butter And Kaya Toast (RM3.60), Curry Chee Cheong Fun (RM6.20), Nasi Lemak With Fried Chicken (RM15.90), and more.
Image credit: @lengpeiying via Instagram
Coffee drinkers should definitely order their Kopi Cham (RM3.40), an authentic Hainanese drink that mixes coffee and tea together, hence the word “cham”, great for dipping the toasts into.
Address: 1, Jalan Balai Polis, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tue-Fri 7.30am-2.30pm | Sat & Sun 7.30am-3pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: Ho Kow Hainam Kopitiam’s Facebook | Instagram
13. Flaon
‘Grammable pudding cakes & rolls
Image adapted from: @__slurpy via Instagram, @jessielwq via Instagram
You might just miss out on Flaon when you’re strolling through Petaling Street. Their entrance is discreet – just a textured beige wall, a simple arched door, and the cafe’s name in small white text.
This conceals a cave-like space with organic wavy furniture and minimal decor items, which makes the cafe feel like a refuge from the busyness of the city outside.
Image credit: @muhdsyafiq_sha via Instagram
The cafe operates a bar, Colpe de Vin, on the 2nd floor. But if you’re just here for the visually stunning Pudding Layer Cake (RM25) that you’ve been seeing on your ‘Gram, these are served on the 1st floor.
There are indulgent flavours such as Rose & Litchi, Pina Colada, Blackpink, and Lady Coco, with pudding tucked between layers of sponge cake.
Image adapted from: @1001cwh via Instagram
The Soufflé Pudding Roll (RM18) is also a popular order at Flaon. It elevates the familiar Swiss Roll we know and love, with flavours like Lemon Cheese and French Earl Grey.
Address: 180, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10am-6pm, Daily
Contact: Flaon’s Facebook | Instagram
14. Cafe ETC
Reasonably priced meals
Image adapted from: @cafe_etc via Instagram
Cafe ETC is a lesser-known cafe in Pasar Seni, but it’s one that you shouldn’t miss out on. With a simple concept and reasonable prices for meals, this spot is the perfect place to head to for a bite.
The area can get crowded with in-the-know patrons, so do expect a bit of a wait. But don’t fret too much – the service is quick, even when the cafe is packed.
Image credit: @cafe_etc via Instagram
If you’re in KL for breakfast, you’ll be delighted by the array of brekkie staples that the cafe has on their menu – from Scramble On Waffle (RM18) and French Toast (RM10) to the granola with Greek yoghurt Tropical Bowl (RM17).
Address: 198, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10am-6pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: Cafe ETC’s Facebook | Instagram
15. Leaf & Co
Vegetarian-friendly dishes in an old-school setting
Image credit: @d_chum via Instagram
Step into Leaf & Co, located at the heart of Pasar Seni, and you’ll be transported to a bygone era with the cafe’s nostalgic and charming vintage decorations. The old-world ambiance is further enhanced by the timeless tunes of old Chinese songs playing in the background, acting as the soundtrack for your meal here.
Image credit: @sherreenl via Instagram
Enjoy the ambience over a good meal – the cafe serves an array of Asian and Western cuisines, as well as Fusion food. If you’re craving something bold and flavourful, try the Satay Chicken Baguette (RM24.90) – though be warned, the portions are generous.
Image credit: @icint4 via Instagram
You might want to drop by this cafe before peak lunch hours, as this popular brunch spot that’s been around for nearly a decade is known to attract a crowd. If you do end up having to wait, there’s a cosy corner designated for queuing patrons.
Address: 53, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: Leaf & Co’s Facebook | Instagram
16. Mingle Cafe
Variety of cakes & cuisines in a rustic setting
Image credit: @minglecafekl via Instagram
Stepping into Mingle Cafe is like a walk down memory lane for those who grew up in the 1970s. The cafe and cakery is adorned with rustic furniture, antique ornaments, and even old-school biscuits in large tin barrels that customers can buy back home in small bags.
Image credit: @minglecafekl via Instagram
While millennials may not share the same sentimental memories, they can still be wowed by Mingle Cafe’s well-curated menu – from all-day breakfast to Japanese and Western dishes, down to their Signature Rice dishes that include Aglio Olio Cili Padi (RM24) and their siagnature nasi ulam bowls like Ayam Percik (RM26).
Mingle Cafe’s Pablo Pistachio Bundt Cake blends rich pistachio and black tea flavours.
Image credit: Mingle Cafe 名樂閣 via Facebook
They also have unique renditions of cakes that incorporate local fruits. Some of their crowd-pleasers are slices of Cempedak Madu Burnt Cheescake (RM19) and Soursop Victoria Sandwich Cake (RM19), which are decadent cakes that boast rich flavours of fragrant cempedak and soursop respectively.
Address: 55, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Wed–Mon 11AM-10PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: 019-222 0262 | Mingle Cafe’s Facebook | Instagram
[Closed] The Soybean Factory
Image credit: @eva_zhijun via Instagram
The Soybean Factory has several branches in the Klang Valley but their outlet in Kwai Chai Hong is hands down, the prettiest and most aesthetically pleasing one. Even if you’re not into taking pictures just for the ‘gram, you should pay a visit to enjoy brunch under the glass roof, surrounded by soft-hued furnishings, complete with charming rattan chairs.
Their Salty Tau Foo Fa (RM11) is a peculiar but surprisingly appetising and flavourful dish that comes with porridge toppings such as chicken floss and dried shrimp, yao char kwai, salted veggie, spring onions, coriander, onion oil, and chilli oil.
Image credit: @voodoo_doll93 via Instagram
You’ll also get to feast on a wide range of soya bean drinks (around RM9 each), soya milk shaved ice (around RM15), and different flavours of tau foo fa (around RM10).
Image credit: @kluun_jpg via Instagram
Address: 141, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10am-9pm, Daily
[Closed] LIPAO
Image credit: @1pug2catskopitiam via Instagram
A cold dessert is always welcomed by all Malaysians as it provides a cooling respite from the tropical heat. And LIPAO, flexing their creativity like many of these Petaling Street cafes do, has cleverly redesigned the cendol into a boba cup for convenience and easy transport so you can enjoy it on the go.
Simply called The Iconic Cendol (RM12.50), this dessert-in-a-cup is made with gula melaka, fresh coconut milk, red bean, and green flour jelly, and has just the right balance of sweetness without being overbearing.
Image credit: @lipaocendol via Instagram
They also serve a range of fruit cendol such as dragon fruit, mango, and papaya – blended together with fresh coconut milk (RM14.50 each).
LIPAO’s outlet is just a small nook for you to order and go, but it’s easy to spot with their pink and mint pastel hues.
Address: 50, Jalan Hang Kasturi, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
[Closed] Mary Jane
Image credit: @farareeraree via Instagram
Just a stone’s throw from Petaling Street Market is Mary Jane, an opulent pink cafe with a stunning wall of flowers behind their booth tables. Almost every corner of the cafe is immaculately decorated in soft pink hues too, from the stairs to the powder room.
Image credit: @__jowell__ via Instagram
Gather your girl pals for brunch at this cafe, as they offer a wide range of cuisines, including Nyonya delights and Western dishes. They also have a high tea menu – a set for 2 (RM168) comprises ten pairs of delicate treats, including mango tarts and cranberry scones, along with a pot of TWG tea.
Address: 106, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
[Closed] Urban Artisan
Image credit: @tummytalk_ via Instagram
Hailing from Penang, Urban Artisan is an extremely Insta-worthy soft serve chain that has opened up its latest outlet in Kuala Lumpur, joining the company of Petaling Street cafes serving up cool desserts.
Their flavours are known to be distinctive and fragrant, tasting exactly like what their names promise. Their menu changes weekly, but just to give you an idea, some of their bestsellers include Oceanic Sea Salt, Valrhona Chocolate, Pure Lychee, and Premium Green Tea.
You can mix 2 flavours together, and because they come in pretty striking colours like turquoise, you’ll want to get your cameras ready to snap a shot before the ice cream melts.
Image credit: @ftnshuhada via Instagram
Single-flavour soft serve is priced at RM11.90 for a cone, while a double-flavour one costs RM12.90. For an extra sinful and indulgent treat, go for their Bubble Series (from RM19.90) – 2 scoops of soft serve enveloped in a “bubble waffle”, topped with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and fruits, and best shared among 2 people.
Address: 149, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Tue–Sun 12.30pm-7.30pm (Closed on Mondays)
Best cafes in Petaling Street, near Pasar Seni LRT and MRT stations
From old-school food joints, famous egg tarts, to new fusion desserts, Petaling Street cafes near the Pasar Seni LRT and MRT stations will keep your bellies happy and your eyes pleased with all its colourful murals and gorgeous interiors.
Take a weekend to not just indulge in all the food, but to soak in the sights, sounds, and people as you stroll through Kuala Lumpur’s heritage scene.
If you’re still hungry, check out these best bars in Pasar Seni and these new cafes in KL and PJ.
Cover image adapted from: @foodiedoodee_ via Instagram, @jwc.neighbourclub via Instagram, @dodoo_kl via Instagram, @carol.eats via Instagram, @d_chum via Instagram, @dabaomy via Instagram
This article was originally published on 30th October 2020, and updated on 20th May 2022 by Janet. Last updated on 19th July 2024 by Ainna.