Did a round-up of what I think are some of KL's best cafes for
CafeHopping.Sg and
Burpple, both Singapore based, a short while back. I did a
guide last year for Burpple and I'm honoured to be asked again this year.
Presented below are a few of my favourite spots with everything organized by the areas they are located. Read away! Opinions are my own.
Sentul
Coffee in KL is not hard to come by these days but you haven’t tasted good coffee until you’ve been to Three Little Birds. Nestled in the trendy new development – D7, Sentul East, Three Little Birds is a café like no other. Manned by head barista Joey Mah (one third of the three birds), coffee serves justice to his passion for coffee both in the making and roasting. Go behind the scenes by checking out the coffee roasting machine located by the back of the café and have another cup before you leave.
D7, Jalan Sentul, Kuala Lumpur
SS2
Unpretentious and simple, don’t be put off by its humbleness in decoration. Standing Theory is the place to be for the perfect marriage of delicious coffee and hearty food. Don’t get me started with the cakes. The range draws from Red Velvet to Lemon Poppyseed and they are the best versions of classics you can get.
Jalan SS2/103, Petaling Jaya
Bangsar
If you ever find yourself homesick, head to PULP opened by Singapore’s very own Papa Palheta. Follow the genius minds behind Chye Seng Huat and Loysel’s Toy, and fans will rejoice at the location of this invasion. Buy one coffee and go home with a free paper printing education, JACKPOT!
29-01, Jalan Riong, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur
Damansara Kim
Bakery by day, restaurant by dusk, there is so much story and character at The Kitchen Table. This handsome nook evokes a sense of kinship from the moment one enters through the glass door. Communal tables are necessary and window seats are often quickly booked during the day. This whitewashed facade’s ever-changing menu highlights fresh and local produce, and continues to impress with their simple yet comforting food delivered with finesse.
23, Jalan SS20/11, Damansara Kim, 47400 Petaling Jaya
Damansara Uptown
Fat Spoon cafe has long been Damansara’s favourite cafe for traditional comfort food. Feast on their signature dishes to the likes of ‘Nasi Goreng Ulam’ and Cempedak Spring Rolls, both with a strong cult following. While it’s open for lunch and tea, dinner is when the atmosphere is best.
73 Jalan SS 21/1a, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
TTDI (Taman Tun Dr Ismail)
There’s no better vantage point for a coffee trail other than starting at this neighbourhood. In a small streetfront, this hidden gem serves some of the meanest brunch options. Mukha’s extensive menu draws inspirations from the Arabian Peninsula and down under, for prices that can’t be beat. Ogle at the beautiful handwritten menu on the walls of the café and try to resist from ordering everything.
15, Lorong Rahim Kajai 13, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, 60000
Continue down the street and you’ll find yourself dancing to the tunes of Norah Jones ‘Come Away with Me’ on the funky tiles of Quar/tet. Food and music lovers in the know are often found loitering at this young and bustling cafe. The homemade doughnuts and generous serving of side salad will please your pockets. Soon enough, you’ll find yourself reluctant to leave.
21, Lorong Datuk Sulaiman 7, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
Happy Mansion, Seksyen 17
Butter and Beans
Step in through the black painted door and be greeted by a hand-chalked bear named Rupert. Pay close attention to it as it lists out the drinks available for your ordering. Settle down for a seat by the concrete bar and order a salmon quiche when it’s available. Leave room for desserts but don’t expect a Red Velvet by the pastry case.
BG- 1a, Happy Mansion, Jalan 17/13, Seksyen 17, Malaysia, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
And, voila! Feel free to let me know your favourite picks!
T.
