The cafe scene in KL has grown tremendously over the last decade or so - with hip interior, imported beans, state-of-the-art equipment and award-winning baristas to go along with it. We pride ourselves in supporting local brands - that’s why we’ve made a list of some of our favourite independent cafes and why we love them.

Image by Ang Chu Yang

One Half x Ilaika

A hidden gem in Taman Paramount, tucked behind the multi-label store, Ilaika that showcases a variety of local brands, One Half x Ilaika is home to the Malaysia Barista Champion of 2016 and 2018, Keith Koay. It’s no wonder why they serve some of the best coffee in town! Though it is a small space, it is super cosy - filled with this amazing smell of freshly ground coffee and occasional whiffs of warm pastries. And oh my, their pastries are also to die for! We personally love the Pain Au Chocolat and the Lotus Biscoff Bun. Pair them with a velvety latte or a single origin filter coffee for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up!

Location: 17, Jalan 20/13, Taman Paramount, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Opening Hours: Opens Everyday from 8am – 11pm

Image by VCR

VCR

One of the pioneers in KL’s cafe scene, VCR started off with their first outlet perched on Jalan Galloway (located close to the bustling Bukit Bintang area), then expanded their presence to the lovely neighbourhood of Bangsar - both of which are doing really well. As soon as you walk into VCR, you can’t help but notice the fancy coffee machines and that’s how you know they take their coffee seriously. They roast their coffee beans in house and also supply to cafes across KL. So it goes without saying that you must try their coffee, and if you have a sweet tooth, we say go for the French Toast.

Bukit Bintang Branch

Location: 2, Jalan Galloway, Bukit Bintang, 50150 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Opening Hours: Opens Everyday from 8:30am – 11pm

Bangsar Branch

Location: 31, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Opening Hours: Opens Everyday from 7:30am – 11pm

Image by The Red Beanbag

The Red Beanbag

Another favourite that has withstood the test of time is The Red Beanbag. The Australian-inspired cafe has been drawing in crowds since 2011, offering innovative and beautifully plated brunch food. The success of The Red Beanbag has also led them to venture into two other cafe concepts - Yellow Brick Road and Wizards by Tribeca. All of their outlets serve amazing coffee seeing as they have three-time winner of the Malaysian Barista Championship, Jason Loo heading their coffee operations. So gather up your girls or guys and head on over to The Red Beanbag for brunch this weekend! Try their crowd-favourite, The Atlantic - RBB’s twist to an eggs benedict. Or if you’re a fan of pancakes, you should definitely give theirs a go.

Location: Block A4, Publika, A4-1-08, Jalan Dutamas 1, Solaris Dutamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Opening Hours: Opens Everyday, Monday to Thursday 10am – 6pm and Friday to Sunday 9:30am – 10pm

Image by PULP

PULP by Papa Palheta

PULP is an old-timer in the coffee scene as well. Located within the nearly 50-year-old Art Printing Works factory, the repurposed space is a combination of a cafe, a retail store for coffee equipment and a workshop area where they host cupping sessions. PULP doesn’t just roast their own coffee beans, they supply beans and machinery to cafes, as well as provide training for baristas. Coffee lovers may purchase their coffee beans and brew them at home. The team is really friendly and well-informed so feel free to ask them anything about coffee. PULP has a great selection of filter coffee, and the best cup of flat white in town - perfectly frothed and balanced in flavour.

Location: 29-01, Jalan Riong, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Opening Hours: Opens Everyday, 7:30am – 10pm

Image by Jeff Lim

Ebony & Ivory Coffee

This homely cafe tucked away in Cheras is known for its hearty rice bowls and stellar coffee. Trust us, it’s worth the drive. For first-timers, we recommend the Minced Pork Scrambled Eggs Rice - savoury minced pork, perfectly scrambled eggs with a side of bonito flakes served on a bed of fluffy white rice - yum! Complete your meal with an indulgent Matcha Brownie and a fruity cup of Long Black. This is definitely a place that you’ll revisit again and again.

Location: 4A, Block P/E, Taman Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Opening Hours: Closed on Mondays, 10am – 6pm

Image by Merchant’s Lane

Merchant’s Lane

A literal hidden gem in what used to be a Petaling Street brothel, Merchant’s Lane has embraced the heritage that is a part of the space and is undoubtedly one of the most Instagram-able cafes in KL. We are in love with how the owners managed to maintain much of its original appearance with added antique furniture, keeping its old world charm. The food on the other hand is a fusion of Western brunch dishes with a Malaysian twist - which we love! It’s hard to say which one’s our favourite, but if we had to choose, it would be the South China Sea and ‘Kalau Aku Kaya’.

Location: 150, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Opening Hours: Closed on Wednesdays, Monday to Saturday 11:30am – 9:30pm, Sunday 9:30am – 9:30pm

Sunday Coffee & Cakes

Tucked in a quiet residential area, Sunday might be a new player in the cafe game but has definitely made its name with their coffee, cakes and freshly baked loaves! Although the menu is relatively small in comparison to other cafes, it does not fall short on their flavors and creativity of the dishes! The Tamagoyaki Sando is legendary - thick cuts of breaded tamago sandwiched between toasted homemade bread and a light spread of wasabi mayo. If you’re feeling like a treat, try their melt-in-your-mouth Cheese Terine cake and finish with a coffee.

Location: 14, Jalan Selera 1, Taman Bukit Indah, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Opening Hours: Opens Everyday, 9am – 6pm

Image by Seniman Kakao

Seniman Kakao

On a mission to support local cacao farmers and to celebrate the underappreciated Malaysian chocolate, Seniman Kakao is KL’s first cafe dedicated to specialty chocolate. The cafe is located at Jalan Pudu Lama, housed on two floors of an old colonial building. Chocolate incorporated into both food and drinks. You’ll find a variation of hot and iced chocolate drinks, and we love how they have non-dairy options as well! Combat the Malaysian heat with the Chocolate and Coconut, an unexpectedly brilliant combo. But if you prefer to taste the single origin cacao in its purest form, we recommend you go for the Chocolate and Water. They also have a selection of decadent desserts like eclairs and truffles.

Location: 29, Jalan Pudu Lama, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Opening Hours: Opens Everyday, 8am – 7pm

So there you have it, some of KL’s best cafes to visit on your next cafe hopping adventure!

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