Pandemic or not, new cafes are still popping up in Kuala Lumpur, waiting for cafe-hoppers and Instagrammers to come a-knocking.
Other than that new breakfast stall in Sarawak that’s inspired by UK-Malaysian YouTuber Uncle Roger, Coconuts KL also tracked down the slew of new openings in the main city, many of which were either launched in the middle of the COVID-19 crisis or not long before the outbreak began.
From artisan matcha delights to an array of freshly baked breads, pastries, and cakes, for now, these new places will be the answers to those frequently asked questions: “What do we eat for lunch/ dinner today?” or “What’s for dessert?”
Niko Neko Matcha 2.0
Melty marble matcha loaf cake and matcha drinks by Niko Neko Matcha. Photos: Niko Neko Matcha/Facebook
While Niko Neko Matcha 1.0 in Bangsar has been open for quite some time now, folks in the heart of KL will find it easier to take a trip down to the minimalist, halal-certified artisan matcha cafe in Chinatown, which started welcoming customers early this month.
Matcha enthusiasts and experts alike will find comfort in the cafe’s various green-tea based lattes, mocktails and desserts, such as the roasted green tea lattes, bloody summer orange, and the melty marble matcha loaf cake.
FIND IT:
181, Jalan Tun HS Lee, Chinatown, 50000 Kuala Lumpur.
Opening hours: 11am to 6pm (Closed on Mondays)
Stellar
Tucked inside one of KL’s oldest cinemas that have now been transformed into a cultural space, Stellar had to close in March due to the COVID-19 lockdown, just months after launching in December. Thankfully, the cafe is open for dine-in again so coffee enthusiasts can get their caffeine and cakes fix at its relaxing space filled with greenery.
Besides freshly-brewed lattes and flat whites, the cafe also serves alcoholic beverages like wines and organic kombuchas. Indulge in a variety of cakes too, including osmanthus cheesecake, apple cake with almond flakes, and raspberry chocolate mousse.
FIND IT:
REXKL, 80, Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10am to 12am (Closed on Mondays)
Dou Dou Bake
If you’re looking for fresh, grainy sourdough with open crumbs and a strong rise, this new bakery in Petaling Jaya is your best bet. Dou Dou Bake opened in July this year and serves an array of freshly-baked pastries like danishes, buttery croissants (which sells out pretty quickly!), glazed cakes and sourdough loaves, of course.
The bakes are served in a buffet-like spread so you can pick your favourites and dine-in, or take them home to share with the fam.
FIND IT:
38, Jalan SS 4C/5, Taman Rasa Sayang, 47301 Petaling Jaya
Opening hours: 7:30am–11pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
Hummingbird Ampang
If cakes are your thing, a cafe called Hummingbird has opened in Ampang since mid-August. Eat your way through a variety of freshly baked cakes, doughnuts, and sourdough bread when you pop by this quaint space.
Besides your regular carrot and chocolate cakes, the cafe near Ampang Point Shopping Mall also serves the trendy Biscoff cheesecake, made with Lotus Biscoff cookies, rich cream cheese, and topped with sweet Biscoff spread from Belgium. The food and beverages here are halal.
FIND IT:
5G, Jalan Mamanda 7/1, Ampang Point, 68000 Ampang, Selangor
Opening hours: 10am to 8pm
M’Laboori
Vegetarian specialist M’Laboori opened its doors to the public in September, offering meat-free delights like juicy soy patty sliders, vegetarian drumstick, acar, and tempeh. Its beverage selection includes freshly-brewed, flavored lattes like masala chai, matcha, and chocolate.
M’Laboori is an expansion of Murni Discover, a contemporary chain of mamak shops across Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, so perhaps we can expect more interesting vegetarian mamak delights from its menu in the future.
FIND IT:
55A, Jalan, Jalan SS 2/75, SS2, 47300 Petaling Jaya
Opening hours: 10am to 10pm (Closed on Mondays)
Happy Lemon
Famous for its Rock Salted Cheese Tea beverages, Happy Lemon opened a branch at the Lot 10 Shopping Mall early this month. It serves more than just salted cheese drinks, of course. Visitors can also bite into its menu of bouncy egg bubble waffles, and sip on a selection of boba and lemon teas.
FIND IT:
Bintang Terrace, Lot 10 Shopping Centre, 50, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur.
Opening hours: 10am to 10pm
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