Instagram the hunger away
If you’re a food junkie who just loves searching and trying out new places, you’ll never get bored of the many cafes popping up, whether in Singapore or across the border. However, the tech-savvy generation is one that’s hard to please – it’s not enough to have brunch that tastes good these days, they have to look good too!
When the hustle and bustle of the city is too much for you, escape to these 10 incredible cafes around Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya that will also level up your Instagram game in no time!
1. For the ones looking for good lighting – Huckleberry Café
Located in Bukit Damansara, Huckleberry Cafe boasts a stylish interior and exterior that manages to inevitably draws in your attention and before you know it, you’re already seated in there looking through its extensive artisanal menu!
Scribbled on its chalkboard is a quote that aims to bring out the cafe’s motto: ‘There ain’t nothing in the world so good when it’s cooked right!’ – and with that, you’re guaranteed to feel nothing short of content especially with beautifully crafted pastries, sandwiches and cakes on your table!
Must-tries: Old-Fashioned Burger (thick beef patty sandwiched between two binoche buns and topped with a secret recipe sauce) and the Beef & Mushroom Pie (pictured, only available on weekends.)
Address: 2G & 4G, Plaza, Jalan Medan Setia 2, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Damansara Heights, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Operating hours: 7:30am – Midnight
Contact: +60 3 2098 7933
2. For the salad-loving minimalist – Chai Bar
Serving delicious made-to-order salads with an Asian twist, The Chai Bar in Oasis Ara Damansara is the perfect place for those looking for a healthy meal but still wanting a side of roast beef.
Entrepreneurs of this café, Dennis and Edward aim to bring healthy eating to a whole new level, especially with the 70 different ingredients that customers can choose from.
Must-try: Chair Bar’s Grilled Aussie beef option for tender goodness!
Address: Jalan PJU 1A/7, Taipan 2 Damansara, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Operating hours: 11am – 9pm
Contact: +60 3-7832 0524
3. For the group #OOTDs – Tree 15
Tree15 is definitely the place to go to if you love the idea of effortless backgrounds complementing your OOTD shots. Nestled away in Bandar Sri Damansara, this café is must-visit, whether it’s its gorgeous interior or picture perfect food presentations.
Escape KL’s hectic city life and explore the secret hideaway while snapping hundreds of your fashion looks around the café. Additionally, Tree 15 offers two levels of spacious seating, perfect for the big groups!
Must-try: Farmer’s breakfast Skillet, because nothing screams breakfast better than sausages and perfectly poached eggs.
Address: 15, Jalan Tembaga Sd5/2g, Bandar Sri Damansara, Bandar Sri Damansara, 52200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Operating hours: 11am – 7pm, closed on Mondays
Contact: +60 3 6262 8299
4. For the rustic, bollywood vibes – Hoppers KL
Initially a lawyer’s office, Hoppers features a rustic interior concept that is mildly infused with retro Bollywood vibes, looking at the various posters around! Hoppers is also known for serving its Sri Lankan dishes atop a bowl-shaped lacy fermented rice and coconut milk pancakes!
With its unique concept and design, whether it’s the food or its interior, your feed will look about 10x better with Hoppers!
Must-try: Peppered Goat. Tender, light and full of flavour, Tree15’s bestseller serves as a unique must-try option!
Address: 76, Jalan Pudu, City Centre, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Operating hours: 11am – 9pm, closed on Mondays
Contact: +60 3-2022 0832
5. For the caffeine lovers – One Half
Located in Taman Paramount PJ, One Half café is owned by the winner of 2016 Malaysia Barista Championship and you guessed it, features a unique range of artisanal drinks just waiting to be savoured.
Decorated with a minimalistic design in mind, One Half’s interior fits the whole cafe concept perfectly and is ever ready to be featured in your Instagram feed, whether you need a great flatlay or a background for an #OOTD shot!
Must-try: One Half is also known for their fusion dishes, and the star of the show would have to be the Bao stuffed with smoked paprika grilled chicken, salsa verde and topped with pickled starfruit!
Address: 11, Jalan 20/13, Taman Paramount, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Operating hours: 8am – 10:30pm
6. For the history lovers – Leaf & Co Café
Located within a hostel and housed in a historical building, Leaf & Co Cafe sure is one cafe to look out for. Featuring a rustic, work-in-progress concept, this cafe, that has been around since the war, has welcomed not just cafe enthusiasts, but photographers as well!
Food and drinks are served in traditional cups and plates in this cafe, making it a place for both the young and old. Guests can expect fusion food served in gorgeous presentations and big portions.
Being tested against time, the building definitely creates that rustic appeal that will look great on your Instagram feed!
Must-try: Bigger than the size of your palm, Leaf & Co’s signature burgers are easily the bestsellers here. Choose between Beef patty or Braised Lamb Shoulder and you’re all ready for a gastronomical journey.
Address: 53, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Operating hours: 11am – 9:30pm
7. For aesthetically pleasing backdrops – VCR
Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, VCR cafe got its name because it was once a place used to rent movies, and of course, VCRs! Additionally, the cafe’s head chef was professionally trained in in France, so expect an extensive menu that is equipped with foreign tastes!
The interior of VCR features a whole ton of sunlight that gives you (or your picture) the perfect amount of aesthetic that you need. It also has long tables that are perfect for the big groups.
Must-try: VCR is known for their all-day breakfast sets and therefore, we highly recommend the French Toast. Aesthetically pleasing and equally filling, you’re guaranteed to come back for more!
Address: 2 Jalan Galloway 50150 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Operating hours: 8:30am – 11:30pm
Contact: +60 3-2110 2330
8. For a mix of industrial and traditional – Antipodean Cafe
Antipodean means “coming from Australia or New Zealand” and this cafe screams just that. Featuring a Kiwi-style interior, Antipodean serves all-day breakfasts and artisanal coffees that have been so widely received, you might have a trouble finding a seat here, especially in the mornings!
Also serving fusion food with a hint of local flavours, Antipodean will have you taking numerous pictures of the food and coffee before you even savour them!
Antipodean also features a high ceiling with tons of sunlight emitting its interior, making it a perfect place to chill at any given time of the day!
Must-try: Antipodean being packed during the mornings would have to be the result of their full-plate breakfast sets. Consisting of every main breakfast component, Antipodean’s breakfast sets are a perfect start to the day!
Address: 20, Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 8am – 10pm
Contact: +60 03-22820411
9. For chill vibes and afternoon tea – PULP by Papa Palheta
PULP is owned by a Singaporean expat who lives in KL and sits in what was once used as Straits Times’ paper cutting space! Boasting nothing but chill vibes and a spacious interior, PULP was already a popular cafe in KL before it was even opened for business. What with owners of other well-known cafes like VCR attending its opening launch!
Today, PULP still remains as one of the most popular cafes in KL and serves light bites and artisanal coffees, perfect for tea breaks or simply a laidback afternoon spent with friends.
Must-try: PULP’s Bagels! Choose from a whole ton of flavours that include the beef salami, arugula, cheese and mustard aioli combination!
Address: 29-01 Jalan Riong, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Operating hours: 7:30am – 10pm
Contact: +60 03-2201-3650
10. For Japanese-style backdrops – Whimsical
Offering a wide range of unique ice cream flavours housed in a colourful cafe, Whimsical really lives up to its name. With flavours like durian and gula Melaka, you’re bound to find an ice cream flavour to suit your taste buds. Also, we should mention that no matter the ice cream flavour, the fluffy buttermilk pancakes that they sit on are enough to leave your stomach content!
Apart from a wide range of desserts, Whimsical also serves all-day breakfasts and pasta dishes that will make you want to start your diet on another day! The cafe also boasts a unique interior that shows off a hint of Japanese influence, so snap away!
Must-try: The star of the show, Whimsical’s cotton candy drinks! Not to mention, its adorable presentation is enough for a great Insta picture!
Address: D2-G3-05, Solaris Dutamas, Kuala Lumpur, behind the main Publika building
Operating hours: 11am – 11pm
Contact: 3-6419 0966
