Coffee lovers are always on the lookout for best cafes in Kuala Lumpur. Whether you're on the hunt for halal kid-friendly cafes for quality time with the kids or halal cafes that'll be perfect for brunch dates with the girls, there's never a shortage of good hangout spots in Malaysia's capital city.
Credit: Giphy
Since 2020 is here (psst, have you made your travel resolutions yet?), you know it'll be a brand new year of Insta-worthy cafes, tasty pastries and creamy mocha lattes. If you're in the mood for coffee or looking for a good place to hang out, this is the 2020 guide to Muslim-friendly cafes in Kuala Lumpur you've been waiting for!
1. Marc et Farid
Seize your chance to plan a meet-up at Marc et Farid because you won't find another halal French patisserie quite like it. A hidden gem that's perfect to satisfy your cravings for French pastries, it was founded by Marc B and Farid Tawfik who met in Paris before the duo decided to set up this bakery at Persiaran Rimbayu.
After finding a cosy seat in the cafe, walk over to the glass display and pick your choice of dessert. Start with the cafe's best-sellers like the absolut chocolat and strawberry tart. Otherwise, you can opt for co-founder Farid's personal favourite, millefeuille praline - a crispy, caramelised three-layered puff pastry filled with praline cream in between.
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Opening hours: Tue-Fri; 12PM-9PM, Sat; 12PM-9.30PM, Sun; 4PM-9.30PM (Closed on Mon)
Address: Persiaran Rimbayu, 42500 Telok Panglima Garang, Selangor
Contact: +6012 702 8048
2. Jeda Cafe And Diner
You know it's a cosy hangout place when you've discovered a neighbourhood cafe like Jeda Cafe And Diner. A coffee house through and through, there's no better way to give your body a jolt of caffeine than a cup of their single-origin coffee. Order Jeda brew where you can enjoy strong flavours of freshly roasted coffee beans along with a hint of Gula Melaka.
You might be wondering about the diner side of Jeda. Well, this cafe is also known for its Southern-style hot chicken. If your love for fried chicken knows no bound, you should get the Hot Chicken Bun that's sandwiched with cheese and coleslaw, and served with a side of fries. You can also opt for What's The Mattah? - a fried chicken fillet cooked with Balinese sambal 'matah' and comes with steamed rice.
Halal status: All meats and ingredients are sourced from halal-certified suppliers. No alcohol or gelatine are used during food preparation.
Opening hours: Mon-Tue & Thu-Sat; 12PM-9.30PM, Sun; 12PM-5PM (Closed on Wed)
Address: 24A, Jalan Datuk Sulaiman, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 7732 1608
3. Pastribella Bakeshop
If the name, Pastribella Bakeshop rings a bell, that's because we've written about this halal bakery that was co-founded by Dr Ezani Monoto, the season one winner of Masterchef Malaysia. Together with her friend, Nurul Shai, they've established a lovely hangout place that's fronted by a wonderful cake display. Fruits frangipane tart and chocolate salted caramel cake are both tempting options, and we hope you have enough appetite to enjoy these popular slices.
You can find other dining options at Pastribella Bakeshop too. With hearty meals abound, crowd your table with smoked duck carbonara, almond coriander pesto spaghetti with grilled chicken breast as well as duck red curry. With many dishes to enjoy, you may need to gather your group of friends for this one.
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Opening hours: Tue-Sun; 12PM-9PM (Closed on Mon)
Address: D3-04-03, Level 4, Tamarind Square, Cyberjaya, 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor
Contact: +6011 5621 9400
Website | Facebook | Instagram
4. Suka Sucre Bistro
Suka Sucre Bistro has been around for quite some time now, and the Asian fusion cuisine continues to draw people in. Founded by Dato' Chef Fazley Yaacob, the menu is a cross between the chef's Negeri Sembilan heritage and the wonders of Western cuisine. Hearty meals such as pasta soto padang bergedel, boeuf bourguignon with sambal minang, and French butter rice with balado wings will certainly pique your interest!
If you love a good slice of red velvet cake, they have it here too. Don't feel settled just yet because there are other things on the dessert menu. Orange keria and Nyonya Paris are great but come on weekends to try French beignet, churros waffle and a deep-fried chocolate bar.
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Opening hours: Tue-Thu; 12PM-7PM, Fri-Sun; 12PM-10PM (Closed on Mon)
Address: Jalan 2/90, Taman Pertama, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6011 6055 5780
5. Torte by Linda
Looking for Russian-inspired cakes and pastries? Come to Torte by Linda, a Muslim-owned cafe that's a must-visit for every dessert lover. You may need to drive outside of Kuala Lumpur for this one, but it'll be worth it because their signature Tort Classic Medovik cake is yummy. Featuring eight layers of soft, caramelized honey sponges sandwiched between Dulce de leche (boiled condensed milk cream), this cake is an ultimate dream.
Surely you're not here for just a slice. If chocolate is your kryptonite, their bestselling Tort Prestizh may be your next favourite cake. A multi-layered chocolate honey cake with crunchy almond, hazelnut praline and chocolate ganache drizzled with salted caramel, it's absolutely delightful. Add savoury notes to your meal by trying out Pelmeni, a Russian-style dumpling that's the national dish of Russia.
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Opening hours: Tue-Sun; 11AM-7.30PM (Closed on Mon)
Address: Level 1, 8 Kinrara, Jalan BK 5a/1, Bandar Kinrara, 47180 Puchong, Selangor
Contact: +6012 388 5196
6. Dujour KL
For a cafe with a little bit of everything, Dujour KL may just be the one you're looking for. You might think of it as a French cafe, but they're all about celebrating local flavours in everything they prepare. Since it closes at dinnertime, drop by for lunch and be greeted by local selections such as traditional nasi lemak, curry kapitan, chicken curry laksa and more. Ah, and there's the Japanese-style nasi goreng and beef rendang carbonara if you're open to trying a fusion twist.
While their desserts vary from time to time, you can treat yourself to chocolate brownies, lemon bars, British bread pudding, and more. And what better way to complement your sinful desserts than with a cup of flat white. That's a weekend treat right there!
Halal status: All meats and ingredients are sourced from halal-certified suppliers. No alcohol or gelatine are used during food preparation, and all of their chefs are Muslim.
Opening hours: Open daily; 10AM-7PM
Address: B-G-01 and B-M-01, The Hub SS2, Seksyen 19, Jalan Harapan, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Contact: +603 7931 3717
7. Dough and Dolce
If cafe hopping is part of your weekend plan, Dough and Dolce would make a good first stop. An independent bakery cafe in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, they've been known to serve deliciously baked bread, decadent desserts and hearty meals that'll keep the brunch crowd happy. Try their comfort food like Chipotle sourdough grilled cheese sandwich, smoked duck aglio olio and sourdough pizza.
Anyone with desserts on their mind will find their selections delectable too. Sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce, dark chocolate marble cheesecake, and custard tart with almond shortcrust are just some of the desserts that are ready to win over your tastebuds.
Halal status: All meats and ingredients are sourced from halal-certified suppliers.
Opening hours: Wed-Mon; 8AM-6PM (Closed on Tue). The kitchen closes at 4PM
Address: Lorong Datuk Sulaiman 1, Kuala Lumpur
8. If Only
Stylishly decorated with hanging rattan light fixtures, hardwood tables and bare brick walls, If Only is the kind of place that your friends would rave about after a good brunch date. It certainly is, especially when wholesome food and speciality coffee come together so well on the menu.
Their brunch food is as aesthetically-pleasing as their cafe decor. Decorate your table with colourful smoothie bowls, vermicelli served with grilled salmon, roast spring chicken, and lamb burger to keep your tummy full and Instagram feed pretty.
Halal status: All meats and ingredients are sourced from halal-certified suppliers
Opening hours: Open daily; 8AM-5PM
Address: 1 Jalan U-Thant, Taman U-Thant, 55000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 2181 2882
9. Big Tree Bakery
Kuala Lumpur's neverending love for desserts continues at Big Tree Bakery. Specialising in desserts and pastries, this homegrown bakery aims to please with its delightful cupcake flavours like Ferrero Rocher, pandan gula Melaka, Nutella red velvet, teh tarik, Reese's peanut butter and more.
Come on Fridays or Saturdays to treat yourself with Japanese cream puffs that are piped with rose or mango milk cream! You'll also find basque burnt cheesecake, cornflakes madu fudgy brownie and Nutella brownie that are perfect for takeaways.
Halal status: All ingredients are sourced from halal-certified suppliers. No alcohol is used during food preparation.
Opening hours: Tue-Sun; 12.30PM-7.30PM (Closed on Mon)
Address: 32G, Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad 2, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6019 977 8233
Website | Facebook | Instagram
10. Johny Bikin Kopi
A humble coffee space in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Johny Bikin Kopi also doubles as a venue for talks and film screenings. Since this secret coffee hangout is pretty minimal, you're likely to spend more time appreciating every sip of your iced coffee and reading a magazine to pass your time.
The cafe also serves light bites ranging from a bagel with cream cheese to toasts with soft boiled eggs. Every now and then, they'll serve nasi lemak as their daily specials. Be sure to leave some room for desserts because they have a few cakes on display such as basque burnt cheesecake and chocolate cake.
Halal status: All meats and ingredients are sourced from halal-certified suppliers. No alcohol or gelatine are used during food preparation.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri; 9AM-6PM (Closed on Sat and Sun)
Address: 17A, Level 1, Lorong Datuk Sulaiman 7, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 7731 3184
Credit: Giphy
What an exciting cafe-hopping adventure you'll have this year! With many halal cafes in Kuala Lumpur to discover, it'll definitely be an enjoyable experience for coffee lovers and dessert fans. Whether you're savouring French pastries or spending your afternoon with a creamy latte, this 2020 guide to Muslim-friendly cafes in Kuala Lumpur will set you off on a cafe journey unlike any other.