[Updated 3 March 2022]
International Women's Day happens annually on 8 March and is meant to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world! In honour of the occasion, we wanted to celebrate some amazing female entrepreneurs here in Malaysia whose business involves something we absolutely love - baked goods and pastries. We've rounded some amazing bakeries and cafes in KL and Selangor founded by awesome Muslimahs who not only serve up mouth-watering bakes but demonstrate determination, business-savvy and entrepreneurship while doing so.
So if you're looking for a cafe to visit this weekend (or anytime really!), definitely check these spots out, and give some love and support to these awesome eateries and the ladies behind them.
Halal Bakery Cafes Founded By Inspiring Muslimahs
1. Pastribella Bakeshop
Starting off our list is a bakery-cafe co-founded by Dr Ezani Monoto and Nurul Shai who have been dreaming about since they were friends in school. After many bake sales later, including Dr Ezani's memorable win in Masterchef Malaysia season one, they opened their first bakeshop in Tamarind Square, Cyberjaya.
Pick your desserts of choice from the beautiful display of dome-covered cakes and tarts at the front of the shop and settle down for a delicious dessert feast with your friends! Don't forget to check the hot dessert items you can order, such as Double Baked Chocolate Cake and Raspberry Cheesecake. But if you're looking for a full meal, not to worry as the cafe serves hot food too with mains such as pasta, hearty rice dishes and more. Read more about Pastribella Bakeshop in our write-up here.
Halal status: Muslim-owned
2. Tim's Teapot Terrace
Looking for an English-style teatime treat? Tim's Teapot Terrace, located in Taman Melawati, will definitely be up your alley! Founded by Datin Fatimah Mohamad Kunju (often called Tim by friends, hence the name of the cafe!), you'll find a colourful cake display, relaxing ambience and brunch-worthy menu at this cosy cafe.
Indulge in scones and other desserts to have alongside tea or choose from their menu of hot food with mains like pasta, burgers and sandwiches plus quintessential British dishes like Shepherd's Pie. The cafe also has afternoon tea specials! Made for two people to share, you'll get an adorable two-tiered serving tray filled with all kinds of goodies including scones, sandwiches and other sweet and savoury treats. Read more about Pastribella Bakeshop in our write-up here.
Halal status: Muslim-owned
3. Souka Bakeshop
Souka Bakeshop has been a staple on the cafe scene in TTDI since 2012, when they started selling sweet treats in the small space attached to Mukha Cafe. Founded by Farah Hasran and her husband Afiq Zarim, the pair have been plying the neighbourhood with cakes, tarts, pavlovas and more. In 2015, they expanded the business and opened up a full-scale cafe in Subang Jaya's SS15!
At their SS15 cafe, the pair expanded their offerings to include a hot food menu that has everything from Cantonese Yee Mee to pulled beef bbq sandwiches and fish & chips. In any case, drop by either one of their cosy outlets for a catch-up with a friend or just to take a look at their ever-changing rotation of bakes - have their much lauded Red Velvet Cake, or try some new offerings!
Halal status: Muslim-owned
4. The Hyacinth Cafe
Owned by beloved lawyer-turned-baker Yani Othman (@thekitchenguardian), The Hyacinth Cafe was originally a small home business before it grew leaps and bounds into a brick-and-mortar cafe in Desa Melawati. It also has its own studio for baking classes.
Look around the cafe, and you'll see spot a number of dessert offerings that are rotated on a regular basis. If you're eyeing on the Victoria sandwich, pandan gula Melaka cake or lemon loaf, remember to save some room for other savoury delights such as croissant sandwiches and quiches. Their doughnuts are a popular offering too! Read more about The Hyacinth Cafe and its yummy offerings here!
Halal status: Muslim-owned
5. Torte by Linda
Looking for a new unique dessert to try? Then you've got to check out Torte By Linda!
Founded by Linda Rozlee, the self-taught baker’s baking business started all the way back in 2011 before she opened the brand’s physical store. Specializing primarily on Russian cakes, Linda sold her unique desserts through other bakeries which became a huge hit. Fast forward 8 years, the doors of Torte by Linda officially opened where the streak of success continued itself.
Try exotic-sounding offerings like their signature Tort Classic Medovik cake made up of soft, caramelized honey sponges sandwiched between Dulce de leche (boiled condensed milk cream). There different variations of the Medovik cake in different flavours, including chocolate, caramel, orange and more. Don't forget to also try the Burnt Cheesecake! We wrote a full article on the cafe and the other delectable offerings there - read more about it here if you need any further convincing to drop by!
Halal status: Muslim-owned
6. Apronfools
Starting off as a home baker, Suraya Tarmizi has been steadily honing her craft, serving up delicious cakes, brownies, tarts and more. Four years later, all that hard work (and success!) resulted in her opening her bakery-cafe Apronfools is a new cafe in Subang Jaya early last year! With a selection of baked goods that rotates weekly, you can look forward to favourites such as Salted Caramel Fudge Brownies and Creme Brulee Custard Donuts, and also more unique bakes such as the Dodo Box!
They also serve a selection of savoury foods like pasta, cheeseburgers and spiced meatballs, so you'll be able to have a delicious meal with mains AND dessert. Apronfools sells some of their bakes online so you can even pick up a jar or two from the comfort of your home. You can also check out their @hooraybyapronfools arm for desserts for any events you may have!
Halal status: Muslim-owned
7. Cake Jalan Tiung
You probably already know this popular patisserie based in Shah Alam. Behind the dazzling array of Cake Jalan Tiung's cakes is Nurul Shafinaz Abdul Rahman, a former banker turned full-time baker who, along with her husband Hidzad founded the charming cafe located in Seksyen 9 of Shah Alam.
The folks at Cake Jalan Tiung are also known to offer cakes with funny and unique names- like Cheese Bedebah!, Samseng Kg. Pandang and Handsome Boyfriend! Read more about their offerings here.
While they've closed down their second outlet at Menara Naza in TTDI, there's definitely some good news (especially for Shah Alam residents) - they recently opened a newer, bigger outlet in Seksyen 4 of Shah Alam! Go check out the beautiful new space that they've poured a lot of love and care into - it definitely shows!
Halal status: Muslim-owned
8. Gula Cakery
Gula cakery started off as a home-based bakery, with owner Arieni and her mother making all the cakes and delivering it to customers. Its popularity soon grew, and by September 2015 Arieni was able to open up brick-and-mortar Gula Cakery in Kota Kemuning, where not only can customers come in to enjoy the many delicious cakes on offer, but also go for classes conducted in the shop!
If you enjoy choosing from a variety of desserts, Gula Cakery often has about 30 types of sweet offerings decked out on the counter. Come for lunch and dinner to enjoy something hearty such as creamy carbonara pasta, grilled chicken chop, and Mum's tomato rice.
Gula's success is certainly evident - since opening its original outlet in Kota Kemuning, Arieni has since expanded the business with outlets in Setia Alam, IOI City Mall, and another one which has just opened in Tropicana Gardens Mall!
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Address: See the details of all the outlets on their Instagram
Opening hours: Please refer to the respective outlets
And there you have it! 8 awesome cafes founded by some incredible women that you need to check out ASAP. Now you know where to go for your next teatime or cafe hangout!