Klang Valley has its fair share of cafés and bistros. This would easily lead us to be spoilt for choice. For those who prefer something a little different and wish to just want to take a break from the stresses of everyday life, we’ve got you covered. You don’t have to book a tropical vacation just yet (although you might want to, after reading this).
Secret garden cafés are the escape you need from the humdrum routine of life. Interestingly, they are not a new thing in KL. In fact, plenty of eateries incorporate some sort of greenery to lend a calming appeal to their space. What’s unique though is the cafés that go the extra mile in building their entire store around the concept of the secret garden itself.
Here are 12 eateries around Klang Valley that will make you feel like you’re smack dab in the middle of a hidden garden.
1. CaféRacer 15
Bask in natural sunlight as you do some soul searching at CaféRacer 15. Though the sunlight streams in during the day, the trees provide much-needed shade.
It’s interesting too how this eatery has a modern day kopitiam look from the outside but once you walk in, you’re immediately transported to a land of greenery. While you’re here, opt for some hearty Western cuisine such as all-day breakfasts and burgers.
Hours: Friday-Wednesday: 10.30am-6.30pm. (Closed on Thursdays).
Address: 15, Jalan Tembaga SD5/2G Bandar Sri Damansara, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 016-256 6089
2. Chocha.foodstore
It’s rather apt how Chocha.foodstore is located in Chinatown. This café carefully preserves the natural rustic feel of yesteryear, what with unique touches such as the classic tile flooring and intricate window grills. One thing this place is not short of is the feeling of nostalgia. Imagine going home to your grandparents’. That’s what this place feels like.
Meals are equally as comforting and they’re pretty much the food equivalent of a hug. Dig into some aromatic pasta or get your hands dirty and chow down on a platter of crispy fried chicken.
Hours: Wednesday-Monday: 11am-10pm. (Closed on Tuesdays).
Address: 156, Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur
Website: Chocha.foodstore
Tel: 03-2022 1100
3. Leaf & Co. Café
This fairly new café has only been around for several months but already it has sparked good conversation. Let’s start with the interior itself. One might mistaken their walls for jenga blocks placed precariously, one after another. That element alone adds a nice touch to Leaf & Co, but that’s only the beginning.
The owners have successfully preserved the secret garden element in incorporating potted plants in their decor. Where the layout of Leaf & Co leans towards embodying the classics, the food has a modern twist to it. Take your time and sample some mozzarella beef meatballs, cotton candy milkshake or even the imaginative handcrafted mojito.
Hours: 11.30am-9.30pm, daily.
Address: 53, Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur
Website: Leaf & co. Café
Tel: 012-358 7051
4. Passion Road Secret Garden
Passion Road may only be open for 2 hours a day, 5 times a week but that does not mean that it is not packed each and every time the doors swing open. Everywhere you turn, greenery greets you at Passion Road. That is the exact unique element that this eatery has incorporated.
They are known as a wedding and party venue and as such, reservations are required beforehand. They also provide Asian set lunch meals at pocket-friendly prices between RM11-RM17.
Hours: Monday-Friday: 12pm-2pm. (Closed on weekends).
Address: 16 Lorong Kwan Seng, Kuala Lumpur
Website: Passion Road Secret Garden
Tel: 03-2166 7111
5. Botanica+Co
Botanica+Co’s spacious interior is decorated with trees and plants in every corner. Upon stepping into this place, you would find that natural sunlight makes the space appear bright and inviting. In fact, Botanica+Co has also recently incorporated hand-woven rattan pendant lamps which adorns their ceiling beautifully.
It adds a nice, romantic touch to the café and makes it the ideal weekend brunch spot. When it comes to food, aesthetically it does not disappoint either. Bright colours are matched with bold flavours and you can find it in dishes like the Red Snapper Papilotte and Botanica’s very own Spicy Shashouka.
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 11.30am-10pm, Friday: 11.30am-12am, Saturday: 9.30am-12am, Sunday: 9.30am-10pm.
Address: Verticals Podium, Bangsar South City, Kuala Lumpur
Website: Botanica+Co
Tel: 016-965 6422
6. Aether Café
Aether might be a little known café due to the fact that it is well hidden within the Pusat Kreatif Kanak-Kanak Tuanku Bainun. It is well worth the visit though and that can be attributed to the fact that it feels just like a mini garden. Escape from the hustle and bustle of your busy life and bask poolside with some healthy meals.
That’s right. Aether places high emphasis on meals that are good for you and that can be seen through their colourful menu. Rainbow bowls, a nutritious array of sandwiches and healthy smoothies are what you would find here at Aether.
Hours: Wednesday-Monday: 9am-7pm. (Closed on Tuesdays).
Address: G1, Office Block, Pusat Kreatif Kanak-Kanak Tuanku Bainun 48, Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad, TTDI
Website: Aether Café
Tel: 03-2856 0416
7. Tiny Garden
A café and a home-stay make a Tiny Garden. Tiny Garden has been making quite a name for itself recently on social media, and they are definitely riding on the wave of popularity now. Instead of a secret garden, this is more like a secret café cum home-stay hidden in a private garden.
It is a non-descriptive two-storey house, but inside, you’ll find yourself drinking latte and eating croissant with the occasional butterflies and bees, and getting your oxygen rate replenished more efficiently with the plants around. If you’re there to stay, they have different styles of rooms available for rent, such as the beach-themed double bedroom and the Japanese tatami single bedroom.
Hours: Saturday: 8am-12pm, 6pm-10pm, Sunday: 8am-12pm.
Address: No. 25 Jalan Wangsa Murni 7, Wangsa Melawati, 53300 Kuala Lumpur.
Website: Tiny Garden
Tel: 012-392 9282
8. Three Little Birds Coffee
Triangular chairs, communal tables, L-shaped surfaces – the decorative concept of Three Little Birds Coffee is to encourage communication between strangers and foster new friendships. Outdoors, you’ll be able to listen to the flush of pebbled waters and take in the aviary in sunken seats.
Not only have they put in a lot of effort for their decoration, they are also very attentive to their menu, determined to create great coffee and delicious food to go along with the impressive décor.
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 8am-11pm, Friday-Saturday: 8am-12am, Sunday: 9am-10am.
Address: D7 (Lot G-18), Jalan Sentul, Sentul East, Kuala Lumpur
Website: Three Little Birds Coffee
Tel: 012 508 0510
9. Cappuccino Garden Café
Cappuccino Garden Café is a mystery. It is not exactly hidden, given that there’s a big signboard at the front, but people often find it difficult to locate this place. It is just like any other café with the drinks and the light snacks, but there is also a corner inside dedicated to gardening. Not only so, customers can also purchase the plants and flowers that they like from the Garden Poetry Flower shop.
Hours: Wednesday-Tuesday: 9am-9pm.
Address: No. 60, Jalan Lazat 2, Wilayah Persekutuan, 58200 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-7983 2118
10. Merchant’s Lane
Petaling Street has some of the most creative and eccentric cafés in Klang Valley, and Merchant’s Lane is one of them. Given that a lot of buildings in Petaling Street used to be brothels, it comes to no surprise that Merchant’s Lane was one as well.
The entire place itself is a garden, with plants and flowers everywhere, surrounded by chairs and tables for the patrons. Plus, the owners have decided to retain the rustic and rundown look of the former brothel, going about decorating and furnishing it without ruining the overall aesthetic.
Hours: Thursday-Tuesday: 11.30am-10pm.
Address: No, 150 Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Website: Merchant’s Lane
Tel: 03-2022 1736
11. FEEKA Coffee Roasters
FEEKA Coffee Roasters is rather inconspicuous, located among a row of converted town houses in Changkat. The whole concept of this place is for everyone who steps in to take a break and have some tea or coffee, whatever floats your boat. Their range of coffees are brewed from beans that are sourced from local roasters.
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 8am-11pm.
Address: 19, Jalan Mesui, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Website: FEEKA Coffee Roasters
Tel: 03-2110 4599
12. Green Tomato Café
This place might look shabby and unimpressive, but they are the recipient of the 2017 Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor. This may be because they don’t try too hard to impress. A simple interior, a chilly outdoor garden, and lovely food and drinks. They serve all-day breakfast, lunch, and dinner sets. Western? Asian? You’ve got it.
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 8am-5pm.
Address: Yayasan Seni, 333, Persiaran Ritchie off Jalan Ritchie, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Website: Green Tomato Café
Tel: 012-257 9775
Feature Image Credit: Botanica + Co, Tree15, Leaf & Co. Cafe
