The term jao tim in the Cantonese dialect translates to a hotel or motel in English. And a hotel usually offers temporary lodgings for passersby, visitors, and tourists.
Here’s the fun bit though: this Jao Tim we’re talking about is not a hotel, but a café, event space, and art gallery combined.
It earned its name because before the space was repurposed into what it is today.
The whole place is built and refurnished on the concept that the building originated from the 1910s, a pre-war era. There is a high ceiling, exposed brick walls, wooden flooring and panels, and brass fixtures—all of which serve as nostalgic reminders of what used to be and what is lost in this modern day and age.
It almost reminds you of those scenes you see in pre-war or war movies, where soldiers get to have a moment of peace and spend it dancing in a local joint.
Jao Tim is separated into two floors. When you enter, you’ll see a spiral staircase that leads up to the art gallery, where they adapt the ‘less is more’ concept. In other words, minimalism is their primary concept. At times, if needed, they will also turn it into an event space.
The ground floor, on the other hand, is the café, furnished with rustic and old-school furniture. Even the machines are very vintage. To keep up with the old-school ambiance, they use vinyl records for music. Cool, right?
Jao Tim currently holds a small menu, consisting mostly of coffees, teas, and craft beers for you to sate your thirst. In terms of food, they are mostly pastries, such as croissants, sandwiches, and toasts.
Hidden in the midst of a row of nondescript shops, Jao Tim is one of the coolest hangout finds so far. With good food and a nice ambiance, what else can you ask for?
Jao Tim
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday: 11am-7pm, Friday-Sunday: 11am-9pm.
Address: 61, Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Website: Jao Tim
Tel: 017-782 3202
Featured Image Credit: Jao Tim Facebook
