[This is a sponsored article with Tourism Malaysia.]
Cafés make a great place for people-watching, as well as catching up with loved ones over great coffee and some bites.
Many of us like flexing on the ‘Gram too, that we’ve just visited this and that café, and are often on the lookout for the next exciting one to try.
Well, we hear you.
In light of Tourism Malaysia’s new campaign, “Now is the time, cuti-cuti Malaysia”, we’ve curated a non-exhaustive list of interesting, aesthetic, and Muslim-friendly cafés around the country that you can add to your hit list.
Johor
1. O’se Kitchen (Halal certified)
If you’re craving a sense of serenity and halal Japanese food, O’se Kitchen will welcome you with Zen vibes through a Japanese-style interior with wooden floors and murals in the dining area.
The café also has a corner where you can try on kimonos, along with various props you can use in your photos.
Food-wise, you can savour O’se Kitchen’s mouth-watering dishes like hand-rolled sushi, udon, curry rice, nabe (Japanese hot pot), and more.
Address: 7, Jalan Aliff 4, Taman Damansara Aliff, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor
Operating hours: 12.30PM-3PM; 5.30PM-10PM, open daily
Website: www.facebook.com/people/Ose-kitchen/100083133387907/
2. Chaiwalla & Co. Container Café (Muslim owned)
Chaiwalla & Co. Container Café has grown from nothing more than a beverage kiosk to a proper sit-down spot, all encapsulated within the café built inside a large shipping container.
The café boasts a rustic industrial concept, with lots of greenery added to tie in a sense of nature.
Inside, you can enjoy drinks like milkshakes and coffee, along with snacks including meat pies and brownies.
Address: 36, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor
Operating hours:
- 10AM-6PM on Mondays to Wednesdays
- 10AM-12AM on Thursdays to Sundays
Website: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwallaco/
3. TIP, The Ice Cream Project (Muslim-friendly)
You can easily spot TIP, The Ice Cream Project by the café’s photogenic swing at the door, next to a blue picnic table.
Inside, neon lights illuminate the concrete walls of the store and play with the rolling clouds of nitrogen from the ice cream machines.
You can try their creative vegan ice creams, such as pink salt, peanut butter cookie dough, and butterscotch, all made using liquid nitrogen.
Address: TIP, The Ice Cream Project, 31 Jalan Dhoby, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor
Operating hours: 12PM-9PM, open daily
Website: https://theicecreamproject.store
Melaka
4. The Old Mark Café (Muslim-friendly)
The Old Mark Café is where you can find fluffy, cloud-like souffle pancakes. You’ll have plenty of flavours to choose from, like the Fluffy Fluffy Tiramisu Souffle Pancake, The Strawberry, The Yellow Peach Souffle Pancake, and more.
The clean white and grey of the café are contrasted with the green potted plants around the dining area, and at the outdoor waiting area.
You could also snap aesthetic photos of your puffy souffle with the nostalgic props placed as decor in the café, like a bicycle hanging on the wall, and a typewriter on the coffee table.
Address: 26, Jalan Kampung Hulu, 75200 Melaka
Operating hours: 5PM-11PM, closed on Wednesdays
Website: https://www.instagram.com/theoldmark.cafe/
5. Bunian the Haunted Café (Muslim-friendly)
Certainly not for the faint-hearted, Bunian the Haunted House Café will serve you hearty Western food, with a side of horror.
Here, you’ll be entering the café’s dark and spine-chilling ambience. The space contains red LEDs that glow against black walls, cobwebs hung on the walls and ceiling, as well as skulls and barren trees scattered around the dining area.
You’ll be served by waiters dressed up as the Pontianak or nenek bunian. When they’re not scaring you though, they’ll be happy to pose for photos with your group.
Address: 26, Jalan Kampung Hulu, 75200 Melaka
Operating hours: 5PM-11PM, closed on Wednesdays
Website: https://www.instagram.com/bunian_the_haunted_cafe/
Perak
6. Kin Loong Valley by Chang Jiang White Coffee (Parent company is halal certified)
Hidden inside Ipoh’s limestone cave is Kin Loong Valley by Chang Jiang White Coffee. It’s an old-school kopitiam outlet serving up your classic kopi and Malaysian comfort food, like kaya butter toast and half-boiled eggs.
This café is under the Chang Jiang White Coffee brand, which is said to be one of the first companies that commercialised white coffee in the 70s.
As you dine at the café, don’t forget to take in the beauty and tranquillity of Tasik Cermin, which spans 1.9 acres.
Address: Eco Travel, 1, Sting Business Road, Sting Business Center, 31350 Ipoh, Perak
Operating hours: 9AM-6PM, open daily
Website: https://www.facebook.com/changjiangwhitecoffee/
7. Ipoh Platf9rm Coffee (Muslim-friendly)
Ever wished you could be a wizard and be trained at none other than Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry?
Ipoh Platf9rm Coffee is designed to transport you into that realm, with decorated photo spots to look like you’re hovering on a broom, or buying your house scarf at the shop.
Befitting the theme, the café serves up something they call “potions”, which are creative mocktails and signature coffee.
Address: 22, Lorong Panglima, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
Operating hours: 11.30AM-6.30PM, open daily
Website: https://www.instagram.com/platf9rmipoh/
Pahang
8. Lena By Kayuwoods (Muslim owned)
Lena by Kayuwoods, otherwise called Lena Plant Café, is known to locals for its lush decor with greenery and rustic elements.
You’ll be stepping into the warm, relaxing café filled with picturesque spots in every corner.
Their menu offers a variety of dishes with local flavours, like their signature kambing masak kicap, nasi goreng kerabu, and mantou with udang kari kering.
Address: 36, Tingkat Bawah, Jalan Besar, 25000 Kuantan, Pahang
Opening hours: 9AM-11AM, closed on Mondays
Website: https://www.instagram.com/lenaplantscafe/
9. Pinto Coffee+ (Muslim owned)
Pinto Coffee+ sits on a small hill, offering a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Surrounded by tall and lush trees, the café has an open concept, so you can enjoy the natural breeze while sipping your cuppa.
The space also uses rustic-looking wooden furniture for a few of the dining tables and chairs, adding to the natural, organic feel of the whole café.
For something to munch on, Pinto Coffee+ serves nasi goreng, noodles, buttermilk pancakes, grilled lamb shoulder, pasta, light snacks, and more.
Address: Lot 5615, Jalan Cheringin, Kampung Janda Baik, 28750 Bentong, Pahang
Operating hours:
- 10AM-6.30PM on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays
- 10AM-8PM on Saturdays
Website: https://www.instagram.com/pintocoffee/
Klang Valley
10. Gigi Coffee Home Barista (Halal certified)
Gigi Coffee Home Barista is the flagship store of Gigi Coffee. The café has an aesthetic Japanese-inspired interior design filled with natural lighting and a feature wall that gives off Santorini vibes.
In addition to pour-over stations for those who prefer their coffee brewed that way, you can try the café’s creative coffee mocktails that are only available at this outlet.
There are also buttery and perfectly flaky pastries you can snack on, including the Jackfruit Croissant, Chocolate Croissant, Croissant D’amande, Tuna Puff, Quiche, and more.
Address: 11, Jalan Kajibumi U1/70, Kawasan Perindustrian Temasya, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor
Operating hours: 8AM-8PM, open daily
Website: www.instagram.com/gigicoffeemy/
11. Shimokita Space (Muslim-friendly)
Here’s one spot you’d definitely want to bring along your vintage film camera for.
What comes off as a dark, abandoned building reminiscent of 80s J-pop, doubles as a café serving burgers and fries with non-alcoholic butter beer.
You’ll also find sections within Shimokita Space to shop for thrift clothes and jewellery.
Address: 94, Jalan SS15/4b, SS15, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours: 3PM-11PM, closed on Mondays
Website: www.instagram.com/shimokita.space/
12. Kueh Café (Muslim owned, and halal certified)
From sweet to savoury, or fried to steamed, Kueh Café is where you can satisfy your cravings for traditional Malay kuih.
With 40 types of freshly made kuih to fill your plate, you can photograph your colourful platter against the white brick wall backdrop of the dining area, or under the neon sign at the entrance.
Address: 6, Jalan Renang, 13/26 Seksyen 13, Tadisma Business Park, 40100 Shah Alam, Selangor
Operating hours: 9AM-8PM, open daily
Website: https://www.instagram.com/kuehcafe/
13. Owlsome by The Owls Café (Halal-certified suppliers)
The Owls Café has opened a new edition under their brand, called Owlsome. The café is aesthetically designed with terrazzo and wooden interiors.
Here, you can savour sandwiches, pastries, baked goods, and brews, while enjoying the calming view of blue and green outside the café’s floor-to-ceiling windows.
Address: E1.04 & E1.05, Calvary Convention Centre, Bukit Jalil, 57100 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 8AM-5PM, open daily
Website: https://www.facebook.com/owlsomecafe/
14. The MINs by LuckBros Kopi (Parent company is halal certified)
Taking the concept of pet cafés to a whole new level is The MINs by LuckBros Kopi at their Kota Damansara outlet.
This café has a mini petting zoo with over 180 animal species, including ponies, goats, turtles, foxes, birds, rabbits, snakes, and even spiders.
On their menu, you can find dishes like curry puffs, Apam Balik buns, or ayam goreng served with a side of croffle, while sipping on kopi, cham, teh tarikh, or milkshakes.
Address: 2A-H, PUS Teknologi Sunsuria, Jalan Teknologi Taman Sains Selangor 1, PJU 5, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours:
- 10AM-6 PM on weekdays
- 10AM-9PM on weekends
Website: https://www.instagram.com/luckbrosmy/
15. Fangs by Dekori (Muslim-friendly)
If you can’t get enough of cafés with their own petting zoo, head over to Bandar Sunway and drop by Fangs by Dekori. Specialising in exotic animals, come say hello to snakes, lizards, spiders, scorpions, and more.
The interior of the café is designed to look like you’re encapsulated by nature, with large plants scattered around the space, and even greenery on the walls.
While you make scaly friends, enjoy refreshing desserts like kakigori, waffles with ice cream, and tau fu fah with taro balls.
Address: 3A-A, Nadayu 28 Dagang, Jalan PJS 11/7, Bandar Sunway, 47620 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours: 10AM-10PM, open daily
Website: https://www.dekorimy.com/about
16. Ekues Cabin Café (Muslim owned)
Located in Putrajaya Equestrian Park is Ekues Cabin Café.
With an outdoor seating area surrounded by big, shady trees, it’s where you can have delectable dishes and drinks while watching horses gallop by.
Their menu features Malaysian fusion brunch-style favourites such as nasi lemak, strawberry shortcake French toast, pandan gula Melaka muffins, as well as a variety of coffee and matcha beverages.
Address: Ekues Cabin Café, Jalan Kandang Kuda Taman Ekuestrian, Wilayah Perseketuan Putrajaya, Presint 5, 62000 Putrajaya
Operating hours:
- 9AM-7PM on Saturdays to Thursdays
- 9AM-12.30PM; 2.30PM-7PM on Fridays
Website: https://www.instagram.com/ekuescabincafe/
Penang
17. Click & Brew (Muslim-friendly)
Click & Brew is where mechanical keyboards meet coffee, and acts as a playground for keyboard hobbyists.
Housed in an industrial interior with white brick walls, the café is scattered with motifs of keyboards, such as stools that look like keycaps.
More than serving you speciality coffee with creative latte art, you’ll also get to test out different mechanical keyboards with varying designs before buying.
Address: 4, Lebuh Acheh, 10300 Georgetown, Penang
Operating hours:
- 12.30PM-8PM on Wednesdays to Fridays
- 12.30PM-6PM on weekends
Website: https://www.clicknbrewcafe.com
18. P66 (Muslim-friendly)
Hidden inside an unassuming stationery store that specialises in journaling materials and writing supplies is a cosy little café called P66.
You’ll find an aesthetic dining area with MUJI-like interiors. Think sleek furnishings and white walls, with a minimalist concept that acts as a hideaway from the bustle of George Town outside.
The menu offers brunch favourites, such as a big breakfast, smoked salmon brioche, and of course, coffee.
Address: 66, Lebuh Campbell, 10100 George Town, Penang
Operating hours: 9AM-6PM, open daily
Website: https://www.instagram.com/p66.store/
Terengganu
19. Pastel Mono My (Muslim owned)
At this shophouse turned café, you’ll be greeted with Pastel Mono My’s homely environment, along with clean and simple interior design. If you choose to sit outside, you’ll be shaded by large plants, too.
Here, you can snack on a variety of beautifully decorated desserts like croissants, macarons, and cream puffs.
If you make it to the café before 12.30PM, you can also enjoy their brunch menu that serves up a big breakfast, and different kinds of sandwiches.
Address: 2913, Lorong Cempaka 10, Kampung Tok Adis, 20400 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu
Operating hours: 11AM-8.15PM, closed on Wednesdays
Website: www.instagram.com/pastelmonomy/
20. Beans Work Café (Muslim-friendly)
Otherwise called Beans Work Superhero Café, this spot takes after a superhero theme, as the name suggests.
Inside, you’ll find framed posters of superhero characters, along with decor like Spider-Man hanging on a wall, Captain America’s iconic shield on a shelf, and Funko Pops of Marvel characters.
The café has a wide variety of colourful, creative sodas that are made to be on the ‘Gram.
You can also enjoy local and Western dishes, such as their signature nasi kerabu, chicken ham and cheese croffle, as well as a dish named, “Gamora Salad”.
Address: 156, Jalan Kampung Cina, Kampung Banggul, 20100 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu
Operating hours: 7.30AM-8PM, open daily
Website: www.instagram.com/beanswork_superherocafe/
Langkawi
21. Sangkaya Signature Café (Muslim-friendly)
Home-grown coconut ice cream brand, Sangkaya, has proven again that it’s truly loco for coco. It has opened a beach-side café along the scenic Cenang Beach at Langkawi.
At Sangkaya Signature Café, you can take in the ocean view while enjoying Sangkaya’s cooling coconut ice creams, refreshing coconut milkshakes and lattes, along with crispy croffles.
Next to the café, head to the photogenic neon gallery called Happy Museum. Best visited at night, the space includes five luminous zones with neon-lit backgrounds, sculptures, and an open rooftop space that’s beautiful for photoshoots.
Address: In front of Cenang Mall, Jalan Pantai Chenang, Kampung Lubok Buaya, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah
Operating hours: 3PM-12AM, open daily
Website: https://sangkaya.com.my
Sarawak
22. Healer’s Café (Muslim-friendly)
For those who enjoy the idea of camping (but maybe not so much the real thing), Healer’s Café in Kuching takes the concept indoors.
Designed after a camping theme, you’ll get to snack on sweet treats and finger foods in a tent, or on lounge chairs, all while staying cosy within the shop, even if it storms.
Address: 30, Jalan Tabuan, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak
Operating hours: 12PM-10PM, closed on Mondays
Website: https://www.facebook.com/UniqueConfection2000/
Sabah
23. 1Heart Maze Café (Muslim-friendly)
If you find yourself looking for aesthetic photo spots in Kota Kinabalu, 1Heart Maze Cafe has a big heart-shaped maze to explore.
The bubblegum pink walls charmingly contrast the blue sky. As you wander through the maze, you’ll uncover different photo spots located at every turn.
Inside the café is an industrial-style interior. It’s where you can enjoy Asian and Western favourites, including dishes such as chicken curry rice, fried chicken burger, and grilled chicken.
Address: Jalan Kionsom, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Operating hours: 8.30AM-8.30PM, open daily
Website: www.instagram.com/1Hearthmazecafe/
Featured Image Credit: Healer’s Café / Discover KL / TIP, The Ice Cream Project
