The best thing about Kuala Lumpur is that you can enjoy similar amenities and luxuries as you would in Singapore, but often at a more affordable price. For ‘grammers out there, this includes a slew of eye-catching cafes splayed across the city. With a cheaper bill, intensifying your cafe-hopping spree is a financially viable option. So if that sounds like something you’d like to do, check out these aesthetic Kuala Lumpur cafes for cheap and chio food in KL.
The current exchange rate is RM1 = ~S$0.30 as of 17 December 2024
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Image credit: @daniel_candra
Opening the door to Tanuki by Crustz reveals a Japanese garden paved with concrete slabs and pebbles. This zenness extends to the dining area where natural sunlight shines through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, brightening the Muji-esque interior.
Image credit: @whatshwenloves
Here, you’ll find exquisitely crafted French-inspired desserts like the Big Mac-aron (RM19) and 18++ (RM20). The former features a gigantic macaron topped with a regular-sized macaron. Break the hollow shells and you’ll find creamy scoops of banana and salted caramel ice-cream.
Address: 26 Jalan Selera 1, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: Wed-Sun 11am to 6:30pm
Tel: +60 11-5637 8702
Website
Tanuki by Crustz is not a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: @merchantslane
Merchant’s Lane used to be a brothel but it is now one of KL’s most popular brunch spots. Minimal renovations were done on the cafe, allowing it to retain a rustic charm; there’s even a full-sized tree growing on its wall!
Image credit: @merchantslane
You can expect Western-Asian fusion food here like the Hongkie Beef Stew (RM35++) that’s mixed with mash and gravy, and the Kai Fan (RM25++) – a hearty plate of fried chicken that’s served with garlic butter rice, salsa and a fried egg.
Address: 150 Jalan Petaling, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: Tue-Fri 11:30am to 9:30pm, Sat-Sun 9:30am to 9:30pm
Tel: +60 3-2022 1736
Website
Merchant’s Lane is not halal-certified but uses ingredients from halal-certified suppliers.
Image credit: @pokok.kl
With gorgeous lamps hanging off its glass ceiling, Pokok KL brings to mind a greenhouse. This brand-new cafe also offers a 360° view of the city – a bonus perk as you tuck into their selection of mains and cakes.
Image credit: @themodishfoodie
Some of their highly recommended offerings include the piquant Chili Padi Pesto Pasta (RM22++) and filling Avo Stack (RM28++). The cafe also carries Waka Waka Gelato, which has unique flavours like Haw Flakes and Salted Egg Yolk, to cap off your meal.
Address: MAHSA Avenue, Block B, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 10pm
Tel: +60 10-881 9680
Website
Pokok KL is a halal-certified cafe.
Image credit: @jasonxlu
The entrance to Thurs 2.0 might throw you off, as it is a vending machine. Step inside, however, and you’ll be greeted by a gunmetal industrial decor that’s an appetiser to the beautifully plated food awaiting you.
Image credit: @170degree
Hopping onto the boba hype train, they created the Signature Earl Grey Bubble Milk Tea Cake (from RM15) that’s since become the most popular item on the menu. The Earl Grey chiffon cake is drenched in sea salt cheese milk foam and topped with handmade pearls, giving it a sweet mellow taste.
Address: 11G, Jalan PJU 1A/41B, NZX Commercial Centre, Ara Damansara, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 9am to 7pm
Tel: +60 14-683 4943
Website
Thurs 2.0 is not a halal-cerfified eatery.
Image credit: @vcrlovesyou
VCR’s all-black exterior and dual tone interior makes for a fabulous #gameoftones. Nestled in a quiet neighbourhood in KL, this homely cafe boasts two storeys and serves amazing coffee and brunch items.
Image credit: @suvyyeo
Their Cold Brew Coffee (RM18++) is made in-house, and has a milder and less acidic taste than their regular Espresso (RM13++). Fuel up with their Soft Shell Crab Burger (RM30++) that has a huge and crispy crab paired with furikake sunny side up for extra crunch.
Address: 2 Jalan Galloway, 50150 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 8:30am to 8pm
Tel: +60 3-2110-2330
Website
VCR is not a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: @davinzi_code
Breakfast Thieves will steal your heart and tummies with their Melbourne-inspired ambience and delectable food. Every inch of the cafe is ‘grammable, from the glasshouse interior to the suspended stairs leading to it.
Image credit: @breakfastthieveskl
Unlike the other cafes on this list, Breakfast Thieves has a respectable selection of vegetarian and gluten-free food. This includes the highly raved Granny’s French Affair, which comprises a brioche French toast drowned in cinnamon apple crumble, maple-toasted almond flakes, strawberries, vanilla ice cream and more.
Address: 29-5 Jalan Riong, Lot M, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 9am to 5pm
Tel: +60 3-2788 3548
Website
Breakfast Thieves is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
Image credit: @jesschai_
True to its name, Transparent Coffee blends so well with the surrounding shrubbery that it looks invisible. Inside, you’ll feel like you’re in the Shire, courtesy of the earthy tones and low seating couches.
Image credit: @casperwong
The menu here is just a simple selection of sourdough toast and coffee. For a fuss-free snack, opt for the Sourdough Toast with Muscovado Sugar (RM12+) that boasts a sweet and sour profile, whetting your appetite. If you’re looking to jazz up your ‘gram, the Strawberry Tartine (RM18+) will strike your fancy with a colourful medley of strawberries, nuts and cream cheese.
Address: Sam Mansion Flat, Jalan Tuba, Kampung Attap, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: Thurs-Tue 8am to 5pm
Tel: +60 1-4333 4521
Website
Transparent Coffee is not a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: Vincent Tan
Atap by Pagi Coffee Co. offers a really unique ambience as it is hidden away in an edgy tattoo studio. As you sip on your coffee, you can marvel at all the surreal and irreverent designs that are displayed throughout the space, and you can even peek into the studio to see people having their tattoos done. Of course, you can try getting one yourself, too.
Image credit: Chong Chok Lian
You can enjoy some excellent coffee here, such as the Atap Blend 3.0 (from RM11), made with medium-roasted beans from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Rwanda that bring out bright citrus notes and a smooth, balanced finish. Pair your drink with some Chicken Ham & Egg Bagel Sandwich (RM20) and other such snacks.
Address: 2nd floor, 28-2, Jalan SS 15/4, Ss 15, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8am to 6pm, Sat-Sun 9am to 6pm
Tel: +60 17-382 8559
Website
Atap by Pagi Coffee Co. is not a halal-certified eatery.
Image credit: The Lemon Tree
Located in PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur, The Lemon Tree is a gorgeous cafe that looks straight out of a fantasy novel. Its beige-and-yellow interiors are marked by the presence of lemon trees, creating a warm, whimsical atmosphere that’s perfect for the ‘gram.
Image credit: Holly Sullivan
As you enjoy the cafe’s immaculate vibe, treat yourself to brunch fare such as The Lemon Tree Big Breakfast (RM32), which sees Japanese sourdough paired with chicken sausage, scrambled eggs, a hash brown, avocado, greens and more. If you prefer pasta, you can go for the Zesty Mushroom Leek Linguine (RM27) or Sun-Kissed Tomato Chicken Lunguine (RM27).
Address: Jln Sultan Ismail, Bukit Bintang, 50250 Wilayah Persekutuan, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 6pm
Tel: +60 11-5881 5974
Website
The Lemon Tree is not a halal-certified eatery.
Cafe-hoppers need to stop by Mingle Cafe, a vintage-themed eatery located a stone’s throw away from the famous Petaling Street Market. It has a really nice rustic vibe that makes it social media-worthy, especially for those looking to go for a more quaint set of photos.
As for food, you can enjoy moreish treats such as the Chicken Ham & Cheese (RM25++) sandwich and Burnt Cheesecake (RM19++) here. Should you get a hot drink here, get the aromatic Latte (RM12++), which is served in traditional tea cups that are photo-worthy as well.
Address: 55 Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 10pm
Tel: +60 11-6214 5167
Website
Mingle Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
The next time you’re in Kuala Lumpur, take advantage of the amazing exchange rate to splurge on the many beautiful cafes there. For more cafes in Kuala Lumpur, read our best KL cafes guide. For a look at great eats at Mount Austin in JB, read our Mount Austin Food Guide.
Featured image adapted from @merchantslane, @pokok.kl, @breakfastthieveskl.
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