We explore coffee spots off the beaten path in Malaysia’s capital city.
BY BENJAMIN SAND
BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE
Photos by Benjamin Sand
“Coffee in Cool Places” is an article series highlighting coffee shops in unexpected locations: Think cafés tucked in vintage camera shops, micro-roasteries hidden in abandoned office buildings, spiral staircases leading to minimalist spaces, and neighborhood coffee shops that even locals don’t know exist. In today’s installment, our focus is on Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur—arguably one of the most exciting cities in Asia.
We visited Kuala Lumpur last year, and now, we’re back to focus on coffee spots away from the typical hustle and bustle of the city. For anyone who doesn’t mind tracking down some out-of-the-way gems, this guide is for you.
Bad Artist
Set above a row of commercial buildings in the buzzing SS2 neighborhood, Bad Artist is the brainchild of roaster Hanlim Yee. Previously used as an office by his father, it had fallen into disrepair, and Bad Arist was the result of a meticulous renovation.
Primarily a small-batch roaster, Hanlim’s passion is contagious, and the shop regularly hosts cuppings and guest-brewers to help promote the coffee scene. The sleek interiors are warm and minimalist, perfectly complemented by the bright packaging on their coffee beans.
Klik by Wanclick
Analog camera enthusiasts will find a lot to love at Klik by Wanclick. A snug coffee shop, camera repair and retailer, with their own neighborhood cat who pops by for cuddles, this is a must-do.
They brew coffee based on a trust scale, where you pay what you feel it’s worth. Coffees range from entry-level Ethiopian beans to higher-end Geisha, brewed in the hand-pour style. Being located in such a unique place means that visits are intentional, and you won’t get casual drop-ins.
Curio Coffee Roaster
The Sentul area of Kuala Lumpur is renowned for its authentic dim sum and delicious South Indian food. Nestled amongst the dining options is Curio. Accessible by climbing a spiral staircase, the café is a little oasis with mosaic floors and an uncluttered design.
Curio roasts its beans on-site, serving espresso-based and pourover coffee. Locals flock here for the famous “Aerocano,” an iced Americano textured with the steam wand. The popular beverage has a delightful velvety mouthfeel, reminiscent of a nitro-brew.
Ebony & Ivory
Despite offering a full food menu, Ebony & Ivory doesn’t shy away from the coffee department. Their bean sourcing is a defining reason why many industry people in Kuala Lumpur drop by on their off-days. Our recommendation is to ask the barista which filter coffee they recommend.
The space itself is slap-bang in the middle of an apartment block, reached by a small bridge. Due to their popularity, they hired a spillover room a few shops down for extra guests.
Ting Roaster
Jewel Ting is the head roaster at both Ting and 103 Coffee, a successful coffee chain she co-founded. While 103 offers a more contemporary ambiance, with concrete and bright colors, Ting Roaster is a hive of activity. Located in the Sri Petaling neighborhood, their focus is on roasting, teaching baristas, and evolving their techniques.
The coffee here is prepared using single-origin beans and is beautifully extracted. There are two wicker chairs out front for those who need a coffee before facing the world.
Honorable Mentions
For a more in-depth Kuala Lumpur coffee crawl, we recommend the following:
Piu Piu Piu – Primarily an espresso bar in the artistic ZhongShan building.
270 sqft – A tiny specialty coffee shop with a famous cold brew.
Transparent – Serving coffee from legendary roasters OneHalf, this is a quirky, design-forward
café.
Tanah Dan Air – Although a tea bar, this is such a lovely spot that we had to include it. Pop in for a curated menu of exceptional tea, and then hop across to ROUND for the best pizza in Kuala Lumpur.
Benjamin Sand is a freelance writer and nomad. His first taste of independent coffee was at the Equator Cafe (RIP) in Pasadena, California, back in the late 90s. Since then his tastes have evolved more towards the Nordic Style, and he is always on the lookout for a light-roast pourover. He also writes extensively about local food on his website The Mouth (www.wearethemouth.com).
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