We don’t know about you, but we’d choose roti bakar and cham over any other breakfast, any day!
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and nothing compares to a traditional Malaysian breakfast served in a kopitiam (even though we may occasionally yearn for a Western-style breakfast). So, with fragrant nasi lemak on our minds, we’ve chosen 8 kopitiams across the Klang Valley that you should definitely give a try.
Capitol Cafe
The first thing to notice about this kopitiam is the old-school interior and decor. Classic floor tiles, stained-coloured windows, vintage posters and other old time items, give this place a traditional plus homely feel. Due to its location in a back alley in Bukit Bintang, Capitol Cafe is obscured from view as you pass by the main road. And we definitely recommend taking the MRT there – a station is just a 2-minute to walk to the kopitiam – as there aren’t many parking spaces nearby. Another thing that makes it so convenient is that, unlike some kopitiam, Capitol Cafe can accommodate large crowds.
They provide a selection of classic Malaysian favourites on their menu. Give their famous nasi lemak a try. Along with the customary toppings (fried anchovies, peanuts, cucumber slices, sambal, and a half-egg), they also include an entire fried chicken leg with every Nasi Lemak. Crispy on the outside and incredibly juicy and tender on the interior. Try the Hainanese Chicken Chop with Boiled Egg for a Western-style twist; it’s golden-brown crispy chicken covered in traditional brown sauce and topped with baked beans and a soft-boiled egg.
LuckBros Kopi
The 5 best items to try here are the Salted Egg Chicken Rice, Luck Bros Bun, rojak, curry puff and Luck Bros 5 States coffee. If you’re looking to add some fun, try the 5 States Coffee with your friends. Each cup of coffee is inspired by five different states in Malaysia, namely Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Penang, Melaka, and Johor. Do a blind taste test and see how well you can distinguish between the various coffee flavours. Besides local delights and great coffee, LuckBros Kopi also serves Western delights, baos, cheese specials, sizzling meals, fusion delights and more. The atmosphere at LuckBros Kopi is fantastic as well. The décor is charmingly retro with a dash of greenery. The exposed brick walls in this area are not only beautiful and relaxing, but offer a fantastic backdrop for pictures! LuckBros Kopi has two outlets, Petaling Street and Damansara. The wait (especially at the Petaling Street outlet) can take a while, but it’s definitely worthwhile.
Ali, Muthu & Ah Hok
We all remember the story of three best friends from different races, Ali, Muthu, and Ah Hock – and this restaurant has done an excellent job in capturing Malaysia’s essence. The restaurant initially debuted in KL, but you can now find it in Bangsar South, Mid Valley, TTDI, Publika, and more. The food has an authentic Malaysian flavour. Of the several dishes they offer, nasi lemak would be considered their specialty. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to try their toasts and eggs which are equally good. Ali, Muthu, and Ah Hock offers you a traditional culinary experience in a pure and sincere way, whether you’re a local looking for some good old fashioned comfort cuisine without any frills, or a guest seeking to try traditional Malaysian meals.
GD Cafe
Breakfast can never be cuter here. GD Cafe is situated in Kajang Jade Hill. Despite the kopitiam’s straightforward outward design, the interior holds numerous surprises that you probably won’t find in other kopitiams. The cuisine is exquisite, delectable, and unique. You can pick from a variety of dishes, including noodles, rice, snacks, drinks, and desserts.
A must try is their signature iced bear coffee. Their small bear iced white coffee, which draws a huge following, is a must-try in terms of beverages! The iced bear on top of the exceptionally creamy and fragrant coffee makes this beverage extra special. The bear-shaped ice cream is composed entirely of coffee. Each time you sip the coffee, a distinct flavour emerges as the ice slowly melts into the beverage.
Hainan Kafe Dian
The word “kafeidian” means “coffee shop” in Chinese. It is situated close to Petaling Street and offers a large selection of real local fare including nasi lemak, toasted bread, hard boiled eggs, and even dim sum! The cafe has a very Instagrammable, cozy, and hipster-like atmosphere. Everything served here is pork-free and lard-free, making it Muslim-friendly. Aside from mains and coffee, do check out their kuih section, where they have amazing treats like signature malaikao, signature coconut kuih, taro cake, assorted kuih and even butter cake. You can also try their winter melon and four fruits, which are both sweet soups. Kafe Dian has three other outlets in Pandan Indah, Sri Petaling and MyTown Shopping Centre. Be sure to check out any of these outlets and savour all the local delights they have in store for you.
Yut Kee
Those who want to satisfy their craving for classic Hainanese dishes should head to Yut Kee Restaurant. This kopitiam serves traditional fare like Hainanese Pork Chop, Roti Babi, Hailam Mee, Beef Noodles, Roasted Pork Special, and Lum Mee. Give these delicacies a try because they’re quite hard to find. For something sweet, try their marble cake and kaya rolls. Operating since 1928, dining here will give you a fuss-free and straightforward experience. The wait can be quite lengthy, so arrive early for breakfast if you can. Even during lunchtime, it gets packed. But we assure you it’s worth the wait.
Foo Fee
In search of a visually-appealing, Instagrammable coffee shop? Then Foo Fee is the place to be! They not only have amazing toast, nasi lemak and pastries for breakfast, but croissants – how classy is that? Foo Fee is also known for its half-boiled eggs, but a highlight here is their coffee. Some signature beverages here are YY (cham) and MK, a mixture of chocolate with a hint of coffee. If you’re looking for something sweet and appealing, try their Milo Dinosaur, delicious iced Milo topped with a generous amount of Milo powder. While you enjoy your food and drinks, don’t forget to take in the ambience of a kopitiam with a modern twist. Foo Fee has two outlets in the Klang Valley. One is in Kepong, while the other is at Menjalara.
Ah Weng Koh Hainan Tea
In Kuala Lumpur, Ah Weng Koh is one of the most well-liked kopitiams. Many people adore their crispy kaya toast from Pudu, as well as their hard boiled eggs, coffee, and more! Their signature is the Hainan Tea, which isn’t tea or coffee but a combination of both! The well-balanced recipe, which also increases the black tea’s scent, is what gives Hainan Tea its distinctive flavour and sensation when you sip a nice cup. As a result, you will typically detect the aroma of coffee from the first sip, followed by the strong flavour of the silky milk tea. Over the years, word of their unique Hainan Tea’s flavour spread. Customers have consistently visited the stand for decades for their delicious, calming taste. You can also try some of their food, like signature kaya butter toast and kaya butter steam buns, which are a go-to for many people.
