Way before the Korean Wave reached our shores, there were barely any coffee shops operated by Koreans that was known to public. Although some Koreans have stayed in our country for years, their community was considered small and relatively unknown to the locals. As such, some of them have taken the opportunity to build up their own business and introduce their culture to the locals.
Due to the growing coffee culture in Malaysia, Korean cafes are currently on steady rise. We finally got our first-hand experience of the Korean cafe scene that is already miles ahead of us. From the famous coffee franchise to a Parisian-themed bakery cafe, here are some of the Korean cafes we love in Malaysia:
1. Namoo On The Park (Publika Shopping Gallery)
Namoo on the Park is one of the first Korean dessert cafe-cum-bistro that opened in KL city. They first opened its store on 18th July 2012 and became well-known through their signature potato cake. In fact, the cafe introduced other iconic Korean desserts such as Bingsu (shaved ice), Hotteok, (sweet pancakes), Mat Tang (caramel sweet potato bites), and so on.
Although it was opened as a Korean dessert cafe, Namoo is also a perfect place for brunch or dinner as they serve a Korean fusion cuisine such as Bulgogi Taco, Bibi Rice Burger, and Cheese Dokbukki. The cafe has a special photo zone at its entrance for patrons to take photos with their cute mascot (the tree-like character on the wall) and vintage decor in the cafe as well. We especially love the ambience of the cafe as it occasionally plays the soothing Korean indie songs that makes us want to stay in the cafe whole day.
For more information, check out their official Facebook page.
2. Caffe Bene (Sunway Pyramid & Solaris Mont Kira)
If traditional ice kacang isn’t your thing, perhaps you should try the Korean version of shaved ice, Bingsu! Caffe Bene is an iconic coffee franchise that has opened more than 600 outlets in Asian countries. Caffe Bene in Sunway Pyramid is their first store here in Malaysia and the store’s ambassador, Lee Kwang-soo (of “Running Man fame”), was even invited to the grand launch of the store in March.
Despite being a relatively new coffee shop, Caffe Bene gained its popularity through their signature Belgian Liege Waffles and Bingsu. Both offer many different flavours to choose from but our favourites are Matcha Bingsu and Tiramisu waffles. Usually it is best to choose a small bingsu as the serving is big enough for 2 or 3 people to share. As for coffee and gelato, the coffees are slightly sweeter than the usual coffees but nonetheless they’re claimed to be made from the best seasonally harvested fresh coffee beans in the world. Italian gelato, natural fruit smoothies, cocktails, and honey breads are some of the things that are featured in their menu as well. It is best to visit the cafe during weekdays or to go earlier to avoid disappointment in securing your seats.
For more information, check out their official website.
3. Coffea Coffee (Sunway Pyramid, Bangsar & SS15 Subang Jaya, The Curve)
Similar to Caffe Bene, Coffea Coffee is a coffee franchise from Korea that has opened its first outlet in Bangsar at the end of 2012. The cafe serves up to 13 standard coffee types including espresso, americano, cafe latte, cafe mocha, cappucino, flat white, latte macchiato, and so on. Perhaps what makes the cafe stand out among the rest is that it serves speciality coffees from top plantations in Brazil, Guateala, Kenya, Ethiopia, Sumatra, Columbia, and Costa Rica. The house blend coffees are available in 2 varieties: maestro, a strong full-bodied American-style coffee with dark chocolate undertones; and madonna, a sweet European-style roasted blend with a fruity aroma and a dash of acidity. However, we frequently visit the coffee shop for their signature peanut butter latte and tiramisu cake.
For more information, check out their official website.
4. Tous Les Jours (Bangsar Telawi, WOLO Bukit Bintang)
Its vast selection of fresh baked loaves, pastries, and cakes are the reasons why we go back to Tous Les Jours over and over again to buy their baked goods. Tous Les Jours is one of Korea’s coffee franchises that opened its first outlet in Telawi, Bangsar, followed by their second outlet in WOLO Hotel Bukit Bintang last year. As compared to the outlet in Bangsar, we prefer the outlet in WOLO Bukit Bintang as it is spacious for patrons to enjoy a Sunday brunch or just watch life pass by on the busy streets of KL. On top of that, the bakery cafe mimics the french cottage style that makes us imagine that we’re spending time in a comfy European cottage in the warm afternoon light.
So far, Tous Les Jours only serves their exclusive breakfast set at WOLO Bukit Bintang including WOLO Egg Benedicts, Egg & Soldier, TLJ Breakfast, Cheese Mushroom Omelette and Banana Ricotta Cheese & French Toast. The food there still has room of improvement but overall it’s an enjoyable experience to dine in such a lovely French-Asian bakery-cafe.
For more information, check out Tous Les Jours’ official website.
5. Bros. Korean Dessert Cafe (Seremban Uptown Avenue S2)
Bored of the cafe scene in KL? Fret not! The coffee culture has been introduced to our nearby cities as more and more cafes are opening in places such as Ipoh and Seremban. While European-style cafes were introduced in the main cities, Bros. Cafe is a stand-alone Korean dessert cafe located in Uptown Avenue S2, Seremban.
While we haven’t been able to personally visit the cafe, we heard a lot of great reviews about the cafe and many had suggested for us to visit the cafe if we are in the town! Plus, the rustic and minimalistic decor in the cafe simply make us feel like this could be a great way to spend our afternoons. Some of the recommended food or beverages to try are the iced latte and strawberry cup bingsu.
For more information, check out their Facebook page.
6. Cafe Olle (Sri Hartamas)
Most of the Korean coffee franchises can be found easily in KL city but Cafe Olle is a hidden gem tucked away in Sri Hartamas. While Sri Hartamas is crowded with authentic Korean marts and BBQ restaurants, Cafe Olle is the latest addition to the neighbourhood for being one of the first Korean cafes to be opened in the area.
Together with his barista, the cafe owner Gilbert Kim has paid full attention in roasting the best coffee for patrons. They have even imported the specialty coffee from Terarosa, a coffee factory that roasts, brews, and sells coffees beans directly imported from the most famous coffee plantations around the world. The interior of the cafe is nothing to shout about but we love the simplicity of the cafe and the baristas’ attentiveness in the shop. In fact, the cafe serves a variety of cakes and lattes that make for perfect combinations!
For more information, check out their official website.
7. SeoulScape (Kota Damansara)
SeoulScape is particular well known among the K-Pop fans as the cafe sells some exclusive K-Pop merchandise and decorates their wall with K-Pop posters as well. In fact, the cafe often plays some of the latest K-Pop hits for patrons who visit the cafe as well. Calling it a cafe doesn’t seem fitting in this context as they don’t primarily serve coffee for the patrons here. However, the cafe has incorporated their distinct style by serving more than just coffee and cakes as they serve some traditional Korean cuisines as well.
We must add that although the food is nothing to shout about, their friendly service is a big plus for patrons who want to visit the cafe.
8. Nabe Bakery Cafe (Ampang, Solaris Mont Kiara)
Tous Les Jours faces one of its toughest competition, Nabe Bakery Cafe, as Nabe was said to be a Korean version of the infamous RT Pastry House.
The cafe first opened its first outlet in Ampang as a family-run business. Recently, the cafe owner has opened a 2nd outlet at Solaris Mont Kiara to accommodate more patrons who want to enjoy their brunch at the cafe. Just like Tous Les Jours, Nabe boasts a vast selection of baked goods including cakes, breads, and biscuits made from ingredients imported from Korea. Patrons can enjoy a fulfilling bread brunch which goes well with Nabe’s ice drip Dutch coffee or a refreshing Kiwi juice. And of course, the patbingsu is a must try dessert at the cafe as it is a perfect treat for the warm weather here.
9. B Station (Ampang Korean Village)
B. Station once had 4 outlets but they are now focusing on their one and only outlet at Ampang Korean Village. Thus, it took us quite some time to locate the cafe as various addresses often led us back to its old location.
B Station is considered a hidden gem in Ampang Korean Village as most people would come here to enjoy dinner at the Korean BBQ restaurants nearby. However, patrons should be able to recognise the cafe from its minimalistic, seamless exterior design. It almost doesn’t feel real but stepping into the cafe is like stepping into a quant little house which is cosy rather than confined. The cafe owner put a lot of effort in decorating the cafe to ensure that the homey vibe is comfortable for patrons. In fact, the cafe can accommodate up to 40 people on the second floor but the floor is only open for private functions.
It is worth to note that the cafe owner has taken everything into consideration as they hired a Muslim chef to cook their homemade food which is pork-free and MSG-free. In fact, some of the drinks here are usually mixed with homemade enzyme, including Lemon Enzyme and Mojito Apple Enzyme. Plus, we had the chance to try their bestsellers including the chicken teriyaki hotdog and belgium but it was only average for us. We definitely will come back here just to spend and afternoon in its cosy ambience.
For more information, check out their official Facebook page.
So, what do you think of the list? If you’ve recently discovered a new Korean cafe in town, do let us know in the comment box below!
UPDATE (Nov 30th):
As more and more Korean cafes are opening up in Malaysia, we’ve updated the list of Korean cafes you can visit here! Check it out! 🙂
- OW:L Espresso @ SS15 Subang
- Dal.Komm Coffee @Damansara Uptown & D’pluz Shopping Centre, Cyberjaya
- Milkcow Malaysia @ The Gardens
- Paris Baguette (Coming Soon)
This is definitely an exciting cafe scene and we can’t wait to see more Korean cafes to open their outlets here in Malaysia!
