By now you would have realised the trend of cafés and hip eateries sprouting up like mushrooms after rain in various locations within KL and beyond. Not that we coffee lovers are complaining – it’s just hard to keep up with the new arrivals. There will always be the pioneers (that we won’t name for now) but after awhile, it’s nice to try something new. These young establishments keep getting better and better with their unique concepts, innovative brews and mouth-watering food. Let’s take a look at some of the newest nooks to try on your next café hop.
The Augmented @ SS2
Tucked away in the suburbs of SS2 is The Augumented, a labour of love by owners Siew Geok and Moon Ho. The interior is filled with thoughtful touches; artistic ornaments like paintings and photographs, roomy and boxy spaces, yet cosy enough for afternoon lingerings and nightcaps. You’re gonna love the creamy and rich Belgian Chocolate Ganache Tart and buttery French pastries.
Coffee is taken very seriously here, of course, with beans supplied by Beans Depot and Papa Palheta. Non-coffee drinkers can opt for their refreshing cold-pressed orange juice.
Brewyard @ Subang, SS15
It’s been no more than a year since Brewyard started serving Subang’s caffeine-holics, and it is now catching up as a must-try joint for coffee lovers (and hipsters). Brewyard not only serves yummy coffee, its interior is a minimalist design to behold. The venue is full of wood, cement and ‘raw’ fixtures, with wooden crates as stools, and bushy greens hanging from the ceiling. They have an interesting all-day menu with items like Salmon Atlantic, BY’s Granola and Creamy SS Pasta, and cute-sounding desserts like Gone Mars Bar and Little Lost Ship, and other homemade cakes too! Besides coffee, they also whip up fruity smoothies too.
Dr.Inc @ Bangsar
Just like the play on its name, Dr.Inc is not your typical run-of-the-mill café in KL. Given its competitive ‘hood, one must find their foothold fast, and we think Dr.inc has made quite an entrance. The hidden coffee bar can be found on Jalan Kemuja between Straits Food Company and Fierce Curry House, and boasts a winning, laidback vibe, crossing vintage and industrial concepts. Coffee here is as authentic as it can get, with the use of Italian dark roasts. We recommend the double-dose caffeine beverage, the Fat Americano, which is a shot of espresso in a tall glass of coke. Dr.Inc also reserves an area selling cutesy, merchandise.
Mei by Fatspoon @ Hartamas
If you’re familiar with Fat Spoon, the sisters behind it have launched an offshoot called Mei that’s gaining a swift following and for good reason! Unlike her elder sister, Mei is a contemporary Japanese concept, with an architectural interior of white spaces, a clean yet stylish nuance of kopitiam and contemporary café. The food – which is every Instagrammer’s dream – is a clever fusion of Japanese with local elements: for example scallops with lychee, fried oysters with kaffir lime mayo, and creations that entail mentaiko, smoked duck and braised beef short ribs.
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Eat by June Chan @ Sentul East
Vying for attention next to its celebrity neighbour Three Little Birds in Sentul East is Eat. The outlet may be small, but it is a welcoming, pleasant setting for a satisfying, well-deserved self-TLC. What sets Eat apart from local F&B outlets is its ready-to-go salads, sandwiches and comfort food bowls. Also available is the popular “That Iced Coffee”, and energising pick-me-up juices. It’s the perfect shelter from the bustles of the city.
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Kenny Hills Bakers @ Bukit Tunku
This bakery cum coffee place is a gem tucked in the middle of KL that won’t remain a secret for long. Kenny Hills, a charming, discreet café within a residential area is every bread/pastry lover’s paradise, featuring aromas and the sight of fluffy, freshly baked goodies like croissants, tarts, artisan breads, scones, cakes and quiches in abundance. The bakery emphasises on premium ingredients, using organic flour without preservatives. Coffee is made from 100% specialty grade single origin for a full-bodied, aromatic taste. Savoury breakfasts are also on the menu, too.
3 Bags Full @ Kota Damansara
A notable new establishment in Kota Damansara’s food scene is 3 Bags Full, a concept that ambitiously serves everything – coffee, breakfast, hearty main meals and elaborate desserts. Let’s dive into their menu – each dish aspires to break the tried-and-tested versions of other cafes – their Norwegian Benedict consists of poached eggs on turkey ham, topped on shiitake and charcoal muffins, their Buffalo Cheese Sandwich uses blueberry mascarpone, and the Squid Ink Pasta is tossed with fried ginger strands and paired with Lobster Meat. Intriguing, but not for creatures of habit!
Dotz Café @ Kota Kemuning
While their signage might be hard to miss, it’s easy to spot this café with the striking blue and white entrance, matching awning, windows and door! Step in and you’ll find yourself in a cottage-like atmosphere, just nice if you like little spaces. The café offers a non-halal menu, so pork lovers will rejoice at the English Breakfast starring honey BBQ pork sausage and streaky pork bacon, and also porky submarine sandwiches. Choose from handmade cakes and ice cream to satisfy your sweet tooth, and wash it down with artisanal roasted Italian coffees (or coffee cocktails!).
