22 of the Best Brunch + Breakfast Spots in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Looking for the best brunch and breakfast spots in Kuala Lumpur? Look no further than this guide, featuring 22 of my top recommendations for every taste and budget.
Kuala Lumpur is a buzzing city filled to the brim with brunch and breakfast options. This modern metropolis has cuisine and coffee to suit every preference— but those in this article are the very best cafés in Kuala Lumpur, I promise. I’ve visited Kuala Lumpur multiple times, and each visit brings with it a bevy of delicious brunch and fantastic breakfast options. Whether you favor traditional Malaysian dishes or Western classics, this guide to the best cafés in Kuala Lumpur shares them all.
We'll start our culinary journey in the trendy Bangsar neighborhood, where you can find some of the city's most popular cafes and brunch spots. We'll also explore the bustling Petaling Street and Chinatown areas, where you can sample some of Malaysia's most iconic breakfast dishes, like nasi lemak and roti canai. And of course, we'll introduce you to some of the unique and delicious fusion dishes that make Kuala Lumpur's brunch scene so special, like pandan pancakes and coconut milk lattes. So, whether you're a local or a tourist, join us on a culinary adventure as we discover the best brunch and breakfast spots in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
how to get to Kuala Lumpur ↴
Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, is a Southeast Asian hub that is easy to get to from almost anywhere in the world! The city is served by Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), which is located about 50 kilometers south of the city center. The airport is a major hub for airlines such as Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia, offering connections to destinations throughout Asia, Europe, and the Americas. You can also take a train to Kuala Lumpur from neighboring countries including Singapore and Thailand. With its excellent air and rail connections, getting to Kuala Lumpur is a breeze, making it the perfect destination for your next Southeast Asian adventure.
getting around Kuala Lumpur ↴
Once you’ve arrived in Kuala Lumpur, you can easily navigate the city on foot or by using the efficient public transportation system, which includes the LRT, MRT, monorail, and buses. In my experience, KL public transport is fine enough, but it often runs a bit off schedule, so if you’re in a time-sensitive situation consider using a ride-sharing app (see below). You can use Google Maps to help direct you around the city, taking whatever form of transport it recommends.
Public Transport
The KL bus system in KL, called RapidKL Bus, requires a card. You tap when you get on and off the bus and will be charged for your ride accordingly.
You can utilize the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) metro system to get around the main city center and the Light Rail Transit (LRT) metro system for things outside the city center. I used the metro a lot on my first few visits to Kuala Lumpur and found them clean and air-conditioned. Some trains had separate carriages for men and women, which is a great option for those who are a bit uncomfortable or traveling alone. I recommend using the Komuter train system for a visit to Batu Caves. Again, the trains are clean and air-conditioned.
Ride-sharing
If you’re not up for navigating public transportation, there are plenty of taxis and ride-sharing services available throughout the city. I recommend downloading the free app Grab (similar to Uber) to get around if you’re tight on time. I wouldn’t recommend using regular taxis, as the drivers have a reputation for ripping people off.
when to visit Kuala Lumpur ↴
Kuala Lumpur is a popular destination year-round thanks to its tropical climate. Overall, Kuala Lumpur is a great destination to visit year-round, and the best time to go depends on your personal preferences and travel plans.
The best time to visit Kuala Lumpur is between May and July, and from December to February when the weather is generally dry and pleasant. During these months, visitors can enjoy warm temperatures, clear skies, and lower humidity, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
However, I do warn against visiting during peak season, because the city gets crowded and hotel prices tend to shoot up. If you prefer to avoid the crowds and save some money, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of March to April and August to November. During these months, the weather is still pleasant, although there is more rainfall during these months, and hotel prices are a bit more affordable.
There are roughly three seasons in Kuala Lumpur: summer, monsoon, and winter.
Summer | From March through September, the weather in Kuala Lumpur is very humid and temperatures rise to nearly 30°C.
Monsoon | Kuala Lumpur has two monsoons: east monsoon and west monsoon. Each monsoon hits at a different time of the year. Lighter showers hit during the eastern monsoons, and heavier rains fall during the western monsoons. While the rainy season can put a damper on plans, it shouldn’t deter you entirely, as some monsoon seasons barely see rainfall outside of light afternoon showers. It’s entirely a gamble.
Winter | The coldest weather in Kuala Lumpur occurs between January and February. The weather during the winter is dry and the temperatures stay mild (around 27°C during the day and 23°C during the night).
where to stay in Kuala Lumpur ↴
Kuala Lumpur is a city that’s pretty easy to get around. However, staying somewhere central and walkable makes café hopping a bit easier. With that in mind, my top recommendations for neighborhoods are:
Bukit Bintang | located in the mural-covered Bukit Bintang, here you’ll be near the city center and within walking distance of Chinatown, Petronas Towers, and Jalan Alor food market
Chinatown | amidst trendy cafés and affordable shopping, and located near major city landmarks like Merdeka Square and Central Market
Chow Kit | a little northwest. of the city center, but in good proximity to food and main city sites
If you’re looking for specific hotel recommendations, from my own experience I highly suggest:
KLoé Hotel | KLoé is a chic hotel with an industrial vibe in a central location.
MoMo’s Kuala Lumpur | MoMo’s was conceptualized by an Australian design studio. The result is minimal rooms in the heart of Chow Kit. Their motto is “everything you need and nothing more.” MoMo’s is ideal for digital nomads thanks to its wonderful “work from hotel” packages, including free-flowing coffee.
The Kuala Lumpur Journal Hotel | A beautiful boutique hotel with a swimming pool and swim-up bar. The rooms are large and they have a sleek, urban design.
Airbnb | There is an abundance of apartment Airbnb stays in areas like Bukit Bintang that include a gym and infinity swimming pool if you happen to be visiting for a longer duration.
We love using Booking.com to book the best places to stay around the world.
Malaysian Cafe Culture ↴
Coffee, locally referred to as “kopi”, is said to have been introduced by the English military during British colonization. Traditionally, Malaysians drink their coffee with condensed milk, similar to the way coffee is served in Laos and Vietnam. In recent years, Malaysian coffee enthusiasts have seen new cafés opening up, each with its own curated menu and design aesthetic. Cafés across the city now serve expertly roasted coffee and barista-style espresso drinks for modern Malaysians looking for a caffeine fix.
Like the rise in modern cafés, brunch is also becoming a more common way for locals and expats to enjoy their weekends. You’ll find fusion food, breakfast offerings, and delicious baked goods served alongside kopi in every corner of KL.
22 of the best cafés in Kuala Lumpur ↴
Flaaah the Bakery
Located on the edge of Chinatown, this minimalist café is relatively new on the KL café scene. While Flaaah might not be a traditional choice for brunch, it is a great place for a quick breakfast or a coffee date. It serves up some of the most delicious baked goods and coffee I’ve had in KL. I tried the blueberry tart from their cabinet and was blown away by the fresh, light flavors. Not only are the pastries made fresh, but they’re also beautiful. Every single Danish, croissant, and bun looked intentionally and artfully designed. I also recommend the strawberry confit Danish with vanilla bean crème— 10/10!
INSTAGRAM | @flaaahflaaahflaaah
Rabbit Hole
Rabbit Hole looks like one of those tropical cafés you’ve seen scrolling on Instagram. Scenically set along the outer edges of an open-air pool, Rabbit Hole is the ideal spot for a smoothie bowl. The café offers creative breakfast options like Mediterranean Shakshuka or Malaysian Big Breakfast. The baristas brew Brew & Bread coffee, a boutique roaster dedicated to serving specialty-grade coffees. Pair your coffee with a stack of fluffy pancakes sitting in the sun and you’ve got the makings of a fantastic brunch out.
INSTAGRAM | @rabbitholekl
Common Grind Coffee
Common Grind is a small coffee shop located along The Row in the Chow Kit area. Alongside delicious barista coffee, Common Grind serves up drool-worthy pastries and light meals. The staff here are friendly from the moment you open the door, and the fuss-free interiors and giant front windows make the café atmosphere a blend of cozy and airy. Try the waffles. if you have a sweet tooth, or the cabinet baked goods if you’re in a hurry for something to eat. Their iced Americano wasn’t my favorite, and I wish I’d followed the reviews I’d read and tried a latte.
INSTAGRAM | @commongrindtherow
Light Capture Café
If eggs benedict or a classic “big breakfast” served in a derelict building near Chinatown is your vibe, then Light Capture Café is the spot for you. The light that streams in through the giant windows on the second floor of the open plan café creates a dreamy environment for brunch.
INSTAGRAM | @lightcapturecafe
Rust Café + Bar
At first glance, Rust Café + Bar is just another café in one of Chinatown’s rustic buildings. But, a quick look at its Facebook page and you’ll discover that, on top of its delicious menu, the café has a number of community activities that make eating here fun and connective. Yoga Brunch, brunch with live music, and even speed dating— Rust Café has so much to offer travelers looking for good friends and food!
INSTAGRAM | @rustkl.cafe
Acme Bar + Coffee
Acme lured me in with its affordable fresh pastries that included flaky pain au chocolate and thick, fluffy danishes. I had Acme’s French toast, which was made with delicious, thick brioche and was dusted with cinnamon and sprinkled with pomegranate seeds.
INSTAGRAM | @acmebarcoffee
Urban Daybreak
Anytime a café is Australian-inspired, you know the coffee is bound to be good. Urban Daybreak, based in Bangsar has a divine brunch menu offered in a fitting industrial atmosphere. The barista-style coffee here is superb and so is the French toast I gobbled up when I visited. If you’re truly hungry, order the Really Big Breakfast which is bound to fill you up— it’s served on a large wooden platter like a morning time feast.
INSTAGRAM | @urbandaybreak
Bray Bakery
The owner of Bray Bakery, Jon, had a major surgery that set his career and life plans back in 2017. During this period of time, Jon found reprieve from the stress of it all by learning how to bake. Today, Bray Bakery is known for its “Malayasian sourdough bread” and perfect pastries. Jon’s sourdough bread is made especially to suit the Malaysian palate with a thinner crust and a softer crumb. There is also a curated brunch menu if you’re hungry for more, and the coffee at Bray is pretty decent too.
INSTAGRAM | @braybakery
Jam + Kaya Cafe
Jam and Kaya Café is yet another Australian-inspired café on this list. I had the pancakes, which were fluffy and complimented by fresh fruit and toasted coconut flakes that gave the dish a lovely little crunch. The coffee here is good, though it seemed that everyone besides me in the café was enjoying the bright green matcha.
INSTAGRAM | @jam8kaya
Antipodean Cafe
Antipodean is another chic café located in the Bangsar neighborhood of Kuala Lumpur. Breakfast is served all day here, and with international and Asian dishes on the menu, there is surely something for everyone to enjoy. The pancakes I indulged in here were heavenly— a true delight to eat. If you’re visiting on the weekend, prepare to wait in line!
VCR Café
Walking into VCR, I was instantly in love with the modern, minimal design and the soundtrack filling the airwaves of the café. The menu offered something for vegans, vegetarians, and those obtaining a kosher diet. There were so many digital nomads and freelancers working away thanks to the speedy WiFi and variety of seating options. If I were based in KL, VCR would likely be my workplace of choice. VCR Café is about a 10-minute walk from the Hang Tuah monorail train station.
INSTAGRAM | @vcrlovesyou
Botanica + Co
Plant lovers, this spot is for you! Set in a dreamy greenhouse location, Botanica + Co. is a favorite brunch spot amongst locals, especially on the weekends. The line for brunch at Botanica on a Saturday morning can be long, but it’s worth being patient for the mouthwatering food that awaits. The scrumptious menu offerings match the dreamy interiors, with dishes like Spicy Shakshuka and Cannoli Stuffed French Toast.
INSTAGRAM | @botanica.co.my
Feeka Coffee Roasters
Feeka Coffee Roasters is known for its aromatic coffee and hearty breakfast menu. Wooden decor elements, hanging lightbulbs, and garden seating create a laidback setting to enjoy your brunch in. In truth, the food didn’t blow me away, but the coffee was made just right.
INSTAGRAM | @feekacoffeeroasters
Kopenhagen Coffee
A black and white, minimal interior gives Kopenhagen Coffee an aesthetic that lives up to its name. The café’s owner is originally from Denmark, so its only fitting that it serves Danish-style coffee and pastries.
INSTAGRAM | @kopenhagencoffee
Lisette’s Café & Bakery
On Sundays, expats and locals flock to Lisette’s Café and Bakery for boozy brunch. The brunch here is served buffet style and includes a wide range of both vegetarian and vegan dishes. Fizz is flowing and so are hearty breakfast foods. If you’re less keen on drinking, there is Lisette’s Café in Bangsar which is more of a coffee/pastry type of place.
INSTAGRAM | @lisettes.my
Pickle + Fig
While Pickle and Fig is definitely “Instagrammable”, it was the granola and smoothie bowls, avocado and egg paninis, and barista-style coffee that called me in, like a siren, for breakfast one morning.
INSTAGRAM | @pickleandfig
Yellow Brick Road
French toast coated in cornflakes served with berries and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Avocado corn fritters served with toasted brioche and ricotta. Homemade sourdough with sweet potato mash. These are only some of the many delicious brunch options available at Yellow Brick Road.
INSTAGRAM | @yellowbrickroadcafe
LOKL
LOKL is a favorite amongst coffee lovers located in central KL. One of my favorite touches at LOKL is how the coffee menu is divided between Western coffee and local coffee, making it easy for visitors to try their caffeine Malaysian style. LOKL has subway tiles and wooden tables that complement Malaysian art that hangs from the walls in 3D frames. The iced kopi (coffee) I sipped hit the spot on a quintessentially sticky Kuala Lumpur afternoon.
INSTAGRAM | @loklcoffee
Breakfast Thieves
It’s no surprise I loved Breakfast Thieves given that the café has Australian roots…well, sort of. Two Malaysians opened Breakfast Thieves in Melbourne, Australia. After it was such a hit in Aus, the two founders decided to bring it home to Kuala Lumpur. Breakfast Thieves Kuala Lumpur is located in a 63-year-old printing factory building that resembles a greenhouse just a short walk from the monorail, not far from Thean Hou Temple. The cafe is plastic-free and the food is absolutely to die for. I accidentally over-ordered which made for a laugh, but “managed” to eat all of what I ordered. I mean, who wastes Vegemite? Not me. The industrial design, the light fixtures, the marble tables, the open kitchen, and the giant windows that let sunlight stream in all culminated in the perfect brunch experience.
INSTAGRAM | @breakfastthieveskl
Lim Kee Café
It had been an early morning filled with explorations and I realized I hadn’t eaten. Searching off my list of brunch spots, we staggered to the highly recommended Toast Co., which was closed. Walking back and forth down the road in quest of the now permanently closed establishment, we decided to try Lim Kee Café, just a few doors down. While the menu isn’t extensive, it’s beautiful in its simplicity. Eggs, toast, coconut jams, coffees, and teas— it was just enough to hit the mark for two tired travelers. After grabbing some toast with coconut jam and a coffee, my eyes perked up and I instantly realized how pretty the place we were eating was.
INSTAGRAM | @limkeecafe
Café Etc.
If you’re in the Chinatown area of Kuala Lumpur, you might stumble right upon Cafe Etc. Minimal in its design, the menu is so affordable I almost couldn’t believe it. I had been feeling a bit sick, so after visiting the nearby Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Luke suggested we grab something to drink. The menu’s affordability and its mix of breakfast and lunch options made it an easy pick. There wasn’t any coffee on the menu here, but I enjoyed the tea.
INSTAGRAM | @cafe_etc
Merchant’s Lane
This obscurely located café is worth hunting down for the delicious brunch and the derelict interiors. Set inside a former brothel, the café’s vintage China dishware, floral decorative pieces, and a mix of indoor and outdoor seating give it a distinct aesthetic. I had the standard “Breakfast” on the menu made of eggs, hashbrowns, multigrain bread, and mushrooms. It was a taste of Western breakfast I had been missing at the time. Luke enjoyed the Nasi Lemak Pancake, which oddly consists of coconut pancakes with chicken rendang, topped with a fried egg and anchovy sauce. We both rated our meals highly!
INSTAGRAM | @merchantlane
map ↴
Find the best brunch and breakfast spots in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on the map below.
