Cool cafés in Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur

Cafés continue to pop up in Chinatown offering chill spaces infused with nostalgic vibes of yesteryear. Set in refurbished pre-war shophouses, the decor is deliberately rustic to reflect the charm and heritage of olden days. Best of all, these cafes are just a 10-minute walk from Pasar Seni MRT /LRT stations. Driving is not advisable, as parking is limited.

Merchant’s Lane

Having heard others raving of this insta-worthy café, I had to pay a visit. Mind you, finding the place can be tricky. A helpful cafe staff at Kwai Chai Hong overheard me asking for directions and guided us to the hidden café with no signage, until you are literally standing at the door.
Tip: Look out for Kiat Leong Stationery & Trading signboard

Up a flight of stairs bathed in red light, I was finally enlightened. Peeling paint on walls, benches reminiscent of primary school days, rattan chairs, 60s bric-a-brac, all invoked memories of childhood, while pops of fuschia & teal in the main area gives a touch of freshness and modernity. Exploring further, I stepped into the open courtyard with a living tree as its centerpiece. Beyond that is a quieter seating area with striking floral wall art.

This very instagrammable cafe serves a fusion menu of local delights with creative sounding names. We enjoyed the latte, though the dessert could do with a more generous drizzle of kaya.

Merchant’s Lane
First Floor, 150, Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur.
Opening Hours : 11.30 am – 9.30 pm (from 9.30 am Sat/Sun)
Closed Wednesdays

Mingle Cafe

Patronised by guests of Mingle Hostel, the cafe is also a popular hangout for coffee lovers, with its western menu of pasta, pizza, burger and smoothies.

I was drawn to Mingle cafe by its decor – the clever use of old furniture and recycled wooden doors as table tops. The refurbished premise practices zero waste while preserving the character of the aged building.

Mingle Cafe
55, Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur,
Opening Hours : 7.30 am – 9.30 pm

Kafei Dian

Formerly a post office built in 1911, this double-storey building combines Tudor architecture with Malay-style verandah. Today, it serves kopitiam-styled delights such as Nasi Lemak, Penang Fried Kuay Teow and the perennial Butter & Kaya toast with tea / coffee.

At the entrance, the jovial owner welcomes all guests, ushering them quickly to a table and signaling for a waiter to bring the menu-cum-order form.

After ordering some snacks, I wandered about camera in hand. The attentive owner directed me upstairs for a sneak preview of future spaces and the possibilities.

Next, we were shown the original safe in the air-conditioned section, with the bottom 3-feet of the door below ground. Over the years, the floor was continuously raised to avoid the floods. What lies in the cavernous space behind the door remains a mystery, as the door is locked with no key.

I particularly like the airy open space with natural light via strips of clear tiles that runs across the roof. Generous plantings in every nook and corner creates a restful, laid back ambience. I could have stayed and chilled till closing time, grabbing lunch and a tea time snack if I fancied.