Best Kopitiams In Kuala Lumpur

Go back in time at this stalwart stop along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, where city crawlers come for oldtime breakfast and brunch. The culturally diverse crowd is very much like the cafe's offerings. Out front, the Nasi Padang station garners a cult following. Search the spread for a delicious Ikan Bakar Percik (from RM5) and Daging Dendeng (from RM4), with extra kuah to ladle over rice. For tea, order the Rojak (RM5) that comes with extra crunchy chopped fritters and a hard-boiled egg drenched in nutty gravy. Your meal options don't end there; there is also splendid Hainanese-style Mee Goreng (RM6) and a nice, crisp Roti Bakar (RM2.80). Pass up the often overcooked eggs, and dip the bread straight into a cup of smooth Kopi O (from RM1.70) or Teh C (from RM1.70) — your choice.
Avg price per person: RM10

There's good reason why Lai Foong is loved by tourists and locals alike. The heritage coffeeshop retains its 60 years of history in the way they make coffee — with water boiling over a charcoal stove — and in its old-world tiles and wood-and-marble tables. To introduce a foreign friend to the city's soul, begin here. The Beef Noodles (RM10) are known best for the flavoursome beef broth, made even better with a generous peppering of greens. Don't miss the red hot chilli sauce on the side that delivers a final kick. We have nothing but praise for the Lala Noodles (RM10). Typically served with rice, the concentrated superior soup is mixed up with mee hoon here — a special treat for seafood lovers. Be glad that seats have opened up next door to accommodate more during the lunch hour rush!
Avg price per person: RM10
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Junior How

If there's no time for a road trip, set your sights on O & S for true blue Penang delights. Penang locals who live in KL swear by this nondescript chee cheong fun stall that doles out a gloriously simple rendition of the dish. The Chee Cheong Fun (from RM2.40) presents soft, smooth rice rolls doused in a rousing prawn paste sauce, topped with sesame seeds and fried shallots. For sides, spot the stall for tasty Yong Tau Foo (from RM1.20 per piece) by its surefire queues. The same lot also houses a stall for stellar Asam Laksa (RM5), Prawn Mee (RM5.50) and Albert Thum's Beef Noodles (RM8), all of which pay homage to their northern roots. Open early at the break of dawn, the coffeeshop's buzz lasts even after lunch. Expect a short but worthy wait!
Avg price per person: RM10
Photo by Burppler N.Keong Kao

Located along the hectic roads in Pandan Indah, Thong Kee beats out its competitors with an East-meets-West twist. The Bentong-born coffeeshop churns out homemade croissants paired with good old local coffee — a winning combo that has us wondering why no one thought of it earlier. The spot-on, flaky Kaya Butter Croissant (RM4.50) comes filled with cold blocks of butter and sweet kaya spread. There is also a Ham & Cheese Croissant (RM6.90) if you prefer something warm, lush and savoury. Western breakfast aside, the kopitiam's tenants offer also local delights. Our favourite is the Kampua Noodles (from RM6) that sees homemade egg noodles with char siew, tossed in a tart vinegar-based sauce. Plus points for a killer green chilli sauce on the side!
Avg price per person: RM10

Weekends at KL city's foremost Hainanese kopitiam come with a clause: a 30-minute wait, minimum. But what fuels the unceasing crowds is the promise of Yut Kee's weekends-only Roast Pork (RM19.90). The elusive dish yields a yummy, crackling roast pork with apple sauce, alongside potatoes and vegetables. Since you've already made the trawl, make the most out of your experience. Order also the Roti Babi (RM9), a wonderfully greasy deep-fried bread with pork and onion filling. For a lighter breakfast, the Kaya Butter Toast (RM3) stars a fantastic homemade kaya that is, to our delight, also available in a take-home jar at RM4.80. End your meal with a classic local cake — either the soft, fluffy Kaya Roll (RM1) or the buttery Marble Cake (RM1).
Avg price per person: RM15

While Kam Heong's name conjures up the image of a braised duck dinner, the coffeeshop certainly hits the spot for a morning meal too. Spend weekends with the family at this airy space replete with round tables. The Prawn Noodles (RM7) fare well with a stocky soup redolent of prawns and lots of 'liu' to boot, but one can always opt to have more with add-ons (ka liu!) like Tastemaker Sok Chien for an additional RM2! If you're here early, don't miss the Chee Cheong Fun (RM1.20 per piece). The homemade meatballs and sui kow pack a punch, especially with the delectable sweet, spicy sauce. Also good are the Wanton Noodles (RM6) and, for a light bite, Butter Toast (RM2.20) charcoal-roasted upon order!
Avg price per person: RM10
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Sok Chien

Lunch with the colleagues is a no-brainer at Win Heng Seng. The corner lot coffeeshop right smack in the middle of Imbi has it all, from Nasi Lemak Sotong (from RM4.50) to Char Kuey Teow (RM6) and mini Egg Tarts (RM0.90 each). First off, add your order to the waiting list for Pork Ball Noodles (from RM9). The dry noodle dish is possibly one of KL's best, thanks to its irresistible blood sausage topping and a side of peppery pork broth. Pro tip: Get it with the easy-to-slurp lou shi fun. Don't leave without hitting up the queue for Tai Zi Ta's mini egg tarts. The small puffs encasing silky smooth egg custard make addictive tea snacks, which means only one thing: you should order big!
Avg price per person: RM10
Photo by Burppler Daniel Food Diary

Not your ordinary neighbourhood kopitiam, this hillside enclave is a breath of fresh air amidst the area's many cookie-cutter hawker centres. The menu is kept to a minimum, making it an easy feat for hikers and early birds to conquer. First-timers will want to try the simple Nasi Lemak (RM4) that turns out extremely fragrant rice with a fat dollop of spicy sambal. Otherwise, jazz up the dish with their new plated version that comes with a piece of ayam goreng berempah (spice-fried chicken) at RM9.50 The Roti Goyang (RM4) is also a perennial favourite featuring two wobbly soft-boiled eggs atop thick toast. But it is perhaps the bittersweet Kopi Peng (RM3) served in a vintage Lion Stout glass that gets us excited all over again for Kopitiam Kaki Bukit!
Avg price per person: RM10