Best Cafes for Specialty Coffee in KL

With its minimalist vibes; think white walls, wooden furniture and lush plants, this roaster-cum-cafe is PJ’s hot spot for coffee. Give the Filter Coffee (from RM18) a go when here. It's served hot but you're also given a small serving of the coffee over ice to taste its notes at different temperatures. Alternatively, gun for a bottle of creamy Cold Brew White (RM13).
Photo by Burppler Jeff Lim

After your belly-filling bak kut teh lunch in Klang, unwind at this local cafe decked out in kopitiam decor. The crowd comes for the refreshing Hibiscus Coffee (RM13), a filter coffee-based drink served with pink hibiscus-infused ice cubes — perfect for hot days. A must-try for milk coffee lovers is the Coffee Cube Latte (RM15), cold milk served with coffee ice cubes. The cubes slowly melt into the icy milk to create a super smooth iced latte.

Trust the winning java wizards at One Half to come up with delicious concoctions that take coffee drinking to a whole new level. Case in point: their tonic-based coffee drinks. You're here for the Cold Brew Tonic (RM15) with grapefruit juice that's fizzy and fruity, or the uber refreshing Black Tonic (RM12), a combo of an espresso shot and tonic water, served with a dehydrated slice of lime.

Here's one for the working folks — this no-frills espresso bar doles out cuppas to help you power through the day. The velvety Latte (RM11) is highly recommended for its nutty and balanced flavours, but if you’re here to quench a thirst, the Cold Brew (available in black and white, from RM13) is your pick. Got time to sneak in an after-lunch treat? Pair your drink with the heavenly Carrot Cake (RM11).
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh

Previously known as Blaq Coffee, this cafe-cum-retail store is for all kinds of coffee lovers. The space is warm and welcoming, perfect for lounging with a friend over a drink. Coffee aficionados, dive straight for the daily Filter Coffee (RM13) brewed with beans from an impressive line-up local and international roasters (Cloud Catcher, Brew & Bread and Industry Beans from Australia). Coffee rookies should try the not-too-acidic yet aromatic Batch Brew (RM8), the perfect introduction into the specialty coffee world.
Photo by Burppler Calvin Lam

In Three Little Birds you can trust for consistently good drips. Spend weekend mornings here with a good book sipping on the Coffee Juice (filter coffee with house-roasted beans, from RM15), or go for a more decadent Mocha (RM14) made with Valrhona chocolate. Coupled with lush greenery coupled and water features, this experience scores high on serene vibes.
Photo by Burppler Tastee Eat

On hot days, find respite at this micro-roastery in quiet Mutiara Damansara over iced filters. The light-bodied Iced Aeropress (RM15) gets our stamp of approval! Pick from any of the beans available, or let the friendly baristas walk you through their list ranging from mildly acidic Ethiopian beans to ones with fruity notes from Burundi. We like the latter for its berry-like aftertaste.

For a caffeine boost before work, this cosy cafe in TTDI churns out delicious coffee, and in beautiful cups too. Try the Filter Coffees (RM15) hand-brewed with house-roasted beans — if you’ve found a fav, bring a bag from their retail counter home! For something creamier, the potent Piccolo Latte (RM9.90) hits the spot. Pro tip: Swing by between 8-11am to get a free croissant with any coffee order.

With three outlets under their belt, there's gotta be something Owls Cafe is doing right. Waffles aside, we think it's the delicately fragrant Rose Latte (RM12) that's not too sweet. If you’re one for more kick, there's also the Magic (RM10), an Australian-inspired milk coffee served with double ristretto instead of espresso. Bonus: The kitchen is open all day, so get an order of their famously yummy waffles while getting your coffee fix.

After a long shopping sesh, recharge over coffee and sandwiches at this Japanese-inspired cafe in Pavilion. The community favourite is the Dirty (RM14), a combination of ristretto and cold milk — a punchy yet well-balanced choice. There's also a jazzed up version: a Cold Mocha (RM15) with additional rich and silky chocolate. So good!
Photo by Burppler Masa Barista