Cafe-hopping is a favourite pastime among urban dwellers in KL and PJ. Many spend their weekends travelling far and wide for a taste of something new, garnishing their Instagram grids with aesthetically-pleasing shots and selfies. But with how quickly cafes are mushrooming in these parts, even the most well-versed cafe hopper can miss out on a gem or two. With that said, we’ve found these hidden cafes which are off the beaten track.
Check Out These Hidden Cafes In KL & PJ For Good Coffee And Even Better Ambiance
Coffeeboy Club
Located at a strategic corner in Petaling Jaya’s The Gasket Alley is Coffeeboy Club, a quaint hidden cafe decked out in wood, steel, and an unmistakable neon-orange signboard. You can have your coffee two ways here—fresh or bottled. The latter is called the Botol Series, which consists of eye-catching flavours like Reverse Latte and Mocha Pea DD, a pea milk-based concoction of espresso and chocolate.
Affordable drinks aside, it also has a robust food menu of burgers, sandwiches, and tacos that are exclusively for its “Mexicola Night” weekends. Expect only good vibes, great music, and affordable grub here.
Address: The Gasket Alley, Lot 15, 13, Jalan 13/6, Seksyen 13 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating Hours: 10am to 7pm (Monday to Thursday, and Sunday); 10am to 10pm (Friday to Saturday)
Contact: 012-292 1492
Transparent Coffee
It’s easy to miss this hidden cafe if you don’t know where to look. Nestled in a charming enclave off Bangsar, you’ve arrived at Transparent Coffee if you spot the distinctive circular archway fronted by potted plants. Otherwise, let the smell of coffee guide you.
A bar at night but cafe by day, Transparent Coffee gets its name from where it sources the beans—directly from producers in countries like Ethiopia and Kenya. As such, the filter coffee here is a must-try, which is expertly brewed by skilled baristas.
Address: 6-G, Jalan Abdullah, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan
Operating Hours: 8am to 4.30pm daily
Contact: 014-333 4521
Hide & Seek
In the bustling Taman Paramount F&B scene lies Hide & Seek, an industrial-themed establishment with a quirky assortment of chairs and tables. As a result, not one piece of furniture is the same. Meanwhile, the walls are mostly untreated, giving this hidden cafe a raw and unfinished look.
The coffee and cake selections here are enough to satisfy hunger pangs. But if you prefer something more wholesome, the char siew rice bowls here are equally appealing.
Address: 33-A, Jalan 20/16, Taman Paramount, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating Hours: 10am to 10pm (Closed on Tuesday)
Contact: 017-679 9319
Half & Hafu
Sharing space with a hair salon for a sip and snip concept, Half & Hafu is cosy and laidback with streaks of greenery that blends well with the overall aesthetic. With just enough sunlight coming through the glass windows, this upstairs hidden cafe is the perfect spot to escape from the heat and enjoy a cold cup of espresso.
Don’t give the signature drink—Half & Hafu—a miss, which is a blend of coffee, chocolate, bitter orange, and milk. Caffeinated drinks aside, it’s also known for its matcha and houjicha offerings.
Address: Lot B-1-05, First Floor, The Hub SS2 Retail Office, 19 Sentral, Jalan Harapan 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating Hours: 11am to 8pm (Tuesday to Sunday)
Contact: 03-7931 1990
Spacegrey
Much like Half & Hafu, Spacegrey overlaps with another business. But instead of a salon, this hidden cafe sits next to a florist. Smell the flowers as you get a cup of coffee here, which also comes bottled for quick takeaways. If you’re feeling peckish, grab a matcha-filled chocolate cookie for a satisfying afternoon snack.
Due to space constraints, seats are very limited here. We recommend picking up or having your items delivered to avoid disappointment.
Address: 49, Jalan SS22/23, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating Hours: 10am to 5pm (Closed on Tuesday)
Contact: 018-220 5168
Kissa x Coffee
There’s no shortage of chill spots in Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI), but not one is as minimalist and quiet as Kissa x Coffee. Located on the second floor of a row of shophouses, this hidden cafe mimics Instagrammable wooden fixtures found in Japanese cafes.
When it comes to coffee, you’ll be spoiled for choice as it offers many unique single-origin beans sourced directly from Japan. When you’re done, browse the shop’s carefully curated selection of filters and cups for a gift.
Address: 86A, Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi, Taman Tun Dr. Ismail 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 9am to 5pm (Monday, Thursday, and Friday); 9am to 7pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Contact: 03-7731 3311
Awan 18a
As far as hidden cafes go, this one shrouds itself in secrecy. A first-floor establishment near neighbourhood homes and sundry shops, Awan 18a serves as a hidden gem to get speciality coffee handcrafted by passionate baristas. The decor here is simple, with adequate space and potted plants for you to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Awan 18a also acts as a select store, selling candles and chocolates made by local artisans.
Address: 18a, Jalan 22/49, Section 22, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating Hours: 11am to 5pm (Closed on Sunday and Monday)
Contact: Via Instagram
270 sqft
This hidden cafe is literally the size of 270 square feet. Small and unassuming but not lacking in character, 270 sqft serves up the usual cafe fare—but with big flavours.
Enjoy an assortment of bagels, cakes, and pastries while lo-fi music plays in the background. For drinks, you can’t go wrong with the signature Yuzu Tonic, which is served in an Instagram-ready slatting glass cup.
Address: 27, Jalan 21/1, Sea Park, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating Hours: 9am to 6pm daily
Contact: 03-7866 0829
Escape The Crowd By Checking Out These Hidden Cafes In KL & PJ
Sometimes, you just want to enjoy your coffee in peace. However, the problem with most famous places is that everyone is also trying to check them out. Hopefully, with these hidden cafes, you’ll get to savour your cuppa on your time, without feeling the rush to go anywhere.
Can’t get enough of Malaysia’s cafe culture? We have more recommendations for you!
