The Top 10 Cafes In Petaling Street KL

I have been wanting to compile this food list for quite awhile now, but just when I thought I've completed my neverending quest of cafe hopping, along the hustling stretch of cafes in Petaling Street stretch, something new always pops up. Having said that, I think I've already reached a standstill, of not wanting to head into this area no more because parking is downright horrendous - and expensive too for that matter.

Nevertheless, I still love the old-school and vintage charm that Petaling Street offers. The offspring of new cafes here in the recent years is part of the City Council's movement, to rebuilt, restore and reintroduce the oriental charm of Petaling Street. So here's a food list that I managed to churn up along the way.

Enjoy reading and happy eating.

*Menu and prices may not be the latest.

1. VINTAGE 1988

Address: 34, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur.

Phone: 03-2022 1102

Opening Hours: 8am - 12am Daily

Must-Have: Caramelised Banana Waffle (RM16.00), Vintage Lemonade (RM13.00), Pineapple Iced Crush (RM15.00), Australian Avocado Blended Milk (RM18.00)

Vintage 1988 is probably the most eye catching cafe along the stretch of shoplots in Petaling Street. I mean, the dark green exterior is beautiful, and this typewriter, and the piano under the neon lights - do remember to take some pictures. I wasn't quite fond of the seating arrangements, but I was there for quick drinks, so I really didn't mind. We had sips of each other's drinks, all of which I thought was kinda overrated, but I did enjoy the Vintage Lemonade.

2. JAO TIM

Address: 61, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Phone: 03-2022 3897

Opening Hours: 11am - 7pm (Sun-Thurs), 11am - 9pm (Fri & Sat)

Must-Have: Grilled Cheese Sandwich (RM15.00), Croissants (RM7.00), Draft Beer (RM15.00)

Jao Tim essentially means hotel in Cantonese. The signature Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Croissants, and Draft Beer is a must-have here, thought to be very honest, I think everyone just drops by for a picture or two. The food and drinks here? Okay lah. 

3. LIM KEE CAFE @ TIAN JING HOTEL

Address: 66-68, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Phone: 03-2022 1131

Opening Hours: 9.30am - 6pm Daily

Must-Have: Coffee & Cakes

Most people come here to chill, for their coffee and cakes, instead of the usual brunch affair. The cafe is not huge but definitely a cozy and confined hotspot during tea time. On a side note, I really like the exterior of this hotel slash cafe. 

4. LEAF & CO CAFE @ MINGLE

Address: 53, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Phone: 03-2020 2220

Opening Hours: 8.30am - 10pm (Weekends) 10.30am - 10pm (Weekdays)

Must-Have: Buttermilk Fried Chicken (RM23.00), Spaghetti Meatballs (RM20.00)

I recalled visiting this cafe a handful of times over the years, sometimes for food, but mostly for coffee. The Buttermilk Fried Chicken was one of the most sought after dish in their menu, I thought it was flavorsome and had a nice crunch to it. I also had a go at their Spaghetti Meatballs, which was just eh-alright.

5. KAKATOOGO

Address: Lot 10, Ground Floor, Kompleks Selangor, Jalan Sultan, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Phone: 03-2022 1102

Opening Hours: 8am - 10pm Daily

Must-Have: Nasi Kerabu Baba Fried Chicken (RM17.00), Durian Cendol (RM12.50)

"What does Kakatoo mean?" I asked. "Oh, it's our refined version of cockatoo, or what most Malaysians know as burung kakak tua," Considering that it was a to-go cafe, the menu here is quite extensive and largely affordable, consisting of mostly Malaysian dishes with a touch of Nyonya Kampung to boost. I sampled almost all of their menu items that lovely afternoon, read more about my favorites in the link below. 

Read the full take of my experience here : https://www.spicysharon.com/2019/06/a-taste-of-malaysian-nyonya-flavors-at-kakatoogo-petaling-street-kl-review.html

6. MERCHANT'S LANE

Address: 150, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Phone: 03-2022 1736

Opening Hours: 11.30am-9.30pm (Weekdays) 9.30am - 9.30pm (Weekends)

Must-Have: South China Sea (RM26.00), Handcrafted Teas (RM15.00)

The first cafe in Petaling Street that lured me to the discovery of Petaling Street's vintage charm. Since it has been awhile since I've last visited, the menu and price list depicted may not be the latest. My pick would have to be the South China Sea. I think I should pop by again soon, to rekindle some of those nostalgic moments. 

Read the full take of my experience here : http://www.spicysharon.com/2015/07/merchants-lane-jalan-petaling-petaling.html

7. CHOCHA FOODSTORE

Address: 156, Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

Phone: 03-2022 1100

Opening Hours: 11am - 11pm (Weekdays) 11am - 12am (Weekends)

Must-Have: Biang Biang Noodles (RM16.00), Cincalok Fried Chicken (RM25.00)

Chocha Foodstore is situated just a few doors away from Merchant's Lane. The Biang Biang Inspired Noodles was interesting - housemade fat noodle (reminded me of the traditional pan mee), drizzled with szechuan chili oil, mixed spice, toasted peanuts and seasoned soy vinaigrette. Strangely and surprisingly, the flavors worked! I wasn't a fan of their infamous Cincalok Fried Chicken with Summer Salsa dish however.

Read the full take of my experience here : http://www.spicysharon.com/2016/10/highlights-of-the-good-and-the-bad-botanica-and-co-bangsar-south-kakigori-seapark-pj-chocha-foodstore-petaling-street-kl-leaf-and-co-petaling-street-kl-sis-and-co-kg-kayu-ara-damansara-pj-pan-and-tamper-publika-kl-food-review.html

8. SENIMAN KAKAO

Address: 29, Jalan Pudu Lama, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Phone: 03-7490 7788

Opening Hours: 9am - 10pm Daily

Must-Have: Chocolate & Coconut (RM15.00), Chocolate & Soy Milk (RM15.00)

This cafe is not exactly located within the bustling Petaling Street stretch, but I thought I'd include it in this list, as there are not many chocolate-centric cafes in town. Seniman Kakao carries their own brand of gourmet chocolates, to bring home and to have here. I had the signature Chocolate and Coconut, which comes in a coconut husk, that was rich but not too thick, and had a tinge of fizziness to boost. The chocolate cake was decadent. On a side note, turn up the air conditioning on the upper floor please? 

9. TIMOTHY'S CAFE

Address: 24, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Phone: 018-200 0262

Opening Hours: 10am - 10pm Daily

Must-Have: Signature Thunder Rice (RM22.00), Salmon Royale Broiche (RM26.00), Thai Lamb (RM38.00), Four Seaons (RM13.00), Sayang Sayang (RM13.00)

Located just a stone's throw away from Petaling Street is Timothy's Cafe. Now, like most of the cafes in the area, this one carries an old school charm that I really liked, but I absolutely hate the parking arrangements here. Tip : Come during dinner hours instead and park right in front of the shop. I thought the food and drinks were on the pricier side. We shared a handful of their signature dishes, all of which I thought was at most, mediocre.

10. HO KAW HAINAN KOPITAM

Address: 1, Jalan Balai Polis, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Phone: 03-2856 8287

Opening Hours: 7.30am - 3.30pm Daily

Must-Have: Hainan Cham (RM3.80), Butter & Kaya Toast(RM2.90), Chee Cheong Fun (RM4.80)

Expect to wait one hour during peak hours. They only open for breakfast and lunch. It was some time back since I last visited this cafe, before the place started trending on instagram. I can see why people like coming to this place, the food menu was extensive yet affordable, featuring an array of Malaysian Chinese dishes. I had a go at their Curry Chee Cheong Fun, Toasts, and some of their Dim Sum offerings. One hour queue? Next please. 

Thank you for the support and for reading. Till the next makan makan session. xoxo ❤️