One Half x Ilaika
Cover One Half x Ilaika

Embrace a clutter-free coffee experience at these cool hangouts where less is indeed more

The buzzword these days for café hunters is minimalist. More functional than fluffed up, the spaces are dominated by white or monochromatic walls, clean lines, and sensible furniture. As design starts to take more of a front seat in the restaurant industry today, we’re seeing a spike in eateries that please both the palate and the eyes. 

Here are some of the coolest spots around the Klang Valley that focus on the bare essentials to hang with friends and grab a cuppa and pastry while you’re at it.

Read more: Inside 5 beautifully designed bars in Kuala Lumpur

$ $ $ $   |   Chinatown
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Flaaah in Petalling Street (Photo: @flaaahflaaahflaaah/Instagram)
Above Flaaah in Petalling Street (Photo: @flaaahflaaahflaaah/Instagram)

Known for its creative croissants and picture perfect tarts, Flaaah’s first brick-and-mortar location in the heart of Chinatown is great for a coffee stop on a hot day. Its rustic yet clean interiors are complemented with the large windows that allow plenty of natural light in.

Don’t leave without picking up a few croissants and danishes.


Flaaah

Address: G01, Four Points, 2, Jalan Balai Polis, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur


$ $ $ $   |   Ampang
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The neutral  interior of VCR Ritchie is incredibly well-planned and offer a sense of calm (Photo: David Yeow)
Above The neutral interior of VCR Ritchie is incredibly well-planned and offer a sense of calm (Photo: David Yeow)

Popular café chain VCR’s latest outpost in Ampang was an instant hit with coffee enthusiasts and café hoppers in the Klang Valley. Offering a full food menu and delicious coffees, its interior is full of charm thanks to woven rattan materials and soft lighting. 

It's a cosy spot to sample the Cultiveat Salad and juicy Ritchie’s Wagyu Beef Burger. 

Read more: 4 beautifully designed cafés and restaurants in the Klang Valley


VCR - Ritchie

Address: 319, Ritchie Pavilion, Persiaran Ritchie, Desa Pahlawan, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia


$ $ $ $   |   Petaling Jaya
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Photo 1 of 2 Dou Dou Bake's garden emulates a zen Japanese garden (Photo: Dou Dou Bake)
Photo 2 of 2 The interiors of Dou Dou Bake (Photo: Harith Irfan Wahid/Unsplash)

Dou Dou Bakes’ interiors are decorated with neutral hues, mirrors and raw concrete elements for a chic industrial vibe. The café’s beautifully landscaped garden has starred in many of its Instagram posts and act as a great setting for a blissful afternoon cuppa.

Stop by in the evening for a laidback dinner with natural wines.


Dou Dou Bake

Address: 38, Jalan SS 4c/5, Taman Rasa Sayang, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia


$ $ $ $   |   Petaling Jaya
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Photo 1 of 2 Indie music plays softly in the background of One Half café to add to its relaxing ambience (Photo: Amanda Fung)
Photo 2 of 2 Some of One Half's pastries (Photo: Amanda Fung)

Located in the increasingly gentrified suburbia of Taman Paramount, this simple and no-frills café is just the place to get your caffeine fix—and they do it well. When the sun sets, trade coffee for cocktails. They have a fine selection of gin and wines.

The interior is simple, sleek and stylish with the walls painted black and a Crema Valencia marble countertop acting as the display unit and table for counter seating. Natural light fills the interior during the day. The rest of the space is embellished with items from lifestyle store Ilaika, which One Half is located in.

See also: Who are the people behind Inside Scoop, a Malaysian ice cream brand?


One Half x Ilaika

Address: 17, Jalan 20/13, Taman Paramount, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia


Located in the increasingly gentrified suburbia of Taman Paramount, this simple and no-frills café is just the place to get your caffeine fix—and they do it well. When the sun sets, trade coffee for cocktails. They have a fine selection of gin and wines.

The interior is simple, sleek and stylish with the walls painted black and a Crema Valencia marble countertop acting as the display unit and table for counter seating. Natural light fills the interior during the day. The rest of the space is embellished with items from lifestyle store Ilaika, which One Half is located in.

See also: Who are the people behind Inside Scoop, a Malaysian ice cream brand?

$ $ $ $   |   Chinatown
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Photo 1 of 2 Just like its decor, Niko Neko's drinks and food embrace simplicity (Photo: Niko Neko Matcha)
Photo 2 of 2 Niko Neko's Bangsar branch features a breathtaking centerpiece (Photo: Niko Neko Matcha)

Niko Neko Matcha has become something of a household name in the matcha movement, so much so that bags of its matcha powder are now sold in supermarkets. It also has multiple locations dotted around the Klang Valley.

Aesthetically, its cafés opt for a stark and futuristic all-white interior. Think clean edges, geometric logos, and artsy display units. The tasteful lack of colours draws attention to the brightly hued matcha drinks and desserts.


Niko Neko Matcha

Address: 181, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur


$ $ $ $   |   Petaling Jaya
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Photo 1 of 3 Ōno's entrance (Photo: Ōno - Specialty Coffee & Matcha)
Photo 2 of 3 Ōno's interiors follow a neutral colour palette (Photo: Ōno - Specialty Coffee & Matcha)
Photo 3 of 3 Ōno's signature matcha and coffee drink (Photo: Ono - Specialty Coffee & Matcha)

Ōno serves up clever cocktails of coffee and matcha in a tastefully designed space in Petaling Jaya. Food-wise, Ōno subscribes to a Japanese-inspired narrative, serving Japanese-style sandos.

The ebi katsu taru taru sando and tangy chicken katsu sando are recommended, and its combination of matcha and coffee is a great order for those feeling adventurous. 

Don't miss: 8 restaurants, cafés and bars at Hin Bus Depot, George Town


Ōno

Address: 47, Jalan SS 2/30, SS2, 47300 Petaling Jaya


$ $ $ $   |   Desa Parkcity
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Photo 1 of 2 Photo: Baker Next Door
Photo 2 of 2 Photo: Baker Next Door

The monochromatic, almost bare interior of this Desa Parkcity café serves as the ideal backdrop to enjoy its small, colourful pies and pastries. Apart from pies, it also serves an elevated version of kaya toast.


Baker Next Door

Address: Lot FF-30, 1/F, 5, Persiaran Residen, Desa Parkcity, 52200 Kuala Lumpur


$ $ $ $   |   Bukit Bintang
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Photo 1 of 2 Three Years Old's seating area basks in natural light (Photo: Three Years Old)
Photo 2 of 2 The living room vibe at Three Years Old makes it a comfortable and cosy space to catch up with friends (Photo: Three Years Old)

At Three Years Old, brown wood furniture juxtapose against its white walls for an elegant setting. It serves classic Australian café fares such as smashed avocado toast and its Pumpkin Patch salad. 

Read more: 8 places to explore at Jalan Sin Chew Kee


Three Years Old

Address: 1, Jalan Sin Chew Kee, Bukit Bintang, 50150, Kuala Lumpur


$ $ $ $   |   Bukit Damansara
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Photo 1 of 2 The monochromatic palette at The Hub Coffee Roasters adds to its minimalist charm. (Photo: The Hub Coffee Roasters)
Photo 2 of 2 Not only is the decor at The Hub Coffee Roasters minimalist, it is also futuristic (Photo: The Hub Coffee Roasters)

The Hub Coffee Roasters prides itself on its Japanese minimalism concept that can be seen in all its outlets around the Klang Valley. There's something quite comforting about the clean lines and natural tones and it is a great place to get some work done. 

It roasts its own coffee and offers more than 30 choices of beans of different origins. More interestingly, it produces its own evaporated milk that adds a nice smoothness and sweetness to your drink. 


The Hub Coffee Roaster

Address: Lot G01-01, Block A, Plaza Zurich, 12, Jalan Gelenggang, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur


Bukit Damansara
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Photo 1 of 3 Feeling+'s decor and furniture give it an industrial feel (Photo: Feeling+)
Photo 2 of 3 The coffee counter at Feeling+ (Photo: Feeling+)
Photo 3 of 3 The Mac & Cheese with Cauliflower Karaage Sandwich (Photo: Feeling+)

Powered by pastries, toasties, and positivity, Feeling+ is a comfy space founded by Trev Ng of Optimist Coffee in the thriving The Five @ KPD enclave. Motivational messages and doodles scribbled on the walls are not the only things to help elevate your mood.

We recommend its twice-fried chicken sando, the mac & cheese with cauliflower karaage, and its lattés.

See also: Where to have afternoon tea with the best views in Malaysia


Feeling +

Address: A-1-01, Block A, The Five, Kompleks Pejabat Damansara, Feeling+, Jalan Dungun, 50490 Kuala Lumpur


$ $ $ $   |   Bangsar
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Photo 1 of 3 The cafe is also a great space to get some work done (Photo: Vernakular Store)
Photo 2 of 3 Peep Coffee is tucked away in Vernakular Store in Bangsar (Photo: Vernakular Store)
Photo 3 of 3 The café features pops of neon yellow (Photo: Vernakular Store)

Nestled amongst rows of watches and other timepieces lies Peep Coffee, the caffeinated part of Vernakular Store along Jalan Telawi 3. It has designated seating areas for those who need a break from perusing and have some time for a treat or two.

Pebbles take the place of tiles on the ground of the café's seating area and the natural wood and unfinished concrete simply build up the space's unrefined, yet charming aura.  


Peep Coffee at Vernakular Store

Address: 33, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur


$ $ $ $   |   Sri Hartamas
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Photo 1 of 3 Orito's space makes use of steel and concrete materials (Photo: Orito)
Photo 2 of 3 Orito's famous Paris-Brest (Photo: Orito)
Photo 3 of 3 Orito is known for its choux buns (Photo: Orito)

Orito rose to fame on the back of its inventive and picture perfect handcrafted choux buns, filled with light and airy creméux or curd. The minimalist industrial interior is anchored by a wavy bench that snakes through the centre of the café.

Don't miss: Breaking down the intricacies of kaiseki with Jeff Okada Ramsey


Orito

Address: Plaza Damas, B-0-5, 3, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, 50480 Kuala Lumpur


$ $ $ $   |   Jalan Ipoh
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Photo 1 of 2 Curio Coffee Roaster is perfect for a brunch with friends (Photo: Curio Coffee Roaster)
Photo 2 of 2 The space at Curio Coffee Roaster is bright and refreshing (Photo: Curio Coffee Roaster)

This charming café along bustling Jalan Ipoh is filled with natural light that makes your flat lay foodie shots look absolutely stunning without any additional filters. 


Curio Coffee Roaster

Address: Rivercity, Lot 468, G26-A Block G, Rivercity Rooftop, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 51200 Kuala Lumpur


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