Inside 5 ultra-minimalist cafés in Klang Valley

This meticulous attention to detail not only infuses character into the almost-bare café but also accentuates the vibrant display of pies and pastries behind clear glass, such as signature sweets like the Black Mamba, an Adora grape pie with black sesame cream, and the black crusted cherry pie, Black Pinky.

Main courses of savoury comforts are also served at Baker Next Door, including the chicken and mushroom pot pie, and the herb-infused Malamia chicken pie with Sichuan pepper, star anise and cinnamon.

Lot FF-30, 1st Floor, 5, Persiaran Residen, Desa Parkcity, 52200 Kuala Lumpur; Opens daily 8 am–10 pm

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Wunderwall Design’s architectural and interior concept for BookXcess and the adjacent Whisk café at MyTOWN Shopping Centre creates a dynamic interplay of raw materials, seamlessly guiding visitors through varying atmospheres as they move from one space to another.

The bookstore’s ambience exudes a cosy yet contemporary feel, with wooden bookshelves, display corners and cashier counters. This juxtaposes against smooth concrete surfaces and pockets of white illuminations through peppered lighting throughout the store.

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This warm setting transitions seamlessly to the tiered piazza area, where the timber tones lightened alongside the introduction of glass elements. While they flood the space with natural light and offer a sense of openness, they also serve as a bridge between the bookstore and the café with a contrasting industrial-inspired aesthetic.

Concrete and stone accents at the café kiosk are complemented by sleek steel and glass details, providing a stylish nook for book lovers to unwind with a cup of coffee and delectable cakes after browsing the extensive book collection.

MyTOWN Shopping Centre, 6, Jalan Cochrane, Maluri, 55100 Kuala Lumpur; Opens Tuesdays–Saturdays 10 am–10 pm, Sundays and Mondays 11am–10 pm

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Nestled in the quieter enclave of the SS2 neighbourhood, ONO captures the attention of passersby with its sleek all-white façade and expansive wood-framed cantilever glass door and windows that offer a glimpse into its unadulterated interior within.

Designed by Dsgnpholio, spearheaded by Fuankee and Sharon, the minimalist aesthetic of ONO is brought to life with muted palette seating blocks and rounded timber tables along the wall. 

Contrasting sharply with these elements are the sleek counters crafted from curated marble slabs, mirroring the artful fusion found in their signature drink, When Two Worlds Collide—an exquisite blend of single cultivar matcha cream and carbonated Ethiopian cold brew coffee.

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Dsgnpholio also incorporated whispers of corroded steel into ONO’s branding with a minute rusting process to achieve the desired texture and consistency. This attention to detail mirrors the precision found in the brewing process that takes place at the perpendicular counters lined with coffee making equipment.

Complementing its speciality coffee and tea drinks, ONO offers a delectable selection of Japanese-inspired fare, from indulgent sandos of both sweet and savoury fillings to shareable snack plates and hearty pasta dishes.

47, Jalan SS 2/30, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor; Opens daily 10:30 am–6 pm

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For Feeling+, on the other hand, EMPT Studio embraces a snug and inviting ambience. Nestled amidst the bustling offices of The Five at Damansara Heights, the back-to-basic establishment focuses on speciality coffee and comfort lunch spreads that provide temporary gastronomic respites like chicken sandos, mac ‘n’ cheese toasties, rice bowls and pasta.

Focusing on functionality and minimalistic aesthetics, the interior features concrete flooring and ceilings set against white walls and accented by custom wooden furnishings reminiscent of Jenga pieces, complementing the open-plan layout and fostering unexpected connections among patrons.

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Picture windows framed in black flood the space with natural light while motivational messages and playful doodles adorn the white walls, infusing the space with charm and uplifting energy.

A-1-01, Block A, The Five @ KPD, Jalan Dungun, Damansara Heights, 50490 Kuala Lumpur; Opens daily 8:30 am–5 pm except Mondays

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Following up on the first Bangsar store featuring in-situ concrete elements and a suspended paper installation, Niko Neko Matcha took an even more minimalist approach for its second concept store located in the city centre’s bustling Chinatown.

Entering through black-framed reeded glass doors, customers step into a refurbished pre-war building which was transformed into a crisp, luminous space by embracing a monochrome palette.

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The industrial-inspired light installation suspended from the ceiling zeroes the customers’ attention in on the umami-flavoured pastries and desserts served alongside household matcha drinks. While the display of traditional Japanese chawans, each unique in size, shape, and texture, add subtle pops of colour to the space.

Black-steeled seats and tables furnish the seating area along the wall, leading to a secluded demo room accessible only to B2B clients. Here, private tasting sessions, showcasing traditional tea brewing and ceremonies, take place at a clutter-free bar outfitted with black high chairs, featuring Niko Neko Matcha’s range of tea powders.

181, Jalan Tun H S Lee, 50000 Kuala Lumpur; Opens daily 11 am–6 pm

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