[Updated 12 September 2020]
The cafe culture in Klang Valley is the gift that keeps on giving. Whenever we crave for a perfect brew or hearty brunch, we turn to our favourite cafes and even stumble upon new ones along the way. Let's not forget the times when these Muslim-friendly cafes in KL gave us more reason to go cafe-hopping in 2020 and the halal cafes that made our weekend brunch date perfect.
Now, we're shining the spotlight on Muslim-friendly cafes in Klang Valley that are worth driving out to. Since Klang Valley comprises of the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur and the surrounding cities and towns, it's time to find a cafe that appeals to you!
1. Naj & Belle
Just a 3-minute walk from SS15 LRT station, accessibility is definitely on Naj & Belle's side. Situated on the ground floor of SS15 Courtyard, this cafe is better known for its signature Watermelon Cake that is layered with fresh watermelon, cream, and strawberries. It's a refreshing twist to the usual fruit cakes.
If you have a huge appetite for brunch, Naj & Belle serves mains, burgers and sandwiches. You can't go wrong with Iron Mike (there's an Australian grass-fed beef patty in there), smoked salmon and avocado sandwich, and Ras El Hanout braised lamb shank. Pasta lovers can also enjoy linguini creamy pesto carbonara, squid ink spaghetti, and new Moussaka.
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Opening hours: Open daily; 10AM-10PM
Address: Ground floor, SS15 Courtyard, SS 15, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Contact: +603 5612 7078
2. Whip & Whisk KL
For most dessert lovers, we love walking into a bakery and cafe combo such as Whip And Whisk. If you're a couple who enjoys two courses for brunch, start with their well-loved fish and chips, nasi buttermilk fried chicken or nasi lemak chicken chop. Then, wrap up your afternoon on a sweet note with Nutella cream cheese cinnamon roll or lemon blueberry cake. Since they take pride in being a tart and pastry specialist, remember to have room for those too.
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Opening hours: Tue-Sun, 10AM-10PM (Closed on Mon)
Address: 52-G, Jalan Damai Raya 2, Alam Damai, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 9107 3987
3. Upstairs Cafe
A neighbourhood favourite, Upstairs Cafe has a selection of brunch favourites, Western delights and baked goods that are perfect for brunch dates. Grab a table for two and make a pick between big breakfast, eggs benny, buttermilk pancakes or spaghetti arrabbiata.
They've also added refreshing bottles of kombucha to the menu. The strawberry melon and mango blueberry mint flavours may be a good alternative to the lattes that you'd normally enjoy. Besides Upstairs Cafe, there are more Muslim-friendly cafes in KL that are great for your next hangout!
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Opening hours: Mon-Thu, 10AM-11PM; Fri, 10AM-1PM, 2.30PM-11PM; Sat, 10AM-11PM (Closed on Sun)
Address: No. 12A, Jalan SS 12/1B, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Contact: +603 5611 1950
4. Souka Bakeshop
Situated in the hipster neighbourhood of SS15, the Souka Bakeshop makes freshly-baked cakes and homemade desserts. Stepping into Souka, you will definitely be impressed by the fine selection of classic desserts including lemon meringue pie, traditional baked cheesecake, and chocolate fudge cake. When you're here, make sure to try out their to-die-for pavlova! Besides the Souka Bakeshop, we also have more ridiculously good (and halal!) bakeries that'll keep you coming for more!
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Opening hours: Daily, 10AM-10PM
Address: 53, Jalan SS 15/5a, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Contact: +603 5613 3532
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5. Dujour KL
For a cafe with a little bit of everything, Dujour KL may just be the one you're looking for. You might think of it as a French cafe, but they're all about celebrating local flavours in everything they prepare. Since it closes at dinnertime, drop by for lunch and be greeted by local selections such as traditional nasi lemak, curry kapitan, chicken curry laksa and more. And there's the Japanese-style nasi goreng and beef rendang carbonara if you're open to trying a fusion twist too.
While their desserts vary from time to time, you can treat yourself to chocolate brownies, lemon bars, British bread pudding, and more. What better way to complement your sinful desserts than sipping a cup of flat white. That's a weekend treat right there!
Halal status: All meats and ingredients are sourced from halal-certified suppliers. No alcohol or gelatine is used during food preparation, and all of their chefs are Muslim.
Opening hours: Open daily; 10AM-7PM
Address: B-G-01 and B-M-01, The Hub SS2, Seksyen 19, Jalan Harapan, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Contact: +603 7931 3717
6. Dough and Dolce
If cafe hopping is part of your weekend plan, Dough and Dolce would make a good first stop. An independent bakery cafe in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, they've been known to serve deliciously baked bread, decadent desserts and hearty meals that'll keep the brunch crowd happy. Try their comfort food like Chipotle sourdough grilled cheese sandwich, smoked duck aglio olio and sourdough pizza.
Anyone with desserts on their mind will find their selections delectable too. Sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce, dark chocolate marble cheesecake, and custard tart with almond shortcrust are just some of the desserts that are ready to win over your tastebuds.
Halal status: All meats and ingredients are sourced from halal-certified suppliers.
Opening hours: Wed-Mon; 8AM-6PM (Closed on Tue). The kitchen closes at 4PM
Address: 24A, Lorong Datuk Sulaiman 1, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
7. If Only
Stylishly decorated with hanging rattan light fixtures, hardwood tables and bare brick walls, If Only is the kind of place that your friends would rave about after a good brunch date. It certainly is, especially when wholesome food and speciality coffee come together so well on the menu.
Their brunch food is as aesthetically-pleasing as their cafe decor. Decorate your table with colourful smoothie bowls, vermicelli served with grilled salmon, roast spring chicken, and lamb burger to keep your tummy full and Instagram feed pretty. They even got an all-day breakfast of Turkish eggs if that's more of your thing.
Halal status: All meats and ingredients are sourced from halal-certified suppliers
Opening hours: Open daily; 8AM-5PM
Address: 1 Jalan U-Thant, Taman U-Thant, 55000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 2181 2882
8. Roti & Kopi House
Roti & Kopi House's homage to Malaysian food is real, and you can definitely tell from their menu of local delights. If you're here for breakfast, start your day with Hainan Roti Bakar Special where each toast is slattered with honey, kaya, butter, chocolate spread and peanut butter. Otherwise, you can tickle your tastebuds with their Roti Toast selection with fillings such as Rendang Beef, Nasi Lemak, and Kam Heong.
If you only have room for light bites, they also serve dim sum and traditional kuih muih. Imagine having a laid-back Sunday with pulut penggang, bingka ubi, onde onde, and barbecue bao. For drinks, don't forget to try Kopi Harimau, a siphon-brewed coffee that brings out the best of Liberica dark roast from Johor.
Halal status: All meats and ingredients are sourced from halal-certified suppliers, and their head chef is Muslim
Opening hours: Mon-Fri; 7AM-7PM, Sat-Sun; 8AM-8PM
Address: 101c, Level 1, Tower C, Jalan SS 21/37, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Whether you're craving for a strong brew, hearty breakfast or refreshing dessert, there's definitely a Muslim-friendly cafe in Klang Valley that is out there for you. So circle a free weekend in a calendar and drive out to these cafes to get your dose of a caffeine fix!