There are too many normal cafes, have you ever had a different coffee experience?
1. Chill it with Iced Jasmine Black
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Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown has been undergoing a renaissance, and one of the first places to start this movement is Merchant Lane. It’s a beautiful space with a clear understanding of its mission, offering Instagrammable moments and corners that blend old-world Chinatown charm with a modern twist. Merchant’s Lane’s iced jasmine black coffee is a thirst-quenching mid-afternoon highlight – even better if you’re lucky enough to sit on one of the cafe’s well-photographed wicker chairs.
2. Drink a Cold Brew Tonic in an Old Movie Theater
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RexKL is one of the most exciting spaces in Kuala Lumpur, an old abandoned cinema transformed into a cultural and creative hotspot. There aren’t any movie screenings, markets, or festivals here almost every weekend – and even if they weren’t, the resident coffee bar, Stellar, is worth a visit. Go for a cold-brew tonic and stay for the elaborate industrial decor, great people-watching opportunities, and the chance to witness Kuala Lumpur from a slightly less slick corner of the city.
3. Shop local makers while tasting specialty coffee
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Ilaika’s charming space in Taman Paramount is filled with beautiful wares from independent Malaysian manufacturers. Order your coffee at the counter at One Half Coffee, then hang out while you wait for your cup of java. Here you’ll find natural skin and body care products, handcrafted wooden homeware, one-of-a-kind ceramics, and small-batch candles. And of course, well-brewed coffee from an ever-changing lineup of interesting roasters.
4. Learn the secret to pouring over coffee
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If your interest in coffee extends beyond the main caffeine to the technical aspects, book yourself a class or two at Cottle Coffee. The Melbourne bakery offers classes at its airy, industrial-style Tropicana Gardens Mall flagship café and its dedicated training centre in Taman Titiwangsa. Their courses range from beginner-friendly to barista-level certification. Try latte art or filter coffee to deepen your understanding of coffee-making skills.
