Not sure where else to drink some overpriced coffee in a unique ambience? Worry not for here’s a list of uniquely themed eateries ranging from nature-themed cafes to animal-themed cafes for you to check out on your next café adventures!
1. Old China Café
If you’re up for something traditional, this is the place to go as its beautiful theme takes you back in time the moment you step through its wooden swing doors. This modest little shop-house is just around the corner from Petaling Street, in the heart of the city.
The Old China Café has a certain charm about it and offers authentic Peranakan cuisine. This eatery honours the history of Malaysia’s 19th century Chinese community with its historical artworks, ancient photos and Chinese poems for prosperity plastered along its walls whilst diners dine on classic marble tables (even I have one at home!). At this café, you need to try their Nyonya Laksa, Beef Rendang, and Siew Yoke!
Address: 11, Jalan Balai Polis, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan
Phone: 03 2072 5915
Hours: 11.30am – 10pm Daily
2. Out of Africa
An oldie but a goodie, Out of Africa is one of the oldest themed restaurants and its something you just have to experience for yourself. This South African-inspired dining establishment will make you want more every single time.
From the moment you walk through the entrance’s archway to the moment you seat yourself, you will feel like you’ve left the urban jungle, only to step into a whole other type of jungle. From exotic animal heads and skins mounted on the walls, to the gorgeous murals of safari wildlife, this place definitely leaves an impression.
This eatery offers some real authentic South African cuisine such as ostrich, ox tongue, and some less exotic dishes such as their Zebu Steak Pie and Madiba Pizza. This is also a kid-friendly restaurant with its own playground and convenient direct access to the pool area of PJ Palms Sports Centre. Don’t forget to check out the Kudu Bar that’s also attached to the restaurant!
Address: PJ Palms Sports Centre , 1 Lorong Sultan, 46200 Selangor
Phone: 03 7955 3432
Hours:
• Monday – Friday: 12pm – 2.30pm & 6pm – 12am
(kitchen closes at 10.30pm)
• Saturday & Sunday: 12pm – 12am
(kitchen closes 10.30pm & 10pm respectively)
*All drinks and desserts are available til midnight.
3. Hello Kitty Gourmet Café
This whimsical café is certainly whimsical and new on the scene, devoting itself to the fans of Asia’s most adorable kawaii character; Hello Kitty. The café also has a Parisian charm to it with a cartoon-like twist.
It is located on Oasis Boulevard, outside Sunway Pyramid, where you can feel the Hello Kitty vibes just overflowing the café. Basically, this kitty’s face is present throughout the premises.
Customers can try out its very pretty themed food on its à la carte menu or you can just have some Afternoon Tea. My recommendation is their Hello Kitty-shaped Wonderland Waffles that are served with berries, bananas, strawberry jam and chocolate sauce. Or you can try their delectable macaroons!
Address: Lot 083.F.6, Oasis Boulevard, Ground Floor Sunway Pyramid, Selangor
Phone: +603 – 5612 7703
Hours:
• Monday – Friday: 10am – 11pm
• Saturday & Sunday: 10am – 1am
4. The Shire Café
As a hobbit myself, I personally just had to had my second breakfast here. I’m a total nerd for anything Lord of the Rings and when I heard we have our own Shire here in Malaysia, I had to try it out.
On the walls is Tolkien-esque map and you can’t help but feel like you’re in the Shire when all they play is Howard Shore’s soundtrack for the movie. And if you want, there’s a 3D mural of Bilbo’s home and you can take a picture and look like you’re just casually chilling out in Bilbo’s hallway.
Their extensive menu takes a page out of the fantasy trilogy with sweet and savoury pancakes named after characters and elements of Tolkien’s realm – inkling the Lambas bread! You should also try a double helping of the Fallen Tower waffles, because why the hell not.
Address: 9-1, Jalan Radin Bagus 6 Bandar Baru Seri Petaling, 57000 Petaling, Kuala Lumpur.
Phone: 016 715 1143
Hours:
• Weekends: 11am – 12am
• Weekdays: 12pm – 12am (Closed on Tuesdays)
5. Kopicat
What used to be Coffee Cottage is now Kopicat! And all you have to do to play with some fluffy kitties is just to buy a drink, which is fair.
You must also try their espresso-based coffees as well as their cakes and desserts! I’ve personally tried their fruit-related drinks, and I’d have to say they’re certainly refreshing on a hot Malaysian day.
Address: 1-1, Jalan SS15/8A, 47500 Subang Jaya
Phone: 03-5613 0078
Hours: 11am – 10pm Daily
6. Bow Wow Café
Not a cat person? More of a dog person? Fret not. Dog cafés don’t only exist I countries outside ours. You can just head down to Puchong to play with some adorable pup-pups whilst sipping coffee. Sounds like a perfect Sunday afternoon.
And if you have dogs yourself, you can also bring your fur-babies there! Opened in October 2015, the café serves western style food which are delicious.
Address: 1F-06, Kompleks Kenari, Jalan Kenari 19, Bandar Puchong Jaya, 47100 Puchong
Phone: 03-8074 8162
Hours: 2pm – 12am Daily
7. The Jungle City
Ever wanted to dine in the jungle without the humidity, heat, insects, and anything that proves you’re not meant for the jungle? Well, try out Jungle City, where you can dine in a ‘jungle’.
The Jungle Kitchen & Bar offers the greenery decoration concept to make you feel calm and it makes you wonder if the idea was inspired by Tarzan. Just as you enter this double-storey venue, you will be greeted by stunning trees and long stretches of faux grass. Their food options also range from salads, soups, pastas, pizza, fried rice, nasi lemak and more!
Address: Lot 37635, Jalan 6/37A, Taman Bukit Maluri, Kuala Lumpur
Phone: 03 6262 3332
Hours: 11am – 12am Daily
8. Bytes and Pixels
Geeks and gamers rejoice! Witness classic video game favourites come to life in this eatery. Posters of classic games such as Pacman are adorned all over the walls and you’ll be transported back to the good ol’ days the moment you step in.
This place also doesn’t play when it comes to their food as they serve some spectacular stuff such as fragrant truffle fries, glorious eggs benedicts and more. You can also power up with some special concoctions of health potions and magical elixirs that will ensure your HP, MP and BP high.
Address: 46150, 55, Jalan PJS 11/9, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: 03 5613 7713
Hours: 9.30am – 9pm Daily (closed on Sundays)
9. DC Comics Superheroes Café
I know, I know. MCU is the best – says the MCU fan-girl – but as there are no MCU-themed restaurants, I guess we will have to make do with this DC-Comic-themed café.
Incorporating various DC Comic Superheroes into its interior and food items, this is a DC Comic fan’s wet dream. It offers mainly fast-food-type dishes ranging from Batman burgers to Wonder Woman Sandwiches, this café’s food doesn’t disappoint (unless you’re an MCU fan). You should also try their fragrant coffee drinks such as the Smallville Café Mocha and the I Am Batman Chocolate Toffee!
Address: Unit 2-29, 2nd Floor (opposite Juice Works), Sunway Putra Mall, 50350 KL
Phone: 03-7954 6377
Hours: 10am – 10pm Daily
