by Arifah Zaharein
For both residents and office-goers in urban areas of KL like Bangsar South, having a go-to cafe is almost always a must for every individual. Preferences vary widely – some seek a quiet ambiance for a temporary hideout, some need plug points for focused work, and others crave their go-to cafe for the finest coffee and pastries. If you find yourself in the Bangsar South area, here are 7 cafes to check out in Bangsar South. Who knows, there’s one that might be your next go-to spot in the area!
1) Sunbather Coffee
If the words “zen”, “calming” and “japanese ” are the most accurate way to describe your vibe, then Sunbather Coffee will make you feel like home. This Japanese concept cafe specialises in coffee, Japanese hot meals and desserts that will draw you with its appearance radiating peace.
Environment
Sunbather exudes a serene Japanese ambiance, complemented by the gentle play of natural light filtering through its expansive glass walls. The cafe provides various seating options, including tatami, communal tables, and private seats with plug points. Whether seeking solitude for focused work or desiring a tranquil atmosphere, Sunbather provides an ideal setting for various preferences.
Menu
Colourful and unique echoes the range of menu in Sunbather, which fuses Japanese and Western in a harmonic palette. Simply say, it works. Think a hearty big breakfast japanese-style, offered in their ‘Big Breakkie’, umami richness with ‘Lemon Mentaiko Linguine’ and a hearty egg sandwich with faded heat of wasabi for their ‘Ajitsuke Tamago Sando’.
Though their unique savoury menu items stand out, dessert selections at Sunbather will lure you at the sight of its display. From icy escapes of shaved ice desserts, to silky fruit parfaits and pillowy soft milk bread toast of Shokupan, Sunbather’s desserts steal the show, even after their savoury stars.
Pricing
Hot meals range on the standard cafe pricier side ($$), from RM26 – RM40, while their desserts range from RM13 – RM27 depending on the types of dessert, with their parfaits being the most expensive ones. Drinks range from RM9 – RM21. Expect the higher prices being their matcha lattes with ice cream floats.
Address: UG-12, The Sphere, Jalan Kerinchi, Bangsar South, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10AM – 10PM
Contact: 018-229 9986
Visit their Instagram page to find out more.
2) The Farm
True to its name, The Farm lives up to expectations by offering an array of dishes crafted from fresh, healthy produce sourced from their hydroponic plant room! This cafe caters to those in search of delectable and satisfying vegetarian mains with both Western and Asian influences.
Environment
Stepping into The Farm is like entering an ethereal glasshouse. Leaves dance overhead, casting playful shadows over a vast wooden table piled high with fresh pastries. There’s both indoor and outdoor seating, and if you prefer a touch of privacy, a secluded nook awaits with generous tables. Best way to describe it: A lush urban oasis for the nature dreamers.
Menu
You will be happy knowing that there’s a great variety of options to choose from for different dietary needs. Try out the ‘Hambagu Steak with Omelette Rice’, Pan-fried broccoli and quinoa hamburger steak served with garlic fried rice and tangy Japanese brown sauce. One of their bestsellers, ‘The Farm’s Nasi Padang’ is in generous portions, with a choice of chicken or fisherman’s catch of the day. Craving for earthy flavours? Try out their ‘Truffle and Wild Mushroom pasta’, with black truffle paste and parmesan giving out creamy richness in every bite.
Pricing
Boasting premium, self-produced veggies, The Farm’s menu leans towards the higher end (expect $$). However, it surprisingly remains highly affordable, with most dishes clocking in between RM15 and RM40. Even indulgences like the melt-in-your-mouth Mary’s Lamb Shank (RM69) won’t break the bank. For the little ones, kid-friendly plates are all priced at RM14, and delicious desserts linger between RM20 and RM28. So, whether you’re craving a juicy burger, a fresh veggie pizza, or a decadent treat, The Farm offers excellent value without sacrificing quality.
Address: Unit G-01 & G-02, Level Ground, The Sphere Bangsar South City, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Monday – Thursday, 11AM – 10PM, Friday 11AM – 11PM, Saturday 10AM – 11PM, Sunday 10AM – 10PM
Contact: 014-993 3880
Visit their Instagram page to find out more.
3) Koffie Craft
Craving something different? Check out Koffie Craft, a Dutch cafe that truly understands coffee culture coming from a Dutch heritage. This cozy quaint cafe offers Dutch inspired menus and premium blends of coffee like Arabica and Robusta beans for the coffee connoisseur in you to enjoy your morning coffee in the finest quality.
Environment
This charming cafe exudes a warm and inviting ambiance with its subtle dim lighting, creating an intimate and cosy atmosphere. The soft glow accentuates the quaint charm, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a relaxed coffee experience. It is also quite spacious, with multiple outdoor seating for those who prefer natural lighting.
Menu
The menu features a variety of dutch specialties, since the owners are of Dutch heritage. While this is the case, they have tweaked the recipes a bit which includes some South Korean and Australian influences and a bit of Malaysian to adjust to the local palate as well.
Their Breakfast menu serves till 11:30 am, and they serve an all day menu till 9:30 am.
If you’re in for sweet temptations, their best sellers are their ‘Dutch Baby’ Pancakes, which are oven-baked pancakes that are cooked in a cast-iron pan with a “bowl-like” appearance. Their Cherry Berry Baby is overflowing with homemade berries, 3 scoops of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and strawberry sauce.
For a heavier meal, indulge in their signature ‘Gouda Chicken Breast‘ – oven-baked to perfection with a luscious topping of Dutch Gouda cheese and aromatic herbs. Served alongside potato waffles, these waffles offer a delightful, savoury fluffiness, setting them apart from the ordinary batter.
Pricing
Given the unique and uncommon offerings not typically found in a regular neighbourhood, it is reasonable to anticipate relatively higher prices at this establishment. Desserts generally fall within the range of RM17 to RM30, breakfast options are priced between RM18 and RM24, and mains range from RM33 to RM49. Therefore, when dining here, it’s advisable to expect prices beyond the RM20 range for a single plate.
Address: Unit UG-2, The Sphere No 1, Avenue 1 8 Jalan Kerinchi Bangsar South City, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10AM – 10PM (Daily)
Contact: 03-5033 2135
Visit their Instagram page to find out more.
4) Botanica deli
You might have heard of Botanica+Co, known as a botanics inspired greenhouse themed restaurant with its beautiful aesthetic. Well, they have a sister restaurant called Botanica Deli, an underrated joint specialised for baked goods and the perfect spot for a brunch or a catch up sesh in the afternoon.
Environment
This cafe offers a serene respite from the bustling city life, particularly in the morning. Utilizing white space, high ceilings, and wooden furnishings, Botanica Deli exudes tranquility. Long tables by glass walls provide outdoor views amid lush greens for a serene dining experience. Simply put, the ambiance is clean, minimal, and evokes a classic urban charm that will surely attract the busy corporate bangsar-lites looking to unwind during the day.
Menu
Serving delicious sandwiches you would much expect from a Deli, expect crafted sandwiches like ‘Kimchi Reuben’ and ‘Chicken Cranberry’ in their menu. Their ‘Bibimbap bowl’ is also quite tempting, offering a delightful blend of Korean-inspired flavours. It’s the perfect lunch option when you crave a bit of everything. Their diverse selection extends beyond sandwiches too: rotisserie chicken, nasi lemak with curry chicken, big breakfast, pizza, and delectable bakery goods. With an array of offerings, Botanica Deli echoes versatility that caters to every palate.
Pricing
With a reasonable price range that aligns with the generous portions offered, sandwiches fall within the range of RM19 to RM24, signature bowls are priced around RM18 to RM29, and coffees range from RM7.50 to RM13. Considering the combination of location, portion sizes, and quality, we firmly believe that this cafe is definitely worth a try.
Opening hours: 7:30AM – 8AM (Closed on Weekends)
Contact: 016-965 6422
Visit their Instagram page to find out more.
5) Daily potion
Not everyone is looking for heavy meals and huge settings; some are looking for a quaint ambiance with a good ol ‘cup of coffee. If you can relate, the Daily Potion might be your mini sanctuary. This small and minimalist cafe stands out as Malaysia’s First Hand-press Espresso Bar, offering friendly service by skilled baristas at an affordable price.
Ambiance
Nestled in a cozy corner with a limited number of benches and seating areas, this spot is ideal for those seeking a tranquil space to declutter their minds and savor a cup of their specially crafted coffee.
Menu
Specializing in espresso, the menu offers a range of classic espresso coffees, from the timeless Latte to local flavors like Pandan Coffee. If you prefer milder and sweeter options, options like the Butterscotch Latte won’t disappoint. Non-coffee selections, such as the Matcha Latte with a hint of brown sugar and the Biscuit Latte—a sweet creamy cookie milk topped with biscuit crumbs—have also garnered praise. To complement your coffee experience, there’s a selection of delectable cakes as well for you to enjoy.
Pricing
With prices ranging from an affordable RM5 to RM12, this establishment keeps things modest. Considering its location and positive reviews, we believe it’s undoubtedly worth the price.
Address: LG-13, The Sphere, No 1, Avenue 1, No 8, Jalan Kerinchi, Bangsar South, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 9:30AM – 9PM (Daily)
Contact: 011-3143 8123014-993 3880
Visit their Instagram page to find out more.
6) Take a Bow
Centered on the idea of celebrating wins and victories, this cafe captivates with a distinctive storefront resembling a modern cottage. A proud sister to Sunbather Coffee, this cafe boasts a similar warm and inviting atmosphere differently with its more wooden and orange lighting. They offer a unique twists on Vietnamese and Viennese cuisine, featuring a charming mascot named Charlie instead of Japanese fusion.
Environment:
Step into this cafe, and you’ll instantly sense the familiar comfort reminiscent of IKEA’s living spaces. Adorned with urban-chic chairs and minimalistic wooden decor, the ambiance is both aesthetic and inviting. Whether you prefer soaking up the sun in the alfresco area or gathering at a spacious table with friends or solo at long tables, the cafe offers a versatile space for all.
Menu:
Take A Bow offers a versatile menu, perfect for brunch or dinner, with options ranging from light bites to hearty plates. A must-try is their ‘Marmite Mushroom Carbonara,’ a delicious combination of earthy, creamy, and savory flavors on a single plate. You can also delve into British classics like ‘Stilton Pie‘ and ‘Nottinghamshire Steak’ here.
For intriguing brunch options, explore the ‘Scandinavian Smorgasbord‘ with smoked salmon and asparagus terrine, fried capers, and crispbread. There’s also the ‘Posh McMuffin‘ featuring a Jamaican jerk chicken patty with chilli jam, fried egg, American cheese, and English muffin.
If you’re in the mood for lighter bites, they’ve got an interesting selection of croissants and bagels. These are served with different spreads like herbed ricotta cheese spread and tomato jam to enhance your evening tea.
Pricing
The pricing follows the standard code of Bangsar South, with brunch and substantial mains falling within the range of RM25 to RM36. For pastas and toasties, you’re looking at RM26 to RM36. The price points remain relatively close, maintaining an overall reasonable range. Basic pastries, including croissants and pan au chocolats, as well as bagels, are priced at approximately RM7 to RM9. For baked goods paired with sides, the range extends from RM15 to RM23. In essence, we find their pricing to be quite reasonable and affordable, especially considering the interesting fusion of selections offered within the charming establishment in the central area.
Address: UG-5, The Sphere, Jalan Kerinchi, Bangsar South, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 9AM – 10PM (Weekdays), 9:30AM – 10PM (Weekends)
Contact: 03-2242 0599
Visit their Instagram page to find out more.
7) Komune Cafe
Step into the laid-back charm of Komune Cafe, reminiscent of a modern Caribbean spot with its high walls and hanging greens from the ceiling. This spot is the perfect place if you’re looking for affordable lunch during weekdays, while still yearning for that aesthetically pleasant ambiance.
Environment
The cafe offers a refreshing alfresco dining area that complements the inviting interiors. High ceilings and glass walls surrounded by lush greens create a natural and uplifting ambiance. This spot is perfect for a solo lunch or a casual catch-up with friends.
Menu
Open as early as 6:30am, you can head over here for breakfast and indulge in familiar comfort foods. Expect Malaysian favorites like nasi lemak, mihun goreng, and locally inspired sandwiches. A highlight is their all-plate lunch buffet priced at a reasonable RM15.90. The buffet spread includes a generous selection of proteins such as stewed chicken and beef, accompanied by veggies, rice, pasta, and complimentary soup, coffee, tea, and desserts.
Price
The buffet options speak for themselves in terms of affordability, making Komune Cafe a go-to spot for those craving an all-you-can-eat buffet without breaking the bank. With a diverse menu and wallet-friendly prices, it’s the perfect destination for Bangsar-lites for a filling and wallet-friendly meal.
Address: Level G, Komune Living, 20, Jln Kerinchi Kiri 3, Kampung Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 6:30 – 10:30AM, 12 – 12PM, 6:30 – 10PM (Daily)
Contact: 03-2742 5722
Visit their Instagram page to find out more.
Eager for more cafe spots to hang out? Here’s The 7 BEST Dessert Cafes in Petaling Jaya for you to satisfy your sweet tooth!
