With countless trendy cafes popping up overnight, sometimes opting for an old-school kopitiam or restaurant can evoke nostalgia.
Capital Cafe is a kopitiam that has been holding its ground and serving in the heart of Kuala Lumpur since 1956. Your parents were probably regulars here, plotting their romantic moves over kopi ‘o’ and kaya toast!
Image Credit: Bom-Bom Batam (Google Reviews) & @capital_cafe_kl (Instagram)
Been serving for 68 years in the heart of KL
For almost 68 years, Capital Cafe on Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman has been a beloved place, possibly the last of its kind still thriving. It’s been there since before Independence Day.
Managed by the second generation of the Lin family since the 1960s, these three siblings have devoted their lives to the kopitiam, making it a cherished part of their family story.
Image Credit: Bom-Bom Batam & CK C (Google Reviews)
As you step into the cafe, you’ll notice a collection of antique items showcased in the mirror behind the cashier. Nearby, on the wall by the counter, hangs their aged menu from 1956, now yellowed with time.
Image Credit: @capital_cafe_kl (Instagram) & Hungry Onion
Once you settle in, an elderly uncle named Lin Kee Hua will warmly greet you with “minum apa?” He’s the eldest of the three siblings. Meanwhile, his youngest sister, Aunty Lin Boi Eng, manages the cash register at the counter or sometimes serves food to the table.
Oh, and heads up they don’t accept online transfers or QR payments here. They wanted to maintain the old-school vibe, keeping things simple and traditional, just like their long-standing family business.
Image Credit: CK C & Hui Michelle (Google Reviews)
One of the dishes that has people raving at this place is the legendary Hainanese fried noodles. The stall is owned by an elderly uncle named Uncle Teng, who has been frying these noodles for over 40 years in this kopitiam. Talk about a legend in the kitchen!
Image Credit: @capital_cafe_kl (Instagram) & Scha Kim (Google Reviews)
Other popular dishes here include mamak rojak and mee rebus. This mamak rojak features a mix of fritters, hard-boiled egg, shredded cucumbers, and boiled potatoes coated in a spicy peanut sauce.
The mee rebus consists of yellow noodles topped with fritters, egg, fried tofu, and a creamy, spicy tomato-based sauce. They come with calamansi lime and sliced red chilis on the side too.
Image Credit: Mark Lim & Jonathan So (Google Reviews)
Their famous Nasi Padang is a must-try
Also, you can’t miss their famous Nasi Padang. Started back in 1962 by Wahab bin Amir, who’s from Sumatra, this stall serves up Indonesian-style rice with a variety of dishes. Personally, I haven’t found nasi padang as good as theirs anywhere else. And it’s super affordable too. They’ve got a great selection of dishes to go with the rice.
Image Credit: Bom-Bom Batam (Google Reviews)
The satay is only available in the evenings. They’ve got two options: chicken or beef, served with nasi himpit and a thick, flavorful peanut sauce. Ramli Yusuff, 54, is keeping the family legacy alive, starting with his wife’s grandfather way back in 1960.
Capital Cafe is truly a hidden treasure worth protecting. Stepping inside feels like a journey back to the 90s, with its classic ambience that warms the heart. I promise you’ll leave with a full belly and a happy heart!
Capital Cafe
Address: 213, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, City Centre, 50100 Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: Daily 10 am to 7 pm (Closed on Sunday)
Food Status: Pork-free
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