Walking into Carfe for the first time, it is easy to feel disoriented. The space looks less like a typical neighbourhood café and more like a car showroom, with a striking Porsche 964 Cabriolet parked right in the middle of the dining area. It is not a display tucked away in a corner either. The car is very much part of the experience.
So, what is Carfe? A showroom or a café? If you were to ask co-owner TJ, the answer is probably both. After all, the name “Carfe” is a portmanteau of “car” and “café”, a reflection of the founders’ twin passions for performance cars and good coffee.
The idea was inspired by the way luxury car brands like Porsche have collaborated with coffee equipment makers such as La Marzocco. At the same time, TJ and his partners wanted a space where enthusiasts could slow down, have a proper cup of coffee, and talk about cars.
A haven for car lovers
Carfe’s decor revolves around several modified Porsches, including RWB builds, which act as centrepieces rather than mere decorations. The displayed cars are rotated from time to time, just to show (off) how versatile and different each one is.
For those unfamiliar, RWB stands for Rauh-Welt Begriff, a Japanese Porsche tuning brand founded by Akira Nakai. Each RWB car is built by hand, often with Nakai-san personally installing the widebody kits himself, making every build slightly different from the next.
Known for their aggressive stance, exaggerated fenders, and unapologetically bold styling, RWB Porsches are as much rolling art pieces as they are performance machines. Spotting one in person is a treat, which is part of what makes seeing them up close at Carfe especially appealing.
Beyond being a café, Carfe functions as a gathering point for the local car community. Weekly car meets are held on site, alongside the occasional corporate talk or car shoot. The café’s large parking lot can accommodate up to 70 cars, which makes it especially appealing for organised meet-ups. Parking is free, an added bonus for anyone planning to linger.
A coffee lover’s laboratory
Carfe is not just about what sits on the floor. Coffee plays an equally important role, and the café houses a La Marzocco Experience Centre within the space.
In addition to selling coffee machines, the centre lets you brew your own coffee here, provided you bring your own beans. Baristas are on hand to guide users through the process, making it a hands-on experience rather than a passive demonstration.
A Balinese brew
“Our latte is a bestseller,” TJ shared, and the reason lies in their choice of beans. Carfe uses coffee beans sourced from Bali, which TJ believes makes them one of the few cafés in PJ doing so. The result is a smooth, approachable cup that appeals to both casual drinkers and those who enjoy noticing subtle flavour differences.
The RWB Special
Aside from coffee, the bar also serves the RWB Special. This trio consist of Miyabi (RM15), Kagayaki (RM15), and Hanabi (RM15). To non-motorheads, these names may not mean much, but for those familiar with the car culture references behind them, there is an extra layer of meaning. Those curious can ask to be shown to the Garage Mancave for context.
Of the three, the Miyabi stood out visually with its bright blue hue. Essentially a Blue Lagoon, it was a particularly refreshing drink, with the sweet-tart citrus profile being most prominent.
The Kagayaki and Hanabi are houjicha and matcha drinks, respectively. There was a certain smoky scent that the Kagayaki had, which we savoured wholeheartedly. The Hanabi, too, was presentable, with a natural sweetness balanced with a gentle bitter finish.
Some food before the drive
Carfe also offers a small selection of food to round out the experience. Bestseller items include the Pepperoni Pizza (RM30) and Fish and Chips (RM25). While the menu is not extensive, the offerings are comforting and well executed.
The fish and chips, in particular, was a pleasant surprise. Instead of the usual dory, Carfe uses toman fish fillet. Beneath the crisp, golden batter, the flesh was firm and flaky, with a mild sweetness that worked well with the dish.
Worth driving over to?
Whether you are more passionate about cars or coffee, a trip to Carfe is more than warranted for either. It is a space built around community, shared interests, and slowing down over machines, both automotive and espresso.
If you have a car you are proud of, or simply enjoy being around people who do, Carfe is the kind of place where conversations start easily and tend to last longer than expected.
Carfe
Address: 1067, Jalan Jenjarum, Taman Sea, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening Hours: 12pm – 9pm Tue – Fri | 10pm – 9pm Sat – Sun | Closed on Mondays
Contact: 018-2089913
Halal Status: Pork-free
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