With so much time lost in the past two years, a lot of us are looking for unique, inspiring experiences—something to break away from the monotony of day-to-day life, or perhaps a quaint place to unwind after a long day. One increasingly popular dining trend in the Klang Valley is bungalow cafes, where residential homes are refurbished (or resurrected) into restaurants.
If you’re looking for a new spot to sit back and relax over brunch or coffee, this list breaks down seven bungalow cafes and restaurants to visit in the Klang Valley.
1. Bunglow 37
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Hidden away in an unassuming Bangsar cul-de-sac is Bunglow 37, a recently refurbished pre-Merdeka building with a rich history. Despite externally presenting itself as a restored colonial building, the cafe’s interior is a diverse assortment of architectural styles. The decor is an amalgamation of years of history, with notable antiques such as a ’60s sofa set and opulent chandeliers. While originally built as the residence of a senior military official, the cafe has in the past also been a church hostel and a bed-and-breakfast. In 2019, the colonial-era house took on its current state, becoming an all-day dining restaurant serving a broadly Western menu with hints of Asian fusion. Catering to both social and corporate groups for large and intimate events, Bunglow 37 is a versatile celebration space perfect for both a romantic night out or a party with friends.
Address: 37, Jalan Abdullah, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Working hours: 8am to 2am (closed on Mondays)
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2. Passage Thru India
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Situated in a residential area in the heart of Kuala Lumpur lies Passage Thru India, one of the most successful restaurants serving Indian cuisine in Malaysia. Taking a step into the converted house immediately transports you into an immersive Indian dining experience, with walls lined with intricate tapestries and enveloping, warm lighting. The restaurant promises to take you on a gustatory journey, preparing the most well-loved dishes from across the expansive Indian subcontinent.
Address: 4, Jalan Delima, Off Jln Bukit Bintang, 50400 Kuala Lumpur
Working hours: Monday to Friday, 11.30am-3pm, 6pm-9.45pm; Saturday, 12pm-3pm, 6.30-10.30pm; Sunday, 12pm-3pm, 6pm-10pm
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3. RGB and the Bean Hive
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Looking for a vegan-friendly cafe to unwind in? Look no further than RGB and the Bean Hive. With a nondescript exterior, RGB looks like any other home, but make no mistake: this calm oasis in the centre of a bustling city serves home-roasted coffee made artfully in-house, in its own specially curated boutique microbrewery. In addition to robust coffee blends, RGB also offers a broad range of Western meals and a selection of house-baked breads and pastries, making it the ultimate refuelling station.
Address: 35, Jalan Damai, Kampung Datuk Keramat, 55000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Working hours: 8am to 6pm daily
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4. Kecur
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Sometimes, all you want is to feel like you’re back at home, eating a hearty comfort meal, and nobody knows this better than Kecur. Located in the peaceful burrow of Bukit Damansara, Kecur recreates the feeling of being at home by serving traditional Johorean cuisine, specialising in regional classics like Lontong and Laksa Johor. Large windows and an open floor plan scattered with greenery provide a relaxing, calming atmosphere to sit down and take a momentary reprieve from the hustle of day-to-day life. For any Johorean missing a soul-warming meal, Kecur simply has to be added to your cafe-hopping list.
Address: 64, Jalan Setiakasih, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Working hours: 9am to 6pm (closed on Mondays)
5. Kalico Coffee
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Situated within walking distance from Taman Tasik Titiwangsa is Kalico Coffee, and after a wholesome, hot day at the park, there is no better retreat than this homey, minimalist cafe. Kalico Coffee offers freshly-brewed coffee and warm, house-made pastries in a well-lit, welcoming space. Their menu, while relatively simple, serves up continental breakfasts and Malaysian classics alike, so there’s something for everybody here.
Address: 8, Jalan Chan Chin Mooi, Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, 53200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Working hours: 9am to 6pm (closed on Mondays)
6. Mori Kohi
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A relatively new addition to the KL bungalow-cafe scene, Mori Kohi is a completely unique, dining experience. Under one roof, it houses five distinct, concept-based spaces: Bar Moku, a cocktail bar facing a lush veranda; Mori Kohi, a cafe serving hearty Western-Japanese fusion cuisine; Vegetory, the estate’s very own vegetable farm; Midorie, a minimalist plant gallery, and Supēsu, a spacious event hall. ‘Mori Kohi’ roughly translates to ‘coffee in the forest’, and that experience is definitely achieved; verdant, well-maintained greenery provides a reprieve from the concrete jungle of the nearby KLCC. Whether you intend to kick back on their lawn to sip on a Japanese Highball as the sun sets, or want a nourishing Japanese meal surrounded by nature, Mori Kohi is the place to be.
Address: 11, Jalan Aman, Off Jln Tun Razak, 55000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Working hours: 10am to 10pm daily
7. D’Culture
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Still something of a hidden gem in a quiet suburb of Ampang is D’Culture, an eclectic, charming and inspired cafe. It boasts a melange of interior furnishing choices, rustic and modern, with intricately carved wooden tables on top of exposed concrete floors and glasshouse-esque seating areas overlooking a patch of green. Serving mainly Asian-Western fusion cuisine as well as a spread of coffees and teas, D’Culture manages to revitalise and reinvent classics like Nasi Lemak whilst retaining warm hospitality at its core.
Address: 7, Jalan 1, Taman Sri Ukay, 68000 Ampang, Selangor
Working hours: 8.30am to 7pm (closed on Mondays)
Click here for more places to dine in the Klang Valley.
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