Thai Tae, Kuchai Lama

Adventurous fans of authentic Thai fare in Kuchai Lama flock to Thai Tae not only for stingingly spicy salads of raw salmon, crab and oysters but fried crickets and silkworm, bringing a steamy, seamy side of Bangkok to KL.

Thai Tae

3-1, Jalan Kuchai Maju 1, Off Jalan Kuchai Lama, 58200 Kuala Lumpur.

Sepinggan Semangkuk, Ampang

Sepinggan Semangkuk's new branch in Ampang is a lovely-looking space for Americanos and affogatos - note though that while the cafe's official business hours begin at 3pm, the team might not be ready to take orders before 4pm.

Sepinggan Semangkuk

1E, Kompleks D'star Arena, Jalan Taman Putra, Taman Dagang Permai, 68000 Ampang Jaya, Selangor.

Buga Buga, Subang Jaya

Buga Buga's playful parade of burgers promises something for everyone - a quarter-pounder with fried egg and cheddar for beef buffs who crave a classic (RM14), crispy chicken thigh with sambal, fried egg and cheddar for patrons who prefer a local flourish (RM15), a fish fillet with tartar sauce for familiar flavours (RM10) and scrambled eggs with caramelised onions, sriracha aioli and cheese for warm, messy creaminess (RM9).

Buga Buga

LG-39, Da Men Mall, 47600 Subang Jaya, Selangor.

DO8 Café, Bangi

If you're seeking a bright, cosy cafe in Bangi, DO8 Café could be your number one choice.

DO8's Soft Shell Crab Pesto Pasta (RM21) makes for a pleasant, simple lunch, with Lychee Lemonade (RM8) for a bright, fruity refreshment.

DO8 Café
A-01-07, Savanna Lifestyle Shop Southville City, 43000 Bangi, Selangor.
Open Monday-Saturday, 12pm-10pm. Tel: 012-632-5941

Stopover, Bukit Jalil

Bukit Jalil's new Stopover is only a five-minute stroll from Pavilion mall, but it's secluded enough that most cafe hunters might miss it. Pause here for a calm, comfortable interlude of sweetly flaky kouign-amann and a satisfyingly flavoursome dirty chai latte.

Stopover

J-13-1, Pusat Perdagangan Bandar, Persiaran Jalil 1, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur. Daily, 9am-6pm.

Ophanim Coffee Roasters, Seri Kembangan

Three days a week, Sunday to Tuesday, Ophanim Coffee Roasters welcomes enthusiasts to take it slow for an afternoon of coffee and conversation, with no reservations required. 

This casual home-based caffeine bar marks a fresh start for Chun Hoong, co-founder of Klang's much-missed Seraph Awaken - after 12 years of working with coffee, it still makes him happy, letting him consistently explore and experiment with different techniques and styles.

Ophanim Coffee Roasters now supplies custom blends to various cafes. For his own coffee bar, Chun Hoong guides patrons through experiences like tasting a Costa Rica single-origin in contrasting preparations, as an espresso and then a filter coffee. 

Alternatively, just sip a fuss-free flat white with oat milk, while Clapton's Layla and other bluesy tunes play on the speakers, finishing with The Queen beverage, evocative of an old fashioned cocktail with a caffeine twist, a splash of whiskey with coffee ice cubes (a blend of Colombian, Guatemalan and Ethiopian) and a citrus peel for soothing chocolaty smoothness.

Ophanim Coffee Roasters

Jalan SK 10/8, Kampung Baru Seri Kembangan, Selangor.