TheJessicat’s top cafe picks – a guide for the best coffee around! Have you BEAN? ;)

This post was meant to go up for the longest time now, but it never saw the light of day as I keep going to new coffee joints ever so often thus never getting round to update this list!

My list of favorites exponentially grew and I have decided to just chronicle my caffeine journey in this little coffee diary – which you can use as a guide or directory to coffee places around (and out of) town!

But first, here’s a really interesting infographic of the fast facts of coffee I just had to share:

This awesome infographic is beautifully made by the peeps at Quill.com! 

Done? Awesome stats and coffee info, no?

I hope you have gained some pretty intriguing insights on the wonderful world of coffee – because I sure did! 😀

Now that you’re familiar with what coffee can do for you, it’s time for you to tickle your tastebuds and warm your tummy with a piping hot cuppa! Starbucks and Coffee Bean is a given, but let’s see what the other non-globally franchised coffee joints have to offer for a satisfiying coffee fix.

*Drumroll*

In no particular order or preference (unless stated!), my list/directory/review begins now:

SELANGOR/KUALA LUMPUR

Artisan Roast Coffee (TTDI)

One of the first few cafes I’ve patronized when I first hit the road on this coffee journey.

Artistic doodles and murals come aplenty within its walls. Expect unique chocolate pieces on their display of treats as well!

Coffea Coffee (Bangsar, The Curve, Hartamas)

At this point of writing, Coffea Coffee stands as my most frequented place for work, meet-ups and of course, for my caffeine fix.

Apart from my usual flat white, I’m currently in love with their Triple Mocha 100% Belgian Cacao and Moist Chocolate Cake.

Journal by Plan B (Publika, Mid Valley, Bangsar, Paradigm Mall & Cyberjaya)

Also recently opened in Ipoh Old Town and Queensbay Mall, Penang.

This is one of my most frequented spots for a full-fledged meal, desserts and of course, the mandatory cup of coffee. With a menu full of salads, sandwiches, pastas and Aussie-meets-New York cuisine, it’s a sure favourite for me. Check out their epic ceiling decoration too!

Kaffa Espresso Bar (Uptown Damansara)

I have taken quite a liking to the raw underground energy expressed via wall graffiti. Admire them all! Make sure you try their Not-So-Cheesy-Cheesecake, it really is NOT SO CHEESY, as they claim it is. That mille crepe cake was yum too. If you’re looking for a spacious, not-so-noisy, good spot for a casual hangout or a meet up, you’ve found one.

The Embershoppe Tobacconist (The Curve & Paradigm Mall)

Who says we can’t have the best of both worlds? If you’re a coffee & tobacco enthusiast, you’ll be spoilt for choice in this joint.

Enjoy your shisha, and experimenting with different bongs and tobacco!

Epiphany Coffee & Tobacco (Ara Damansara)

Another one worthy of note, as the name suggests, this joint provides patrons with a heavenly combo of coffee and tobacco.

Their desserts are def A-game right there – holy smokes! The variety of tobacco available and their very own tobacco house blends are to die for. (Quite literally, but nevermind that)

Despite being opened by a personal friend of mine, I speak with no biasness whatsoever. I only wish I could enjoy the awesomeness of this joint more often, as it is quite a distance from my crib. 🙁

Mukha (TTDI)

This very homely-meets-underground looking joint features a really extensive menu of uncommon yet delicious food! Yes, not the typical cafe food that you see permeating your Instagram feed. I love the interior decor of this place, as there’s really nothing quite like it. It’s furniture reminds me of the ones you’d see at a garage sale and walls are plastered with quirky dessert & coffee quotes.

A little homemade bakery – Souka – can be found nestled at their own little corner inside. Also really yum, btw.

Hailam Kopitiam (Damansara Perdana)

Your average everyday-go-to coffee joint for the non-fussy quick coffee drinkers. (Most affordable, btw)

They serve a huge array of food so you apart from coffee, you get to have a substantial meal too!

Kaffe Cafe (TTDI)

A quiet & cosy cafe with good wifi connection.

One of the most frequented places to park my mobile workstation for working in a comfy & conducive environment.

Cosans Coffee (Bangsar & SS15, Subang)

Another popular cafe, not sure why I find their coffee more expensive than the rest. Full of college/university students, don’t come here if you don’t want to feel old. Kidding! Most of the time, the plug points will be occupied by people on their laptops – just saying – but overall, a not-too-shabby cafe to do your nightly hangouts over a cuppa.

Acme Coffee & Bar (The Troika)

This is where you could bring someone on a coffee date to, if you’re keen to impress them, or if you have the (extra) money to spare.

Food & drinks here are pricey, but location & interior-wise it is indeed stylish. No wonder this is an award-winning place! With beautiful lightings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and all the fancy-schmancy, pretty sure you’ll score a second date. Yes, I’m being superficial. 😛

Chilla Cup (Ikano Power Centre & Solaris Mont Kiara)

Their all-day Big Breakfast is notable for this joint – it’s fully customizable! You can basically construct how you want your big breakfast to be. Coffee is not too bad too. Very bright and spacious, and it is also a lovely place to chill on a casual night out.

Cafe Bene (Solaris Mont Kiara)

Always packed to the brim – full-house! This tiny cafe will be jostling with youths and K-Poppers alike.

The Korean franchise boasts (thankfully) not typical cafe food, but specialty thick toasts, gelato and waffles. Oh dear gawd, the gelato is really something you can’t NOT order! 😀 Yum. Pair it with your fave cuppa coffee and you’re set for the night.

Brewyard (SS15, Subang)

From this picture, I can prolly see why I was such a fatty LOL. I can’t ever get enough of cakes! Haha.

I came by twice to this really unique cafe, there’s sorta like a secret passage – with grass, no less! – behind the counter. From what I was told when I was there, this is a family business. They’re pretty quirky too, as little cardboard figurines of Marvel & DC Comics characters will be standing on the counter top represent their tipping jar.

Broadbean (Aman Suria)

I do not wish to say anything nasty about this place, but this is the very cafe I fell off a chair in public due to a loose screw. Yup, it broke apart and there I was on the floor. Also, I wouldn’t come back for the food. 🙁 But hey, if you’re looking for a place just to grab your quick cuppa coffee and to probably enjoy the relaxing ambience, go for it! Just stay away from the chairs and stick to the sofa/couches, would you?

Frisky Goat (TTDI)

Haven’t exactly gotten round to actually sitting down and enjoying the ambience, as all I’ve ever managed to take in from this joint is a coffee to-go and a Chicken & Mushroom Pie and Moist Chocolate Cake takeaway. But from the few minutes I stood there, I managed to gather the fact that it’s hugely popular (based on the crowd!) and judging from the assorted in-house made pastries and pastry chefs they have available, it’s actually a bakery-cum-cafe.

Rekindle (SS2)

One of my favourite places for cakes and coffee – their butterscotch cafe latte is a must try!

Their unique, very hipster interior decor intrigued me. Think: beanbags scattered everywhere, exposed pipings & brick walls and best of all, the furniture at their alfresco area is built out of old-school sewing machine tables. Yup.

Espresso Lab (The Curve, Mutiara Damansara & Queensbay Mall, Penang)

Definitely not a hipster cafe, this little spot has an island of its own in those respective malls.

Drop by for a quick coffee fix, roasted and served from all over the world, and a simple piece of cake. 

Podgy and the Banker (Sri Hartamas)

What actually attracted me to swing by was, ironically, their ‘No Wifi’ sign on their display window.

Upon entering I discovered that it was actually THE Podgy and the Banker – purveyors of awesomely roasted coffee! As literal as it gets, this joint was opened by a podgy person and an actual banker, as I was told by one of the baristas. Large crowds expected at night, and needless to say, their coffee is great!

Pickle n’ Fig (TTDI)

Awesome place for delightful paninis, sandwiches and smoothies.

Bonus: They have chalkboards and provide you with chalk to doodle on their walls! May not be anything to you, but it is to me, for the scribble I wrote and sent a certain boy, eventually became my boyfriend! (It became his profile picture for a while too!) *blush* The little cute things matter, okay? You could do that too, on your little first date or something 😉

PENANG

Full of BEANS

With crazy tubes and apparatus at the bar, this place reminds me of my high school Chemistry lab!

Expect not only your common coffee concoctions but also specialty coffee.

Chinahouse (Beach Street)

I deem this the epic cake house. If you’re a sweet tooth like I am, pretty sure you’ll walk out the door with at least 3 slices of different cakes. Interesting Mediterranean food here too. Your evening entertainment consists of live bands and occasional jazz singers. This ‘abandoned’ looking mansion has a special novelty to take in, be sure to enjoy it with your cup of coffee!

IPOH, PERAK 

Bread Espresso Dessert – B.E.D (Medan Istana)

Unlike the typical hipster crowd, small families can be seen patronizing this tiny cafe.

Apart from coffee, they serve pretty delish sandwiches and pastries, such as buns, cakes, pies and tarts!

Stan & Brew (Soho Ipoh – Jalan Sultan Iskandar Shah)

This comfy little corner cafe was our pick for a quick breakfast/brunch over coffee. For those who simply cannot resist rainbow coloured cakes, this would be your best bet. Be sure to give their adorable plant cakes a try too!

That’s all for today – there’s more to come, of course! 

On top of the ones pending in the drafts, I’ll be periodically updating this space as I relish my cafe-hopping adventures and drag along my (un)willing coffee-mates to come with. 😛 If you’re up for a catch-up over coffee at a joint I’ve not been before, I’m game!

Check out this link when I went to David Brown’s Restaurant & Tea Terraces in Penang a while  back!

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