VCR Galloway

VCR is one of the cafes that put Kuala Lumpur on the specialty coffee map, and its original branch on Jalan Galloway is still the one to visit. The cafe began in a house built in 1927 on the edge of Pudu, a short walk from Bukit Bintang, and the remodelled building keeps much of its old-world character. Since then VCR has grown into a small group with branches in Bangsar, Mont Kiara, Ritchie, Sunway Pyramid and elsewhere, but Galloway remains its home and has the most atmosphere.

The layout is part of the charm. On the ground floor is a dim, narrow coffee bar, where you order and can watch the baristas at work, while the first floor opens into a brighter, airier room with rattan chairs that is good for lingering over breakfast or a laptop. Coffee is the core of the business: VCR has long favoured single-origin beans served as espresso and filter, rather than relying on a single house blend, so ask the baristas what is on offer and how they would recommend you drink it. The hot chocolate has a loyal following among non-coffee drinkers.

Food is a serious draw. Breakfast and brunch plates are generous, and dishes such as soft-boiled eggs in tomato sauce have become regular favourites, with pastas joining the menu from around midday. The cake counter is worth a look too, with banana cakes, citrus bars and cheesecakes among the regular offerings, and makes a good excuse for an afternoon stop.

VCR is busy, especially at weekends, when there can be a wait for a table at brunch time. Arrive early in the morning or come on a weekday afternoon for a quieter visit. Check the website or the cafe's social media for current opening hours before you go. Prices are typical of specialty cafes in the city, higher than a traditional kopitiam but good value for the quality. It suits coffee lovers, couples and solo travellers, and it is a good place to work for an hour or two outside peak times.

Jalan Galloway is a quiet street between Pudu and Bukit Bintang, and VCR is within walking distance of the Bukit Bintang shopping area and the Changkat Bukit Bintang bar strip. Pudu, Hang Tuah and Bukit Bintang stations are the nearest rail stops, or take a ride-hailing car to the door.