Café
VCR Galloway
VCR began in a 1927 house on Jalan Galloway in Pudu and remains one of Kuala Lumpur's best-loved cafes for specialty coffee, big breakfasts and cakes.
Kafei Dian
In a Chinatown heritage shophouse that once housed a post office, Kafei Dian serves kaya butter toast, half-boiled eggs, laksa and coffee from morning to late evening.
At a glance
- Type
- Heritage shophouse kopitiam cafe
- Area
- Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Price
- $ · Budget
Good to know
- Breakfast to late evening
- Local and Western menu
- Heritage building
Why we recommend it
Kafei Dian is a relaxed cafe in a restored heritage shophouse on Jalan Panggong, in the old streets of Chinatown close to Petaling Street. The building once housed a Pos Malaysia post office, and the cafe has kept the character of the old shophouse while turning it into a comfortable place to eat and drink throughout the day. Its name simply means coffee shop in Chinese, and that is a fair description of its spirit: a modern take on the traditional kopitiam, with a menu that blends Asian and Western dishes.
Breakfast is the time to come for the classics. Order butter kaya toast, crisp bread spread with sweet coconut jam and butter, with half-boiled eggs seasoned with soy sauce and white pepper, and a cup of local-style coffee. Later in the day, the menu moves on to hawker favourites such as assam laksa, the sour and spicy fish noodle soup, and char kway teow, along with Western-style dishes for those who want something more familiar.
Kafei Dian keeps unusually long hours for the area; Tourism Malaysia lists it as open daily from 7.30am to 10.30pm. That makes it useful at almost any time: an early breakfast before exploring Chinatown, a break from the midday heat, or a casual dinner after the markets. Prices are modest, in keeping with the neighbourhood, and the setting is more comfortable than many traditional coffee shops. Come in the morning if you want the full kopitiam breakfast experience before the heat of the day builds and the Chinatown lanes fill up.
It suits families, budget travellers, solo visitors and anyone who wants to try Malaysian kopitiam food in a calm setting. If you are exploring the heritage buildings of Chinatown, it is also a good chance to see the inside of a restored shophouse.
Jalan Panggong is a short lane close to Petaling Street and Kwai Chai Hong, the restored back alley with its murals of old Chinatown life. Pasar Seni and Maharajalela stations are within walking distance, and the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Central Market and the Chinatown food streets are all a few minutes away on foot, so Kafei Dian fits easily into a day spent exploring the old city.
Kafei Dian FAQs
What is Kafei Dian known for?
Butter kaya toast, half-boiled eggs and coffee, plus dishes such as assam laksa and char kway teow.
What was the building before?
It is a heritage shophouse that was once a Pos Malaysia post office.
What are the opening hours?
Tourism Malaysia lists daily opening from 07:30 to 22:30.
Is it expensive?
No, prices are modest.
Does it serve Western food?
Yes, the menu blends Asian and Western dishes.
Where is it?
At 16 Jalan Panggong in Chinatown, close to Petaling Street.
Which station is nearest?
Pasar Seni and Maharajalela stations are within walking distance.
Is it good for breakfast?
Yes, it opens early and is a good place for a traditional kopitiam breakfast.