Are you an early riser? Though I personally am not, I do sometimes find myself in situations where I’m up early, and struck with the craving for a hearty, nutritious breakfast. Perhaps I’ll even be yearning for a flaky, buttery croissant, paired with the perfect cup of joe.
If you can relate to any of the above, this article is for you, as this list covers cafes rather than the kopitiams serving up lovely local morning feasts. Time to rise and shine, early birds. Let’s get this worm!
1. VCR Ritchie, Ampang
VCR Ritchie opens bright and early at 7:30am so that you can start your day with the most important meal. If you’re looking for a substantial breakfast that will fuel you till lunchtime, they’ve got you. Check out their avocado tartine, which consists of VCR’s own seeded sourdough toast topped with salad, avocados, tomatoes, a soft-boiled egg, feta, and za’atar.
If you’re interested in making your own tartines at home, there is a display rack in store where you can shop for VCR coffee beans and freshly baked bread!
Address: 319, Ritchie’s Pavilion, Persiaran Ritchie, Desa Pahlawan, 55000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603-4265 2008
2. Urban Daybreak, Bangsar
Also catering to early risers from 7:30am, is Bangsar’s very own Urban Daybreak. Start your day off with one of the cafe’s well-loved dish, Baked Eggs. This pan of goodness is served alongside garlic toast, which act as a vehicle to transport the spiced pork and tomato stew, plus runny egg yolks, into your rumbling belly.
Address: 11, Jalan Telawi 5, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603-2303 0172
3. Breakfast Spot, Bukit Bintang
Nothing says “We serve breakfast here!” quite like naming a place Breakfast Spot. This refuge in the city has an attractive glasshouse facade that makes it the perfect place to kick start your day. Inside, you’ll find Instagrammable corners and greenery that are soothing to the eyes. They’re open daily from 8am.
Address: 2, Jln Sin Chew Kee, Bukit Bintang, 50150 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6013-977 1010
4. Flaaah The Bakery, Jalan Balai Polis
Today you wanted to eat a kwas-sont? Get your fix of that flakey beautiful mess here at Flaaah. Walk into pastry paradise as early as 8am, and marvel at the sight of delectably sweet and savoury options. Bringing you all things flour, this downtown Kuala Lumpur (DTKL) bakery will ensure that you’re spoilt for choice!
Address: G01, Four Points, 2, Jalan Balai Polis, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6012-502 5591
5. Tapestry, Jalan Kamunting
If you’re looking for good ambience, great food, and lots of natural sunlight, this is the place for you. Tapestry opens at 8:30am, and is only a few minutes walk from Monorail Medan Tuanku. Dig into any of their soul-soothing all-day-breakfast options, or try their classic signature — the Rise & Shine Egg Drop.
Address: 28, Jalan Kamunting, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603-7622 8720
6. LOKL Coffee Co., Jalan Tun H S Lee
Another fantastic DTKL breakfast option that opens at 8am is LOKL Coffee Co. This cafe has been serving breakfast and brunch since 2012. When you dine here, you’re guaranteed to experience great service, meals that arrive on time, and food that tastes the same, always. Everything from the design of the space, branding, and down to the decor, are thoughtfully done.
Address: 30, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6018-968 5515
7. Transparent Coffee, Kampung Attap
Do not be fooled by their raw and simple interior, because Transparent Coffee will blow your minds. Their Soft Scrambled Brioche is to die for! The buttery brioche buns are paired with fluffy scrambled eggs and delectable toppings — an absolutely delicious way to start your day. Of course, coffee, pastry, and other food options are available as well, starting from 8am daily.
One thing I personally love about Transparent Coffee is their effort in reducing waste as a cafe. Their coffee waste is dropped off daily to be upcycled into new products (like coffee scrubs) or made into compost.
Address: Sam Mansion Flat, Jalan Tuba, Kampung Attap, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6014-333 4521
8. Take A Bow, Bangsar South
Need to grab breakfast on the go? Order from Take A Bow’s simple breakfast menu on weekdays from 8am to 11am. Pick from a selection of pastries, and pair it with a cup of black coffee for an additional RM5. However, if you’re not an early riser like me, their brunch menu starts from 10am.
Address: UG-5, The Sphere, Jalan Kerinchi, Bangsar South, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603-2242 0599
9. Yellow Brick Road, Bukit Damansara
Is your workplace near the Semantan MRT station? If so, you’ve probably heard of Yellow Brick Road. They’re right by the MRT station, making it extra convenient to grab breakfast here! Starting at 8:30am daily, you can do a quick coffee run or perhaps have a nutritious breakfast before your work day begins.
Address: Lot A-GF-03, 5th Place @ The Five, No 49, Kompleks Pejabat Damansara, Jalan Dungun, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603-2011 7690
10. FEEKA Coffee Roasters, multiple locations
Start your mornings at FEEKA with a nutritious smoothie bowl, toast, or whatever suits your fancy. Serving you your first meal of the day from 8am, you might just find FEEKA near where you work, with their four prominent locations. Their Bukit Damansara location is easily accessible by Semantan MRT, also in the same building as Yellow Brick Road.
Locations: Jalan Mesui, Bukit Bintang; The Five, Bukit Damansara; Naza Tower, Platinum Park; BONUS: Happy Mansion, Section 17, Petaling Jaya
BONUS
11. LittlePeople Co, Subang Jaya
Taking inspiration from its factory location in Subang Jaya, LittlePeople Co is designed in an industrial style and decked out in camping furniture. Although not located in Kuala Lumpur, Subang folks can savour delectable pastries paired with their favourite cup of coffee from 8:30am. The pastries and sandwiches here are made in-house by their skilled baker, so do try it out for yourself.
Address: 3 Jalan SS 13/4, Subang Jaya Industrial Estate, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Contact: +6012 770 7047
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on 06 January 2023 and has been updated to include more locations.