From Harry Potter to capybara-themed cafés, your meals are about to get amusing, especially when you’re interacting with so much more than just the food. (Left: Image by @aa_capturespot. Right: Image by @wshaaa_.)
If food puts the ‘F’ in ‘FUN’, these eateries definitely throw ‘Unique’ and ‘Novel’ into the mix. That was cheesy, yes, but by reading this you’re signing up for some wonderfully whimsical and perhaps unusual dining experiences around Malaysia. Come with us to see where your desire for a good meal will take you. The Wizarding World? Freezing Antarctica? Let’s find out.
1. Platf9rm Coffee, Ipoh, Perak
Quick, grab a Portkey or some Floo Powder! This quaint Harry Potter-inspired café has magic to offer. Due to crowds, only purchasing customers are allowed to venture further upstairs. However, a look at the café’s picture-perfect staircase proves the temptation to be irresistible. Thankfully, this staircase does not move at random.
Nestled along Ipoh’s Concubine Lane, it is hard to miss. Here’s a clue: look out for a striking Diagon Alley-esque shop window. Indulge in their Butter Cream Soda Float, which is a recreation of the Butterbeer, or cosy up with a cup of Earl Grey Blue Flower tea as if you are in Madam Puddifoot’s Tea Shop.
Address: 22, Lorong Panglima, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
2. Feast & Furious Café, Kuching, Sarawak
Owing its name to the very franchise famous for the love of revving engines, this snazzy place is a hangout spot among bikers and car enthusiasts alike. Naturally, you would expect tyres and other vehicle parts to adorn the walls of a motorsport-themed café such as this one.
The owner, passionate about racing and good food, takes pride in showcasing his personal, unique collection. From a classic Ferrari to a wall-mounted Formula 1 car, the collection proves to be impressive.
The food also seems to be at par. The menu boasts a diverse range of dishes from traditional Malaysian cuisine to Western favourites. One dish that certainly catches the eye is their Furious Laksa, the cafe’s take on the state’s speciality, Laksa Sarawak.
Address: Lot 244, Ground Floor, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak
3. George & Dragon Café, Johor Bahru, Johor
Established over 20 years ago, this family-owned business promises an authentic British dining experience. Imagine regaling in the ambience of old-world Europe, all while being served with modern hospitality. A sweeping look at the interior reveals major attention to detail—a recreation of old England, reminiscent of both a warm tavern and a castle.
There is definitely a lot for the eyes to feast upon at George and Dragon Café, and just as much for one’s appetite. Their best-selling dish is the Premium Ribeye Steak. If a big meal is a bit much to digest as you marvel at the surroundings, their mouthwatering light bites, such as the Battered Calamari and Potato Skins, are just as worth a try.
Address: No. 1 & 3, Jalan Glasiar, Taman Tasek, 80200 Johor Bahru, Johor
4. The DreamLiner Airways Café, Johor Bahru, Johor
Forgot your passport? No worries, you can board the DreamLiner Airways Café with ease. And the best part is you get the cosy experience of being on a luxurious flight, sans the weakened tastebuds. This might quite literally be the only way you get to enjoy that comforting feeling of being disconnected (well, almost) from the rest of the world without compromising your appetite, even if it’s all pretend. You will find the waiters donning cabin crew uniforms, taking the immersive experience further and your imagination up 30,000 feet in the air.
The DreamLiner Airways Cafe specialises in Western dishes, from burgers to steaks and even seafood platters. Between their Mozzarella Baked Oyster and the Grilled Salmon with Honey Mustard sauce, see what tickles your fancy.
Address: No. 7, Jalan Harmonium 35/1, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor
5. Bingsu Café (Ice Café), George Town, Penang
Malaysia may be humid and hot, but this frosty spot in Penang is the coolest place in town all year round. No need for winter coats or the like to pay a visit here though. It is cold alright, but not enough to threaten you with frostbite.
Although you’re in the middle of George Town, the igloo archways, polar bears (harmless, we promise), ice bed, and icicles will whisk you away to Antarctica for a moment. The café serves chilly desserts such as Ais Kacang, Ice Cream-topped waffle treats, and hot beverages.
Address: 193, Lebuh Victoria, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
6. Capyba Café, Skudai, Johor
You can pet baby capybaras here! I repeat: Baby. Capybaras. If that is not already the most adorable thing this café has to offer, the desserts will bring you to tears. The jiggly capybara-shaped pudding in particular will make your heart swoon in adoration. As with themed cafés, you can expect the decor to be doused with everything capybara. Another surprise also awaits you at Capyba Café besides capybaras—alpacas!
Address: 28, Jalan Nakhoda 2, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, 81300 Skudai, Johor
7. N.16 Bus Café, Sekinchan, Selangor
The brainchild of a former art director, the N.16 Bus Café looks straight out of an emotional coming-of-age movie that will make you cry for days. Especially with it being surrounded by paddy fields and the expansive blue sky.
If the elevated bus paints a familiar picture, the café indeed owes its look to that particular scene in My Neighbour Totoro of the cat bus running through a field. A well-executed vision in true cinephile fashion by someone who used to be in the film industry. In fact, the sight of the bus café alone is enchanting enough to have earned a feature in Tourism Malaysia’s promotional video back in 2020.
The idea of dining on a bus is elevated further with the dishes served. Some recommended items on their menu include the Smoked Duck Spaghetti and the spicy Korean Fried Chicken.
Address: Jalan Tali Air 4, Sekinchan, 45400 Tanjong Karang, Selangor
8. Petra Pudu Café, Pudu, Kuala Lumpur
Fun fact: This is a sister cafe to the N.16 Bus Café. Petra Pudu Café centres its theme on the ‘Lost City’ of Jordan. However, much like its sister café, it draws inspiration from cinema, referencing the Indiana Jones films, evidently seen from their stunning sandstone-like stairways and rooftop arches.
Staying true to the creative streak of a former art director, expect a stark contrast between this café and the N.16 Bus Café. A visit to Petra Pudu Café will swap Sekinchan’s village greenery with Pudu’s cityscape, especially with the eatery presenting itself as a charming rooftop café.
Imagine spending a lovely late afternoon here as the sun goes down, just sipping on their Honey Coffee while nibbling away at their special Smoked Salmon Toast. Ah, bliss!
Address: 392, Jln Pudu, Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
