Without a doubt, Malaysians love and embrace our unofficial national pastime of eating. Ever since Australians popularised brunch culture, they’ve taught us to take this particular mealtime seriously. It’s when family and friends catch up to enjoy bonding time over a good cup of coffee (flat white, preferably) and a well-presented brunch dish.
Here are our top recommendations in Kuala Lumpur (KL) and Petaling Jaya (PJ) if you’re hankering for a taste of Aussie brunch culture or looking for a decent spot to catch up with loved ones over the weekend.
1. Yellow Brick Road, KL
Take the road less travelled to Yellow Brick Road for a cosy weekend! The spacious eco-industrial cafe whips up brunch staples and fusion mains. Have a furry kiddo? Pet pawrents can dine with their furbaby at the al fresco dining area. After 6pm, the cafe serves grilled meats, pasta dishes, and plates to share.
Zafigo recommends: YBR Tiramisu, Watermelon Dacquoise, Eggs Norwegian, Pulled Beef Pancake Taco.
Address: Lot A-GF-03, 5th Place @ The Five, Kompleks Pejabat Damansara, Jalan Dungun, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 2011 7690
2. CALIA, KL
First established in Melbourne in 2016, CALIA is a restaurant-to-retail brand that recently landed on Malaysian shores in 2020. Not only does CALIA import fine foods from Australia and other countries, but brunch lovers can also enjoy Japanese fusion eats curated by Michelin-starred chef Francisco Javier Araya. The star of CALIA’s menu is their Wagyu Bowl served with premium Australian Wagyu steak, 63° onsen egg, and yuzu koshu on top of a bed of fluffy Akitakomachi rice.
Zafigo recommends: The Calia Wagyu Bowl, Aburi Salmon, Calia Bear Garden Hotpot, Mörk Hot Chocolate.
Address: Lot 6.11, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100
Kuala Lumpur; Lot G1-27, KL East Mall, 823 Jalan Lingkaran Tengah 2, KL Timur, 53100 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 2110 6181 (Pavilion); +603 4161 4881(KL East Mall)
3. Red Bean Bag, KL
A quick look at the Red Bean Bag‘s menu will tickle anyone’s tastebuds – quintessential Aussie brunch staples from avocado toasts to chicken parmas are served with their own twist here! The cafe has also partnered with Perth-based Grand Central Premium Coffee Roasters to create their tribute blends, named The Skywalker and The Kenobi. It also recently announced the relocation of its outlet to Mutiara Damansara, which will happen in due course.
Zafigo recommends: Benedict III, Ozzie Chicken Parma, Smashing Avocado.
Address: A4-1-08, Solaris Dutamas, Jalan Dutamas 1, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 03 2856 8814
4. Cottle Coffee, PJ
Cottle Coffee is a century-old coffee roastery hailing from South Melbourne and is an international supplier of artisanal coffee beans to cafes around the world, including in Malaysia. Located in Tropicana Gardens Mall, this cosy spot features a small but mighty menu of coffee, sandwiches, pastries and dessert. A definite must-visit for coffee enthusiasts or those looking to enjoy a quick brunch!
Zafigo recommends: Avocado Sourdough Toast or any of their pies!
Address: CC-OT-01, Tropicana Gardens Mall, Tropicana Indah, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Contact: +603 7660 4739
5. Breakfast Thieves, KL
Breakfast Thieves was first established within an old chocolate factory in Fitzroy, Melbourne. Its Malaysian branch is housed in a similar industrial-chic location — a 63-year-old commercial printing factory in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur and serves up modern Aussie cuisine with a touch of Asian flare. All their breakfast and brunch dishes come with extremely punny names too. Small-eaters may want to share as their portions are generous.
Zafigo recommends: The Viking, Bonnie & Clyde.
Address: Lot M, 29-5 Jalan Riong, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 2201 8829
6. Urban Daybreak, KL
Urban Daybreak is one of the few non-halal brunch spots in the KL food scene, and its menu consists of all sorts of porky goodness. This cafe presents authentic Australian brunch fare with its own twist. From the barbecue goodness of their pulled pork to the crispy fried chicken with maple mustard sauce, it’s worth returning for more all-day brunch! Furkids are welcome at both their Bangsar and Penang outlets.
Zafigo recommends: Stout Pulled Pork with Poached Eggs, Fried Chicken Waffle.
Address: 11, Jalan Telawi 5, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Contact: +603 2303 0172
7. Antipodean, KL & PJ
Laid-back with friendly service and a fuss-free menu, Antipodean is a go-to for many locals for its accessibility within Klang Valley and mostly for its consistent brunch fare. The coffee here is best enjoyed on its own, while their food dishes are great for sharing. This award-winning cafe even has its own roastery in Malaysia and Indonesia, and has up to 20 different roasts available! All their outlets, except for the one in Mid Valley Megamall, are kid-friendly too!
Zafigo recommends: Eggs benedict with bacon, avocado on toast with smoked salmon, flat white (Bukit Sentul Breakfast Blend)
Address: Multiple locations; check here.
Contact: +603 2282 0411 (Bangsar)
8. Underwood Bakers Restaurant & Coffee, KL
Pizza for brunch, anyone? Inspired by Australian cafe culture, Underwood is housed in a spacious lot in Bukit Bintang — complete with a sunroof and filled with tropical houseplants. The food here is vast in selection, with their wood-fired sourdough pizzas being a must-try. Love coffee? You’ll be happy with the extensive coffee selection served here!
Zafigo recommends: Pumpkin gnocchi, Truffle Mushroom pizza, Pandan Kaya croissant, Australian Iced Coffee.
Address: 41, Jalan Sahabat, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6016 666 3941
