Did you know that the area around Petaling Street isn’t only a heritage haven filled with traditional crafts and handiwork? It’s also a famous foodie enclave dotted with quaint cafes that have their own unique personalities!
Kafei Dian isn’t just another café that makes up the numbers. But one that stamps its mark with its nostalgic ambiance, delicious kaya, and authentic Hainanese food that tickles the palate.
If you’re still not convinced, read on because we’ve taken a peek inside this promising café that serves good local food.
About Kafei Dian
Kafei Dian is a vintage Kopitiam famous for serving old-school Malaysian comfort food. The branch at Jalan Panggong near Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur is one of the most popular among the 4 branches scattered across Klang Valley.
Accessibility
Kafei Dian is just a 2-minute walk from Pasar Seni MRT station and is best reached by MRT line. If you’re coming by car, it’s also not hard to find a parking space near the cafe as there’s an outdoor parking lot right next to it that costs RM5 per entry.
Alternatively, you can also drive to the nearest public parking lot on Jalan Balai Polis and alight from there. It’s less than 5 minutes away from Kafei Dian and also costs RM5 per entry.
Ambiance
Kafei Dian occupies an old, colonial-era post office built in 1911. Fortunately, the owners have preserved most of the building’s structural shape.
The original Tudor-style façade was removed, paving the way for a distinct Shanghai Tang feel.
For a sprawling café, the entrance is pretty modest and consists of a narrow path to enter and exit.
Inside, Kafei Dian opens up to a maze of separate dining chambers with marble tables and teak furniture.
Brightly colored peonies and plum blossoms add a touch of vibrancy to this Insta-worthy café, while stained glass windows break the earthy monotony of the furniture. On the ceiling, giant red lanterns meander with faux creepy crawlies, creating a perfect vintage composition reminiscent of the golden bygone years.
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Clusters of artificial green potted plants enhance its lively environment and create a perfect balance without looking cluttered.
While the dining area on the ground floor is fully air-conditioned, the alfresco seating area encircling the first floor offers a sweeping view of its surroundings. The interiors upstairs are shielded from the sun and large portable air conditioners provide protection from the heat of the day.
Service At Kafei Dian
Even though everything may seem old-fashioned, the service is top-notch, fueled by technology as guests order food using the QR code.
Once you confirm your order, the food is served within 15 to 30 minutes. Especially at breakfast and lunchtime, the crowd can be overwhelming. So be prepared to wait a little longer to be seated during peak hours.
Food
Kafei Dian serves mostly local cuisine and hawker fanfare you'd find in a down-to-earth kopitiam.
Top of the list is the butter kaya toast, which is a must-try. The luscious pandan paste tastes best with lots of butter on a spongy slice of toast or steamed bread.
Even though the selection of dim sum isn't the greatest, the yam cake is an essential appetizer. The yam cake contains generous portions of roasted, dried prawns, which lend a distinctive flavor that is enhanced by its springy, soft texture.
The highlight of the Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng (coconut rice with fried chicken) is none other than the fried chicken. The crispy skin of the fried chicken crackles when you tear it apart - proof of how well it's prepared.
Another bestseller is the Hainanese Chicken Chop, a breaded chicken that’s deep-fried until crispy and has juicy, tender meat to boot. With a tangy tomato sauce and French fries on the side, this dish takes a little longer to cook. But that shouldn’t stop you from ordering it.
The Char Kuey Teow (fried flat noodles) is packed with fragrant char, fuelled by decent wok hei, and generous portions of fresh prawns.
The Chee Cheong Fun (steamed rice noodles) is another crowd puller with silky springy noodles in a sweet brown sauce sprinkled with fried onions and sesame seeds for added aroma.
The Assam Laksa Penang is as authentic as it gets. It consists of a divine fish broth with mackerel, which has a nice balance of sour and spicy nuances.
The tasty prawn paste and generous slices of pineapple, cucumber, and onion give the dish a zesty touch and crunch to this appetizing dish.
Their Custard Egg Steamed Bun is another option in their sterling breakfast lineup. This soft, pillowy indulgence oozes with creamy egg custard that melts in your mouth.
Diners rave about the other breakfast staples like the soft-boiled eggs and steamed bread, which are best paired with a buttery cup of the classic 'kao' coffee or cham. After all, these are the perfect caffeine boost for a good start to the day.
But that’s not all. You can buy your favorite kaya spread, prawn sambal, bread, and croissant to replicate your favorite breakfast at Kafei Dian in the comfort of your own home.
Pricing
Despite the good quality of the food and the unique ambiance, the food is surprisingly cheap by KL standards. The breakfast menu is available from as little as RM6, while the most expensive main course costs around RM30.
So a meal for a family of 4 costs around RM100, which is a real bargain considering the rising food prices!
Is Chinatown KL worth visiting?
Chinatown KL is a vibrant district with many mouthwatering food options. You can also admire eye-catching street art or visit Chinese and Hindu temples.
Petaling Street is also an important part of Chinatown, where rows and rows of fake designer goods are sold at ridiculous prices. As most sellers are not locals and thrive on commission, it’s best to haggle for the best price, as the next store might offer even less.
A few stores away from Kafeidian, you’ll find a handicraft shop filled with Chinese lanterns and timeless knick-knacks that make memorable souvenirs for friends back home.
In Pasar Seni, which is located a 15-minute drive away, there are plenty of souvenir shops selling T-shirts, key chains, wood carvings, batik paintings, and other paraphernalia.
In short, Chinatown is a great place to shop and eat while you soak in the cultural experience.
What is Chinatown Malaysia famous for?
Chinatown Malaysia is a famous shopping alley selling an array of imitation designer goods, good food, and picturesque wall art. It comprises refurbished pre-war buildings set within history-rich lanes, making it a popular tourist attraction.
Along Kwai Chai Hong (Concubine Lane), you will find beautiful wall paintings illustrating the local’s daily lives in the 1960’s. This previously jaded street was given a facelift in April 2019 by reputable street artist.
Why should tourists visit Chinatown Kuala Lumpur?
Chinatown KL is one of the bucket lists of places to visit when you’re in Kuala Lumpur. The energetic buzz from the hawkers, the melting pot of cultures, the diverse food options from local to Western food, and the ease of shopping for souvenirs make it the perfect pit stop before departing.
Be sure to bring along an umbrella or slather on sunblock as it can be scorching hot when the sun is out. A raincoat will come in handy as the sunny skies can change in minutes with downpours that last for hours.
What are the best hotels near Chinatown Kuala Lumpur?
If you’re looking for a 4-star hotel within Chinatown, then four point by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur is your best bet.
Surrounded by Ample F&B options and a short walking distance to the MRT and LRT train stations, Sheraton KL offers unrivaled connectivity to major attractions in minutes.
You’ll also enjoy a stunning view of the city’s skyline, with the second tallest building in the world, the Merdeka PNB 118 looming in the foreground.
Conclusion
Kafei Dian is strategically located near major attractions along Petaling Street like Kwai Chai Hong and Pasar Seni. Its superb kopitiam food makes it a heavenly weekend treat that many crave, coupled with its relaxed but organized atmosphere and courteous service.
After a hearty breakfast, head to Concubine Lane to admire the seasonal art installations or pose along the art murals.
Or, be a tourist for a day and browse the quaint little stores selling gorgeous Chinese lanterns, Nanyang-inspired tiffin carriers, and artsy local crafts!
If you're pining for more local delicacies, then take a 5-minute walk to Ho Kou Hainan Kopitiam for more options!
Address: 16, Jalan Panggong, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 7.30 am – 5.30 pm daily
Contact: 011-1019 3159
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