Our Guide to the Best Cafes in SS2 Petaling Jaya

discover the Cream of the cafe crop in our curated list


Often typecast as a sleepy suburb with only endless rows of semi-detached houses to its name, SS2 has recently awoken to a young, budding cafe scene that seems to have sprung up overnight. Intriguing new offerings have taken the place of shuttered shop lots and bleary mom-and-pop shops, promising classic comfort foods and innovative modern delights that’ll enliven the palate of the most jaded cafe hunter.


From a serene coffee corner with a touch of austere sophistication, to a whimsical leafy greenhouse run by a feline board and their human staff, this diverse list presents the best suburbia has to offer!


Image credit: @paper.planedesignstudio


ONO

Matcha + coffee? Sounds like a latte drama!


One of the world’s first specialty coffee and matcha cafes, ONO stirs up trouble by combining these star-crossed rivals into a taste-tacular dream team. Whether in the form of their ooey-gooey matcha lava cake, wed to a scoop of coffee gelato, or their ceremonial matcha cream and Ethiopian cold brew love-child – this is a pairing that feels so wrong but tastes so right.



Address: 47, Jalan SS 2/30, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Operation hours: 10.30am – 6pm daily



tAMAN HATI STUDIO & CAFE

Taman Hati is where the heart is.


This lush and leafy garden cafe serves as a refuge for weary souls, enveloping its patrons in the scent of freshly brewed coffee and a sense of restfulness only found amongst foliage. Warm your heart and stomach with grandma’s pick of home-cooked pies, croffles, and lemon loafs, as their feline welcoming committee – four furry rescue kitties – keep your feet toasty.



Address: 43a, SS2/30, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Operation hours: 10am – 6pm daily



Cafe bandit

Warning: Step inside Cafe Bandit and they might just steal your heart.


Fronted by a charming warm-wood exterior and illustrations of their cheeky raccoon namesake, this popular neighbourhood cafe is an eye-catcher amongst the surrounding hawker centres and time-worn corner stores. If you manage to nab a seat, you’ll be treated to some beautiful cafe fare that tastes as good as it looks – you won’t even notice your wallet feeling a little lighter afterwards!



Address: 6, Jalan SS2/10, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Operation hours: 8am – 9pm daily



SPACEGREY

Inspired by the vibrant alleyways of Tokyo, cyberpunk cafe SPACEGREY offers you a contemporary take on Japanese eateries.


In place of the classic bamboo decor, earthen walls, and paper screens of traditional Japanese restaurants are techie, modern signifiers; neon-lit walls, silver-sheened tables, and a vending machine that doubles as a hidden door! A signature dish and a must-try are the ramen noodles soaked in an in-house broth that carries a perfectly balanced umami flavour profile. Just be sure to cap off your meal with their fresh, handmade matcha daifuku.



Address: 149a, Jalan SS 2/24, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Operation hours: 11am – 6pm daily, closed on Tuesdays



HALF & HĀFU COFFEEBAR

Cut out some time in in your schedule for Half & Hāfu – a unique space that’s half coffeebar, half hair salon.


After your snip, you’re invited to take a sip of unique beverages such as London Fog, a mixture of earl grey tea, notes of lavender, and milk, or their velvety Butterbeer; a magical concoction crafted from butterscotch and handmade cream soda. It’s definitely a cut above your standard cafe selection!



Address: Lot B-1-05, First Floor, The Hub SS2 Retail Office, 19 Sentral, Jalan Harapan, Seksyen 19, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Operation hours: 12pm – 8pm Tuesdays to Fridays, 11am – 8pm Saturdays & Sundays, closed on Mondays



FLAKES

Flakes takes the term “hole-in-the-wall” to heart, featuring a literal cut-out-style hole that lets patrons peer into the second floor. With its hearty croissant combinations like avocado scrambled eggs or sweeter matcha-dipped treats, this café is the perfect spot for a delightful brunch time catch-up.


If you’re busy and craving a perfectly brewed pick-me-up, their seamless drive-thru coffee service ensures you can enjoy their delightful offerings on the go!



Address: B-G-06, The Hub SS2, 19 Sentral, Jalan Harapan, Seksyen 19, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Operation hours: 9.30am – 10pm daily



NeIGHBOURS COFFEE

A place where conversations flow as easily as coffee, Neighbours Coffee is truly a neighbourhood gem.


With offerings like Yuzu Crème Pappardelle, Miso Mushroom on Toast, their menu is a match made in heaven for serial brunch-ers. But ask anyone, and they’ll tell you to try their Fuwa Fuwa Pancake – which literally translates to “Fluffy Fluffy Pancake” in Japanese. Light, airy with a choice of exciting sides like Pu-Erh gelato, berries, Matcha nama cream with black sesame gelato, or just go with their original, topped off with nama cream and housemade syrup.



Address: B-G-03, The Hub SS2, 19 Sentral, Jalan Harapan, Seksyen 19, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Operation hours: 9am – 6pm daily



BUTTER & SPICE

Catching up over coffee suddenly turns into hours when you’re at Butter & Spice. This bakery-cafe is a bright little retreat with great vibes, and even greater food.


If there’s one thing you absolutely shouldn’t skip, it’s their viral Charcoal Matcha Flan. The subtle bitterness and earthy notes of the matcha enveloped in a flaky charcoal pastry crust creates a surprisingly harmonious duo, this is one that’ll leave a mark for sure.



Address: 53, jalan SS2 / 30, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Operation hours: 8am – 5:30pm Monday to Thursday, 8am – 9:30pm Friday to Sunday



XIAO BY CRUSTZ

Xiao by Crustz breathes new life into a quiet suburb. Nestled deep within rows of terraced houses, this soothing café feels reminiscent of a MUJI catalogue, featuring creamy wood decor and abundant light. The space is minimalistic but never cold, bathed in the energy of warm, welcoming hues and even warmer service.


Feed your stomach and your soul with their intricately designed Petit Gâteau and other magical morsels of delight, crafted by a team of World Pastry Cup champions. In the canvas of the café, art marries food and their love takes centre-stage here.



Address: 18, Jalan SS 2/72, Seksyen 19, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Operation hours: 9.30am – 5pm Wednesday & Thursday, 8.30am – 11pm Friday & Saturday, 8.30am – 6pm Sunday, 9.30am – 5pm Monday



BAD ARTIST COFFEE CO

“How bad can it be?” That was the launchpad of Bad Artist ‘s birth.


The owner of Bad Artist, Han believes in embracing your imperfections along the way of learning something, because that is precisely where we learn to grow and improve. With that (very wise) belief, he opened up his own space – Bad Artist, the fruit of his passion for coffee brewing.


Spacious, bright and welcoming, Bad Artist’s space is hidden above an auto parts shop. Come up for a cup of coffee (they roast their own beans by the way), or join one of the many workshops and events held regularly here. We’re not kidding when we say this is more than just your usual cafe, because we walked in for a caffeine fix, and walked out with lessons and experiences to cherish.



Address: 10, 10A, Jalan SS2, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Operation hours: 11am – 7pm Fridays to Mondays



NIJU COFFEE HUB

Nestled in SS2’s main street’s maze of eats, this one deserves a bookmark.


Compared to its fellow cafes in the area, Niju has a slightly more compact menu. But that just means more focus on the quality of their offerings. And quality is what they served indeed.


Besides Ethiopia and Costa Rica beans, Niju also has their own signature blend that has garnered its own devotees. It might sound basic, but their Sourdough Grilled Cheese alone is worth the time and energy to look for a parking spot in SS2. Golden, gooey, and unapologetically cheesy — it’s pure comfort between two slices (and it comes with a dip!).


Fun fact: They have a trolley with little ceramic cups that you can pick out to drink your plain water while you’re there (how cute is that).



Address: 20, Mezzanine Floor, Jalan SS2/61, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia 47300

Operation hours: 8am-5pm Tuesday to Thursday, 8am-10pm Friday, 9am – 10pm Saturday, 9am – 6pm Sunday, closed on Mondays



YELLOW BAKE DAY

Yellow Bake Day is a spot that knows its strength — and it’s layered, luscious, and served by the slice. Whether it’s a rum-soaked tiramisu or a pistachio lemon cake that somehow balances nutty and zesty just right, each creation feels like a little surprise. The best part? The flavours are always changing, which means there’s always something new to come back for.


It’s the kind of place where dessert isn’t an afterthought — it’s the whole reason you’re here.



Address: 50, Jalan SS 2/24, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Operation hours: 10am – 6pm Tuesday to Thursday, 10am – 10pm Friday to Sunday, closed on Mondays


WRITTEN BY KAY NG & KAYLEE TEO



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