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!
BREATHING SPACE
In the claustrophobic chaos of the city, come up for air at Breathing Space.
With quiet interior design choices, punctuated by the occasional eclectic statement piece, neutral tones, and nary a cluttered corner in sight, this cafe gives the most frazzled of patrons room to breathe. Tables are islands away from one another, giving you room to sip and savour a drink from their streamlined menu in peace.
Address: 135A, Jalan SS 2/6, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operation hours: 10am – 6pm daily, closed on Thursdays
Image credit: @eaterybywallace & @kahkkay
ONO SPECIALTY COFFEE & MATCHA
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
Image credit: @story.of.ono
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 fat rescue kitties – keep your feet toasty.
Address: 43a, SS2/30, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operation hours: 10am – 6pm daily
Image credit: @tamanhatijz & @catsoftamanhati
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
Image credit: @poodle.t3oh, @engzijing, & @jd_chang
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
Image credit: @spacegrey.pj, @hipsjer, & @weichunnn_125
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 Tuesday to Friday, 11am – 8pm Saturday & Sunday, closed on Monday
Image credit: @wqeats, @jd_chang, & @malaysianflavours
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
Image credit: @flakes.my
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
Image credit: @squarepad, @d_chum, & @melxeats
Also read:
Petaling Street Cafe Guide: 9 Must-Try Spots in 2024
Best Pastries in Kuala Lumpur: 8 Must-Try Spots
