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Header image courtesy of @kxhailey9 (via Instagram)
Klang Valley, Malaysia is home to numerous hipster cafés with an Instagrammable interior, but as of late, there’s a popular palette that’s taking over the walls of said eateries in both Kuala Lumpur and Selangor—millennial pink. That’s right, these pretty-in-pink backdrops alone are enough to draw a huge crowd—especially social media users—on weekends, but couple that with a yummy brunch menu and it’s a winning combo that will have patrons coming back for more. Below, we've rounded up six pink-hued cafés in the Klang Valley that are worth a visit not just for their photogenic aesthetic (that’s sure to earn you double taps on Instagram), but for their delicious gastronomic offerings as well.
Look no further than the little corner in the back of this restaurant for its most popular photo-op spot that’s been Instagrammed countless times. Blush pink walls complemented by painted-on (as well as potted) tropical leaves take centre stage, as tiered seating arrangements juxtaposed with striped monochrome cushions lend extra texture. Meanwhile, the heritage building has been stripped bare to expose raw furnishing like wooden beams, cement floors, and brick walls. The Hungry Tapir’s founder is an interior designer, so it’s no wonder a concrete jungle that’s this lavish can come into fruition.
Herbivores in the city, you’ll be glad to know that meals are vegan- and vegetarian-friendly (but with plenty of plant-powered protein options for carnivorous eaters as well), without compromising on taste or quality. Portions are generous, so sharing is encouraged. Must-orders include the Jungle Laksa (RM$20), Rainbow Ulam Fried Rice (RM$23), I Love Tempeh Bowl (RM$22), and a burger called the Pink Bombshell (RM$30).
The Hungry Tapir, 135, Petaling Street, Chinatown, 50000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | (+60) 32 022 2137
Welcome to the coolest place to chill out on a hot sunny day. Situated on the rooftop of a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of the city, The Swimming Club is a poolside bar that’s now Insta-famous after having the space refurbished with a brand new look that’s inspired by David Hockney’s artworks. Boasting bright pink walls, neon lights, rattan chairs, and other colourful seating surrounding the infinity pool, the cosy deck exudes an inviting and vibrant atmosphere that’s perfect for lounging, partying, and taking lots of photos. A splashing good time, guaranteed.
It’s always five o’clock at this rooftop poolside bar because—good news—there are daily happy hour promotions. On weekdays, pick three drinks (cocktails, mocktails, or wine) for the price of two, or get three pints of draft beer for just RM$75. On weekends, the three-for-two promo is valid from 12pm to 5pm, as is the one-for-one house spirits at RM$29 a set, which is a bargain for city-centre prices. If you get hungry, light and easy bar bites are aplenty—there’s even a poolside platter comprising cheese nachos, calamari rings, and a jug of mocktail for RM$100.
The Swimming Club, 11th Floor, The Kuala Lumpur Journal Hotel, 30, Jalan Beremi, Off Jalan Sultan Ismail, Bukit Bintang, 50200, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | (+60) 32 110 2211
With such a visually-appealing facade comprising several golden-arched doors against a warm tint of pink on one wall, and a tropical rainforest mural on the other, it’s hard to resist making a mental note of snapping a photo at the entrance before you leave. If anything, it bears a tiny resemblance to Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel. That modern-elegance decor continues to echo inside, where the same colour scheme is elevated with brass accents and plush velvet upholstery. Sleek, sophisticated, and social media-friendly? Check, check, and check!
Whether you’re looking for healthy or hearty options, Therefore Café has got you covered with its Asian fusion cuisine that focuses on Malaysian dishes with a western twist (think pandan waffles and rendang-infused Australian beef patties). From all-day brunch and main selections to coffee and sweet treats, here are the items that have made the best-seller list—Sambal-dy’s Big Breakfast (from RM$35), Crabulous Waffles (RM$27), Rendang-erous Burger (RM$36), and The Chendol Sizzle (RM$25) aka a treat for the eyes and tummy.
Therefore Café, Lot 02-G, Menara Symphony, No. 5, Jalan Professor Khoo Kay Kim, Section 13, 46200, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia | (+60) 37 625 3119
Charming and cheerful, here’s a space that strikes a good balance between traditional and contemporary. The best angle for your Insta-snapshot would be just by the wide entrance window (read: ample natural lighting) where a suspended rattan chair and neon sign are strategically placed against a pastel pink wall. Though the Malay term ‘Pinggan Puteh’ translates to white plate, the plating is rendered in geometric shapes and patterns in a multitude of colourways. Old school Malaysian pop songs are usually played in the background, so you’ll be transported back in time for that nostalgic #feels.
The menu is Asian fusion at affordable prices. Think comfort food reminiscent of home-cooked dishes you’d enjoy when you go back—or ‘balik kampung’ as the locals say—to your hometown in Malaysia. Don’t miss their signature roasted rice cake dish, the Lontong Rendang Goreng (RM$16 for M; RM$18 for L) for those who eat meat, or the vegetarian version made with pumpkin—Lontong Labu Labi (RM$10 for M, RM$14 for L) for those who abstain from it. Other recommended orders include the Nasi Kenduri (RM$14), Ginger Chicken (RM$11), and Salted Egg Beef (RM$16).
Pinggan Puteh, 30G, Jalan Kristal K7/K, Section 7, 40000, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia | (+60) 35 524 6828
This adorable eatery is ticking all the right boxes for what it takes to be Insta-worthy, with the most notable decor being the pink heart-shaped chairs that are just too darn cute. Everything else, from floor to ceiling, is also decked out in several shades of pink whereas the gold silverware, as well as marble tables and countertops, provide a nice harmony to an otherwise over-the-top all-pink aesthetic. There’s even a claw machine which you can try your hand at—all you need to do is spend RM$30 and above to earn a token for it.
Health junkies, consider this your pit-stop for protein gains post-workout. The menu takes inspo from Japanese and Hawaiian cuisines, and mainly consists of Poke Bowls, Fuel Bowls, and Granola Bowls (all customisable from RM$18.90). Other worthy mentions include the Unagi Soba Bowl (RM$24.90), Breakfast Wrap (RM$8.90), Cheese Tamago (RM$8.90), and an array of cold-pressed juices (RM$8.90 each) to quench your thirst.
Mich’sology, No. 16, Jalan SS 21/35, Damansara Utama, 47400, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia | (+60) 16 660 6573
Stepping into this unicorn-themed café, you’ll immediately notice its whimsical vibe thanks to the entire space being drenched in a sweet bubblegum pink hue, complete with lots of novelty decor inspired by the mythical creature. From fluffy unicorn and Pusheen plush toys scattered everywhere, to unicorn drink floaties and a massive pink ball pit you can sit in, every corner of the room is an Insta-approved backdrop begging to be photographed for social media. If you’re feeling left out because the waiters are dressed in cosplay costumes, feel free to grab a unicorn onesie to take part in the fairytale narrative. A must-visit if you’re obsessed with unicorns, rainbows, and the colour pink.
Customisable desserts (by Uniqorn) and hot drinks (by La Fleur) are their forte. Starting at RM$16, you can build your own sweet concoction. Simply choose a base—of either waffle, pancake, or egglette—followed by an ice cream flavour comprising classics like chocolate chip and strawberry, to unique offerings like Unicorn Nipple and Unicorn Sh*t, before finishing off with unlimited toppings of sauces, fruits, and sprinkles. You can also add an additional scoop of ice cream for RM$3, or have it on its own. For beverages, have fun creating your own DIY latte art if you’d like to (with a little demo by the server prior)—we’d suggest opting for the Pink Latte (RM$10), for obvious reasons.
La Fleur X Uniqorn, E1-01-02, Sunway GEO Avenue, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia | (+60) 11 1179 6750
Based in Malaysia, Joanna is a digital content editor who writes about anything and everything under the lifestyle umbrella—from food and travel to fashion and beauty, her bylines have been published in Buro Malaysia, World Of Buzz, and Female Magazine Malaysia. As a beach bum at heart, island getaways will always be her numero uno, but once a year, she swaps the sandy beaches for powder-covered mountains to go snowboarding.
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