After several trips to Melaka, I could never stop gushing about the food and coffee in Malaysia. When I got the chance to set foot on the country’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, I made it a point to check out a cafe or two.
My first coffee stop was the Old Town Coffee branch in the hotel I stayed in. However, I only bought a takeaway coffee during my first night in the city.
The second stop and one of coffee shops that was already part of my itinerary is LOKL.
Though it was several hours after noon time, the place is still packed with people having their meals. I was seated in the outdoor area. I didn’t mind it as much since it was under a shade and the place itself is still very cozy.
I glanced at their menu and was tempted by the sights of Chicken and Waffles, Truffle Croque Madame, and Eggs Florentine. However, I opted for something to cool down. I got the Ice Coffee and Coconut. Seeing the various brownies displayed on the counter, I gave in to temptation and ordered one to pair with my drink.
Mixing coffee with coconut water is quite new to me and I am glad I tried it. It was a great caffeinated refresher especially in warm humid weather. The brownies was rich and flavorful. It is good for sharing but it is also fine if you want to gobble it up all by your self.
A refreshing mix of coconut water and espresso 
An indulgent bar of Madagascar Vanilla Brownie with their homemade vanilla gelato
The service was great. The servers were cordial and very attentive to their guests. The most interesting part was when one of them realized late that I was from the Philippines, like him. He told me as I paid for my bill that he would have treated me with a dessert had he known earlier.
I also met a few people who were into art. As I was packing my things up to head to Bukit Bintang, a elderly man approached me to ask about the sketch I was working on while in the cafe. I showed him some of my sketches. He introduced me to his friend who also owned a cafe. They were a group of street photographers and art enthusiasts.
Despite my social awkwardness, it was nice to be able to interact with individuals with similar interests.
Check out LOKL at 30 Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, Kuala Lumpur.
Leaf & Co, A rustic coffee stop after a stroll in KL’s Chinatown.
Being geographically challenged, I couldn’t locate one of the cafes I planned to visit. I found myself in Leaf & Co.
After a long walk around the city, I looked for a seat in the dimly lit dining area. The exterior exuded a rustic feel. There was a spot in the middle where daylight can pass through.
Their menu was quite expansive with a variety western dishes, rice meals, sandwiches and pasta. I order a rose latte since it was almost dinner time.
The servers was not as attentive as the previous cafe. It took quite a while for them to serve my rose latte. The lady who gave me my cup could barely smile or show warmth.
As for the latte, it was good. I liked the balance of the bitterness of the coffee and the floral hints from the rose syrup.
But if there is something worth going back there, it would probably be the ambiance. Then again, I need to try more from their menu.
Leaf & Co is located at Mingle Hostel,
53 Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur.
On my next visit, which cafes would you recommend?
The Eclectic Miss 