Kota Bharu, the cultural heart of Kelantan, is not only known for its traditional arts and historical landmarks but also for its growing café culture. From nostalgic kampung-style spots to chic, minimalist interiors, Kota Bharu is a hidden gem for café-hopping in Malaysia. This guide showcases the top cafés, things to do, where to stay, how to get there, and what to eat—perfect for coffee lovers, foodies, and travellers looking for a new adventure.
About Kota Bharu
Located in the northeastern region of Malaysia, Kota Bharu is Kelantan’s capital city, famous for its strong cultural roots, warm hospitality, and unique cuisine. Recently, the city has seen a surge in trendy cafés and dessert bars that cater to both locals and tourists. Whether you’re on a short stay or a long escape, the cafés here offer Instagrammable spots, aromatic brews, and Kelantanese culinary fusion.
Highlights
- A wide variety of aesthetic cafés and local coffee shops
- Instagram-worthy interiors: from rustic vintage to modern industrial
- Unique offerings including steamed bao, roti titab, artisan pastries, and Kelantanese street food
- Cafés open from morning to late night, perfect for any time of day
- Budget-friendly yet high-quality coffee and meals
Top Cafés to Visit in Kota Bharu
1. Mika Coffee
Formerly known as BAO2, this rustic café gives off nostalgic kampung house vibes. Known for steamed bao, local fusion dishes, and rich coffee.
Instagram @mikacoffee_
2. Superdough B
A minimalist bakery-café perfect for solo dates or laid-back meetings. Famed for croissants, bagels, and clean interior design.
Instagram @superdoughb
3. To The Moon
Trendy with an industrial vibe, this late-night café is perfect for youngsters. Great for coffee, vibes, and aesthetic content.
Instagram @tothemoon.eats
4. Drum & Desk
A modern, hipster café with a mezzanine floor and a garden space. Offers freshly roasted coffee and a wide food selection.
Instagram @drumanddesk
5. Kaitai
A must for vintage lovers! This two-storey café brings you back to old-school days, complete with classic benches and old memorabilia.
Instagram @kaitaicoffee
6. Ngofee
Named after the local word for “ngopi” (coffee time), Ngofee is open till midnight and features street food stalls outside.
Instagram @ngofee
7. Ruang Hijau
A café in nature—have your coffee beside a river or dine outdoors under the stars. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience in Kelantan.
Instagram @ruang_hijauuu
8. The Layers
Sage green interiors, cosy furniture, and a solid menu of both local and Western dishes make this café a favourite spot to relax.
Instagram @thelayer
9. Yoohoo
If you love desserts, don’t miss this café! From rotating cakes to soft serve and ice-based treats, Yoohoo hits every sweet craving.
Instagram @yoohoo
Best Breakfast Spots in Kota Bharu
1. Kopitiam Kita
Known for its iconic roti titab and local breakfast dishes. A must-visit!
Instagram @kopitiam_kita
2. White House
A red-brick café serving traditional toast, nasi lemak, and Kelantan-style coffee. Get there early—it’s popular!
Facebook White House Kopitiam
3. Warung Oren
A local favourite serving kampung-style breakfast with a twist, including roti mozzarella sardin.
Instagram @warungoren
4. Kopitiam Cemerlang
Offers everything from toasted bread to mi putih and mi kari paired with traditional kopi.
Facebook Kopitiam Cemerlang
Top Stays in Kota Bharu
- The Grand Renai Kota Bharu – Luxurious and centrally located
- Hotel Perdana Kota Bharu – Upscale hotel near many cafés
- Holiday Villa Hotel & Suites – Family-friendly and spacious
- Ibis Styles Kota Bharu – Modern, affordable, and stylish
How to Get to Kota Bharu
- By Flight: Land at Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR), 20 minutes from the city
- By Train: Take the KTM Jungle Railway to Wakaf Bharu station
- By Bus: Direct routes from major cities like KL, Kuantan, and Penang
- By Car: Around 7–8 hours from Kuala Lumpur via East-West Highway
Other Attractions Near the Cafés
- Istana Jahar – Traditional royal palace and museum
- Siti Khadijah Market – Local delicacies and handicrafts
- Pantai Cahaya Bulan – Popular beach 30 mins away
- Handicraft Village & Craft Museum – Local arts, batik, and souvenirs
- Masjid Muhammadi – Iconic Kelantanese mosque near the city centre
Things to Do While Café-Hopping
- Take Instagram-worthy photos in themed cafés
- Sample Kelantanese desserts and drinks in creative presentations
- Chat with locals and discover regional food innovations
- Plan a riverside dinner at Ruang Hijau
- Mix culture and coffee by pairing café visits with museum stops
Conclusion
Kota Bharu’s café scene is a delightful blend of tradition, creativity, and youthful energy. Whether you’re in search of a quiet café to unwind, a dessert bar to indulge your sweet tooth, or a riverside hangout under the stars, you’ll find it here. So if you’re planning a foodie escape, café-hopping in Kota Bharu, Kelantan should be on your radar.
