Discover one of Kuala Lumpur’s best-kept culinary treasures at Capital Café, a multi-ethnic kopitiam that has been serving authentic Malaysian flavors since 1956. Located in the heart of Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (Jalan TAR), this historic eatery invites you to step back in time while savoring time-tested dishes from Malay, Chinese, and Indian-Muslim kitchens.
Capital Café, Kuala Lumpur – Overall Rating
⭐ 4.1 / 5
A True Malaysian Icon Since 1956
Capital Café opened just before Malaysia gained independence and has remained virtually unchanged since. Its vintage tiled floors, faded family photographs, and marble-top tables whisper stories from generations past. More than a place to eat, it’s a slice of living history and one of the most authentic places to eat in Kuala Lumpur.
What to Eat at Capital Café
Malay Stall
- Nasi Padang – Choose from a colourful spread of dishes like beef rendang, sambal sotong, and gulai ayam.
- Mee Rebus – Yellow noodles in a thick, slightly sweet-spicy gravy topped with eggs, tofu, and green chilies.
Chinese Stall
- Hainanese Chicken Chop – A nostalgic dish featuring crispy chicken drenched in tomato-pea gravy, served with fries.
- Kopi-O & Teh Tarik – Robust, hand-brewed local coffee and frothy milk tea served the old-fashioned way.
Indian-Muslim Stall
- Roti Canai – Hot, flaky flatbread served with dhal curry or spicy meat curry.
- Mee Goreng Mamak – Stir-fried noodles with a spicy, tangy twist—perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Location & Access
Address:
Capital Café
No. 213, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman,
50100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Nearby Landmarks:
- SOGO Mall
- Maju Junction
- Masjid India
How to Get There:
- By Monorail: 5-minute walk from Medan Tuanku Station
- By LRT: Near SOGO (Bandaraya) LRT Station
- By Car: Limited street parking; nearby parking garages are available
Opening Hours
- Monday to Saturday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Best time to visit: Morning hours between 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM for fresh food and minimal crowds.
Visitor Tips
- Cash Only: Most stalls do not accept cards or digital wallets.
- No Menus: Point to dishes and ask; the stall vendors are friendly and accommodating.
- Shared Tables: Expect to dine communally during peak hours.
- Halal-Friendly: The Malay and Indian stalls serve halal food; however, the café itself is not officially certified halal.
Instagram-Worthy Moments
- Snap the nostalgic signboard and heritage interiors.
- Photograph your colorful nasi padang plate or frothy teh tarik.
- Capture the action as food is freshly prepared by stall owners.
Why Capital Café Should Be on Your KL Food Bucket List
Capital Café isn’t just about eating—it’s about experiencing Malaysia’s cultural and culinary harmony in its most traditional form. Whether you’re a traveler looking for local eats, a photographer capturing KL’s history, or a foodie seeking hidden gems, this kopitiam is a must-visit.
From the aromatic nasi padang to the crispy Hainanese chicken chop, Capital Café is one of Kuala Lumpur’s last living kopitiam legends, and it deserves a spot on every visitor’s radar.
