Cameron Highlands is known not only for its scenic tea plantations and cool mountain air but also for its timeless culinary heritage. From colonial Tudor-style dining rooms to rustic local eateries that have stood the test of time, this highland region offers a nostalgic journey through history and flavor.
Here are the top 10 heritage restaurants in Cameron Highlands that let you dine in style while reliving the past.
1. The Smokehouse Restaurant
Location: Tanah Rata
Cuisine: Classic British
Highlights: English roasts, puddings, afternoon tea
Stepping into The Smokehouse Restaurant is like entering a 1930s English countryside inn. Built in 1937, this Tudor-style gem is filled with antique furniture, stone fireplaces, and manicured gardens. Indulge in traditional British fare such as roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, and freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jam.
Why Visit: Ideal for those seeking an authentic colonial-era dining experience.
Tip: Book early for dinner or afternoon tea by the fireplace.
2. Jim Thompson Tea Room
Location: Cameron Highlands Resort, Tanah Rata
Cuisine: English Afternoon Tea
Highlights: Finger sandwiches, scones, premium tea
Set within the elegant Cameron Highlands Resort, this tea room is named after the famed silk merchant Jim Thompson. With vintage décor and fine china, it offers a refined atmosphere for afternoon tea lovers. Enjoy classic English pastries, local strawberry jam, and freshly brewed highland tea.
Why Visit: Perfect for a sophisticated afternoon tea with heritage flair.
Tip: Visit between 3 PM and 5 PM for the best tea experience.
3. The Lakehouse Restaurant
Location: Ringlet
Cuisine: English & Continental
Highlights: Candlelit dinners, colonial interiors
The Lakehouse sits atop a hill overlooking Sultan Abu Bakar Lake, housed in a Tudor-style mansion built by a British officer. Its dining room serves classic English dishes such as roast lamb, soups, and homemade desserts, alongside scenic lake views.
Why Visit: Combines old-world charm, history, and gourmet dining.
Tip: Try their famous English breakfast or high tea on the terrace.
4. The Lord’s Café
Location: Tanah Rata (above Marrybrown)
Cuisine: Café & Bakery
Highlights: Scones, pancakes, homemade strawberry jam
A local favorite since the 1990s, The Lord’s Café retains a nostalgic English cottage ambiance with wooden interiors and a cozy vibe. Known for its buttery scones and wallet-friendly prices, it’s a must-visit for afternoon tea enthusiasts.
Why Visit: Simple, charming, and authentically highland.
Tip: Go early—seating is limited and queues form quickly.
5. Antique Café Cameron
Location: Brinchang
Cuisine: Local & Western
Highlights: Nostalgic décor, comfort food
True to its name, Antique Café is decked with retro furniture, vintage signage, and old photographs, evoking the past. It serves local dishes like noodle soups, kaya toast, and Malaysian coffee, making it a cozy heritage stop for breakfast or lunch.
Why Visit: A nostalgic blend of local flavors and vintage décor.
Tip: Try their traditional breakfast sets paired with local tea.
6. Cameron Organic Produce Steamboat Restaurant
Location: Brinchang
Cuisine: Steamboat (Hotpot)
Highlights: Organic vegetables, family dining
Though not colonial, this long-standing restaurant preserves Cameron Highlands’ agricultural heritage. Using organic vegetables from local farms, it’s a popular spot for hotpot meals that reflect the region’s “farm-to-table” roots.
Why Visit: Experience traditional steamboat dining in a local heritage setting.
Tip: Visit in the evening for a hearty meal in the cool mountain air.
7. Cameron Valley Tea House
Location: Along Tanah Rata–Ringlet Road
Cuisine: Local & Continental
Highlights: Highland tea, local dishes, panoramic views
Perched above rolling tea fields, Cameron Valley Tea House celebrates the region’s tea heritage. Sip freshly brewed Cameron Valley Tea with local snacks like nasi lemak and curry puffs while overlooking lush green plantations.
Why Visit: A heritage dining spot blending history, tea culture, and nature.
Tip: Visit before noon for clear skies and beautiful plantation views.
8. You Hoo Restaurant
Location: Brinchang
Cuisine: Chinese & Malaysian
Highlights: Curry fish, hot-plate tofu, steamboat
Operating for over three decades, You Hoo Restaurant is among the oldest Chinese restaurants in the highlands. With its old-school décor and homely vibe, it’s a local institution that continues to draw families and tour groups alike.
Why Visit: A nostalgic family restaurant serving comfort Malaysian-Chinese cuisine.
Tip: Great for large groups—book ahead on weekends.
9. Barracks Café
Location: Tanah Rata
Cuisine: Fusion
Highlights: Pasta, burgers, tea, garden seating
Built within a repurposed World War II military barrack, this café combines historical charm with a casual garden atmosphere. Barracks Café serves a mix of Western comfort food and local favorites, with tea and scones for dessert.
Why Visit: Heritage building + relaxed garden café setting.
Tip: Sit outdoors for a breezy highland dining experience.
10. BOH Café @ Sungei Palas Tea Garden
Location: BOH Tea Plantation, Brinchang
Cuisine: Café & Tea House
Highlights: Tea tasting, pastries, panoramic plantation view
The BOH Café sits within Malaysia’s oldest tea plantation, established in 1929. Its minimalist glass design opens to a breathtaking view of rolling tea hills. Enjoy fresh tea brewed from the estate’s own leaves along with cakes and snacks.
Why Visit: A heritage tea estate turned café—iconic to Cameron Highlands.
Tip: Arrive early morning for fewer crowds and better lighting for photos.
Final Thoughts
Dining in Cameron Highlands isn’t just about food—it’s a step into history. From English Tudor cottages to family-run local eateries, these heritage restaurants preserve the charm and traditions that define this mountain retreat. Whether you’re craving afternoon tea, a nostalgic local meal, or simply a taste of old-world ambiance, Cameron Highlands’ heritage dining scene has something special for everyone.
