Kafei Dian on Jalan Panggong in Chinatown KL

Theresa beckoned me to try Kafei Dian on Jalan Panggong while we were exploring Kuala Lumpur Chinatown.

The building looked weathered and slightly forgotten, but there was something intriguing about it.

Once inside, we discovered a café that blends history, charm, and comfort, an unexpected oasis tucked away from the busy streets.

As it turns out, the café is a popular meeting point for KL walking tours.

Theresa discovered this with a bit of Sonny-style enthusiasm while I took it all in with my usual Smartdory-style quirkiness.

Vintage Charm Meets Modern Comfort

What struck us first was the nostalgic character of the space.

Walking through the café felt like stepping back in time.

Deep brown wooden walls.

Old-school Chinese kopitiam paraphernalia.

And the carefully curated antiques create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Every corner seems to compete for attention with photogenic touches and visual cues.

If you have a free afternoon this is a delight for photography enthusiasts.

The first floor was closed for maintenance and AC service on the day we visited.

It looked like it would be an even quieter spot to relax.

The ground floor was spacious enough to linger over coffee or a snack comfortably.

Kafei Dian Menu

We also had a chance to glance at the Kafei Dian menu, full of nostalgic Malaysian dishes.

There are a few Western options too.

Even from the cover, the menu reflects the retro charm and attention to detail that runs throughout the café.

Afternoon Vibes and Twakua Bakar

It was a hot and humid afternoon when we dropped by, just after a heavy lunch at 1 Utama.

To cool down, we ordered iced kopi O, which was refreshingly strong and lightly sweet.

For a snack, we tried Twakua bakar, more commonly spelled tauhu bakar or tahu bakar, a popular Malaysian and Indonesian street food.

This dish consists of grilled firm tofu served with a sweet and spicy peanut sauce.

The name literally translates to “grilled tofu” in Malay, with “bakar” meaning grilled.

“Tauhu” comes from Chinese Hokkien “taukua,” meaning firm tofu.

The preparation is simple but flavorful.

Puffed or firm tofu is deep-fried until golden, then slit to create a pocket filled with fresh cucumber, and sweet turnip.

The tofu is lightly grilled to enhance the smoky flavor.

It is then topped with a thick rojak-style sauce made from palm sugar, tamarind juice, chilies, and shrimp paste.

And it is topped with a lot of peanuts.

It was our first time trying Twakua bakar, and we both instantly loved it.

Friendly Staff and Local Favourites

The staff were friendly, welcoming, and very comfortable with tourists, even gamely posing for photos and offering to take some for us.

The café attracts a good mix of visitors from all nationalities, and that day we noticed a couple of tour groups from China.

We only sampled the Twakua bakar and iced kopi O.

The Kafei Dian menu also features Hainanese Chicken Chop, Penang Prawn Noodles, Chicken Lobak, and Dim Sum.

As usual there are breakfast favourites like kaya toast and coffee.

We can’t wait to return to explore more of their local favourites.

A Serene Oasis Amid KL Chinatown

For us, Kafei Dian KL is more than just food.

Heritage architecture, nostalgic décor, and thoughtfully prepared dishes create a memorable experience.

Tucked away on the edge of Chinatown, it feels like a calm oasis in the midst of the city.

Every visit is enjoyable whether for breakfast, lunch, or a coffee break.

The combination of photogenic interiors, welcoming staff, and authentic local dishes makes Kafei Dian a spot we’ll return to again and again.

If you are exploring Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur, this café is well worth discovering.

Blog Disclosure: This blog is written independently. No compensation, free meals, payments, or services have been received from any featured establishments. All reviews are based on the editor’s personal visits with friends while exploring Kuala Lumpur Chinatown.