Five Instagram-worthy cafes to check out in the Klang Valley

Interesting shapes adorn Flaon’s interior. -- Photos: GISELE SOO/The Star

Cafe hopping is a fun way to explore a city or town. You not only get to quench your thirst and satisfy your taste buds with varied offerings, but also simultaneously experience different café aesthetics.

We took a trip around the Klang Valley to see which cafés tick these boxes.

Flaon

Flaon’s organic aesthetic instantly draws attention even from the outside. A venture beyond either of its glass doors (one located near the sitting area, another closer to the counter) will reward visitors with a serene, spa-like interior – a perfect oasis for a relaxing respite away from the city’s stifling heat.

The cafe, located at Jalan Tun HS Lee in Kuala Lumpur, boasts a neutral palette that calms the mind. Earth-toned surfaces befit the café’s cave concept, in turn providing visually-arresting backdrop for photos.

“Flaon is dedicated to creating a space filled with a unique ambiance, where every corner has its distinctive character,” said the café’s founders, Knasye and Ally.

For an extra flair, feature the café’s equally captivating signature dessert Chateau de Crème Caramel – “a velvety flan under a crunchy golden shell”, the founders described – in your photos. Wash it down with a flat white or cappuccino.

Chocolate lovers, however, can try the the iced single origin chocolate, a must-have item, apparently.

As the café is often packed to the brim on the weekends, it is best to visit during the weekdays, so you can take your sweet time capturing your best Instagram images while indulging in the sweet treats.

There is also a separate wine bar above, which mirrors the café’s cave aesthetics but opens much later in the afternoon.

Oomph

Oomph’s industrial concept forms a harmonious atmosphere. Rugged walls, which give the space a contemporary look, bear a testament to the owner’s take on minimalism.

Standing in contrast against the concrete walls are dark green panelled ones that lend a touch of warmth and elegance, with plants dotted here and there tying the looks together and creating a cosy atmosphere.

Kok Wee, who manages the café at Tropika Bukit Jalil in KL (there’s another outlet in PJ, at Megah Rise Mall), said that Oomph’s unique interior provides various photo opportunities for visitors too.

“The ‘moon’ décor featured in our wine room serves as a great backdrop for photos. We also have outdoor seating which is pet-friendly for customers who travel with their fur babies,” he said.

Known for dishing out scrumptious western cuisine and local delights, Oomph offers two different sets of menus for lunch and dinner.

During the day, you can swing by to enjoy a cup of coffee. While in the evening, a live band will keep you entertained as you enjoy a glass of wine, or a cup of coffee or tea.

A beautiful archway welcomes customers to Ruma Puteh.

Ruma Puteh

A quaint café that operates from a former dwelling at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, Ruma Puteh is a stone’s throw away from the Hospital Kuala Lumpur MRT station.

The café is teeming with picture- perfect corners that are worth checking out. Manager Esyraq said that the café is split into seven sections, consisting of a main dining hall, a courtyard, gardens and terraces.

All in all, this place can accommodate more than 180 people.

One notable feature is the iconic multi-arched entrance. This pink – formerly white – walkway has become quite an attraction, in terms of providing photo opportunities.

There’s also a themed private room, the colour of its walls recently changed from turquoise to pink. Esyraq explained that the room’s design and colour changes from time to time, so what you see now may not be the same the next time you visit.

The nature-inspired aesthetic of the café brings a touch of warmth and charm. As you bask in the pleasant views of the surrounding gardens, be sure to also try the equally creatively-named dishes on their menu – all food and drinks here are halal.

Among the quirky names you may come across are Corny Pasta (spaghetti), Milk Me Halfway (coffee) and Ruma Tempayan (cooler).

Pastel colours dictate Lumi’s whimsical aesthetic.

Lumi Café

Looking for somewhere to capture the perfect selfie? Look no further than Lumi Café at KLCC.

As part of the “glowhouse”, the café is flanked by the blow dry bar Cocodry and pilates centre Tone.

This is the perfect place for you to fit in some workout and get your hair done, before sitting down at the café for a little pick-me-up – and to take plenty of stunning selfies.

The café’s pastel palette makes for whimsical backdrops. There are plenty of photo spots to choose from, replete with flowers and even a cute mirror – with positive affirmations written on them – as props.

According to supervisor Zul, customers’ favourite photo spot is at the little yellow food truck up front.

This “prop” doubles as the café’s sole kitchen, where meals like the Subarashi Sando (sandwich with special rub grilled chicken) and Fat-bulous Don (Thai-inspired grilled chicken rice bowl) are prepared.

He suggested pairing these with a signature drink like the Kaya Toast (espresso with a hint of pandan and coconut).

The café is usually busy during breakfast and lunch, so we suggest dropping by in between the peak hours for the best photo-taking opportunities.

The tiered seating is one of LaGula's interesting features.

LaGula By The Hungry Tapir

Nestled in the heart of KL’s Chinatown is a bakery-café donned in pink – LaGula By The Hungry Tapir.

Opened in May this year, LaGula’s whimsical décor, with a focus on floral and plant features, provides a stunning backdrop.

According to the owner, Makissa Smeeton, who manages the place with her mother and brother, LaGula emits a fun and playful vibe.

“The colour pink is energetic, positive and makes you feel good. At the moment, we haven’t actually seen any pink bakeries around KL either,” said Makissa.

There are two units to this joint (located within the Four Points Hotel By Sheraton), as well as an outdoor seating area decorated with plants, perfect for those looking for an alfresco dining experience.

The exposed brick-wall style on the second floor, meanwhile, adds to the vibrant setting.

Possibly the most eye-catching feature at the café is its tiered seating. Set alongside the staircase, these terraced seats complement the cosy atmosphere and will add depth to any photo snapped at the café.

LaGula also serves up a variety of hearty vegan dishes that cater to all tastes. Some of the must-try dishes are its Mama’s Satay and “See-food” Sambal Sourdough Pizza.

Makissa joyfully shared that the café greets a mixed bag of people who come to explore the heritage area.

“A lot of visitors, both locals and tourists as well as expatriates, would come here to enjoy some time off,” she said.