Kuala Lumpur is famous for its specialty coffee culture – but lovers of tea aren’t short of great places for a cuppa, either. Pots of tea last considerably longer than cups of coffee so they’re perfect for an extended catch-up with a friend. They also have a comfort factor that helps to warm the soul. You can go for something familiar like an Earl Grey or English Breakfast, or branch out into something more floral or herby.

Instead of opting for a single origin coffee, try out one of these tea houses in KL the next time you’re out. Whether you’re a seasoned tea drinker or a novice taking their first steps in the world of tea, you’ll find a shop perfectly suited to you. Sit back, relax and simply let the tea whisk you away for an afternoon.

Tanah dan Air

Founded by tea artist Siow Fei, Tanah dan Air is said to be Malaysia’s first tea bar. This homey bar specialises in various Chinese teas that are sourced and handpicked mostly from China and Taiwan. Choices include the likes of Golden Osmanthus, Jasmine Green Tea, Dian Hong and Golden Tip Pu Er. There’s also a tea session for all tea enthusiasts to learn the brewing technique as well as the art of tasting and identifying the types of tea.

Address: CG3b Happy Mansion, Jalan 17/13, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Opening hours: 1pm – 7pm

Tea+

Whether you prefer it hot or cold-brewed, classic or creative, floral or fruity, Tea+ is the ideal destination for all things tea. It showcases traditional Chinese tea in modern styles, making it playful and fun to be enjoyed in multiple ways. In addition, keep an eye for its seasonal promotions of tea pairing snacks and desserts if you love special limited-edition treats.

Address: Lot LG206, LG Floor, The Gardens Mall, Mid Valley City, 59200 Kuala Lumpur

Opening hours: 10am – 10pm

Leaf Lohas

This hidden oasis, known as Leaf Lohas, is a lifestyle store and tea parlour which also hosts activities such as tea appreciation paired with their homemade desserts, short courses for tea art, flower arrangements, culinary classes and more. Their main focus is to promote a modern way of Chinese tea drinking and to bring awareness to a healthy way of drinking tea to people from all walks of life, regardless of race and age.

Address: A-3UG, Dataran, Jalan C180/1, C180, Cheras

Opening hours: 11 am – 8pm

Beca Tea

Beca Tea is founded by a Malaysian family that has traded in tea from their Chinatown store since the early 1930s. The name ‘Beca’ refers to the trishaw that the family’s late patriarch rode nearly a century ago, pedalling and peddling his tea through the streets of colonial-era KL. Their beverages include highlights like the Squash Supreme that layers tea with oven-roasted butternut squash, oat milk, balsamic vinegar and grass jelly. 

Address: Uptown Damansara Utama, 61, Jalan SS21/1A, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Opening hours: 11am – 10pm

Chocha Foodstore

Besides serving modern Malaysian cuisine, Chocha (meaning ‘sit and drink tea’ in Hakka) Foodstore boasts a selection of specialty teas. The tea culture is alive and well here, with steaming-hot pots of Aged Fujian Shui Hsien from Mount Wuyi, other representatives of the dark and scented classifications as well as thirst-quenching cold brew teas such as oolong and sencha.

Address: 156, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 12pm – 3pm; Saturday and Sunday 5pm – 11pm

Chabashira Tea Roastery

Calling all matcha lovers, Chabashira Tea Roastery is certainly a must-visit hidden matcha gem. It provides a variety of artistically crafted matcha desserts and ceremonial grade tea drinks – a matcha heaven for those fans. Incorporating tea leaves grown from their very own farm in Kyoto into all their offerings, some of the highlights include the parfait, matcha strawberry drink and the signature yuzu matcha cheesecake.

Address: 129, Jalan 20/7, Taman Paramount, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Opening hours: 1pm -10pm

Featured image: Leaf Lohas