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.
1. 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
2. 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
I @teapluz
3. 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
4. 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
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5. 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
6. 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
7. Miss Ellie Tea House
Entering Miss Ellie Tea House feels like entering a close friend’s apartment, with charming decorations giving a warm welcome as you step into the dim-lit cafe. Enjoy conversation over refillable hot tea, which comes in pots for one or two pax. Flavours span from the cult-favourite earl grey to signature rare white darjeeling and calming fresh lavender. What not to miss with their tea are their scones, available in four different flavours: plain, raisin, chocolate, and oat; or their cakes, including the flourless chocolate cake. Aside from their tea selection, they also offer other cosy meals, such as pasta and bangers and mash.
Address: 7, Jalan H 3, Taman Melawati, 53100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12pm – 10pm, Wednesday to Sunday
8. Lady Yi’s Tea House
When it comes to infusing Western and Peranakan dishes, Lady Yi’s Tea House knows how to do it well. At the heart of Chinatown Kuala Lumpur, this Asian-fusion tea house presents an amalgamation of cultural flavours, brought to life through thoughtfully crafted pastries and desserts. The menu includes the Otak-otak Croissant, Keladi Cheese Tart, and Nin Gao Cake. Complement the flavours with the vibrant lemongrass notes of Blue Mountain Tea, the smoky depth of Lapsang Souchong, and more.
Address: Chinatown, Four Points by Sheraton, Level 7, 2, Jalan Balai Polis, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11am – 7pm daily
9. Hi Tea Malaysia
Nestled on the rooftop of Kompleks Selangor, Hi Tea Malaysia’s passion for tea is evident from their extensive tea menu. Guests can find tea with woody, tropical, refreshing notes, and more. Alternatively, you can also choose according to occasions, such as the pampering set or the gathering set. Passionate tea lovers can also join their tea classes, including the Beginner Tea Class and Tea Etiquette Class.
Address: Rooftop, 16th Floor, Kompleks Selangor, Lot.1601, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11.30am – 8pm daily (Closed on Mondays)
10. OGA Tea Dining
OGA Tea Dining offers expensive Japanese tea choices, steeped hot or infused in inviting desserts, such as the Rin Houjicha Burnt Cheesecake or the renowned Getsusui Matcha tiramisu. Beyond that, indulge in an array of Japanese-inspired dishes, from comforting tempura udon to flavourful chicken katsu curry.
Locations: Jalan Imbi | Sunway Pyramid | IOI Putrajaya | The Exchange TRX
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm daily
11. Taste Tea House
If you’re looking for a place to try out various tea flavours, then Taste Tea House is the place for you. The shop offers an extensive selection of tea, among them being Yunnan Pu Er, Da Hong Gan, and Liu Bao Cha. Pair the tea with vibrant-coloured flower-shaped shortbreads, chiffon cake, and jasmine milk pudding for the perfect afternoon tea experience.
Address: J77-1, Jalan 1/17, Taman Fadason, 52000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11am – 7pm (Monday to Friday) | 10am – 8pm (Saturday & Sunday)
12. Omni Tea House
Featuring carefully curated high-quality teas sourced from around the globe, Omni Tea House’s selection spans from tea hotpots to roasted milk tea, Chinese tea art, healthy tea, and more. You can also find a selection of Chinese light bites, such as their dim sum and lotus paste pancake.
Address: Jalan SS 23/15, Taman Sea, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: 10am – 1am daily
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Featured image: Tea+