Nestled atop a hill abutting the old main road, this cosy café, established in 2022, is becoming popular, thanks to its rustic charm and delicious food.
With lush greenery as a calming backdrop and not one skyscraper in sight, the secluded place excels in offering a serene ambience.
You’ll need to take it slow behind the wheel to catch the signboard pointing towards the narrow uphill road. As you ascend, you’ll be greeted by a beautiful house; the cafe is tucked away right behind it.
The house is where café owner Azim Al Fikri Abdul Halim and his family live. With an English-style design, both the brick house and the café showcase a mix of rustic and industrial elements, and was designed by Azim himself, a 29-year-old cinematographer.
“My grandfather bought this land in the late 1950s, and we’ve been here for four generations, growing up in what was once a traditional Malay wooden house,” shared Azim, a Nilai native.
Little did anyone in his family foresee that the humble plot of land would someday house a thriving café.
In fact, the café was originally Azim’s studio. “I’m a coffee lover,” he said. “So, I brought in a coffee machine to the studio and just started experimenting.”
Before long, the crew members became coffee enthusiasts too, each asking for a cup when he turned up at the place. Then Azim had an aha moment.
“My crew started hanging around here a bit too often,” he said, laughing. “So, I thought, why not charge them for the coffee? That’s how it all began. And we’ve now grown into a full-fledged café.”
On weekdays, the main crowd starts streaming in after 6pm, eager to lounge outdoors amidst the hanging light bulbs and cool evening breeze.
If you visit during the scorching afternoon hours, you can chill in the air-conditioned area upstairs, once intended as an editing suite for Azim.
The beverage menu here is impressive. From Caramel Latte Frappe to Cappuccino and Americano, and from Iced Lemon Ribena Fizz to Iced Matcha and Chocolate Frappe for non-coffee drinkers, they cater to everyone.
As for the food, you can take your pick of local and western dishes, all curated by Azim’s wife, Sri Nur Izzati.
The grilled chicken burger steals the show. Served on a homemade bun, the juicy meat is perfectly balanced with the right portions of lettuce, cheese, and tomato.
The black pepper sauce served with the chicken is divine. Pour it over the meat for a sloppy but sumptuous meal best enjoyed with your bare hands. No need for cutlery.
The dishes are made using fresh ingredients, ensuring you’ll get none of the soggy and wilted lettuce mess found at fast food joints.
One crowd favourite is the quintessential English Big Breakfast – scrambled egg sandwich, beef sausages, sautéed wild mushrooms, bell peppers and baked beans. And the portions are huge.
With so much more on the menu, like mushroom soup and cheesy French toast, there’s something for everyone.
While the café is doing well now, some family members were initially hesitant about opening an eatery so close to home. But Azim said this personal touch has made Hill & Chill Coffee special.
“I often wake up to the sound of tyre tracks coming up the road, indicating to me that customers are here,” he said. “It’s quite a strange and yet enjoyable experience.”
Azim is thankful for the growing number of visitors to his café but has no plans to expand the business into a chain.
“For me cafes should have their own unique stories. Hill & Chill Coffee started out very simple, just me serving drinks to my friends. I’d like for that atmosphere to remain.”
The place is gradually gaining popularity with Klang Valley folk; so, make sure to visit soon before you find yourself waiting in line for a seat.
Follow Hill & Chill on Instagram.
Hill & Chill Coffee
2301, 3265 Kampung Bukit Kadir
71800 Nilai
Negeri Sembilan
Business hours: 8am-12am daily
Contact: 012-753 3204