Such a concept is not new – book cafés were a favoured establishment for artists and academics to discuss and exchange ideas since the 18th Century.
Whether you’d like to enjoy some time alone, read literary works, sample some great coffee, or do all three at once, check out this list of book cafés you can visit in Klang Valley.
1. Pages Book Café
Tucked away on a narrow street in Ara Damansara is Pages Book Café. To find this hidden gem, look for two of these landmarks – Tesco Extra and a Proton showroom.
One of the few cafés on this list that serves more than just cakes and coffee, Pages Book Café cooks up meals such as smoked duck aglio olio and fried tomato brown rice, all for under RM15.
More than 2,000 titles can be found here, sold at least 60% cheaper than what you’ll find on Book Depository, a UK-based website known for selling books at below-market prices.
Pages Book Café
F-G-43, Taipan Damansara 2
Jalan PJU 1a/3
Ara Damansara
47301 Petaling Jaya
Selangor
Business hours: 9.30am to 8.00pm (closed on Sundays)
2. Tintabudi
Mini library and indie bookstore Tintabudi offers selections that lean more towards the humanities: soulful reads that range from philosophy to history.
Operating since 2016, the book café moved from its original spot in Ipoh to the famous Zhongshan Building in Kampung Attap.
Here, café aficionados and literary lovers can look forward to carefully curated titles by founder Abdul Nazir Harith Fadzilah, who strongly believes in spreading a love of the arts through literature.
Tintabudi
80, Jalan Rotan
Kampung Attap
50460 Kuala Lumpur
Business hours: 11am to 7pm (closed on Mondays)
3. Jing-si Books & Café
Due to its strategic location opposite Kelana Jaya’s LRT station, Jing-Si Books & Café has been visited by patrons from all walks of life for over a decade now.
Unlike other typical book cafés, this establishment places tea at the forefront of its menu, offering blends like Lemon Ginger and Honey Rose.
For those who cannot imagine reading for hours without a cup of coffee, fret not. Six types of coffee – espresso, americano, cappuccino, café latte, café mocha, and soy coffee – are also available.
Jing-si Books & Café
Ground Floor, No. 61
Jalan SS 25/2
Taman Bukit Emas
47301 Petaling Jaya
Selangor
Business hours: 10am to 7pm daily
4. The Ink Library Café
Nestled in Puncak Alam is a one-of-a-kind glasshouse café called The Ink Library Café. It’s worth driving a little way to check the place out, especially when the sun sets.
Light reflects off the glass, creating a beautiful orange glow – the perfect atmosphere for getting lost in a good book.
The menu offers a variety of dishes to choose from compared to other cafés on this list, heaven-sent for when you’ve driven all the way and are hesitant to leave the premises over an empty stomach.
The Ink Library Café
EcoWorld Gallery@Eco Grandeur
42300 Puncak Alam
Lot 6332, B49
47000 Sungai Buloh
Selangor
Business hours: 11am to 10pm (closed on Mondays)
5. Bukku Café
At the very end of Jalan Singgahsana lies a two-storey minimalist establishment called Bukku Café.
Although its shelves aren’t brimming with books, there is never a shortage of customers.
If you’d like to check out Bukku Café’s lovely outdoor back garden and enjoy a cup of coffee under the shade, get ready to reserve your table(s) beforehand.
Bukku Café
No.1, Jalan Singgahsana
4A/KU2, Bandar Bukit Raja
41050 Klang, Selangor
Business hours: 10am to 5pm daily
6. Lit Books
If the owners of your local independent book café have read more than half of the titles they store, you know they “lit-erally” mean business.
Husband-and-wife duo Min Hun and Elaine have been stocking their shelves with purpose since its inception, leaving little to no room for customers to leave empty-handed.
According to them, their ideal customer is the type to waltz in knowing what kind of books excite them, but are still open to recommendations.
The book café stands out for its dedication to making reading a lifestyle. Expect handpicked titles, book clubs, events, and arts and craft workshops here at Lit Books.
Lit Books
P-1-11, Tropicana Avenue
12, Persiaran Tropicana
47410 Petaling Jaya
Selangor
Business hours: 1pm to 7pm (closed on Mondays and Sundays)