Malaysia’s Klang Valley is filled with amazing eateries if you know where to look. Better still, new spots open all the time. The area’s kopitiams (coffee shops) in particular are nostalgic focal points, known for touting the traditional dishes Malaysians grew up loving. They also happen to be highly photogenic. Here’s 10 of our favourites in Kuala Lumpur, and a couple of extras from further afield. Merchant's Lane It used to be a brothel, but this cafe has become a popular hub for locals and visitors alike since changing track. Showcasing the culinary heritage of Petaling Street, the menu at Merchant’s Lane includes dishes with names like South China Sea (grilled salmon with mango-corn salsa) and Hongkie Beef Stew (slow-cooked beef with mash). No 150 Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur (03 2022 1736) Kuala Lumpur’s 6 best vegan dessert destinations for a guilt-free kick Luckin Kopi With a menu inspired by its surroundings, Luckin Kopi’s objectives are clear and simple: to use the freshest ingredients and connect with guests over a cup of coffee (or two). Signatures include nasi lemak ayam goreng , salted egg chicken rice and a yummy chicken chop. 14 Jalan Panggong, Kuala Lumpur (014 263 6696) Lim Kee Cafe Named after its owner, this spot (situated inside the Tian Jing Hotel) may just be the most Instagrammable kopitiam of all. But don’t forget to eat after you take all those pictures, Lim Kee Cafe serves up a whole host of comforting toast, coffee, cakes and colourful, oh-so-sticky kuih. 66-68 Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur (03 2022 1131) 5 Instagram-worthy cafes in Kuala Lumpur Leaf and Co. Cafe Situated in Chinatown, Leaf and Co. is as unique as it gets. With its edgy breeze block walls and ornate chairs, traditional clashes with contemporary in the best possible way. That’s reflected in the menu, which features all sorts of treats, from jumbo chicken satay and bahn mi to buttermilk fried chicken leg with fried rice. Mingle KL, 53, Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur (03 2020 2220) 5 of the most Instagramable cafes to open in Penang Good Luck Kopitiam Available in two locations – Connaught and Setapak – Good Luck is the quintessential modern k opitiam, serving well-known classics in a pleasingly retro setting. It makes no secret of wanting to revitalise the scene in KL, and has a menu jam-packed with goodies: from classic dim sum to peanut butter and banana long buns. The Palette, 12, Red Block, Taman Danau Kota, Setapak (018 329 7669) 49-G, Jalan Menara Gading 1, Medan Connaught, Cheras, Connaught (03 9107 8978) Coffee or tea? Order a yuen yeung for the best of both Nian Dai Kopidiam If you’re searching for nostalgia, you’ve come to the right place. Lunch at Nian Dai Kopidiam will transport you back to the 1980s. Old televisions and typewriters adorn the shelves and some dishes are even served in retro spam tins. Try the tasty roti goyang and pan-fried pork gyoza. G2, Setapak 33, Off Jalan Genting Klang, Taman Danau Kota, Kuala Lumpur (03 4032 3280) Quan’s Kitchen This eatery may be inside a hotel, but its interpretations of traditional culinary specialities from Chinatown in KL are all beautifully presented. Quan’s Kitchen offers a wide range of dishes too, from Petaling Street fried rice to sticky dried chilli chicken, sago pudding and spring roll Peking duck. Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur Chinatown, Jalan Balai Polis, Kuala Lumpur (03 2035 7333) Kafei Dian Housed in an old building that was once a lively post office, Kafei Dian has buckets of Insta-worthy charm and serves up delicious breakfast and brunch dishes. Try the prawn mee. 15-1, Jalan Balai Polis, Kuala Lumpur How chefs see the future for fine dining in a post-pandemic world December Eighteen In addition to being a popular eatery, December Eighteen is also an event and workshop space. While the culinary offerings are the real draw, it’s definitely worth going for the setting that’s reminiscent of family homes from the past. 18G, Jalan PJS 8/12, Dataran Mentari, Petaling Jaya (012 248 6286) Timothy This cute venue serves both Western and Asian dishes and has an achingly hip decor (think faded tiling and mismatched vintage lamps). Aside from Timothy’s famous home-made bread and cheesecakes, the concise menu features dishes such as nasi ulam with ayam percik , vegan thunder rice, and kimchi fried chicken salad. 24, Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, Kuala Lumpur (018 200 0262) T42 T42 may be one of the newest spots on this list but it has already cemented quite a reputation – especially among lei cha (a sort of vegetable, green tea porridge) obsessives. Its interior, although minimal, resembles a modernised version of a kopitiam . While you’re there, make sure to give the linguine a go! 42, Jalan 17/155c, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur (011 1447 2995) Seraph Awaken Already one of the most prominent cafes in the Klang Valley, the team at Seraph Awaken brews its own coffee and staff are passionate about explaining their process. The decor is simple and well-done too, with marble table tops, old wooden chairs and rattan stools, perfect for posing on with that cup of artful, drip coffee. 28, Jalan Stesen 1, Kawasan 1, Klang (012 290 6860) This article originally appeared on Buro Malaysia. Want more stories like this? Sign up here . Follow STYLE on Facebook , Instagram , YouTube and Twitter .