🪄 First Impressions
Hidden in the colorful maze Café etc Kuala Lumpur. (also known as ETC Restaurant) instantly caught our attention with its warm lighting, friendly smiles, and that irresistible aroma of coffee and butter in the air.
This spot is proof that good food doesn’t need a fancy price tag. It’s affordable, homey, and quietly becoming one of the best cafés in Chinatown Kuala Lumpur for anyone who loves comfort food done right.
And honestly — after a few visits, we can say without hesitation that Café etc. has become one of our favorite cafés and restaurants in Kuala Lumpur. It’s the kind of place we keep coming back to whenever we want something comforting, delicious, and easy on the wallet.
Cafe ETC Kuala Lumpur
🍽️ What We Ordered
Let’s talk food (our favorite topic, obviously).
| Course | Dish | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Starters | Mushroom Soup & Wedges | Creamy, cozy, and surprisingly full-bodied for its price. The wedges were crisp perfection — ideal snack food while chatting. |
| Mains | Seabass with Wedges & Salad | Fresh, flaky seabass paired with crispy wedges. Light, clean flavors. Double Beef Burger with Curly Fries |
| Drinks | Iced Matcha Latte & Virgin Mojito | The matcha was smooth and balanced, while the mojito was refreshingly minty — perfect between bites. |
| Desserts | Original Cheesecake & Belgian Waffle with Chocolate Ice Cream | Cheesecake: creamy with just the right tang. Waffle: golden, crunchy edges, pure joy with chocolate ice cream. |
| Hot Drinks | Americano & Hot Chocolate | The Americano was bold and black — no nonsense. The hot chocolate was thick and indulgent — the dessert drink we didn’t know we needed. |
Everything tasted homemade — honest, satisfying, and worth every ringgit.
Cafe ETC Kuala Lumpur
☕ The Vibe
If you’re after a relaxed, cozy café in KL, Café etc. checks every box.
- Think warm lighting, rustic touches, and just enough space to linger without feeling rushed.
- The staff were genuinely friendly — the kind of people who make you feel at home from the moment you walk in.
- Prices? Super reasonable for western café food. You can easily have a full meal (with dessert!) for under RM40.
It’s the kind of place where locals and travelers both end up staying longer than planned.
💬 Chatting with the Owner
We love hearing the stories behind the food, so we asked the owner a few questions — and left even more impressed.
We asked the owner a few things to get behind the scenes. Here’s what they shared:
1. What inspired you to open this café/restaurant?
We’ve always loved good food, good coffee and cozy spaces — the kind that always make you want to come back again. The idea was to create a spot where people could enjoy quality food at fair prices, without the “fancy café” price tag.
2. Is there a story behind the name of your place?
The name comes from the idea of “Et cetera” — meaning “and more.” It reflects our belief that food is more than just eating; it’s about comfort, connection, and a little extra joy.
3. What’s your signature dish or drink—and why should people try it?
Our creamy pasta and chicken dishes are crowd favorites! And of course, our coffee is a must; bold, smooth, and crafted with care.
4. Do you use local ingredients or have any unique sourcing practices?
Yes! We source as many ingredients as we can from local suppliers. It keeps everything fresh and helps us support the community we’re a part of.
5. What makes your café/restaurant different from others nearby?
We focus on being affordable without cutting corners. You’ll get generous portions, friendly service, and a relaxed vibe — that’s what keeps people coming back.
6. What’s the dish you’re personally most proud of?
Definitely our burger! 🍔 It’s one of those dishes we kept perfecting — from the juicy patty to the soft toasted bun and our signature sauce. Every bite is meant to hit that perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and satisfying. It’s comfort food done right, and it never fails to make people smile.
7. Do you have any “hidden gems” on the menu that regulars know but tourists might miss?
Definitely our Cheezy Mushroom Sandwich! It looks simple but surprises everyone with its flavor. Regulars know it’s the one to order if you want something comforting yet unique.
8. How do you want people to feel when they walk in and dine here?
We want people to walk in hungry and leave happy 😋 It’s all about fun vibes, friendly faces, and food that hits the spot every time.
9. Can you share a memorable moment or funny story since opening?
We once got a review that said, “The food was so good I cried.” Honestly, that might be the highest compliment we’ve ever received. Sorry for the emotional damage — in the best way possible!
10. What’s next—any exciting new dishes, events, or plans for the future?
We’re always experimenting with new ideas. You might see some seasonal specials soon — and maybe even a little revamp of our drinks menu! Stay tuned!
And our favorite quote from the whole chat:
“Someone once said our food was so good they cried. That’s probably the best compliment we’ve ever gotten.”
Same, honestly. We felt that.
🌟 Why We Love Café etc Kuala Lumpur
- Delicious western comfort food — done right, every time.
- Affordable café in Chinatown KL — without sacrificing quality.
- Friendly, relaxed vibe — feels like home even if it’s your first visit.
- Perfect for lunch, brunch, or dessert dates.
It’s easy to see why this place has become one of our personal favourite cafés in Kuala Lumpur. Every dish feels made with care, and it’s a rare gem where you can truly taste passion on a plate.
Cafe ETC Kuala Lumpur
📸 Tips for Your Visit
- Come early for lunch — it gets busy fast.
- Try their burger (you’ll thank us later).
- Save room for dessert — the waffle and cheesecake are musts.
- Ideal for food photos — warm tones and great plating.
🏠 Location & Contact
Café etc. (ETC Restaurant)
📍 198, Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur
📞 +60 3-2022 3551
🕙 Open daily 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (check hours before visiting)
🔗 Download Menu / Cafe ETC Kuala Lumpur
Final Thoughts
We walked into Café etc. Kuala Lumpur looking for lunch… and left with a new favorite café.
If you’re exploring Chinatown and craving cheap, delicious western food in KL, this is the spot.
Come hungry, leave happy — and maybe a little emotionally damaged (in the best way).
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