etc Cafe is along the bustling streets of Jalan Tun H.S. Lee in KL. And it has a reputation for delicious food and robust coffee.
We stumbled upon this hidden gem while roaming the streets near Petaling Street.
Find out what this hipster café in KL has to offer. Besides its aesthetically pleasing decor and courteous service!
Table Of Contents:
About etc Cafe
Opened in July 2016, etc Café occupies an old storefront in the heart of KL Chinatown.
Most of the colonial shop lots here look a bit run down. Which makes etc Café stand out as a surprising discovery.
The setting is cozy. And the café specializes in Western food, salads, and a good mix of Malaysian hawker fanfares.
The rich brew of locally roasted coffee is another plus point!
Ease of Parking At etc Cafe
The nearest open-air parking lot, managed by Operasi Jitu Sdn Bhd, is along Jalan Tun HS S Lee. But this is pricey at RM 12 for 2 hours.
If you don’t mind walking 3 minutes to the cafe, you can park a little further away. This parking alternative is the Bangunan Mariamman underground car park, which costs RM 4 for 2 hours.
Or you can take the MRT train and get off at Pasar Seni LRT station. As the cafe is only a 5-minute walk away.
Ambiance At etc Café
etc Café flaunts a touch of vintage with modern nuances here and there.
As you enter this homey cafe, you’ll see a glass display of antique type writers. Along with a bookshelf with titles on KL and Ipoh.
Birch-colored tables and white walls add a contemporary touch to its interior.
Metal-backed chairs complement the vintage vibes. And so does the classic door frame that limits access to the second floor.
The cement floor, exposed brick walls, and concrete counter bring an industrial element.
There are also hanging dried flowers. And potted plants to inject hints of greenery to this busy cafe.
Service At etc Café
Waiters will take your orders directly at your table. So, if you’re not a fan of QR code menus, you get the traditional touch of having the waiter describe the food to you.
During peak hours, expect to wait 20 minutes for your food to come.
And given the petite size of the cafe, you’ll likely have to wait outside before a table is ready.
Other than this, you can count on polite and fast service here.
Food At etc Café
Chicken with Pasta is a tasty main course of grilled, marinated chicken. This has a drizzle of black pepper and spaghetti aglio olio on the sides.
The chicken retains its tender and juicy texture. While the black pepper sauce provides peppery undertones.
Mushroom Salad is a real showstopper too. It has umami undertones from an assortment of sauteed mushrooms.
What makes this dish special is the honey-coated roasted nuts. These give the dish earthy nuances and crunch.
Enjoy these with a mix of sliced capsicums, red cabbage, arugula and more. We like the sesame and vinaigrette infused dressing.
Don’t forget to try the Breakfast Sets which are as good-looking as they are tasty.
You’ll get classic Belgian waffles with butter, scrambled eggs, and smoked salmon. It is a mouthwatering feast that is nice for lunch too.
For something Asian, the Japanese Shrimp Udon in Brown Sauce features large prawns.
This hybrid dish somewhat resembles char kuey teow. But distinguishes itself with smoky undertones from portobello mushrooms.
Pricing At etc Café
Set Meals offer you the best value for money with prices starting from RM16.
While higher-end dishes like the grilled lamb chop cost RM30+. It is still an affordable sum considering the decent portions.
Prices are on par with other cafes in KL and PJ, given that the restaurant is in a touristy area. The use of quality ingredients ensures that you’ll get your money’s worth.
Conclusion
etc Café draws in the working crowd during the weekdays. And on weekends, it lures in meandering tourists.
Because seats are few, you should plan your time well and try to be here before 12pm if you don’t want to wait in line. The dining experience is pleasant, and the food is delicious too.
So, if you’re out and about in China Town, be sure to stop by etc Café or Ka Fei Dian, which is a stone’s throw away!
