The best places to drink tea in the Klang Valley
Photos by (L-R) Leonid Danilov, Aflo, Mimi Moromisato
The Klang Valley has one of the most established cafe and kopitiam cultures in Malaysia, stretching across Kuala Lumpur and surrounding areas like Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, and Klang. Coffee may dominate modern cafe menus, but tea has long been part of everyday life here.
Long before bubble milk tea arrived, there was teh tarik (pulled tea). Tea appears at dim sum breakfasts, at mamaks late at night, and on restaurant tables. It’s rarely something people pause over in the way afternoon tea encourages elsewhere.
But what about tea outside of those everyday settings? Beyond teh tarik and takeaway cups, there are still places to drink tea in the Klang Valley where every pot is brewed slowly and meant to be savoured.
These are places that feel like drinking tea, where sitting down is part of the experience and you can linger, read, or think about life.
Here are some of those places…
Cafes & teahouses in the Klang Valley to linger over tea and thoughts
1. Tanah dan Air
Unwind your afternoon with tea from Tanah dan Air, a homey little tea bar in Happy Mansion, Petaling Jaya. It’s a place where tea is treated as more than just a drink.
If you’re a tea snob, you can make your days ten times brighter by visiting Malaysia’s pioneering tea bar. There are plenty of Chinese teas to explore – green, oolong, white, floral, and even aged pu’er – many of which are also available to take home.
They also run hands-on brewing workshops, turning a simple cup of tea into a meditative practice.
2. Leaf Lohas
Leaf Lohas isn’t a place for a quick cup of tea. Instead, book ahead, set aside a few hours, and immerse yourself in their Chinese tea odyssey.
Located in Cheras Perdana, the exact address is only revealed once your reservation is confirmed, giving the space an exclusive feel. This lifestyle tea parlour is served in a cosy, residential-style setting that makes lingering over tea a pleasure in itself.
Leaf Lohas is all about tea appreciation, mindfulness, and slowness – so make sure you come with a clear schedule and no rush.
3. Miss Ellie Tea House
Miss Ellie Tea House brings a classic English tea-time experience to one of the Klang Valley’s quieter corners. Tucked away in Taman Melawati, the antique-filled cottage feels feels intimate and nostalgic.
Choose from a selection of teas and coffees, best enjoyed with scones or cakes for a drawn-out afternoon. If you arrive feeling hungry, the menu also includes heartier savoury options. Opt for off-peak hours to fully enjoy the unhurried tea ritual.
4. Tannin Hill
Located in Sentul along Jalan Ipoh, Tannin Hill centres on guided tastings at a sleek bar counter, where you’re walked through a curated selection of Chinese teas.
Each tea comes with detailed flavour notes, inviting you to slow down and pay attention to the nuances.
It's not the cheapest cup in the city, but if you're curious about serious tea culture and don’t mind making a short MRT trip (to avoid parking issues), it’s worth the effort.
5. Jing Si Books & Cafe
You’ll find Jing Si Books & Cafe in several locations across Malaysia, but if you’re in Bukit Bintang, it’s worth slipping away from the crowds to visit this underground space.
Alongside coffee and tea, Jing Si is especially known for its herbal tea blends, many of which are also available to buy. With a warm cup in hand, you can browse shelves of spiritual books or sit contemplatively for a while.
It may not be the place for an elaborate tea ceremony, but it’s a gentle option if you’re in central KL and want something slower, calmer, and rooted in tea.
6. Yinnist (Teaxini)
Yinnist is easy to miss unless you know exactly where to look. There’s no signage, just a quiet first-floor space above a 99 Speedmart in Sungai Way.
What it lacks in size (around 15 seats at most), it makes up for in focus. This is a tea bar for people who care about how tea is made, from authentic Japanese matcha to carefully graded Chinese teas.
With guidance from the owners, each session feels closer to a private tea tasting than a cafe visit. It’s an intimate, undisturbed place to slow down and pay attention to what’s in your cup.
7. Hi Tea Malaysia
To get to Hi Tea Malaysia, you’ll need to head up to the rooftop of Kompleks Selangor in Chinatown, where a traditional Chinese teahouse opens out to skyline views.
The tea list is extensive, with over a hundred Chinese teas to explore, best enjoyed at one of the window tables by the balcony.
It’s more than just a place to drink tea. Hi Tea Malaysia also offers vegetarian, Muslim-friendly food, tea workshops, and loose-leaf teas to take home.
So, there you have it – the best places to drink tea in the Klang Valley (at least, the ones I’m currently aware of).
For more recommendations of your time in the Klang Valley, explore green spaces around Klang Valley, or browse my broader guides and reflections on travelling and living in Malaysia.
Similar Posts
