Good (emphasis on good) halal-certified modern kopitiams are rare, but they exist. One fine example is Hock Kee Kopitiam, “a muhibbah coffee shop” where “all races can enjoy good food and laughter with friends in harmony” with four addresses in Johor and two in Kuala Lumpur. Time Out is partial to the Bangsar South (or cough, Kampung Kerinchi) branch: a bustling eatery in the city’s tech and startup hub, frequented by white-collar workers on weekdays and families on weekends.
While you certainly can eat breakfast, lunch or dinner at Hock Kee Kopitiam, it’s really a place you go to satisfy those itchy, in-between meal cravings; you know, the 11am kaya and butter toast with kopi before lunch, or mee siam and nyonya cendol at 4pm. On the menu, signatures include nasi lemak banjir with chicken curry and sotong, lontong, laksa, and charcoal polo bun with coffee butter, plus 3-layer tea and hor ka sai. If you prefer “Western” food, the extensive, ever-updated menu also has cappuccino, croissants, chicken chop and the like.