Whether it’s artisanal matcha, herbal tea or an old-fashioned afternoon tea, these are the spots for non-coffee drinkers
1. Machi Machi
There’s a bubble tea shop on every corner, but none quite like Machi Machi. The Taiwanese milk tea brand is purportedly Jay Chou’s favourite, and specialises in beautifully layered tea combinations. Mango, cold foam and cream cheese, anyone? Oolong milk tea and coffee jelly? Or chocolate brulee, milk tea and mochi? The combinations are endless (and so, sometimes, are the queues…) Lot 10, H2O, Bintang Terrace, 50 Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur; instagram.com/machimachi_malaysia
2. Niko Neko Matcha
When Niko Neko opened, Malaysia matcha lovers found their spiritual home. Forget your token matcha latte – Niko Neko’s extensive menu features 4 types of artisanal grade matcha from different regions of Japan, each with their own distinctive flavour profiles, as well as houjicha and genmaicha. Go classic latte or try Niko Neko’s refreshing mocktail concoctions – the Mango Matcha Cheesecake, with its layers of mango and sparkling soda, is a hot afternoon favourite. 181 Jalan Tun HS Lee, Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur; 82A, Lorong Maarof, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur; nikonekomatcha.com
3. Jungle House
Jungle House is all about honey, in all of its forms. That’s raw, organic, locally sourced honey, each variety with its own unique colour and flavour notes. Whether you’re after a refreshing honey cooler (the Honey Pine Mojito is a winner) or a warming pot of tea, you’re bound to find a unique honey-based beverage to your liking here. Go classic with a warm Honey Lemon, or try their Signature BeauTea, a concoction of dragon fruit leaves that purportedly fights the effects of ageing. 10 Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur; junglehouse.com.my
4. Purple Cane Teahouz
Celebrating the formal tea culture of China, Purple Cane is the grand dame of teahouses in Malaysia. Its multiple locations draw on the traditions and rituals of Chinese tea, regularly hosting tea workshops, events and ceremonies. Step back in time at the Jalan Sultan flagship tea art centre, where you’ll be able to browse everything tea – books, tools, decor, products – and of course take part in Purple Cane’s meticulous and soothing Chinese tea rituals. 12 Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur; purplecane.my
5. Chocha Foodstore
Chocha prides itself on its modern take on Malaysian cuisine. You won’t find tokenistic references to pop culture here – all the food and beverages are crafted thoughtfully, using lesser-seen local and regional ingredients. And while the food menu is excellent and well worth exploring, so too is their specialty tea line-up. The menu changes regularly but you can reliably find an interesting selection of different black, green, pu-er, oolong and cold brew style teas. 156 Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur; chochafoodstore.com
