Food Review: Capital Cafe in Jalan TAR

The Capital Cafe is located in a narrow shoplot along the busy Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. Even with the pretty old fashion bright yellow signage, you might miss the shop among the hustle and bustle of Jalan TAR. It is located right opposite Bonia /Sogo. Stepping into this cafe/restaurant here is like stepping into the past.

Restaurants like this used to be plentiful around Malaysia  during the 1960's and 1970's catering to a multiracial cliental. You can spot Chinese, Indian, Malays and other foreign visitors eating here and it is usually very full during the lunch time crowd despite it's old worn down appearance..

Capital Cafe does not need any advertisement, they already have a steady stream of customers practically every day. The place might seem quite ‘old’, with old ceiling fans, the restaurant promises a unique experience to its customers.

The restaurant is divided into three stalls: Chinese food stall serving awesome Hailam style noodles, Nasi Padang stall, for your information, the Nasi Padang here has be said to be one of the most extraordinary in the city and Indian food stall serving rojak/pasembur and Mee Jawa. This is one of the rare restaurants which you will find a multiracial clientele.

The current owners are the descendents of the people who had started the restaurant. The restaurant opens for business at 7.00am and closes at 8.00pm. It operates every day, except Sundays.

There is a ‘City Hotel’ sign that can be seen at the entrance of the restaurant’s kitchen. The sign also states the date of establishment of the restaurant as well as several pictures which show how Kuala Lumpur and also Capital Cafe has evolved over the years as well of the great flood back in the 70s. The photos are old enough to be antiques and definitely priceless.

Capital Café supposedly first opened its doors in 1956, and is still furnished with it's old fashioned marble tabletops, wooden chairs, and tiled flooring. Paraphernalia from the past such as old cameras and random knick-knacks are displayed on shelves behind the Chinese stir fried noodles order /cashier counter.

My family and I (my husband, and two daughters ) were there to have the mee hailam served with freshly chopped birds eye chilis and also rojak/pasembur with sotong.

The food is simple and delicious. This is our umpteenth time here, and even my step daughter who is quite fussy as to where she eats love the food here.The prices are very reasonable (for KL price) and your meal will cost less then RM8 per person.

The food is authentic and the service is fast, but you may have to wait for someone to leave before you get a seat if you visit during lunch. 

I will be back for some Nasi Padang soon..... hehehe

Address: 213, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, 50100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur