The Garden Cottage is housed in a two-storey mansion teeming with flora (Photo: SooPhye)
Nestled within lush greenery and historic locations, two cafés in Kepong, Selangor as well as George Town, Penang offer increasingly rare experiences to connect with nature in an intimate setting. Whether you are visiting after a hike in the park or a walk in the city, these eateries are sure to satiate that craving while also providing a selection of refreshments, from savoury meals to thirst quenchers.
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Situated on 545ha of verdant forest, the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) in Selangor has long been a favourite escape for nemophilists, trekkers and runners seeking respite from urban heat and concrete monotony. Listed as a Unesco World Heritage site last July, the reserve is home to 15,000 plant species, as well as wildlife such as monkeys, birds and snakes.
Part of FRIM, the Kepong Botanical Gardens — a cluster of dedicated, well-manicured plots connected by tarred roads and concrete pavements — lets you get close to nature without having to venture into the wilderness. Strolls through the area are easy and, if you arrive at the right time of day, very comfortable. Still, even the gentlest hikes deserve a spot for one to pause and take in nature’s beauty while sipping on something refreshing.
Tucked beside the Bamboo Garden (an easy five-minute walk from the car park; longer, if you are the type to stop and smell the flowers), Mimpi Hutan café is this green haven’s solution.
The gravel pathway leading to the main hut is flanked by flourishing bamboo groves alongside various ferns and shrubs. At the building itself, you will be greeted by a sign that firmly states caffeine is only served in the form of coffee — so devout matcha lovers, take note. If java is really not your thing, however, there are flavoured milks, soda concoctions and a basic selection of canned drinks.
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Food options are on the simpler side, with the most recommended options being decent-enough renditions of local favourites such as nasi lemak ayam goreng and nasi kerabu. If you are after something lighter to nibble on, the assortment of pastries and croffles might be the better option. The signature treats are the cakes, with the tiramisu as the best-seller.
While the grub is fairly unremarkable, the seamless blend of contemporary comfort and lush greenery makes this a spot worth revisiting. Around noon, when the sun is at its fiercest, the indoor seating offers welcome relief beneath the breeze of rotating fans. For the best experience, swing by in the early morning or late afternoon, when the outdoor arrangement — ranging from camping chairs to tented setups — is far more enjoyable for lounging over a drink and taking in the surroundings.
Jalan E 4/15, Taman Ehsan, Selangor. Open Sat to Thurs, 8am-6pm. Closed on Fri.
The Garden Cottage by Cara Caro
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Universally celebrated as the culinary capital of Malaysia, Penang is teeming with restaurants and cafés championing regional and international flavours alike. So, how does one choose an eating spot from hundreds and thousands of options available at this food paradise?
Well, while it is convenient and reassuring to return to the same place for a hearty dish or midday cuppa, it is never a bad idea to venture out of your comfort zone by visiting that new eatery that has been the talk of the town.
Opened early this year, The Garden Cottage by Cara Caro has been garnering attention, especially from youngsters who find joy in spending time at aesthetically pleasing third spaces. Part of the establishment’s attraction is its location, situated in a corner lot on Lorong Pulau Tikus in George Town. It is one of the most renowned addresses on the island, having been inhabited by Reverend Devasahayam David Chelliah JP OBE, the first Asian Archdeacon of Singapore and Malaya, who had come to the country in 1911 to become the headmaster of an Anglican school. Subsequently, the building was acquired by the family who owned Penang’s Ho Dispensary pharmacy.
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This previously abandoned project has been brought back to life in the form of a quaint café, with most of its authentic exterior features preserved, including the weathered front gate, wooden timber frame and colourful stained glass windows.
Adding to its original character and charm is the sprawling, verdant courtyard. The tranquil sanctuary dotted with various flora species beckons the phytophile to stop and admire the flourishing plant life, from curry leaves, mint and olives to syzygium, bauhinia and rambutan trees.
Step inside the two-storey mansion and browse through the desserts and pastries of the day, carefully arranged on the tiered glass stands near the entrance. Operating from early morning until late evening, Garden Cottage provides a variety of options for those who want to grab a quick bite or have a feast with family and friends. There is an assorted menu of Oriental and Western dishes such as grilled chicken sandwiches, shakshuka and prawn curry with rice.
The main dining room is a beautiful display of traditional architecture and craftsmanship and its warm, intimate ambience invites guests to linger long after the meal is over. Be sure to end on a sweet note with its popular baked goods such as orange poppy seed muffins, apple pies and mixed berry tarts.
20 Lorong Pulau Tikus, Pulau Tikus, George Town, Penang. Open daily, 7:30am-10pm.
This article first appeared on June 22, 2026 in The Edge Malaysia.
