Tea is a part of everyday life, whether you’re into the new age bubble teas or traditional old-school pours. If you find yourself in search for authentic brews the next time you’re in Malaysia, here are the best Chinese tea houses in KL and Selangor for the most elegant ambience and the best quality leaves.
In Malaysia, tea is more than just a drink—it’s a way of life. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a late-night chat with friends, there’s always a perfect moment for a warm cuppa, or as the Cantonese say, a cosy ‘yum cha’ session. From matcha cafes to old-school kopitiams dishing out teh ping (iced milk tea), tea is everywhere, and if you’ve got a sweet tooth, bubble tea mania has you covered with queues often wrapping around the block. Simply put, Malaysians are head over heels for their tea.
But did you know that Malaysia’s love affair with tea dates back to the 15th century? It all began when Chinese Admiral Cheng Ho introduced tea during his epic voyages, making Melaka—a thriving port at the time—his regular stop. The local merchants quickly caught on, and soon, tea drinking became a cherished daily ritual. Fast forward to 1929, and the country’s first tea plantation sprouted in Cameron Highlands, cementing tea as a cornerstone of Malaysian culture.
While tea bags might be the go-to for convenience, there’s something almost magical about crafting your own brew from scratch. The process is both soothing and empowering, inviting you to connect deeply with the art of tea-making. It’s a moment of zen that lets you savour the elegance of loose leaf teas.
Tea drinking is synonymous with peace, serenity, and reflection – qualities that are perfectly captured in these best specialty tea houses in KL and Selangor. Whether you’re into traditional tea houses or modern interpretations of the time-tested beverage, there’s something for everyone.
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6 best Chinese tea houses in KL and Selangor today
Tea+
Price range
- RM20 – RM40 (HKD 36.25-72.50)
Established in September 2018 under the esteemed Purple Cane brand, Tea+ an artisanal sanctuary for tea lovers. Step into a realm of unique brews, where you can savour the rare Purple Label, a Pu’er tea aged to perfection over 17 years, or indulge in the sophisticated notes of Imperial Long Jing. For those who crave something bold, the smoky allure of Lapsang Souchong awaits, while the Black Bamboo Orchid offers a taste of expertly crafted Tie Guan Yin. Elevating the experience even further, Tea+ presents Nitrogen Infused Flavoured Teas like the refreshing Nitro Pu’er Honey Tea and the invigorating Nitro Lemongrass Black Tea. Each visit promises a new adventure in every sip.
Outlets: Eslite Spectrum and The Gardens Mall
Operating hours: 10 am – 10 pm
(Image credit: @teapluz/Instagram)
- Address L106&L107 eslite spectrum, The Starhill, 181, Jln Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Phone +60 12-946 3090
Tanah dan Air Tea Bar
Price range
- RM20 – RM40 (HKD 36.25-72.50)
Birthed from the passion of tea artist Siow Fei, Tanah dan Air stakes its claim as Malaysia’s pioneering tea bar. Stepping into this intimate haven, you’ll uncover a treasure trove of meticulously curated Chinese teas, each handpicked from the verdant landscapes of China and Taiwan. Delight in the floral embrace of Golden Osmanthus, Jasmine Green Tea, Dian Hong, and Golden Tip Pu Er. For those eager to deepen their tea journey, Tanah dan Air offers immersive sessions where you can master the delicate art of brewing, tasting, and discerning the nuanced profiles of these celebrated teas.
Operating hours: 1 PM – 7 PM (weekdays, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays), 1 PM – 8 PM (weekends)
(Image credit:@tanah.dan.air/Instagram)
- Address CG3b Happy Mansion, Jalan 17/13, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
- Phone +60 11-6396 6086
Chocha Foodstore
Price range
- RM80 – RM100 (HKD 145-181)
Nestled in the heart of Chinatown, Chocha Foodstore is a culinary gem that goes beyond serving just modern Malaysian fare. This eatery is also one of the best tea houses in KL, perfect for those seeking a refreshing escape. Imagine yourself unwinding in its cosy, rejuvenating atmosphere, savouring a thirst-quenching cold brew tea or a fragrant oolong. Let your senses dance as you pair these delightful brews with Chocha Foodstore’s inventive Asian dishes, making every visit a truly memorable experience.
Operating hours: 5 pm – 11 pm (weekdays), 12 pm – 12 am (weekends)
(Image credit: @chochafoodstore/Instagram)
- Address 156, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Phone +60 3-2022 1100
Leaf Lohas
Nestled in the serene corners of the city, Leaf Lohas, The brainchild of interior designer Yap Yaw Chung, Leaf Lohas is a sanctuary for tea aficionados and dessert lovers alike. This boutique tea room and lifestyle store invites you to indulge in an array of exquisite teas, from Wu Yuan Green Tea and Yunnan Red Old Tree Tea to the nostalgically aged 80’s Liu Bao Tea and Oriental Beauty. Complement your tea experience with delightful homemade desserts such as Homemade Cheese Cake, Omanthus Lotus Root, and Homemade Mizu-Yukan.
But the magic of Leaf Lohas doesn’t stop at tea and treats; it’s also a hub for enriching activities including tea appreciation sessions, intricate flower arrangement classes, and culinary workshops. By promoting a contemporary approach to Chinese tea culture, they aim to cultivate a healthy and inclusive tea-drinking lifestyle for everyone. Remember to make a reservation before you visit this hidden gem, as its address will only be revealed in the confirmation email.
Operating hours: 11 am – 8 pm (Thursdays to Saturdays, closed on Mondays to Wednesdays), 3 pm – 7 pm (Sundays)
(Image credit: @leaflohas/Instagram)
- Phone +6012 293 3213
Beca Tea
Price range
- RM20 – RM40 (HKD 36.25-72.50)
Beca Tea is a nostalgic nod to a bygone era, founded by a Malaysian family who have been steeped in the tea trade since the early 1930s. The name ‘beca’ is a heartfelt tribute to the trishaw, a symbol of perseverance, once pedalled by the family’s late patriarch as he delivered tea through the bustling streets of colonial-era Kuala Lumpur. Their menu is a delightful blend of tradition and innovation, featuring standout creations like the Squash Supreme—a harmonious concoction of tea, oven-roasted butternut squash, oat milk, balsamic vinegar, and grass jelly.
Operating hours: 11 am – 10 pm (Sundays to Thursdays), 11 am – 11 pm (Fridays and Saturdays)
(Image credit: @becateaofficial/Instagram)
- Address 61 G, Jalan SS 21/1a, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Purple Cane Tea House
Price range
- RM20 – RM40 (HKD 36.25-72.50)
Since 1987, Purple Cane Tea House has been a cornerstone of Malaysia’s tea culture, flourishing as a leading tea wholesaler. Their extensive network of tea art centres across the nation serves dual purposes: retail havens and inviting tea rooms. These centres seamlessly blend the tradition of tea brewing with the culinary delights of traditional Chinese cuisine. Gather your loved ones and dive into an immersive tea experience where each sip and bite tells a story of heritage and craftsmanship.
Operating hours: 11 am – 7:30 pm (closed on Wednesdays)
Check out more Purple Cane Tea House locations here.
(Image credit: @purplecane_tea/Instagram)
- Address 11, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Phone +60 3-2031 1877
This story first appeared here.
(Featured image credit: @becateaofficial/Instagram)
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The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
Written By
Melissa Foong
Born and raised in the beautiful city of Kuala Lumpur, Melissa loves writing all things fashion, beauty ..Read More
