“What’s the move?” — it’s the weekend question that lands in the group chat when no one has a plan, but everyone’s hoping for one. And somehow, you’re always the one expected to decide. It’s a bit like being handed the aux cord in a packed car: too many tastes, too many opinions, and suddenly none of your usual go-to’s feel quite right.
Most times, the default is simple: supper at the usual mamak. There’s comfort in the familiarity of plastic chairs, Roti Canai, and Teh O Ais under the glow of fluorescent streetlights. Every KLite has that spot. But every now and then, you crave a change of pace. Somewhere new to sit, catch up, people-watch, or maybe even cross paths with someone unexpected.
Sociologists might call these places “third spaces”—neither home nor work, but still part of your routine. Gen Z just calls them “the spot.” The kind of hangout you head to on a whim for long talks, deep debriefs, or simply to make new memories with your favourite people.
And in Kuala Lumpur, these spaces are everywhere if you know where to look. So if your group chat is already lighting up and your usual three options feel a little… tired, here’s Men’s Folio Malaysia’s curated guide to some of the most beloved hangout spots among KL’s Gen Z crowd.
Gasket Alley
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Cafes & Restaurants: HEJAU, Ramen Bar Shishido, HALO, Phils Pizza, Coffeeboy Club and more.
The Five
Cafes & Restaurants: Paolo Paolo, Pizza Mansion, FEEKA, Yellow Brick Road, Otoba Izakaya, and more.
The Campus Ampang
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Cafes & Restaurants: Fowlboys Diner, Yaki Yaki by SBC, Universal Bakehouse, Tetangga Kita, Baracca Restaurant, and more.
The Zhongshan Building
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Cafes & Restaurants: Piu Piu Piu Cafe, Tommy Le Baker, kantata, Transparent Coffee, and more.
A Place Where – APW
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Cafes & Restaurants: 103 Coffee, Breakfast Thieves, The Coach Coffee Shop, and more.
Rex KL
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Cafes & Restaurants: Le Petit Hamburg, Kantin, Stellar Coffee, Food Fiction KL, and more.
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