Dive in as we guide you through everything you need to know, and more importantly, where to find the best Chinese tea houses in KL and Selangor to satisfy your tea cravings.
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 the specialty tea houses we’ve rounded up for you. Whether you’re into the earthy tones of green tea, the bold flavours of black tea, or a refreshing cold brew, these Chinese tea houses in the city offer a little something for everyone.
So, get ready to explore as we take you on a journey through the best Chinese tea houses in KL and Selangor—your ultimate guide to discovering where to indulge in the finest teas and tranquil vibes.
(Hero and feature images credit: Instagram/ @teapluz)
Discover the finest Chinese tea houses in KL and Selangor today
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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.
Tea+ @ The Gardens Mall
Address: The Garden, Lot LG206, LG Floor, Mid Valley City, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
Contact: +6017 678 4131
Tea+ @ Eslite Spectrum
Address: L106&L107 eslite spectrum, The Starhill, 181, Jln Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
Contact: +6012 946 3090
(Image credit: Instagram/ @teapluz)
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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: Instagram/ @tanah.dan.air)
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Nestled in the heart of Chinatown, Chocha Foodstore is a culinary gem that goes beyond serving just modern Malaysian fare. This eatery boasts an exquisite selection of specialty teas, 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: Instagram/ @chochafoodstore)
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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 book a reservation before you visit this hidden gem!
Operating hours: 11 AM – 8 PM (Thursdays to Saturdays, closed on Mondays to Wednesdays), 3 PM – 7 PM (Sundays)
(Image credit: Instagram/ @leaflohas)
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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: Instagram/ @becateaofficial)
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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.
Purple Cane Tea Cuisine @ Shaw Parade
Address: Lot GL-02, Ground Floor, Shaw Parade Changkat Thambi Dollah, Off, Jalan Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 11 AM – 10 PM
Contact: +603 2145 3090
Purple Cane Tea House @ Jalan Sultan
Address: 11, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 11 AM – 7.30 PM (closed on Wednesdays)
Contact: +603 2031 1877
Check out more Purple Cane Tea House locations here.
(Image credit: Instagram/ @purplecane_tea)