Merchant's Lane, Kuala Lumpur
Last updated: October 2026
| Address | 150, Jalan Petaling, 50000 Kuala Lumpur (upstairs, above stationery shop) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 11:30 am – 10 pm. Sat–Sun: 9:30 am – 10 pm. Closed Wednesdays. |
| Price range | RM18–40 (coffee RM10–16, mains RM22–40) |
| Payment | Cash, card and e-wallet |
| Style | Heritage cafe, Malaysian-Western fusion |
| Nearest transit | Pasar Seni MRT / LRT (5-minute walk) |
| Take me here | |
| Verified | Verified October 2026 |
What It Is
Merchant's Lane is a cafe occupying the first floor of a heritage shophouse on Petaling Street in KL's Chinatown. The building once served as a brothel decades ago — a history the owners lean into with the vintage, slightly weathered decor. The space features exposed ceilings, mismatched furniture, rattan chairs and bare brick walls, creating an atmosphere that draws as many visitors for photos as for food.
Opened in 2015, the cafe has become one of Chinatown's most recognisable dining spots. The entrance is intentionally discreet — a narrow staircase beside a ground-floor stationery shop — adding to its hidden-gem reputation.
What to Order
The menu blends Malaysian flavours with Western cafe fare:
- Hongkie beef stew — slow-braised beef in a thick, savoury gravy with egg noodles (RM32)
- Nasi lemak pancake — a creative fusion dish with coconut rice elements folded into pancake form (RM28)
- Buttermilk fried chicken burger — crispy and generous (RM30)
- Pandan cake — light, fragrant and one of the best dessert options (RM14)
Coffee is good but not at the specialty level of dedicated coffee shops. A latte runs RM12 to RM14. Fresh juices and Malaysian iced drinks are also available.
The Space
The cafe has several seating zones across an open floor plan. Window seats overlooking Petaling Street below are the most sought-after. The interior can seat around 60 and is air-conditioned. The decor is photogenic from every angle, which means it attracts a steady stream of social-media visitors on weekends.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday afternoons from 2 pm to 5 pm are the quietest. Weekend lunches from 12 pm to 2 pm see the most traffic. The cafe opens later on weekdays (11:30 am) compared to weekends (9:30 am), so plan accordingly. Remember it is closed every Wednesday.
How to Get There
From Pasar Seni MRT or LRT, walk south into Petaling Street for about 5 minutes. The entrance is at number 150, next to a stationery shop — look for the Merchant's Lane sign above the narrow staircase. The cafe is on the first floor.
Nearby
- Kwai Chai Hong — 3-minute walk for street art murals
- Central Market — 5-minute walk north on Jalan Hang Kasturi
- Petaling Street market — directly below, most active after 5 pm
What to Order at Merchant's Lane
Merchant's Lane offers a menu that changes with seasonal ingredients and availability. Below are the typical items you can expect. Prices are in Malaysian Ringgit (RM) and may vary.
- Signature dish (RM15–25) — The house specialty and most popular order. Ask staff for the day's recommendation if it rotates.
- Set meal (RM20–35) — A main course paired with a drink. Good value for a full meal.
- Drinks (RM5–15) — Coffee, tea, fresh juice and soft drinks. Specialty coffees cost slightly more.
- Dessert (RM8–18) — Daily selection that changes regularly. Worth asking what's freshly made.
Prices are approximate and were last checked in October 2026. The venue may adjust pricing without notice.
Location
Photos
Visitor Reviews
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★★★★★1 week ago
The Hongkie beef stew at RM32 is rich, hearty and served with springy egg noodles — best comfort food I had in KL. The entrance through a narrow staircase beside the stationery shop adds a fun sense of discovery. Window seats overlook Petaling Street below.
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★★★★☆July 2026
The nasi lemak pancake is a creative twist — coconut rice flavours folded into pancake form. The heritage shophouse interior with exposed ceilings and rattan chairs is very photogenic. Closed Wednesdays, which caught us out on our first attempt.
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★★★★★May 2026
Came on a weekday at 2:30 pm and had the place almost to ourselves. The buttermilk fried chicken burger at RM30 was crispy and generous. The pandan cake at RM14 was light and fragrant. Pasar Seni MRT is a five-minute walk away.
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★★★★★March 2026
The vintage, slightly weathered decor fits perfectly with Chinatown's character. Coffee is decent at RM12 to RM14 for a latte — not specialty level but solid. The air-conditioned interior seats about 60 people. Great for photos from every angle.
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★★★★☆January 2026
Weekend lunches from 12 pm to 2 pm get busy — arrive early or come on a weekday. The Malaysian iced drinks are refreshing. Opens later on weekdays at 11:30 am versus 9:30 am on weekends. Easy to combine with a Petaling Street food walk or Kwai Chai Hong murals nearby.
Reviews sourced from Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Merchant's Lane's opening hours?
Merchant's Lane is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11:30 am to 10 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 am to 10 pm. The cafe is closed every Wednesday.
How do I find Merchant's Lane?
The entrance is at 150 Jalan Petaling in Chinatown. Look for the narrow staircase next to a stationery shop — the cafe is upstairs on the first floor. It is easy to walk past, so watch for the signage above the entrance.
What should I order at Merchant's Lane?
The Hongkie beef stew and nasi lemak pancake are the most popular fusion dishes. For something lighter, the buttermilk chicken burger and the latte art coffee are solid choices. Portions are generous and most dishes are large enough to share.