Kedah is usually known for its paddy fields, laid-back towns, and strong agricultural roots, but there’s also a growing coffee culture that deserves attention. Across the state, you’ll still find traditional kopitiams serving strong local brews for those who love the classics.
At the same time, newer cafés in places like Alor Setar are bringing in specialty coffee, modern café spaces, and a younger crowd looking for good coffee and somewhere to hang out. From old-school kopi to artisanal blends, Kedah’s coffee scene is a mix of tradition and modern café culture. If you want to explore what Kedah has to offer with their coffee, here are some top spots to check out:
Caffè Diem
For something with character, Caffè Diem is one of those cafés that locals and visitors keep coming back to. Set inside a restored heritage shophouse in the heart of old Alor Setar, the café blends vintage details with a modern café atmosphere.
Their drinks menu includes favourites like the Coconut Latte and Pengat Sengat — a mix of espresso, caramelised banana, and palm sugar that gives a local twist to specialty coffee. The desserts are another big draw, with cheesecakes, canelés, cruffins, and tarts regularly filling the tables. If you’re someone with a sweet tooth, this is a must try stop.
105°C Coffeehaus
In another part of Alor Setar, 105°C Coffeehaus is another café that has built a loyal following for its comfortable atmosphere and reliable coffee. The café focuses on quality brews made with carefully roasted beans, serving everything from classic lattes and cappuccinos to more local-inspired drinks with creamy and honey-infused flavours. It’s the kind of place that works for both serious coffee drinkers and anyone just looking for a relaxing café to spend time in.
Beyond coffee, 105°C Coffeehaus also has a full food menu that makes it easy to stay for a proper meal. Customers often come for the pasta, donburi, pizzas, and Western-style dishes, while the gelato and freshly baked pastries are popular for dessert. With its cosy interior and laid-back setting, it’s easy to see why many people keep coming back to this café for both coffee and comfort food.
Sulb
If you’re looking for a café that balances good coffee with a comfortable place to hang out, Sulb Cafe is one of the more popular spots in Alor Setar right now. Tucked away on the second floor in Simpang Kuala, the halal-friendly café has built a reputation for its specialty coffee and relaxed industrial-style space.
Their drinks menu goes beyond the usual with crowd favourites like the Pandan Gula Melaka Latte, Buttercream Latte, and Einspanner giving a local twist to specialty coffee.
On the food side, Sulb mixes café staples with Italian-inspired dishes, from thin-crust pizzas to hearty brunch plates like the Croque Madame served with sourdough, beef or chicken bacon, béchamel, triple cheese, and a sunny-side egg. It’s a mix of modern with classic options that makes it worth finding.
Half Full Cafe
Over in Sungai Petani, Half Full Cafe is another café worth adding to your list. Located in N-City Business Park, the café has a clean and relaxed space that works provides both a casual and comfortable space to either hang out or do work.
Specialty coffee is the main focus here, with premium beans like Ethiopian Yirgacheffe and Colombian single origins available alongside more unique drinks such as the Asam Boi Americano and Chai Latte.
Besides coffee, the café is also known for its desserts and light bites, with favourites like the Earl Grey Chiffon and Coconut Gula Melaka Affogato often recommended by regulars. Add in the WiFi, power sockets, and laid-back atmosphere, and it’s easy to see why Half Full Cafe has become one of the more popular café spots in Sungai Petani.
The 1997 Coffee
If you’re the type who likes trying coffee with unexpected flavours, The 1997 Coffee is one café in Sungai Petani that stands out from the usual coffee spots. Instead of sticking to classic lattes and cappuccinos, the café leans into creative drinks inspired by local flavours, with options like the Sangkaya Latte, Cokodok Latte, and Kelapa Pandan Kopi becoming customer favourites.
The café itself has a cosy and casual setup that makes it easy to settle in for a long catch-up session or an evening coffee run. Alongside the drinks, they also serve affordable café food like creamy pastas and Western-style dishes, making it more than just a quick coffee stop. If you’re looking to try something different while exploring Kedah’s café scene, The 1997 Coffee is worth putting on the list.
Kedah might not be the first place people think of for café hopping, but that’s quickly changing. Between traditional kopi spots and modern specialty cafés, the state’s coffee scene has grown into something worth exploring
