KL Cafe Guide
Menu
Book a table

Common Grind

Updated 2026-09-29 · 3,131 reviewed · 738 listed · Scored from 521 Google reviews · How we rank ›

4.1(521) 73 composite score See reviews on Google moderate
Brunch & All-Day CafesStudy & Work-Friendly CafesPet-Friendly CafesCoffee ShopSpecialty CoffeeCafeDessert & Bakery CafesTea Houses & Matcha
Common Grind
Location
Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur
Price
moderate
Services
Brunch & All-Day Cafes, Study & Work-Friendly Cafes, Pet-Friendly Cafes
Reviews
521
Ranking
#51 in Brunch & All-Day Cafes
Best for
Professionals and students seeking reliable matcha, strong coffee, and a cosy workspace on weekday mornings.

Core details are sourced from this business's Google Business Profile (checked 2026-09-29).

What do recent reviews say?

Reviewers praise the matcha and coffee quality, and recent visits highlight genuinely friendly service in a cosy, work-friendly space with good natural light and outdoor seating. Brioches and cakes stand out, though food pricing sits above Chow Kit norms; occasional complaints about dish execution (soggy bread from excess sauce) and inconsistent cashier warmth surface, though newer reviews show staff friendliness improving.

The location offers early opening hours (9 a.m.), twin towers views from certain angles, and both indoor and outdoor areas with different temperature zones. Matcha latte earns particular praise, as does the smoked salmon. Several regulars note it as a post-gentrification fixture in Chow Kit, retaining casual appeal despite its cafe culture status.

Praised for
  • consistently good matcha and coffee
  • welcoming, friendly staff (recent weeks)
  • cosy atmosphere ideal for work or study
  • quality brioches and cakes
Watch-outs
  • staff friendliness inconsistent across shifts
  • some dishes oversalted or oversauced, affecting taste and structure
great-coffeegood-ambiencefriendly-staffgood-for-workcozygood-dessertstasty-food
Best for: Professionals and students seeking reliable matcha, strong coffee, and a cosy workspace on weekday mornings.
Think twice if: Cashier warmth can vary; order cakes or brioches rather than hot sandwiches to avoid oversaucing issues.

What are they good at?

  • exceptional matcha (mango matcha widely praised)
  • early opening at 9 a.m. in Chow Kit
  • dedicated work-study seating, quiet on weekdays
  • outdoor tropical vibes with natural shade

Worth knowing

  • Mango matcha frequently named as standout menu item
  • Brioches and carrot cake praised; chocolate banana loaf also recommended
  • Smoked salmon sandwich noted as well-prepared
  • Operates from 9 a.m., earlier than most Chow Kit peers
  • Previous incarnation as League of Captains; long-standing post-gentrification presence
  • Both indoor and outdoor seating; outdoor area lacks fans, indoor temperature set low

What reviews say by service

Specialty Coffee
Matcha and coffee quality consistently praised; matcha latte and mango matcha earn particular mention.
Brunch & All-Day Cafes
Brioches, cakes, and smoked salmon receive steady praise, though some sandwiches suffer from excess sauce.
Study & Work-Friendly Cafes
Quiet on weekdays, good for work or study; seating comfort variable, indoor temperature noted as very cold.
Dessert & Bakery Cafes
Carrot cake and chocolate banana loaf praised; brioches noted as excellent.

How it compares

  • Rated 4.1 against a 4.39 average across the 362 brunch & all-day cafes businesses listed here.
  • Has more Google reviews than 70% of the businesses in this directory.

How we scored this

Scoring Method
Star rating 41
Review volume 100
Review recency 100
Review sentiment 68
Profile completeness 75
Verification 0

Rating breakdown

5
277
4
134
3
45
2
23
1
42

FAQ

What time does Common Grind open?
9 a.m. daily, making it one of the earliest cafes in Chow Kit.
Is it quiet enough to work during the day?
Yes, on weekdays it is quiet enough to work indoors, though seats are not the most comfortable and indoor temperature is set quite cold.
What drinks and food should I order?
The mango matcha is highly recommended. For food, try brioches, carrot cake, chocolate banana loaf, or smoked salmon sandwich. Skip hot sandwiches with pesto or heavy sauces.
Request a quote

Similar cafes nearby

Cheevit Cheeva
79

Cheevit Cheeva

4.5(814)✓ Google-verified

Reviewers consistently praise the bingsu and Thai-inspired shaved ice, especially flavours like egg yolk with yam, salted egg, and blueberry cheesecake. The space draws crowds for its photobooth and trendy aesthetic, with staff managing the rush reasonably well. Recent visits note inconsistent quality compared to the original Thailand location, and a few flag portion sizes at RM26+ as steep, though most find the experience worth a trip. Service remains upbeat despite the crush, and the QR ordering system keeps lines efficient. Some mention the upper-floor air conditioning borders on uncomfortable. Staff occasionally seem frazzled during peak hours, but recover with smiles. The latest reports highlight croffle and tiramisu bingsu as standouts.

Specialty CoffeeCafeDessert & Bakery Cafes
View profile
IJO. Matcha Bar Heritage Valley
64

IJO. Matcha Bar Heritage Valley

4.6(18)✓ Google-verified

Most recent visitors praise the matcha quality and creative local flavour fusions, with staff described as helpful and patient. Drinks arrive strong and well-balanced; prices sit in line with other cafes. Earlier concerns about powder clumping appear resolved in recent reviews. The operation remains compact and primarily takeout or delivery-focused.

Tea Houses & MatchaCafeCoffee Shop
View profile
Silverfox Cafe KL
82

Silverfox Cafe KL

4.5(888)✓ Google-verified

Silverfox draws regulars for its specialty coffee, matcha drinks, and polished interiors ideal for photos or work. Staff members like Amiru and Amiraa earn specific praise for warmth, though recent reviews split on value: some find RM50+ for food and a drink reasonable for the vibe, while others push back on small portions and flavour for the price.

CafeSpecialty CoffeeStudy & Work-Friendly Cafes
View profile

Own this business? Get featured

Own or market a business here? Ask about featured placement and advertising on this directory. Your message goes straight to the directory team.

Last updated 2026-09-29