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The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Updated 2026-09-29 · 3,131 reviewed · 738 listed · Scored from 519 Google reviews · How we rank ›

4.1(519) 70 composite score See reviews on Google ✓ Google-verified moderate
Study & Work-Friendly CafesSpecialty CoffeeBrunch & All-Day CafesTea Houses & MatchaCafeCoffee ShopDessert & Bakery Cafes
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Location
Bangsar South, Kuala Lumpur
Price
moderate
Services
Study & Work-Friendly Cafes, Specialty Coffee, Brunch & All-Day Cafes
Reviews
519
Ranking
#205 in Study & Work-Friendly Cafes
Best for
Regulars and solo workers who value calm settings; those who arrive off-peak or don't need customization.

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

What do recent reviews say?

Strong personal touches keep regulars coming back: staff remember names, offer genuine kindness, and the Bangsar South location feels welcoming and calm. Recent weeks show cracks in consistency. Order delays spike during lunch rushes, some staff refuse standard customizations (egg styles, drink combinations), communication between baristas and counter falters, and there's friction when customers push back. The cash-only refusal and app-pickup confusion add friction that newer competitors don't impose.

Praised for
  • friendly and attentive staff (named individuals remembered)
  • cozy, peaceful atmosphere
  • quality drinks and quick service when on form
  • good location
Watch-outs
  • inconsistent order execution and long waits at peak times
  • staff communication gaps and occasional rudeness
friendly-staffgood-ambiencecozygreat-coffeegood-for-workslow-servicecrowded
Best for: Regulars and solo workers who value calm settings; those who arrive off-peak or don't need customization.
Think twice if: Avoid lunch hours and app orders; expect waits and payment friction. Cash customers should go elsewhere.

What are they good at?

  • Memorable staff who recognize regulars and personalize service
  • calm, study-friendly atmosphere
  • consistent drink quality when orders flow smoothly

Worth knowing

  • Staff member Dee remembers regular customers' names
  • Staff member Farah praised for good attitude
  • Staff member Faris Shah has refused standard customizations (egg styles, drink combinations) that other outlets allow
  • Payment: card only, no cash accepted
  • Lunch rush delays documented from app orders; ice melts before notification of ready status
  • Recent policy: only Large sizes offered, no Regular or Small options

What reviews say by service

Specialty Coffee
Drinks praised for quality and speed when staffed properly; taste consistency varies between outlets and service speed falters at peak times.
Brunch & All-Day Cafes
Food quality consistent but staff refuse customizations (half-boiled eggs cannot be changed to omelette, preset combinations cannot be split), disappointing for repeat customers.
Study & Work-Friendly Cafes
Peaceful, cozy atmosphere attracts solo workers and students; quiet enough for focus when not in a rush.
Tea Houses & Matcha
Tea service mentioned but no specific praise or complaint; appears secondary to coffee focus.
Dessert & Bakery Cafes
Desserts and cakes listed on menu; no detailed feedback in reviews.
Cafe
Cozy and comfortable space; inconsistent execution of orders and staff communication undermines the promise.

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 48
Profile completeness 100
Verification 30

Rating breakdown

5
268
4
137
3
46
2
26
1
42

FAQ

Do they accept cash?
No. Card payment only; they do not accept cash, which has frustrated some customers.
Is there a quiet place to work?
Yes. Reviewers describe it as peaceful and quiet, suitable for focus and study, especially outside lunch hours.
Can I customize my food order?
Not reliably. Some staff have refused standard customizations (egg styles, drink combinations) that other CBTL outlets permit, causing inconsistency.
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Last updated 2026-09-29