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The Willow

Updated 2026-09-29 · 3,131 reviewed · 738 listed · Scored from 202 Google reviews · How we rank ›

4.5(202) 78 composite score See reviews on Google ✓ Google-verified
Dessert & Bakery CafesPet-Friendly CafesCafeBrunch & All-Day CafesTea Houses & MatchaStudy & Work-Friendly CafesCoffee Shop
The Willow
Location
Happy Garden, Kuala Lumpur
Services
Dessert & Bakery Cafes, Pet-Friendly Cafes, Cafe
Reviews
202
Best for
People seeking a quiet lunch spot with genuine coffee and baking, or those wanting to customise orders with the owner's input.

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

What do recent reviews say?

Warm, intimate spot in Happy Garden known for genuine cooking and a serene setting. Sourdough and mains earn consistent praise, coffee is solid, and the owner engages sincerely with diners. A recent and controversial pivot away from pet-friendly status has upset some regulars; alongside isolated service missteps, this tension marks recent weeks. Most visitors find the food worth returning for.

The business houses an art-forward design and works with custom or off-menu items. Tea selection features prominently on their list. Staff manner is notably welcoming when things flow smoothly, though a small number of recent orders have shipped with hygiene oversights or incomplete replacements. The pace and consistency appear to vary.

Praised for
  • cosy, calming atmosphere
  • quality food and baking (sourdough, pork belly, chicken)
  • friendly, engaged owner
  • reasonable prices and portions
Watch-outs
  • recent policy shift away from pet-friendly stance disappoints loyal customers
  • occasional lapses in food preparation and service handling (hygiene, incomplete orders)
good-ambiencefriendly-stafffair-pricinggood-dessertscozytasty-food
Best for: People seeking a quiet lunch spot with genuine coffee and baking, or those wanting to customise orders with the owner's input.
Think twice if: The business recently dropped its pet-friendly policy; if that mattered to your visit plans, confirm current stance before heading in.

What are they good at?

  • homemade sourdough with soft crust (appeals to those with dental sensitivity)
  • full tea menu and off-menu customisation
  • owner-run with evident care for each visit
  • reasonable pricing relative to portion size

Worth knowing

  • Owner responds personally to customers and is noted as welcoming and polite
  • Sourdough praised specifically for soft, chewable crust rather than hard bread
  • Pork belly and chicken chop named as standout mains
  • Off-menu items available; previously known as AboutYu before relocating within Happy Garden
  • Mascot and fish in-house (noted by families)

What reviews say by service

Dessert & Bakery Cafes
Sourdough praised for texture; cakes and pastries reliable, though one recent cake and pasta order were rated mediocre.
Brunch & All-Day Cafes
Mains (chicken chop, burger, pork belly, Nasi Lemak Sotong) consistently complimented; homemade sausage in breakfast noted.
Specialty Coffee
Lattes and coffee described as solid and not bad; paired well with pastries in most accounts.
Tea Houses & Matcha
Extensive tea selection listed; no specific reviews of tea drinks in the sample, so detail is limited.
Study & Work-Friendly Cafes
Described as conducive, quiet, and calming for small gathering; no explicit mentions of wifi or work amenities.
Pet-Friendly Cafes
Formerly pet-friendly and valued by dog-owning regulars; policy recently changed, angering previous supporters.

How it compares

  • Rated 4.5 against a 4.39 average across the 425 dessert & bakery cafes businesses listed here.
  • Has more Google reviews than 45% of the businesses in this directory.

How we scored this

Scoring Method
Star rating 66
Review volume 100
Review recency 100
Review sentiment 55
Profile completeness 100
Verification 30

Rating breakdown

5
152
4
29
3
10
2
2
1
9

FAQ

Is The Willow still pet-friendly?
No. Recent reviews confirm the business has shifted away from its pet-friendly policy, disappointing some longtime visitors.
What is The Willow known for?
The sourdough, pork belly, chicken chop, and specialty tea. The crust on the sourdough is soft and not hard, making it easier to bite.
Can I order off-menu items?
Yes. Past visitors mention off-menu dishes prepared with the owner's input.
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Last updated 2026-09-29