When the weekend rolls around, most of us usually head out on the weekends for a quick spot of brunch. But brunch in itself isn’t what it used to be anymore, is it? In the past, the main factor that most people would take into account is the food. And the price, perhaps.
Not today. Ask most people, especially millennials, and you’ll realise that the aesthetic element of a restaurant/cafe plays a huge role in where you choose to have that weekly brunch.
Scroll through your feeds on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, and the pages are filled with pictures of food. Food, and people posing with food. But as any would be photographer would tell you, the setting that you’re capturing matters a ton.
To help you get the best pictures to prove to everyone how much you’re enjoying your weekend brunch, read on. Or if you’d just like to know where to know the next time you’re hungry.
FYI: Some of the cafes listed below are in pretty busy areas, so use the promo code, “GrabPayVP” to get RM5 off for a single ride, if you’re traveling to OR from these listed cafes. You will also get a rebate of RM5 with a minimum purchase of RM10 using GrabPay.
1. Yin’s Sourdough Bakery & Cafe
A popular spot to have brunch for PJ-ians, Yin’s Sourdough Bakery & Cafe is known for their all-day breakfast (this writer, a pretty big-eater, found it to be great value for money), and is located in Damansara Uptown.
We went over for our first stop here, and what we noticed was the quaint cafe’s potential for great photos, and general design.
They also make their own inhouse sourdough bread (as per their name, of course), which is another crowd-puller here.
For the sweetest of sweet Instagrammable shots, head over to the back of the cafe (which is also linked to a small healthy-foods supermarket next door) and have a shot with the neon-light signage on the wall.
If you’re looking for a place to have a chat or to work in peace, Yin’s places a few of their tables around the cafe where you can have a degree of privacy, while the natural light flowing through the glass doors give the place a warm and bright feel.
2. Souka Bakeshop
Next up, the Souka Bakeshop in SS15, Subang Jaya.The bakery/cafe serves fresh bakes daily, along with an assortment of caffeinated beverages.
The bakery retains a wooden, rustic feel in its decor, with the perfect opportunity for some instagrammable shots around every corner.
Pro Tip: Depending on the smartphone/camera you’re using, a good pointer is to always ensure that you have plenty of natural light in your photos. In fact, if you’re using a not-so-good smartphone camera, these settings matter more than ever.
The interior of the cafe feels cosy, with warm lighting all around you. If you’re thinking of doing some light reading during your breakfast, try to avoid peak periods—grab a book, sit by the window and enjoy some of their splendid coffee.
3. Michs’ology
We visited this cafe in Damansara Uptown with high hopes after seeing some pictures online. And we weren’t disappointed. From the outset, the exterior of the cafe is clearly designed with some great photo opportunities in mind.
From matching pink barstools to the swing in the corner, the entire setup practically begs to be photographed.
On the inside, be prepared if you’re a fan of pink. The chairs are made out of pink, cushioned seats which have a heart-shaped back. The walls? Pink as well.
It even comes with a claw machine for you to toy around with. Or to photograph. And of course, the machine is pink in colour.
Even if pink isn’t exactly your colour, the entire place has clearly been designed with the design element a strong factor. Even the cutlery is seemingly gold-plated.
If you’d like, there’s a personal room at the back that is available if you book ahead, which comes with its very own neon light.
4. Orale
We took a spicier route for our next cafe, the Mexican-themed restaurant, Orale. Again, this photogenic spot is located in Damansara Uptown, and serves (you guessed it) Mexican food.
The place is more than tortillas and nachos, however. Mexican sombreros adorn the walls, which are brightly (and variously) coloured as well. All in line with its Mexican theme.
If you’re looking for an interesting background for your next food image for Instagram, look no further. Our personal favourite is this wall that is plastered with a tribute to Mexican culture!
Tired of the standard cafe-themed look? Look no further.
5. Extraction Cafe
Located in SS 2, the Extraction Cafe faces the main road, and is clearly the most visually appealing place on the street.
In the corner of the cafe after you enter, you’ll notice a corner filled with coffee presses and certificates—part of their dedication to preparing the best coffees around town. And obviously, a great chance to take some great shots!
The cafe assumes a minimalistic tone for their design theme, with the only adornments on the wall keeping in line with neutral colours.
If you happen to be there, remember to order a cuppa, and some sourdough bread!
6. The Good Batch
The Good Batch is a cafe that is located in Damansara Uptown, just down the road from Texas Fried Chicken.
The outdoor seating section of the popular breakfast place is probably one of the best spots to grab some great shots for the gram, with creeping greenery and potted plants making up for a great theme.
Complete with the wooden tables, the feeling is not too dissimilar to having a cup of coffee at the park. Bliss.
Once we entered, the first thing that caught our eyes were the huge variety of lights hanging from the ceiling. Coming in all shapes and sizes, they represent a great chance for some social media-worthy close up shots (see below for some examples!).
Unfortunately, we weren’t there at night, which is when the neon lights are turned on. Do come back at night if you want to capture the neon background.
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If you’re keen on heading over to any of these places this weekend, we hope that this has helped make your minds up for you! However, if you’re feeling a little battered from the week and you’d prefer to sit back and relax this weekend, there’s an alternative.
If you’re heading to any of these 6 cafes/bakeries, you can always opt to use Grab to catch a ride there. So if you are the kind to enjoy a great place to take gramworthy pictures but you’re a tad lazy to get behind the wheel, you can always just sit back and be driven there.
We don’t know about you, but we really enjoyed the pictures we got to take at these beautiful cafes. Enjoy!
- To get RM5 off your Grab ride to one of these cafes, use our promo code: GrabPayVP (one-time usage only)(applicable for these selected stores only).
- For any minimum purchase of RM10, you can also get a rebate of RM5.
This article is written in collaboration with Grab.