Nelson Tan Cafe — Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur

From the street, it looks like a karaoke bar. Inside, it’s a Japanese–Western fusion café that has been feeding Kepong for nearly two decades.

The crowd is local, the décor is old-school, and the menu is a wild ride: ramen, steaks, chicken chops that could double as boat paddles, salmon rice, fish and chips. There’s also Macau Chicken Chop next to Tokyo Banana Pizza, Mexican Pork Loin Ribs alongside puff pastry-topped mushroom soup. It doesn’t make sense, but it doesn’t have to.

Ingredients aren’t high-end. Think budget grocer, not artisanal import, but the kitchen squeezes every ounce of flavour out of them. Pork ribs fall off the bone, lamb chops are cooked spot-on, mushroom soup has a following, and even the pan-grilled fish has converted seafood sceptics.

Prices are low enough to make students and office workers regulars, with lunch sets that seem almost suspiciously affordable. Portions are generous, bordering on a buffet, especially the lunch set. Between 12 and 3 p.m., it feels like cheating the economy.

Service is attentive without hovering. The boss, Mr Tan, works the room like he’s running for office, making suggestions, offering cooking tips, and occasionally handing out free mango or honey pudding. Staff carry the same warmth. It isn’t scripted hospitality; it’s the kind where someone notices you’re cold under the aircon and moves you to a better table without a fuss.

Parking is a headache, the tables are close enough to play accidental footsie with strangers, and the lighting makes you wonder if they’re trying to save on the electric bill. But still, the maths is simple: good portions, good prices, and consistently good food.

Nelson Tan Café isn’t the kind of place that wins design awards. It’s the kind of place you keep coming back to until one day you realise you’ve been eating there for...

Aight so I had just tried out the cafe and I would say its a 9.9/10. The 0.1 is for the atmosphere :) and parking issues.

So let's go with the 1st opinion, FOOD. So when it comes to food, I can't rly judge much as I ate my dinner on a weekday so they have more free hours to prepare all the mouth watering dish. All the foods are served quite fast except for the pizza you might have to wait for a bit coz it's made on the spot ye, but for others I would say it's rly rly fast. Around 5-10 minutes and the food will come to ur table, freshly made and steaming hot♨️ .

Secondly, the SERVICE. Service is perfect, one of the staff(I believe he is the Head or manager here) was rly friendly and polite. He will patiently explain every item on the menu as well as the details also letting you know what is the best recommendation :). I would give this a solid 10/10 for their service, they gave me an absolutely fabulous experience dining here.

Last but not least, the atmosphere. The atmosphere is quite calming, there are music playing, dim yellow lights and soft pillow chairs. Therefore it's not too bad i will say....

5 star consist of the following criteria: Food & Beverages: I tried one of their pork loin and it was awesomely delicious! The pork served is tender and perfect heat to eat. Besides, the portion is very generous. Price are fairly reasonable. They have western and Japanese cuisine.

Atmosphere: The surrounding is very cozy with English background music. It is air-condition. Besides, there have lots of books for you to read while waiting for your food to come.

Services: Staff were friendly. They recommend drinks and food to you. And being very responsive. One of their staff was very alert to notice the lack of black pepper sauce on my dish and serve me right away. I appreciate that service very very much!

Conclusion, I strongly recommend this restaurant to anyone who are...