Niko Neko Matcha 1.5 / Bangsar — Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur

Decided to finally give this cafe a try after having matcha latte at Cardio Brew UM (they use matcha powder fron Niko Neko)

My friend and I arrived early and we were not sure where the cafe was located exactly. We actually confused it with the petshop downstairs haha! Decided to go upstairs and again, we confused it with the store opposite it. Its entrance door was painted white with little clue it'd lead to the cafe

First impression as we entered it - white monochrome, very clean layout, screaming minimalism and posh. It felt like we entered a different dimension in a pleasant way. Guests are only allowed to spend an hour max there and the cafe was furnished in such way that you unlikely would stay longer. Small table less than an arm length cemented onto a broken pillar - aesthetically pleasing and rustic looking. The whole cafe was a work of art

We approached the receptionist and was introduced to the menu. I tried to enquire more regarding their seasonal matcha however I was persistently redirected to the main three introductory options they had - supposedly for those who are less accustomed with matcha. True, some people just wanted to jump on the bandwagon, but people like me exist too - people who are truly curious, would pay for the experience, and do not possess monotonous palate. I'm not sure is it because I appeared less sophisticated in my surgery scrubs (I was on ward duty) but every guest should be treated equally, after all it's not free

Despite lack of explanation, I still decided to go with Okumidori K2 and it was worth trying blindly. The latte art was top notch, only one out of three cups we had being grossly asymmetrical. Nice tulips. Creaminess and microfoam showing almost perfect timing. And the matcha powder was diligently whisked and most probably sifted, could barely detect clumps. I'm new to matcha beverages and more of a coffee person but my Okumidori K2 if in coffee language, I'd say it's medium, closer to full body - very much to my liking. The matcha scent was fragrant too and somewhat cozily earthy

We decided to try their cookies, matcha burnt cheesecake, and matcha cream puffs. This is where I think the pastry kitchen has major issues to work on. Matcha powder behaves the same way as cocoa powder in the sense that it packs a punch of flavour, but absorbs moisture. While the cheesecake was very matcha-ish, it was too dry, it was difficult to swallow and felt mouthful. The whipped cream (or not sure clotted cream) was whipped too far; it was clumpy. Had it been mixed another few seconds longer, it would have completely split. The advertised melting filling in their cookies was almost absent. And I'm not sure how its fat became split and it was unpleasantly oily. Japanese pastry world is famous for their cream puffs usually featuring light airy filling. One would expect creme legere, but here it's so dense it's almost like creme patissiere, overpowering everything. Desserts should have restrain and layers of texture and these are the things which can be improved here

Nonetheless, Niko Neko started with their main focus on matcha based artisanal beverages/drinks, so I guess it's okay that their pastry wouldn't be something I'd try again because the matcha beverages are so good. For that on its own, I'd gladly return for...

Google Review for Niko Neko Matcha - Bangsar

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Looking for a unique matcha experience? 🌿✨ Niko Neko Matcha in Bangsar delivers more than just drinks—it’s a vibe, a surprise, and an architectural masterpiece. Here’s why this hidden gem is a must-visit:

The Drinks and Dessert

Ren / Matcha (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐): By far the best matcha I’ve tried! 🌟 The balance is impeccable, with less bitterness and a hint of sweetness that makes it incredibly smooth. If you’re new to matcha or prefer a softer flavor profile, this is the drink for you. Sakimidori KL Matcha (⭐⭐⭐⭐): For those who love matcha in its purest form, this is a great pick. Bold, earthy, and sugar-free, it’s perfect for anyone avoiding sweet flavors. Yuri / Matcha Mango Roulade (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐): A tropical delight! The creamy matcha paired with mango creates a refreshing and unique experience

The Ambiance 🏡 • Hidden Entrance Experience 🚪: The café’s entrance is cleverly concealed, adding an element of adventure as you search for it. Once you step through the small door, you’re greeted by a bright, minimalist interior that’s both calming and inviting. • Raw, Industrial Design 🏗️: The space features clean lines, unfinished cement finishes, and a unique layout that feels like an art installation.

Artistic Details 🎨 • Centerpiece Installation: A stunning work of art made from torn paper sheets, hanging elegantly from the ceiling. What might seem simple transforms into a thought-provoking masterpiece. • Tables and Seating: The tables are minimalist and attached to unfinished cement pillars, designed for single users or two people max (if you’re okay with sitting shoulder-to-shoulder). A clever use of space, but not ideal for large groups. • Gallery-like Product Display: The product area feels more like an art gallery, reflecting the café’s passion for design and detail.

Tips for Visitors 💡 • Come Early: Mornings and weekends can get crowded, so visiting on weekdays or earlier in the day is ideal for a more peaceful experience. • Perfect for Solo or Small Groups: This is not the place for a big hangout session but ideal for enjoying a quiet moment or a casual chat with a friend.

Verdict: Niko Neko isn’t just a café—it’s an experience that blends matcha, art, and architecture seamlessly. From the hidden entrance to the matcha drinks and minimalist design, everything here feels carefully curated to surprise and delight. Definitely a spot for matcha lovers and those looking to explore...

Slightly different concept compared to Chinatown outlet, but the design it's still aesthetically pleasing. Serves variety of matcha drinks and mocktails, as well as pastries. You would expect higher pricing that usual because it's specialty matcha.

FYI, "matcha" is Japanese green tea, hence they have 4 matcha selections, and then there are other variants of Japanese tea as well, which is NOT GREEN, hence they call it 'Other Japanese Tea" with 5 different selections. In other words, you're still able to select said 'other Japanese tea' with milk options(3 types of latte).

I will leave the explanation to the staffs there as they will give a more comprehensive and detailed explanation. Each of them will have its taste profiles so it's long winded to explain here. If you love to drink tea(basically hot/warm/cold water with tea) I would suggest drinking: Ren Matcha, ice/hot tea Kiku Matcha, ice/hot tea Ajisai Matcha, ice/hot tea But do take note they will let you know that for only these 3 tea options, they won't be putting sugar syrup as they want you to taste the full profile of the matcha. A very important note if you do read this is that hot tea is a must to drink while it's still warm (YES, WARM, because they don't use boiling hot water for matcha as it will damage the taste profile and the texture of the matcha) or you will start to experience some 'clumps' at the bottom because matcha in reality doesn't dissolve, it grounded tea leaves, not dry freeze liquid.

If you like to drink with milk, they offer 3 types: fresh milk, soy milk and oat milk. And for the most 'creamy' you can go either: Matcha series: Ren Matcha Kiku Matcha

Other Japanese tea: Rikka Wakoucha Akane Houjicha

If you like something that you can taste the most obvious difference in all matcha: Ren Matcha Ajisai Matcha Yuri Matcha Rikka Wakoucha Akane Houjicha Suisen Genmai

You can choose of you'd like to add sugar syrup or not, but it's already standardised as "low sweet" for each and every type of tea even if the receipt says "sugar"(yes different matcha have been calibrated with different volume of sugar). Hence if you're VERY SENSITIVE to sugar but still scared it's gonna be bitter, just let them know you'd like 1 pump of sugar.

Hope this helps if you have no clue...