VCR Bangsar — Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur

First and foremost, i saw an article regarding 50 of the best cafe's in the world and VCR was on the list. As usual i began cafe hopping and one day i decided to give VCR a try because, why not?

To my suprise, we waited for quite a while in front of the entrance because the atmosphere was busy and there was no one waiting to scan our temperature. I dont want my first impression to cloud my judgement so i waited.

After a few minutes went by, we finally got to our table and keep in mind that you have to place your order at the counter. So i had to queue and upon ordering, this cashier/waiter that goes by the name of "Stanford" apologized for keeping us waiting. It blew me off ,guard and i told him it's okay but then what happened next was what made me understand why VCR is one of the best cafe's in the world or perhaps, in Malaysia.

Stanford told me that he would like to give us two slices of free cakes as a compliment. That meant something to me. It's not often that people would genuinely care about you but i have to say, the service that he provided made me feel important or perhaps, feel appreciated. It made me happy, to see a Malaysian taking care of one another.

We talked about coffee and to my suprise, the overall staff seems well equipped with the general understanding of brewing methods as well as beans and the overall composition of notes. I personally ordered a V60 in which i wanted him to suggest me anything that is either fruity or citrusy so he picked.

When my beverage arrived and i took the first sip, i was amazed at how delicious and clear the beans are. It has this distinctive taste of mango and probably some undertone of other fruits. I'm not sure what it is but the selection was on point.

It's exactly what i needed and it's been a long time since i had a good cup of V60, particularly at a cafe. Usually, i just brew one at home but it's nice to relax at a cafe once in a while. As for the cakes, the Black Velvet was delicious as well as the Banana cake.

Overall, this cafe is just something else. It took me a while to muster my thoughts for this particular cafe but the overall service that the team provided made me feel cozy in a way. I enjoyed my trip and i will surely remember it. Keep up the great work.

Till...

VCR Bangsar has firmly established itself as one of the neighborhood’s most vibrant cafés, blending an airy, modern space with a laid-back charm that makes it just as welcoming for brunch as for long conversations over coffee. The interior strikes a balance between chic minimalism and cozy warmth, with plenty of natural light streaming in to keep the atmosphere bright and inviting. It’s the sort of place that feels equally suited for casual weekend crowds and weekday professionals seeking a thoughtful meal in a stylish setting.

What really elevates the experience, however, is the team behind the counter and in the kitchen. There’s a noticeable attentiveness in the service — warm without being intrusive — and the energy of the staff creates a sense of genuine hospitality. Stuart, the chef, deserves special mention for the creativity and consistency he brings to the menu. It’s clear that he and the entire crew pour heart and craft into the food, and frankly, they all deserve a raise for the way they keep standards high while maintaining such an approachable, friendly vibe.

And then, of course, there’s the dish that has become something of a signature: the fried chicken with waffles. Crispy, juicy chicken paired with fluffy waffles creates a perfect harmony of textures and flavors — indulgent yet balanced, comforting yet refined. It’s the kind of plate that stays with you long after the meal, both for its bold flavors and for the sense of care that goes into preparing it. At VCR Bangsar, this dish doesn’t just anchor the menu — it embodies the spirit of a café that’s more than the sum of its parts: a great space, an outstanding team, and food that...

Staffs are friendly and attentive (serve drinks and waters quickly -4 STARS) however the rating/review is for the food/service...

My personal honest review

1. menu doesn't have a lot of variety - not really family friendly; really more for hipster and hanging out with friends (with VERY GOOD COFFEE - gingerbread latte)
2. *TOP feedback: they should serve food by per table. There were 8 of us..and my mom who ordered the Pennsylvania Soul's food came last and others had already finished the food. Very disappointing. They should be smarter in serving the food. They served food individually so people had to look at that one person to eat 🤣 LOL
3. they had a lot of Grab orders - really should prioritize people who are dining in.
4. waiting time - we got our tables pretty standard wait however food was almost an HOUR late.

Food: Surf n Turf looks most promising although so overpriced VCR breakfast was RM34??? But nothing on the plate seemed worth that price. Sausages. Beef bacon (3-4 pieces) scramble eggs was good with the sourdough bread. Some vegetables. Bolognese. Mushrooms and that's about it???🤣😅 Same goes for the Bangsar Brekkie Pennsylvania Soul dish was very presentable but wait time for an hour is RIDICULOUS. Soft shell crab bun was RM28 - delicious and soft but it was one crab and super overpriced I feel...even sushi Japanese places soft shell crab is more worth the money Shroom Waffle; quite unique but soooo expensive. Just go A&W la 🤣

Bottom line: OVERRATED but with friendly staff really expected more from all the good reviews but I won't go back to visit again 😅 maybe pastries are nice? But...