Is Kuala Lumpur 7-11 any good? The answer is yes, yes and yes a thousand times, BUT this only seems to be the case if it is a 7 Cafe, at least from what I can tell.
Now regular readers might know that I am fairly obsessed with 7-11 in general, but that I also declared 7-11 Malaysia to be bad, really bad. This occurred during my recent visit to Kota Kinabalu where quite honestly the 7-11 was god damned awful. They were though not 7 Cafes….
7-11 in Malaysia
7-Eleven in Malaysia has been a staple of convenience retail since its arrival in 1984. Expanding rapidly, the chain now boasts over 2,400 outlets nationwide, offering everything from quick snacks to essential groceries. Unlike its counterparts in Thailand or Japan, Malaysian 7-Eleven stores focus more on grab-and-go items rather than in-store dining.
And this perhaps is why I found it so shit when I visited in Kota Kinabalu as it resembled more a candy store with the odd Rahman noodle. Now though they have the 7-Cafe.
Kuala Lumpur 7-11 and the 7-Cafe
7 Café, the elevated concept from 7-Eleven Malaysia, has been making waves in Kuala Lumpur with its upgraded convenience store experience. Unlike traditional 7-Eleven outlets, these stores offer a café-style setting with seating areas, stylish interiors, and a broader menu catering to the city’s fast-paced lifestyle.
The food selection goes beyond the usual grab-and-go snacks, featuring fresh pastries, sandwiches, and even rice and noodle dishes. Local flavors shine through with options like nasi lemak on-the-go, chicken rendang wraps, and kaya-filled croissants. Coffee lovers will appreciate the barista-brewed beverages, a step up from the typical vending machine fare. While the soft drinks include Chuppa something I truly adore.
And it seems that this has been done to emulate places like Thailand, and even good old Shenzhen in that they serve great food. And it has been tailored to the local market with you grabbing little cards to give at the counter for the street food inspired Malaysian snacks that they offer.
On this trip at least this has meant me falling in love with cheese filled sausages, BUT it does not stop there, as they also have sandwiches. And while most of them ape the kind you get from Hong Kong to Bangkok they even offer some unique French toast type variants. This was a huge savior while I was staying at the Colony Skyline Suites.
And the adult section?
Kuala Lumpur 7-11 also has quite a big range of beer on sale, although I must confess I did not actually partake in. Alas there was no soju option, but hey this still makes them more grown up than Thailand – particularly after midnight.
They also not only have cigarettes, but are also really into their vapes. I am trying to give up smoking, so the fully range of flavors of Relx really did quite give me my jollies. Now perhaps I am overestimating how good Kuala Lumpur 7-11 is simply because I have found it so shit elsewhere, but I don’t care as it was truly a lifesaver and eye opener.