25/04/2026

LYFE SATURDAY | APR 25, 2026

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Quirky pet cafes o From alpacas to hornbills, these local eateries turn coffee runs into unexpected animal encounters Furrito Haus. – PIC FROM FACEBOOK @FURRITO_HAUS

The Hidden Farm Mount Austin. – PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @MENGRAN_7

Ű BY SHIVANI SUPRAMANI

The Hidden Farm Mount Austin: Farm-style experience with simple cafe bites Set in a warehouse-style space, this cafe in Johor Bahru leans more towards a curated farm environment. Alpacas, goats, meerkats and raccoons roam in designated areas, while a reptile room adds a contrasting edge to the experience. The space also feels more spacious and less crowded, which allows for a slower, more relaxed visit. It is designed for wandering rather than staying seated throughout. The food on the other hand is intentionally kept simple – light meals, snacks and drinks that complement the visit without distracting from it. Think quick bites and refreshments rather than heavy mains. This approach keeps the focus on the animals, making it ideal for those who prioritise the experience over the dining. It works best as a daytime stop, especially for families or groups looking for something casual and interactive. Hunt & Hound Dachshunds & Reptiles Cafe: Dachshunds, reptiles and hearty cafe plates This George Town cafe stands out for pairing dachshunds with reptiles and other exotic animals, creating a mix that feels both playful and unexpected. The space is more structured compared to other pet cafes, making it suitable for a longer sit-down session. The animals are part of the experience, but the cafe aspect is equally strong. As for the menu, it features hearty Western-style cafe dishes such as pasta, burgers and rice plates, alongside desserts and a full range of drinks. It is one of the few pet

P ET cafes in Malaysia are no longer just about cats and dogs. Across the country, a new wave of cafes blends coffee culture with unexpected animal encounters – think alpacas, reptiles and even hornbills. Here are some of the most unique (and slightly weird) pet cafes to check out – plus what you can actually eat while you are there. Furrito Haus & Pet Mart: Alpacas, snakes and cafe comfort food This Seri Kembangan spot feels like a mini zoo with a cafe attached, where alpacas casually share space with prairie dogs, pigs and reptiles. The variety of animals makes it one of the more interactive pet cafe experiences in the Klang Valley. The layout is open and functional, allowing visitors to move between enclosures while still having a place to sit and dine – making it less about lingering over coffee and more about balancing food with exploration. Food-wise, it leans into casual cafe fare with rice bowls, pasta, finger food and drinks that are easy to consume between interactions. Portions are straightforward and practical rather than elaborate. The menu works well for groups who want something filling without committing to a full sit-down dining experience. It is also suitable for families, given the variety of both food and animals. Overall, the appeal lies in its mix of accessibility and novelty, making it an easy weekend stop for something different.

Hornbill Restaurant & Cafe. – PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @LOURVETREATS

The Noah: A cafe with a cause and light bites This Kota Kinabalu-based cafe doubles as a small animal sanctuary, focusing on rescued animals and education. Prairie dogs, meerkats and raccoons are among the main attractions. The experience is structured through timed sessions, ensuring that both visitors and animals have a controlled and comfortable environment. Food offerings are kept minimal – coffee, light snacks and simple cafe bites – as the emphasis is on interaction and awareness rather than dining. You could say that the space encourages slower, more intentional visits, where guests can spend time learning about the animals and their care – making it more than just a novelty stop. More than just a cafe These cafes go beyond novelty. Some lean into full dining experiences, while others keep the food simple and let the animals take centre stage. Either way, they offer something different – a reminder that in Malaysia, even a casual coffee run can turn into something a little unexpected.

cafes where the food can easily stand on its own, making it a viable lunch or dinner spot. The balance between substantial meals and animal interaction makes it appealing to those who want both a dining and experiential outing in one place. Hornbill Restaurant & Cafe: Dining with birds in a park setting Located within KL Bird Park, this cafe offers a different kind of animal interaction, where hornbills and other birds roam freely around diners. The setting is more open and nature focused, making it feel closer to a park dining experience than a typical cafe. Unlike most pet cafes, the focus here leans more towards dining, with a menu that includes local Malaysian dishes, Western mains and light cafe options. It is suitable for a full meal, whether as part of a visit to the park or as a standalone dining experience. The presence of large birds moving around the space adds a unique, slightly surreal element that sets it apart from other cafes on this list. Who knows? You just might have a hornbill for a dining partner.

Hunt & Hound. – PIC FROM FACEBOOK @HUNT & HOUND

The Noah – PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @THENOAH_KK