KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10 — Up on Bukit Persekutuan (more familiarly known as Federal Hill), nestled beside Galeri Sri Perdana, is one of KL’s quieter corners. It’s home to Warung Pagi Pagi, which opened in March this year but garnered attention in May when His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, visited. Like His Majesty, the family behind Warung Pagi Pagi also hails from Johor, which explains the presence of dishes like mee bandung and soto on the extensive menu.

Conceived as a simple, modest warung in the heart of the city, it’s easy to understand the appeal behind it. For many, finding a calm, inviting place to eat and relax often means a trip to the suburbs, away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Most options in the city either sit by a busy road or are surrounded by the incessant hum of a city perpetually under construction.

Here, Warung Pagi Pagi trades the busy road for a single, small lane and the drone of steel and concrete for the song of birds in the trees. The main building once housed a souvenir shop but now holds a few tables for diners. Most guests sit under canopy tents off to the side, where ample shade keeps the area cool and comfortable.

Breakfast is arguably when the best offerings are available, with the extensive menu organised by the time of day. Staples like nasi lemak ayam rempah (RM12) are served all day, while more Johor-centric specialities such as lempeng sambal bilis (RM6), soto ayam (RM10) and mee bandung tulang Muo (RM25) are only .