Petra Pudu Rooftop Café: A Desert Oasis in the Heart of Kuala Lumpur
KUALA LUMPUR: Often called the “Lost City” or the “Rose City” because of the striking hues of its sandstone cliffs, the ancient metropolis of Petra is renowned for its intricate architecture and dazzling panoramic views.
Visiting this breathtaking Unesco Heritage Site in Jordan does require a 10-hour flight from Malaysia. If you’re not in the mood for travel, however, you can try the next best thing: stopping by the Petra Pudu Roof Top Café for a drink or a meal!
Yes, high above the bustling cityscape, nestled amongst a seemingly ordinary-looking row of food courts and shophouses, is a rustic eatery with décor inspired by the charms of the legendary Middle Eastern city.
A Desert Oasis in the Heart of Kuala Lumpur
True to Petra’s desert atmosphere, much of the café’s interior features earthy red and brownish hues: shady miniature palm trees and intricately embroidered mats and blankets enhance the venue’s rugged vibes.
Meet the Owner
Café owner YY Tan is definitely used to creating dining experiences that stand out: he’s also the man behind the NI6 Bus Café in Sekinchan, and the Boat Café in Kuala Selangor. A former art director, he used to create worlds on screen for local telemovies, before trading the world of entertainment for F&B instead.
A Passion Project
“I found this spot some time ago, and wanted to do something with it. I liked it because it was really near my old school. I thought of creating a chill place, where people could just come and have a drink, and hang out,” Tan told FMT Lifestyle.
Inspiration from Indiana Jones and Studio Ghibli
As it turns out, the man has never actually been to Petra: instead, he was inspired to create this place after watching “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.” The film, which featured scenes shot in the iconic Al-Khazneh rock-cut tomb, fired up his imagination, and Tan began to model his new café in its image. The rooftop arches and sandstone stairways alone took about three months to create! An avid cinephile, Tan also decided to throw in design touches from another movie inspiration: the films of Studio Ghibli. Gentle lighting, cosy seating nooks and quirky decorations therefore give the place a warm and intimate feel.
Food and Ambience
Food-wise, the café serves up a nice selection of classic café fare, with waffles, sandwiches and salads provided from Footprint Café, run by Tan’s sister and aunt. The Salted Egg Yolk Oreo waffle, a whimsical tango of sweet and savoury, is a good pick for those with adventurous tastes. Or try the Vanilla Berries waffle, which combines vanilla gelato, strawberries and blueberries with the café’s zesty homemade jam. If you’re looking for something more filling, Petra Pudu also has a varied sandwich selection, with choices of chicken, beef and lamb all available.
A Perfect Spot for Railway Enthusiasts
The café faces a busy section of the city, complete with LRT tracks: if you’re a railway enthusiast (like Tan is), this is an excellent place to sit back with a drink, relax and just watch the trains go by. It’s an oddly therapeutic experience.
Conclusion
So, next time you’re looking to dine in a different style, let the spirit of Petra guide you to this charming little rooftop oasis. Do make sure to greet the café’s two cats, Putra and Petai, who are friendly and enjoy wandering around!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the business hours of Petra Pudu Rooftop Café?
A: 12pm-9pm (Closed Tuesday and Wednesday)
Q: Where is Petra Pudu Rooftop Café located?
A: 392, Jln Pudu, Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Q: How do I get to Petra Pudu Rooftop Café?
A: By public transportation or taxi, or by walking from nearby train stations
Q: Can I reserve a table?
A: Yes, please contact the café directly to reserve a table
Q: Is the café pet-friendly?
A: Yes, the café allows well-behaved pets, but please keep them on a leash and under your control.
Q: Can I use credit cards?
A: Yes, the café accepts major credit cards.
Q: Is there Wi-Fi available?
A: Yes, the café offers free Wi-Fi.