Ben & Col Cafe

21-G, Jalan SS 3/29, Taman Universiti, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
+60 16-438 3922
$$$ Cafe
(53 Reviews)
Price Range RM 1–20

Ben & Col Cafe sits quietly along Jalan SS 3/29 in Taman Universiti, a spot that feels like part of the neighborhood’s daily rhythm rather than a flashy hangout. It’s the sort of place where locals pop in for straightforward, home-style meals with a touch of Nyonya and Malaysian influence, paired with well-brewed coffee that smells as inviting as a morning ritual.

The atmosphere is unassuming and relaxed, making it a good pick for a casual lunch or a laid-back coffee break. Seating is mostly indoors, offering a calm refuge from the nearby hustle of SS3’s streets. It’s not a busy café with constant turnover; instead, guests tend to settle in to enjoy their food and drinks at an easy pace—ideal for those who value a bit of quiet and comfort in their day.

Food here feels rooted in homestyle cooking, with dishes like Thai Basil Pork Rice Pad Kra Pao topped with a fried egg, Penang-style Lobak, and juicy Hakka fried meat providing a glimpse into familiar regional flavors interpreted with care. The lobak, in particular, draws regulars back, often praised for its balance of seasoning and texture, even if some would appreciate a spicy sambal or “loh” sauce on the side to punch it up further. Pasta dishes like the Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto with Smoked Duck or Aglio Olio from the kitchen add an interesting twist to the otherwise local-centric menu, offering variety without straying too far into unfamiliar territory.

Ben, the owner, is known among patrons for his warm, hands-on approach—often taking time to recommend dishes based on what visitors enjoy, making the dining experience feel personalized rather than purely transactional. This attention to detail complements the quiet charm of the café and leaves an impression that it’s a place that values genuine connection over rushing service.

While generally steady in output, the service can occasionally lag during busier moments and sometimes overlooks small details like confirming headcounts, which suggests this spot remains a work in progress in terms of operational polish. Nonetheless, it doesn’t feel rushed or pressured, allowing those who come here to focus on the flavors and the laid-back setting.

For anyone living or working nearby, or exploring the SS3 area, Ben & Col Cafe serves as a spot where you can enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal paired with coffee brewed from good beans—the aroma alone inviting enough to pull you in. Lunch hours are especially favorable when the kitchen is fully geared up, and the crowd is a mix of regular locals appreciating familiar tastes and laid-back café vibes without the fuss.

Popular for
Lunch
Solo dining
What they serve
Coffee
Quick bite
Small plates
Best for
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Seating
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid street parking
Parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

10:30 AM - 02:30 PM

,

05:30 PM - 09:30 PM

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

10:30 AM - 02:30 PM

,

05:30 PM - 09:30 PM

Thursday

10:30 AM - 02:30 PM

,

05:30 PM - 09:30 PM

Friday

10:30 AM - 02:30 PM

,

05:30 PM - 09:30 PM

Saturday

10:30 AM - 09:30 PM

Sunday

10:30 AM - 09:30 PM

53 Reviews
Denne Goh

30 Dec 2025

Had an amazing experience at Ben & Col Cafe! The boss, Ben, was exceptionally friendly and took the time to recommend dishes based on our preferences, which made the meal feel very personalized. The lor bak was outstanding — probably one of the nicest I’ve ever tried, full of flavor and perfectly done. The pastas were just as impressive — both the Aglio Olio and the Bolognese pork pasta were spot on, well-balanced, and absolutely delicious. Great food, warm hospitality, and a cozy atmosphere — definitely a place I’ll be coming back to. Highly recommended!

Andrew Cheng Wei Yeoh

16 Dec 2025

Unassuming cafe nestled in the SS3 area. Lobak and prawn toast are exceptional. Unfortunately the lobak does not come with the “loh” and chilli sauce which would greatly enhance the flavours! Really like the braised mince meat rice

Vincent Tan

05 Dec 2025

Quiet place serving home style Nyonya cooking. Food is pretty good. Lu rou fan is very satisfying.

charleen siew lin

16 Nov 2025

Food - tasty and well seasoned. But nothing to shout about. Wish the chilli/sambal is spicier. Taste nothing, like tomato. Service- slow and make mistake. Left out one person. Didn't even re-confirm our order and didn't even take note (not alert enough to run a F&B), when everyone has already eating except one person. Usually some sharp F&B or has common sense will see/ask/count head = how many main meals ie 5 head = 5 main meals. Basic operation skills for F&B run. Will return - no. Can find other place to eat. Oh yes, their menu no photos keep have to ask what is this that is this a main meal or small meals etc etc.. aiyoo please do up proper professional menu if from day 1 you plan to start a business. Please include this in your S&M cost. It does not cost much since you already have a photographer doing other type of S&M work. Print and paper concept like a school/office (even bazaar stalls have professional and proper signage for menu). It is very frustrating to keep asking more details on the menu.

Su Mi

10 Nov 2025

Had lunch today and I must add that it has a Penang authentic taste especially the Nyonya keranu timun. The Anglio Olio with mushroom did not also disappoint us, it was done with finesse. While the Sun fried tomatoes pesto with mushroom has a very flavorful taste. Coffee was brewed with the aroma from good coffee beans and is as good as other famous coffee brand. My friends also enjoyed other non vegetarian dish and they vow to come back more often. The host owner Colina was super friendly and very accommodating. For Penang friend's if you missed Penang food remember to visit this cafe.

Jason Liew

03 Nov 2025

An old friend opened this place about a month ago so came here to try it out. Home cooking style food. Started with the lobak which is a MUST order. I saw people order few sets of these and just eat with rice and nothing else. The basil pork rice I had was tasty, not very salty and not too spicy. Just right. Fried egg on top completes it. Friends had good comments for the pasta and also the taiwan braised pork rice. Reasonably priced and good quiet environment. Will come back again for sure.

BigBigPanda06

28 Sep 2025

Great lunch experience. Floor staff was mindful and attentive yet giving sufficient space to view the menu. I had the Hakka Fried Pork rice with egg add-on (egg comes with some herb sprinkles which adds a nice refreshing tone to the overall taste). Pork slices were generous, nice thickness and I liked that they used a leaner cut with a good amount of fat. I still had several slices of meat after finishing the rice despite having generous amount of each slices (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ in my book :D). Biggest surprise is the soup that accompanied the rice dish, it was a simple egg drop soup with. The thicken egg whites were in nice amounts and boiled just enough, soup base was ok but overall soup was definitely a different experience one can appreciate. The environment was cozy and coffee was pretty good too. A place I'd revisit soon

Joash Ee De Silva

13 Sep 2025

The food was most delicious and tastes very homemade . Uncle and Aunty were also very kind and friendly. Ordered the Hakka Fried Pork Rice, Thai Basil Pesto Pasta, and Penang Lobak. All was great and on point! Wished I had visited sooner and will definitely come back more often. Portion size for the price was also very generous. Great place!

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