Thirdwave is set to spark a sea change for caffeine lovers in Bangsar South, helping to turn the tide against mediocre coffee as part of 2014’s first wave of fresh faces in Kuala Lumpur’s cafe scene.

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The outlet, owned by three brothers & their sister, boasts a nice brew bar. Thirdwave has multiple explanations for its name; it’s an unmistakable reference to the international movement to produce top-flight coffee, but it’s also a sly nod to the heritage of the friendly Beh siblings _ they’re from Pangkor Island & they’re third-generation Malaysians.

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Like many of today’s coffee bars, Thirdwave’s super-serious about what it serves, ensuring its Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, Kenyan AA & Tanzanian single-origin beans receive nothing short of tender, loving treatment from a Chemex coffee-maker, Coffega cold-drip system & Kalita 102 ceramic dripper.

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Coffee

We blacked out for our coffee choices this time. Nice, nutty nuances.

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Cold brew coffee? Check; that’s available here too.

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Something strange: Kopi Kola, delicately fizzy, doubly caffeinated (maybe). For fans of Coca-Cola.

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Affogato

Not an affogato admirer? Thirdwave might make you see the error of your ways.

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Tea

Fans of tea won’t be left out here, not with Dilmah varieties like single-estate Oolong & rose with French vanilla.

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Desserts

For now, Thirdwave offers distinctive desserts from indie bakers: Love how Cake Jalan Tiung makes a Root Beer Float cupcake that tastes remarkably like a carbonated beverage dessert …

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… plus a passion fruit & mango cupcake that’s pleasantly tangy.

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Multiply.f also supplies cakes here: The jackfruit cheesecake tastes perfect for what it is, rich in flavour & texture.

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Thirdwave’s own banana cream pie, pulpy & full of fruity sweetness.

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Final Thoughts

Thirdwave operates on the first floor of the obscure-for-now Nexus complex, which isn’t luring many visitors so far (indoor parking’s still free). Expect to hear much more about Nexus in the year ahead, but since it’s still crowd-free for now, Thirdwave’s owners have time to stroll around & hand out cute samples of their coffee in test tubes.

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All in all, Thirdwave is first-rate by nearly every measure. Except its choice of Lana Del Rey for its speakers.

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Savoury food will be available soon after Chinese New Year.

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Location and Operating Hours

Thirdwave

1-11, Level 1, Nexus, Bangsar South, Kuala Lumpur. Kinda opposite The Sphere.

Currently 10am-10pm daily (will be closed for Chinese New Year)

View Thirdwave’s directory page here.

What are your thoughts about Thirdwave? Post a thought in the comments below.