20-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
This coffee shop called ‘Ono' ranks among the world's best
While Ono is known for its coffee and matcha beverages, the food here is equally good. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)
PETALING JAYA : Tucked away in the heart of SS2, Ono Specialty Coffee & Matcha isn't just another café with clean lines and photogenic lattes – it's an experience that stirs all the senses.
From the moment you step through its large glass doors, you're greeted by the rich aroma of freshly ground coffee mingling with the earthy scent of ceremonial-grade matcha.
The space is alive with vibrant chatter. The interior is dressed in warm wood, soft concrete tones, and golden sunlight that spills in like a spotlight on every crafted drink. It's the kind of place where time slows down and every sip feels deliberate.
Behind this serene yet vibrant space, which opened in December 2021, are three visionaries: Shaun Liew, two-time Malaysia Brewers Cup Champion; Kent Wong, master roaster; and Syun Hattori, founder of Niko Neko Matcha. Their shared obsession with precision and quality is evident in every detail.
For its innovative blend of flavours, Ono ranked ninth on The World's 100 Best Coffee Shops. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)
And the world has noticed – Ono recently ranked ninth on The World's 100 Best Coffee Shops, and second in Southeast Asia, putting this quiet gem on the global coffee map.
'We didn't think we stood a chance! But when they announced we were ranked ninth, we couldn't believe it. We were very, very proud. And after we received the award, our business boomed,' Liew shared with FMT Lifestyle.
But fame hasn't made Ono flashy. The vibe here is calm. Baristas move with precision, matcha is whisked with intention, and the drinks? They don't just quench a craving – they tell a story.
Whether you're a seasoned coffee connoisseur or simply looking for a quiet corner to lose yourself in a cup, Ono offers something rare: a café that truly honours the craft.
The spicy crustacean pasta brings the heat, and delivers a fresh oceanic punch. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)
Take 'When Two Worlds Collide', for instance. A striking visual of matcha cream suspended over carbonated Ethiopian cold brew, this drink is a quiet rebellion against the ordinary latte.
You're told not to stir it. Instead, you tilt the glass and let the layers naturally blend – first the mellow wave of matcha cream, then the sharp spritz of the cold brew. You would think these two flavours make strange bedfellows, but they don't.
For something sunnier, 'Kaika' is your glass of summer. It's a dazzling blend of aerocano-brewed Ethiopian coffee, white peach, ume, passionfruit, mango, and lime – topped with soda water and crowned with rosemary and edible petals.
This beverage is tart, sweet, sparkling, and sophisticated all at once. The coffee lingers in the background, giving just enough body without overtaking the fruit-forward medley.
'Kajyu-En', on the other hand, is like 'drinking' a fruit salad in the best way possible.
Bold strawberry leads the charge, followed by lychee, rose syrup, lime, and a fizzy soda lift. The matcha gently blends with the fruity flavour profile. It's refreshingly light, and delightfully easy to sip – perfect for anyone seeking a non-caffeinated treat with character.
The baristas at Ono pay close attention to ensure your drinks are made with precision. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)
And the food? It holds its own with just as much finesse.
The chicken parmigiana sando is a savoury heavyweight – juicy karaage hugged by crisp shokupan, layered with garlic basil mayo, tangy coulis, and a hint of apple crunch. Paired with umami fries and seaweed mayo, it's comfort food with a clever twist.
For bolder cravings, the spicy crustacean pasta delivers a fiery kick. Packed with clams, chilli crab meat, and crunchy tobikko (fish roe), it's a briny, spicy delight that punches hard and lingers well. This is the kind of dish that satisfies with both flavour and flair.
To end on a sweet note, the signature matcha and coffee tiramisu is a dream in green and cream. Light, creamy, and generously dusted in matcha, it's subtly sweet, beautifully balanced, and almost too good to share
Ultimately, whether you're sipping, snacking, or savouring, Ono delivers a menu that surprises and delights – each item a thoughtful celebration of balance, creativity, and craft.
Ono Specialty Coffee & Matcha
47, Jalan SS 2/30
SS 2, 47300
Petaling Jaya
Selangor
Business hours: 10.30am-6pm
For location, click here.
Follow Ono Specialty Coffee & Matcha on Instagram.
