Board game cafes have been springing up all over Malaysian cities from about a decade or so ago. This has been due to the resurgence of interests in board games, and the rapid development of new and modern board games.
A board game cafe is basically a place where you can spend time with your friends and family playing your favourite board games. They charge by the hour, and most serve refreshments for visitors. Cafe staff are on hand to provide guidance for games that you aren’t too familiar with.
Here are some of the best board game cafes in the country.
Meeples European Board Game Café
Meeples started out in SS15 Subang Jaya in 2010 and has been welcoming hordes of board game enthusiasts ever since.
They focus mainly on providing European made games like Catan, Carcassonne, and Ticket to Ride. It’s a wonderful place to enjoy team games where all the players in the game have to work together to achieve the same goal, such as Pandemic and Zombicide.
They serve tea, coffee, milkshakes and light snacks like chips which you can order while you play. They have one of the largest collection of games, which currently number more than 2500.
Address:
Contact no: 03-5633 8033
Website: meeples.com.my
Facebook page: meeplescafe
Instagram page: meeples.my
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 5:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. (Closed on Mondays)
Gaming rates: For the first two hours, RM19 (Non-member), RM16 (Member), RM4 for every subsequent hour.
UpperRoom BoardGames
UpperRoom is a board game cafe that offers a spacious and comfortable gaming atmosphere in the heart of Taman Connaught, Cheras.
They have several hundred games available, including easy party games like Exploding Kittens and Sushi Go! which are suitable for younger players. Visitors here can also order Ramen from their Ramen Corner, as well as some Western dishes in addition to drinks.
Address: 18-1, Jalan Menara Gading 1, Taman Connaught, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Contact no: 016-967 6150
Website: upperroommy.wixsite.com
Facebook page: UpperRoom Boardgames
Opening hours: Thursdays to Tuesdays, 12:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. (Closed on Wednesdays)
Gaming rates: For the first two hours, RM12, additional RM4 for the whole day
Vivae Board Game Cafe
Vivae isn’t your run of the mill board games cafe. In addition to fun and casual board games, they also cater to card game enthusiasts, like those who play Magic the Gathering, Warhammer and Flesh and Blood.
They often have selected days set aside for specific trading card games. For example, Mondays are for Magic the Gathering Commanders and Flesh and Blood Commoners to gather and trade. If you’re a casual gamer, you can still show up and play whatever board game you choose unhindered.
Address:18/A, Jalan SS21/62, Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Contact no: Website: vivae.my
Facebook page: Vivae Board Game Cafe
Opening hours: Mondays to Sundays, 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Gaming rates: RM10 for one hour, RM15 for two hours, RM20 for whole day
Boardgame Depot
Boardgame Depot is a relaxed and casual board game cafe in Bangsar that has been operating for more than 10 years. It is pretty popular due to its rates which are considered more affordable than many other cafes in the city.
They have a large selection of games, and add to it regularly. They also have long haul board games like Twilight Imperium which can take several days to complete.
Address: 16, Lorong Ara Kiri 3, Lucky Garden, 59100 Bangsar, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Contact no: 012-221 2382
Facebook page: Boardgame Depot
Opening hours: Thursdays to Sundays, 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays to Wednesdays)
Gaming rates: RM4 per hour
Kohii Boardgame Cafe
Thus far the board games in this list are all located in the Klang Valley. However, this one is in Penang. This spacious and new board game cafe serves coffee, tea, soft drinks and snacks as you enjoy your games in a leisurely manner.
If you’re a beginner to board games, they have a wide selection of light, family-oriented games like Zombie Kittens, Centrix and Throw Throw Burrito.
Address: No 78-1, Lintang Sungai Pinang, 10150 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Contact no: 017-893 4820
Website: kohii.my
Facebook page: Kohii Boardgame Cafe
Instagram page: kohii.my
Opening hours: Fridays 3:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 1:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. (Closed on Mondays to Thursdays)
Gaming rates: For the first two hours, RM 15.90 (Non-member), RM9.90 (Member), RM 6 extra for the full day.
Board Games Are for Everyone
Board games are a great way to socialise and bond with others. Once in a while, it helps to explore more games beyond the Monopoly and Uno sets that we know. These places are a great way to begin your journey into the wonderful and engrossing world of board games. Have fun with your loved ones, mums!
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