Hidden within the grounds of the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation, visiting this inviting spot feels like stepping into another era where culture and cuisine converge.
The café is housed in the same building as the institution’s library, which boasts unique architectural features, adding to its charm.
“Convivencia”, meaning “coexistence” in Spanish, encapsulates the spirit of the place. It’s a tribute to the peaceful harmony among Christians, Muslims and Jews in Spain – a theme reflected in its Spanish-Islamic-inspired architecture.
The experience begins the moment you step onto the terracotta floor leading to a grand wooden door. Push it open and you’re greeted by arched entryways reminiscent of a medieval castle.
A wooden spiral staircase leads you downstairs, where oval windows bathe the main dining area in natural light.
The ceiling, adorned with wooden grids and European-style chandeliers, exudes warmth, while the diner-style wooden seats offer a casual yet sophisticated touch. It’s easy to feel like you’ve been transported to a Spanish courtyard.
The dining area opens to a large balcony, an ideal spot for scenic photos or a quiet moment to soak in the sweeping view of KL, framed by the lush greenery of Bukit Tunku’s hillsides.
Thanks to its beautiful exterior, Convivencia is a popular destination for gatherings and events such as weddings. The eatery, which opened in 2023, specialises in traditional Iranian cuisine alongside Persian and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
The hummus, traditionally made of chickpeas, is a silky delight. Its creamy texture, balanced with the nutty earthiness of tahini (ground sesame) and a drizzle of olive oil, makes for an irresistible starter.
The mandi rice with chicken is a masterpiece of textures and flavours. Fluffy, fragrant rice with plenty of raisins and a comforting saffron aroma, perfectly spiced, complements the tender, smoky chicken.
Pile the meat, which falls right off the bone, onto a spoonful of rice and savour the rich juices. Delightful.
While seemingly simple, the smoked duck spaghetti aglio olio will surprise you with its depth of flavour. The perfectly al dente pasta is rich and hearty, infused with spices that hint at Mediterranean influences. The generous pieces of smoked duck, too, will not disappoint.
Then there’s the baklava, which steals the show. Thin, flaky layers of pastry enveloping a sticky-sweet filling of apples and cinnamon, each bite delivers a delightful crunch, followed by the perfect syrupy sweetness.
The dishes here are crafted by Karim Mohammed, an award-winning Egyptian-Arabian chef whose other offerings range from Qabili Palau, a traditional Afghan dish of spiced rice and meat, to Shivid Polow, or Persian dill rice.
Meat lovers will relish the selection of kebabs and shawarma, while vegetarians can enjoy rich stews and fresh salads.
All in all, at Convivencia Cafe, every element comes together to create a memorable culinary affair that demonstrates why this hidden gem deserves to be on every food lover’s radar.
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Convivencia Café
International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation,
24, Persiaran Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin,
Bukit Tunku, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Business hours: 9am-9pm daily