The café called 37 Degrees, is believed to be Malaysia’s first within a Buddhist temple. Here, you can pair tranquillity with a mango smoothie.
“We don’t think of this place just as a coffee shop. It’s a quiet place where people can enjoy food and drinks in a calm and spiritual atmosphere. We believe that life should not be too rushed, and good coffee not be too complicated,” café founder Chong Kah Kiat, 29, told FMT Lifestyle.
“Our café is called 37 Degrees because that’s the temperature of the human body. Not too hot, not too cold, just right. And just like that, this café is just right for you.”
Chong said he originally worked in banking until the job lost its lustre for him. He then pivoted to selling mango and fruit smoothies at local bazaars.
Business thrived for around two years before changes to the bazaar landscape started to affect sales. It was time to move on: while doing research for a new venture, he realised no one had ever opened a café within a temple before. So why not give it a shot?
Chong, a Buddhist, used to volunteer at the Yuan Lin Xiao Zhot Buddhist Temple in his university days. So, he contacted their management, who were open to the idea of opening a café there.
“They were very kind and supportive of the project. I couldn’t have set up this place without their help. We also thought this might be a good way to bring more people to the temple,” he said.
The café opened its doors in April this year, and business has been good. Customers are made up of temple patrons and outsiders alike. He said he was planning to open another café, also located inside a temple, this time in Kajang.
Having a modern café within the highly traditional trappings of a temple may seem odd, but 37 Degrees combines elements of old and new seamlessly, creating a space that feels both welcoming and respectfully tranquil.
Its interior thoughtfully reflects the aesthetics of its sacred surroundings, while tatami mats, calligraphy scrolls, and ornate boards carved with Chinese characters evoke a serene and sophisticated Eastern ambiance.
A wooden shelf of Buddhist texts stands against a wall for those interested in learning more about the religion.
Visitors can also enjoy a seat beneath an umbrella in the outdoor area, close to ornate pillars and statues inspired by Buddhist tradition.
Food and drink here are cosy café fare, with many menu items supplied by vendors from Chong’s night market days.
Their best-seller is their bagels (coincidentally supplied by a shop called 36 Degrees!), which come in a variety of flavours. FMT Lifestyle’s picks are the earthy and satisfying Charcoal Taro and the zesty Earl Grey.
Other delectable choices are the Volcano Cream Puff and the Mango Mochi, a soft and chewy pastry with a burst of juicy sweetness within.
Drinks-wise, there’s plenty to enjoy here, from the rich and flavourful yuzu and orange Americanos to the lush matcha lattes. A highlight is the Gula Melaka latte, a uniquely Malaysian-infused drink that’s smooth, creamy and satisfying.
While 37 Degrees is located within a religious complex, Chong said the café welcomed visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The place is pet-friendly, so even animal visitors can stop by!
“We simply aim to be a sanctuary for anyone looking for a retreat from the stress of the outside world. In Buddhism, we don’t impose restrictions on coming to our temple,” he said.
“For people who don’t know much about Buddhism, or what a Buddhist temple looks like, this is a good chance to learn. I hope that it encourages more people of different religions to get to know and understand each other better,” Chong concluded
37 Degrees Café
Yuan Lin Xiao Zhot Buddhist Temple
7, Lorong 4/48e
Seksyen 4
46050 Petaling Jaya
Selangor
Business hours:
11am-9pm (Closed on Monday)
Follow 37 Degrees on Instagram.