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GMBB is not your typical Bukit Bintang mall lined with fast fashion and food courts — it’s a creative hub that wears its heart on its sleeve. Built on the philosophy of #MoreTogether, the space is dedicated to bringing artists, artisans, makers, and dreamers under one roof, inviting the public to engage with creativity in a way that feels refreshingly human.
Over the past few months, it’s been steadily drawing more attention, and once you step inside, it’s easy to see why. With its central location, excellent public transport links, and an atmosphere that leans more artsy than commercial, GMBB is a welcome change of pace from the chaos of the Golden Triangle.
I’ll admit, if you catch it on a quiet day without an event or exhibition in full swing, the mall might appear deceptively still — some might even mistake it for “dead.” But linger a little, and you’ll find that it’s actually a cosy little pocket of calm in the city. It’s the sort of place where you can lepak with friends, sip coffee, or simply wander the corridors and stumble across hidden gems.
Think of this as my little guide to navigating GMBB on its quieter days!
Savour delicious bites, sweet treats & the perfect cup of coffee
1. Too Yumm Sashimi
Every city has that one little spot you find yourself returning to time and again, and for me at GMBB, it’s Too Yumm.
As the name suggests, sashimi bowls are the star of the menu. The Salmon Cubes Don (RM48) is the perfect introduction to what they have to offer. But for those who like to push the experience a step further, the Ama Ebi Salmon Don (RM53) is a masterpiece in a bowl. Sweet raw shrimp, delicate salmon slices, and a golden pasteurised egg yolk that ties it all together in a quietly decadent symphony of flavour.
Too Yumm isn’t just about raw delights either. The cooked offerings hold their own, with the Salmon Ochazuke (RM32) being a personal favourite. Imagine tender salmon over rice, gently bathed in a smoky house-brewed tea broth.
And then, there’s the matcha. In a city awash with every shade of green latte, Too Yumm’s stands out. The Kuri Matcha Latte (RM17), best enjoyed iced, is rich and earthy, its creaminess perfectly balanced with just the right hint of sweetness.
+6011 1665 4581
Tue to Sun: 11am – 6pm
Closed on Mon
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2. Top Cup Coffee
Top Cup Coffee will win you over the moment the aroma of freshly ground beans drifts your way. The brews here are crafted with care, leaning on nutty, well-rounded beans that make every sip feel deliberate.
On my last visit, I ordered the Sea Salt Latte (RM15) — smooth, lightly sweet, and kissed with a gentle brininess that lifts the flavour in a way regular lattes rarely do. My friend went for the Spritzy Espresso (RM16), a refreshing twist that balances the intensity of espresso with a sparkling, citrusy fizz.
Top Cup may not have the buzz of the bigger coffee chains, but that’s exactly why I like it. It’s relaxed, unpretentious, and makes for a lovely stop when you need a caffeine fix in between browsing art spaces.
+6012 875 1187
Daily: 11am – 6.30pm
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3. Yu Wagashi
If there’s one spot in GMBB that has carved a place in my heart (and taste buds), it’s Yu Wagashi. It’s easily one of the finest matcha destinations in Kuala Lumpur.
For such an affordable price, the Matcha Latte (RM10.90) is a must. Balanced, earthy, and smooth, it will remind you why matcha became a worldwide obsession in the first place. But weekends at Yu Wagashi are a little more special, thanks to the Yu Ichigo Daifuku (RM7.90) — soft mochi enveloping fresh strawberry and sweet bean paste, a bite-sized joy that’s gone far too quickly.
Yet, Yu Wagashi is more than a place to eat. They regularly host Nerikiri Wagashi workshops, offering hands-on experiences across 3 tiers: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each session runs for about 3 to 4 hours (5 for the advanced level) and guides participants through designing and shaping these adorable Japanese sweets.
+6016 376 4506
Daily: 11am – 6pm
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4. Jiak Kopi
For those who find comfort in the simple pleasures of kopitiam fare, Jiak Kopi at GMBB is a delightful throwback. This cafe pays homage to the traditions of Hainanese coffee culture, serving up familiar flavours with just enough flair to make them memorable.
Start with their Loka Moka (RM7 for hot, RM8 for cold), a blend of cacao powder and malt chocolate mingling with strong kopi, condensed milk, and evaporated milk.
Their JK Signature (RM6 for hot, RM7 for cold) takes tradition one step further by marrying kopi with teh, layering both condensed and evaporated milk for depth. It’s robust, comforting, and unmistakably Hainanese in character.
Of course, no kopitiam experience is complete without Roti Bakar (RM4.80). Here, the bread is toasted to a golden crisp, slathered generously with pandan kaya and butter that melts into all the right corners.
Tue to Fri: 11.30am – 6.30pm
Closed on Mon & Sun
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Browse books, explore art workshops & shop for unique finds
5. BooKu Gallery
Every creative mall deserves a good bookshop, and at GMBB, that role is charmingly filled by BooKu Gallery.
The collection spans both new and second-hand titles, but books are just the beginning. BooKu is sprinkled with delightful little finds — crocheted keychains, handmade trinkets, fragrances, tote bags, and even clothes that add to its personality. It’s part library, part lifestyle nook, and somehow manages to feel both curated and cosy at once.
What I especially love is the additional reading corner tucked away at the opposite lot. It invites you to sit down, flip through a book, and linger as long as you please — a rare luxury in the middle of bustling Bukit Bintang.
+6011 1143 2757
Daily: 11am – 8pm
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6. Duke Museum of Picture Book Art
The Duke Museum of Picture Book Art was discovered by a group of passionate, art-loving bibliophiles, dedicated to preserving and celebrating picture books from across Malaysia and beyond.
The collection is thoughtfully curated: around 80% of the titles hail from Malaysia, offering a glimpse into local creativity and cultural narratives. The remaining shelves are dotted with classic and award-winning picture books from around the world (10%), while the final 10% features art prints and charming gift items that make lovely keepsakes.
What makes the museum truly enchanting is not just the books, but the setting. Imagine whimsical touches mixed with antique decor, creating an atmosphere where every corner feels like it belongs in an illustration. It’s a place that appeals as much to adults rediscovering childhood favourites as it does to young readers flipping through vibrant pages for the very first time.
+6012 332 0937
Daily: 10.30am – 7.30pm
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7. Hikayat Fandom
If GMBB is a hub for creativity in the present, then Hikayat Fandom is its bridge to the past. Established in 2021, this publishing house and resource centre is devoted to the preservation and promotion of Malaysian folklore, breathing new life into legends that have travelled by word of mouth for generations.
Their efforts go far beyond the printed page: through films, graphic arts, videos, and publications, Hikayat Fandom collaborates with storytellers to ensure these tales continue to inspire, especially among the younger generation.
Step inside and you’ll find yourself surrounded by hardback covers, sturdy wooden furniture, and portraits lining the wall. Keep an eye out for their storytelling sessions and cultural events, which bring these age-old tales to life in ways that feel both timeless and relevant.
Daily: 11am – 8pm
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8. Happy Dumpy Designs
One of the quirks of GMBB is how many of its shops operate unmanned — and Happy Dumpy Designs is no exception. Step inside and you’re greeted not by staff, but by an array of colourful creations cheerfully waiting on display, with printed sheets by the door for you to note down your purchase and make payment.
At its heart, Happy Dumpy is a local creative brand dedicated to celebrating Malaysia. Every piece is designed from scratch, weaving stories of culture, nostalgia, and identity into unique, functional, and sustainable souvenirs.
The offerings range from playful to practical, with the main character being their nasi lemak-inspired pouches, instantly recognisable and excessively adorable! But what caught my eye most were the baskets of kueh-shaped soaps and candles that look almost good enough to eat.
9. By Ibu Ibu
True to its name, By Ibu Ibu is a heartfelt initiative powered by mothers who turn art into both expression and livelihood. More than just a shop, it serves as a one-stop centre for handmade crafts and books, each piece created with care and creativity.
Sustainability is at the core of their work — many of the items are crafted from upcycled fabrics and eco-friendly materials, giving what might otherwise be discarded a second life.
The range is delightfully varied: keychains, fridge magnets, tote bags, charms, fabrics, bracelets, necklaces, and batik pieces, all designed with personality and a touch of tradition.
+6019 937 4672
Daily: 11am – 7pm
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10. Thirteen Bee Perfume Lab
If you’ve ever dreamed of bottling a scent that’s uniquely yours, Thirteen Bee Perfume Lab is where imagination meets olfactory artistry. In just about an hour, you can craft your own perfume, guided step by step through the base, middle, and top notes, so that every fragrance is a true reflection of your personal taste.
With 80 perfume ingredients to choose from, the possibilities are vast — from floral and fruity to musky and woody, allowing you to combine 9 to 15 different notes to create a scent that is unmistakably your own. Perfumes are available in both EDP and EDT, with bottle sizes of 30ml or 50ml.
+6018 318 5261
Tue to Sun: 11am – 6pm
Closed on Mon
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11. Mano Plus
For those who appreciate a nice hub selling everyday products, Mano Plus is a treasure trove at GMBB. The store features well-crafted contemporary items from tumblers and bags to clothing and personal care items.
Beyond practical items, Mano Plus offers a curated selection of fragrances, body care, hair care, soaps, and makeup, making it a destination for those who want to save time browsing through essentials.
+603 2022 1184
Daily: 10am – 8pm
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