'90s Kids Will Feel Right At Home At This Nostalgic PJ Cafe
Like stepping back in time.
By Tamara Jayne — 26 Oct 2021, 12:41 PM
Gone are the days when Minesweeper and Solitaire were the only computer games that we could play.
Fortunately, there's a new kid in town that'll spark all those memories you've had growing up.
Happy Landfill is a cafe in Kota Damansara decorated with gadgets and devices that existed back when dial-up was a thing.
With initial plans to open in May, the cafe had to postpone its launch due to the Movement Control Order and only recently started operating in September.
Together with a group of friends, Kam decided to open this new joint, as it had been on their bucket list for quite some time.
"We are all '90s babies, as technology keeps evolving, we see a big gap between '90s and '00s babies' childhood," the team shares with SAYS.
"'90s babies used to use bulky computers with built-in games like Minesweeper, FreeCell, etc. We used to play Street Fighters, FIFA, Metal Slug on PlayStation, but kids nowadays mainly play games on their smartphones or tablets like Mobile Legends, etc.
"We want the '90s kids to reminisce the good old times and let the younger generation explore and feel the culture and environment that '90s babies grew up in."
At the cafe, you'll find an assortment of items from decades ago, including a bulky CRT TV, monitors, iMac G3, Windows 98 PC, and PlayStation games, most of which are still in working condition
The team sourced most of their collection from scrap metal (besi buruk) dealers, their grandparents' store rooms, and old garages.
The items aren't for sale but customers are allowed to explore and play around with some of the gadgets.
The cafe's name is inspired by a song by one of their favourite bands – Gorillaz, with 'landfill' signifying how old items tend to end up in landfills.
"The items we collect are mainly used, old, or recycled — things that people don't want anymore. So we use them as decoration in our space to give them another life."
"That's why we call ourselves 'Happy Landfill'. Something old can still be something new."
While you're there, you can order coffee, pastries, and desserts, as well as Japanese lunch rice bowls from 12pm onwards until sold out
In addition, they serve craft beers all day and non-alcoholic drinks like lattes, matcha, and black coffee, which they say are some of their bestsellers.
"All of the ingredients are sourced from halal-certified suppliers. And the cafe uses separate glasses to serve non-alcoholic drinks and alcohol drinks."
Another signature is their cream puff, which comes in three flavours: original, chocolate, and matcha.
While waiting for your food and drinks, browse through their small boutique section where they sell thrift clothes and toys.
There's also an outdoor seating area available for those who smoke.
Since their opening, the team shares that they've been overwhelmed by the support given and have received a lot of positive feedback.
"We have patrons, who are parents, bring their kids to our cafe to introduce the items they used to play with when they were kids," the team tells SAYS, adding that customers of all ethnicities often visit.
"This is truly what our space is meant to be. A space where people gather together to enjoy conversations, surrounded by the '90s culture, exchange stories, and just chill."
Before heading there, drop them a message on Instagram to make a reservation.
Here's where Happy Landfill is located:
