Coliseum Cafe

Heads up: the beloved original Coliseum Cafe on Jalan TAR, open since 1921, permanently closed in 2021. The name lives on at newer mall locations (The Gardens Mall, and others) serving the same sizzling steaks and Hainanese-Western classics, but the century-old room and its faded colonial magic are gone.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Is it halal?

The heritage menu is pork-inclusive in its traditional form, so confirm the specific outlet's status directly if halal matters to you; some mall locations adjust their offering. Ask before you book. Don't assume either way.

What's the signature dish?

The sizzling tenderloin or 'mixed grill' steak served hard on a screaming-hot cast-iron plate, traditionally with the waiter tying a bib on you and doing the pouring tableside. Also the Hainanese chicken chop and baked crab. It's old-school colonial-Hainanese Western food.

Is it worth visiting the new locations?

If you want the food and a taste of the tradition, yes, the steaks and service ritual survive. If you specifically wanted the crumbling historic ambiance, the mall branches can't replicate it. Manage your expectations and it's an enjoyable, nostalgic meal.

Do I need a reservation?

For weekday meals usually not, but weekends and holidays at the mall branches can be busy, so booking is wise for groups. Call the specific outlet you're visiting. Walk-ins are common for pairs.

What's the best way to get there?

For the Gardens Mall branch, take KTM Komuter to Mid Valley or the LRT to Abdullah Hukum, both connected to the mall complex. Driving is easy with mall parking. It's well outside the old Jalan TAR heritage area.

So where can I eat Coliseum food now?

The brand reopened in modern mall settings, including a branch at The Gardens Mall, plus other outlets around the Klang Valley. They serve the signature menu but in a contemporary space. Check current locations before heading out.

How much does a meal cost?

It's mid-range sit-down pricing, so a steak plus sides and a drink is a proper meal-out cost, more than hawker food but not fine dining. Portions are hearty. Cards accepted at the mall outlets.

Is the original Coliseum Cafe on Jalan TAR still open?

No. The original 1921 cafe and hotel on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman closed for good in 2021 after a century in business. If you came for that specific historic room, it's sadly no longer there.

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