Cover image via Deja Brew (Provided to SAYS)
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The Klang Valley café culture is booming more than ever, with new and trendy eateries popping up every few weeks hoping to become the next lepak hotspot in town
From decadent tiramisu to vibrant matcha creations, these viral treats have solidified cafés as Malaysians' go-to spots to unwind, catch up, and satisfy their cravings.
But behind the latte art and picture-perfect interiors, what really inspires the young minds bringing these spaces to life? For 23-year-old Aqil Farhan, that inspiration came from friendship, a shared love for coffee, and a leap of faith.
Together with his closest friends, Syarkawi and Asyraf, Aqil turned a long-time dream into reality with the opening of Deja Brew — a lakeside café in Putrajaya that's quietly making waves despite being less than a year old.
The trio first met in high school, bonding over their shared interests and easy camaraderie. Years later, fate would bring them back together, but this time, behind the counter of a café.
"When we were 20, we started working at a café together. That experience really gave us the motivation and confidence to start our own.
"We realised how much we enjoyed serving people and creating a cosy atmosphere. So, we thought, why wait until we're older?" Aqil told SAYS.
What began as a passing thought quickly evolved into a full-fledged business. Despite their youth, the three poured their energy, time, and savings into building Deja Brew from the ground up.
Now, while Aqil juggles his final year of university and Asyraf navigates his second, the trio continues to manage their café with passion and perseverance, proving that ambition doesn't need to wait for the "right time".
After spending countless hours perfecting recipes and learning the ropes behind the bar, the team wanted to open a space that felt like home
"What makes our café special is the combination of good coffee, the lakeside view, and the personal touch we put into everything.
"We want people to feel genuinely welcomed, like they're part of our little community," said Aqil.
However, he shared that starting a business in your early 20s isn't exactly a walk in the park. Between managing finances, dealing with suppliers, and figuring out the endless paperwork, the team faced more than a few steep learning curves.
"Balancing studies while running a café was definitely tough. But over time, we learned how to manage our time better and keep things running smoothly," he added.
If you're stopping by for the first time, we recommend trying their signature coffee, which has become the star of the menu
From the presentation to the flavour, the team definitely showed that they put a lot of effort into crafting their caffeinated beverages.
And while the coffee is what draws people in, it's their chicken tenders that keep them coming back, as it became a surprising fan-favourite that's now one of the café's best-selling dishes.
Beyond their menu, Deja Brew's interior concept also deserves to be applauded due to its minimalistic aesthetic and cosy ambience
Whether you're there to study, unwind, or catch up with friends, the space feels intentionally calm.
The lakeside view adds an extra layer of serenity, making it the kind of spot where you could easily lose track of time over a cup of coffee.
"Putrajaya is home for all of us. We wanted to create something for our community, a place that feels familiar and peaceful. The lakeside setting just fit perfectly with what we envisioned," said Aqil.
As for what's next, the team has no plans to slow down
In the next five years, they hope to open more branches and eventually launch their own coffee bean roasting line — a natural step toward building a stronger coffee community.
"We're still young and constantly learning, but we're passionate about what we do, and we want to keep growing while staying true to what makes our café special," said Aqil.
From humble beginnings to a lakeside gem, Aqil and his friends managed to build a space that embodies friendship, ambition, and heart.
Here's where you can find Deja Brew
Address
Anjung Floria, Lot 10000, Tanah Rizab Tasik,
Presint 4, 62100 Putrajaya
Opening Hours
3pm to 10pm (Tuesday to Friday)
8am to 12am (Saturday & Sunday)
Closed on Monday
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