7 Establishments in Taman Desa, Kuala Lumpur that You Might have Overlooked

7 Establishments in

Taman Desa, Kuala Lumpur That You Might Have Overlooked

Text by FARHANA FUAD Images by RESPECTIVE ESTABLISHMENTS

Many things have changed between February 2021 and September 2021. The freedom to travel, dining in restaurants and café-hopping are definitely among the things we most miss during the lockdowns imposed by the government as a way to control the raging COVID-19 pandemic.

Being stuck in the Taman Desa neighbourhood, Kuala Lumpur (KL) during lockdown make me realise that it is necessary for people to adapt to the circumstances and instead start seeking solace within the confines of our homes and the neighbourhood where we are hunkered down. Interestingly, after some research and cautious exploration, I find out the existence of noteworthy establishments within Taman Desa that I have yet to try to satisfy my epicurean cravings. Hence, the following is a list of places around Taman Desa that serve great coffee, freshly baked pastries and pleasant cuisines that are halal or pork-free that you can head to once the lockdown is lifted!

1. CHARLIE’S CAFÉ Voted as one of the Best Chicken Chop in KL by Foodadvisor.com, Charlie’s Café is a commendable place for a good meal. The specialty here is the Chicken Chop, including Charlie’s Delicious Laksa Series, chiefly among them is the mouth-watering Sarawak Laksa, made up of less oily and mildly spicy hot broth brimming with thick rice flour noodles, beansprouts, omelette, prawns, and chicken strip, all for a mere MYR13.90. This café also serves other comfort food such as steamed Nasi Lemak Serai Wangi and bakery with variety of desserts. Charlie’s Café are also available on Grab Food and Food Panda for you to enjoy it at home!

29, Jalan Bukit Desa 5, Taman Bukit Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. (Monday – Saturday) Price Range: MYR5 – MYR20 Website: https://charliescafe.oddle.me/ en_MY Instagram: mycharliescafe Facebook: orimycharliescafe2015

Tomyam Mama Mee at Thai Luck Charlie’s Cafe Signature Chicken Chop

Holy Basil Minced Chicken with Handmade Ramen at Thai Luck Sarawak Laksa at Charlie’s Cafe

2. THAI LUCK This establishment serves a variation of noodles called Mama Mee topped with either handmade chicken balls or fresh river prawns inundated by spicy sourish tom yam broth. You can opt for other Thai dishes as well like the basil minced chicken rice and green curry chicken, then wash them down with an authentic Thai milk tea. Other than being a walletfriendly restaurant, Thai Luck is also a popular option on the delivery app so make sure to get these freshly prepared and no-preservatives Thai dishes delivered straight to your doorstep!

7-0-11, Jalan 3/109f, Danau Business Centre, 58100 Kuala Lumpur Opening Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (Daily) Price Range: MYR5 – MYR21 Website: https://thailuck.eatmol.com/ menu-thai-luck Instagram: thai_luck Facebook: thailuckthaicuisine

3. JEMI CAFE If you are an avid coffee drinker, you are bound to enjoy the wide variety of coffees at Jemi Café. Besides classics such as espresso and latte, you can also opt for caffeine-free drinks such as matcha latte, chocolate and more. This café serves up variety of dishes that are great for your brunch, ranging from light ones such as salads, sandwiches and burgers to heavy ones such as rice, Western and pasta. With free Wi-Fi and casual vibe, this place is worth a visit once dining in is possible. Delivery is also available via GrabFood.

17-1, Jalan 2/109f, Taman Danau Desa, 58100, Kuala Lumpur Opening Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. daily (closed on Tuesdays) Price Range: MYR6 – MYR35 Instagram: jemicafe Facebook: jemicafe

Grilled Chicken Chop with Brown Mushrooms Gravy at Jemi Cafe

Crispy waffle pair with homemade buttery lemon curd at Jemi Cafe

Plain croissant served at Bakeroni Cafe

One of the breakfast served at Bakeroni Cafe Pastries served at Bakeroni Cafe

4. BAKERONI CAFÉ Deemed as an institution to those who live in Taman Desa because this establishment has been around for at least 15 years, Bakeroni Café is a casual cafe with a homely feel suitable for casual dining, breakfast, afternoon tea or just to enjoy a cup of freshly brewed cappuccino. Though the dishes served are mainly Western, there is a selection of local and fusion cuisines too. Its food is strictly pork-free, liquor-free and monosodium glutamate-free. Some items for instance toasted sandwiches, soups, desserts and plain croissants can be had for less than MYR10 each.

9A Jalan Desa Jaya, Taman Desa, Kuala Lumpur Opening Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (Daily) Price Range: MYR5 – MYR35 Website: http://bakeroni.com/ Facebook: BakeroniCafe Instagram : bakeroni.cafe

Kews Pattiserie’s signature veggie fried chicken burger with homemade burger bun

5. KEWS PATISSERIE A new addition in town, Kews Patisserie promises a variety of pleasant treats served amidst sophisticated and elegant interior, different than the other cafes in Taman Desa. It showcases many freshly baked cakes and tarts, soft and fluffy croissants, including sandwiches with well-balanced flavours that are perfect for tea.

33, Jalan Bukit Desa 5, Taman Bukit Desa, Kuala Lumpur Opening Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Tuesday-Sunday) Price Range: MYR8 – MYR20 Instagram: kews_patisserie Facebook: kews_patisserie 6. ENCORE PATISSERIE CAFÉ With the range of pastries, desserts and main dishes on offer, you will definitely be impressed. Although the price might be on the high side, every single penny spent will be worth because this café serves the much-loved French-style sweet treats, scrumptious savouries and house brand coffee. Do expect for new things to come up regularly because the café constantly revamps its menu. Currently accepts takeaways and deliveries too.

1, Jalan Bukit Desa 5, Taman Bukit Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur Opening Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. daily (closed on Tuesdays) Price Range: MYR3 – MYR50 Website: https://encoremy.wixsite.com/ encoremalaysia Facebook: encore.malaysia Instagram : encorepatisseriecafe

7. AWAIT CAFÉ If you are looking for a nice afternoon spot, Await Café might just fit the bill since it dispenses hand-brewed coffee either through siphon or hand drip methods. The café prepares a variety of cheesecakes and light meals like sandwiches or croissants besides rice dishes. Once the lockdown has eased and dine-ins are permitted, the café’s cosy setting is sure to attract those who seek to unwind during a lazy afternoon or for a catch up session with friends.

9-1-5, Jalan 3/109F, Taman Danau Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur Opening Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. daily (closed on Tuesdays) Price Range: MYR10 – MYR20 Instagram: awaitcafekl Facebook: awaitcafekualalumpur

Pastries and desserts served at Encore Patisserie Café

Await Cafe’s Hand-brewed coffee