Encore Pastry Cafe

 Taman Bukit Desa is where I spent a large portion of my childhood, as Dad's office was here until I was 10. Every day after school, we would have lunch at the Uncle Sunny's kopitiam downstairs from Dad's office.

Now, many years later, that lone row of shops is home to several popular cafes, one of them being Encore Pastry Cafe that occupies the first lot. This year marks their 10th year of operations and although I am not a frequent visitor, they are always in my mind when craving good dessert.

During my latest visit, I tried a cold drink for the first time - Chocolate Flotteur. Think root beer float but in dark chocolate instead of root beer. This was satisfyingly rich without being overly sweet.

Also my first time trying their Apple Almond Tart. Almond slices on the surface gives it an added layer of texture when chewing.

What I always come here for is their famous Lemon Tart. Still the best I have had in KL.

They have both indoor air-conditioned seating (which is freezing, in my opinion) and outdoor al fresco seating (which could be annoying if you do not like the smell of cigarette smoke). Parking can get tricky, especially during working hours.

They also serve main meals, so do give them a try. I believe they would be not too bad, too.

Encore Pastry Cafe

1 Jalan Bukit Desa 5, Taman Bukit Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

T: +60 3 7972 7988; M: +6012-988 9550; E: enquiry@encoregroup.com.my

Wednesday to Sunday 11:00 to 9:00pm

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Red Kettle

Located along the only row of shops in Taman Bukit Desa is Red Kettle. Their wood panel signage at the shop front and signature red kettle at the entrance welcome patrons. Also to welcome patrons is a whiff of freshly-baked pastry, which they display at the counter. Throughout the years, I have visited with family and friends for various occasions, and have tried different things.

They seem to have some Japanese elements infused into their menu. A memorable dish was their Porkie Mantau (RM24.90), which is a set of two deep-fried mantaus with grilled pork, cucumber, pickled vegetables, kimchi mayo, sesame and herbs. Small in size but packed full in flavour.

During a different visit, I had their Smoked Salmon Avacodo and Eggs (RM36.90), which was something I had quite frequently when I was in Sydney. Here, they serve theirs with a generous dollop of chia seeds.

Their signature Portuguese Egg Tart did not disappoint (RM5.50). We always start by sharing one and more than once, we ended up ordering more.

For cakes, they serve different cakes every now and then.

An interesting drink here is their Maple-Thyme Hojicha Latte (RM16.90), which you could have either hot or cold. Interesting blend of flavours, I feel this glassful of pure hojicha powder, maple thyme syrup and oat drink.

Also recommended is their Vietnamese Drip Coffee (no photo to show, sorry), which in 'kao'-ness I can still taste in my mouth.

Try to visit them during non-peak work hours, as there is the roadside parking is limited.

Red Kettle

37 Jalan Bukit Desa 5, Taman Bukit Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

T: +603 7988 0801; E: contactus@redkettle.com.my

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