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Taman Desa is a serene neighbourhood and one of the oldest residential areas near KL city centre. No, it’s not the first place you’d think about for a happening night out like the glitzy upmarket places of Bangsar, Damansara or Sri Hartamas. It is rather low-profile and unostentatious, albeit a property gold mine.
Recently, Taman Desa has gained fame for a few quality food places nestled amongst the housing areas. True to the character of this neighbourhood, they aren’t flashy. Anyone who wanders into this quiet suburb will be surprised to find sizeable crowds at the entrance of various restaurants or cafes in the area. Unless you’re a food hunter, you probably won’t know of these hidden food gems the residents cherish and keep secret.
In this article I discover 8 of these lesser-known food joints that everyone can now enjoy!
Sanuki udon in Taman Bukit Desa gained fame over time for its delicious handmade Kansai udon that instantly puts factory-made noodles to shame. Located amidst a row of quiet shoplots in a residential area, its success is evident from the throng of customers at meal times.
The shop offers a simple but specialised menu of udon noodles and side dishes like salads and karaage chicken (fried chicken pieces). The simple egg ‘konlow’ udon where the runny egg is mixed along with shoyu and the mild fragrance of diced spring onions is a personal favourite.
Run by a Japanese, this ambience is reminiscent of the dedicated noodle shops in Japan with a simple storefront belying the scrumptious food within. Oh and did I mention a bowl of udon only costs RM5?
Address: 9, Jalan Bukit Desa 3, Taman Bukit Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur
Prince Range: RM5 – RM15
Ficelle is a Japanese-style French bakery tucked in a remote corner of Taman Danau Desa. The simple but elegant sidewalk cafe is ideal for those who seek a nice ambience to catch up with friends over coffee and pastries.
Headed by a Japanese patisserie chef, the bakery features breads and confectionery exquisite in both presentation (think octopus sausage buns) and taste. The pricing is on the high side but worth every penny. Enter the store and be charmed by the tantalising array of fancy puddings, macaroons, cookies, cakes and hot food on the menu.
Address: 11-0-12, Danau Business Center, Jalan 3/109f, Taman Danau Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur
Prince Range: RM3 – RM15
This place is set up in the back alley of a shoplot. It may appear shabby at first with its lack of décor, but when you see the throng of customers, you will instantly be convinced of its gastronomical prowess.
The menu offers a hearty selection of meat in thin slices to grill over a charcoal pit, with side dishes that include a delicious pickled cabbage dish to neutralise the heat. You also wouldn’t want to miss the star of the menu – the Genghis Khan – a juicy marinated lamb dish drenched in cabbage sauce that tastes as mighty as the name suggests. Complemented by beer or chilled ocha and natural breeze, this is a perfect place to enjoy a casual evening out with friends.
Address: Seputeh Center Court, Plaza Faber, Jalan Desa Jaya, Taman Desa 58100, Kuala Lumpur
Prince Range: RM3 – RM20
Await Cafe is a place of refuge from the fast paced urban life. Located on the 1st floor of a shophouse, the décor is simple and cosy. The quiet atmosphere with gentle jazz music in the background makes this cafe the perfect place to unwind with a cup of coffee and a book.
The owners are coffee purists who sell hand drip and syphon coffee using various types of coffee beans. Naturally milk-based coffees are not served. However, the cafe also caters to non-coffee drinkers like me with alternative beverages such as pomelo citrus tea and my favourite iced chocolate.
The iced chocolate is meticulously prepared from real dark chocolate – each slurp from the straw is a cool luxurious velvety smoothness. At the same price, the ice chocolate is far more supreme than the iced chocolates of ubiquitous coffee chains.
Apart from that, the cafe also offers light meals and homemade cheesecakes, with the rum cheesecake highly recommended.
Address: 9 Jalan 3/109f, Taman Danau Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur
Prince Range: RM8 – RM20
This bakery, now with several outlets across the Klang Valley, has its humble origins from this outlet in Taman Desa. Located not far from Ficelle, this bakery adopts a Japanese/Taiwanese fusion concept and caters for a more Asian palate. If you like good quality bread with a chewy texture, RT’s the place to go. The breads are baked fresh daily and if you come in the afternoon, don’t be surprised to find the racks empty.
The green tea and black sesame cakes are their signature cakes while their unique festive selections are a delightful surprise each year.
Address: No. 7-0-7, Jalan 3/109F, Danau Business Centre, Taman Danau Desa, 58100, Kuala Lumpur
Prince Range: RM3 – RM50
This cafe serving Western and local food has been around for quite some time and is steadily growing. Run by a very hardworking husband and wife team, their food is made with a homely passion. Try the flavourful chicken or lamb chop with homemade mash potatoes and coleslaw, or the homemade chicken or vegetable pies with self-made sauce. They come at reasonable prices too!
The cafe is most popular in the morning with breakfast sets of tasty nasi lemak, tom yam beehoon, traditional kaya toast and half-boiled eggs as well as Western favourites like pasta and macaroni cheese.
Address: 9, Jalan Desa Jaya, Taman Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur
Prince Range: RM5 – RM25
Address: 1, Jalan Bukit Desa 5, Taman Bukit Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur
Prince Range: RM10 – RM20
Boasting one of the most photogenic of interiors, the Le Lapin Cafe is a definite must-visit for its decor alone. True to the French name of this cafe, rabbit motifs are everywhere. Aside from its scones that some claim are to-die-for, the cafe is also famous for its ice cube coffee served in the form of heart-shaped espresso ice cubes and a separate pitcher of milk. At RM12, I’d gladly pay for this interesting coffee experience any day!
Address: 31, Jalan 1/109f, Taman Danau Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur
Prince Range: RM5 – RM20
Never knew these places existed? Now you do! The next time you’re lost for choice, explore some of the above-mentioned eateries and let us know how it went in the comments below!
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