Kafe Kleptokrat @ Jalan Tun H.S Lee, K.L
The environment and vibe of this place is undoubtedly sublime.
Tucked amongst a row of old shophouses along Jalan Tun HS Lee in Kuala Lumpur, Kafe Kleptokrat featuring a charming revamped space yet retains its rustic and old-school nostalgic interior. The courtyard pool (for Mingle Highstreet Hostel guests), swing by the pool, natural sunshine, chipped bricked walls, patio umbrellas, drapery plants and greens in every corner of the cafe – all the necessary elements for an aesthetically pleasing cafe.
With a catchy name like this, I didn’t know what to expect on the food and eventually their menu offer a list of local fares such as Lontong, Nasi Lemak and Malay rice dishes which honestly speaking I don’t take a fancy to. There are small selection of pastas, porridge, breakfast (granola bowl and overnight oats) and desserts (cakes, ice cream and croissants). The beverage options are included the usual coffees, teas, coolers, Kombucha as well as their specialty espresso.
Coffee Ice Cube Latte (RM15.00)
Nasi Lemak Rendang Daging (RM25.00)
Completed with all essential condiments such as fragrant coconut rice, crunchy fried anchovies, hard boiled egg, peanuts, cucumber slices, Sambal and our choice of mains – Beef Rendang. The taste of the whole combination was just average, nothing to shout about.
Other options of mains included Sambal Sotong (RM22), Ayam Goreng Berempah (RM25), Chicken Rendang (RM25), Tofu Rendang (RM22) & Sambal Petai with Prawns (RM27).
Lontong Kering Pakcik Alam (RM25.00)
This is a traditional Malay wedding meal and the platter is a complex combination of Lontong (compressed rice cake), Sambal Pengantin, peanut gravy. kuah kacang, Serunding Kelapa (spicy grated coconut), Tempeh (fermented soybeans), fried tofu, stir fried glass noodles, sambal and our choice of meat – Chicken Rendang. There were so much flavours and textures going on in one plate, the soft bland Lontong (resembled Ketupat) was complemented by the provocative flavours from all the components in this dish.
Other options included Beef Rendang (RM25) & Tofu Rendang (RM22).
Laksa Johor (RM32.00)
Instead of other Asian noodles, spaghetti is used in Laksa Johor and it’s served with a thick gravy, not soup. Hence, it is famously different from the Laksas found in other parts of Malaysia. The thick Laksa gravy is made from mackerel fish, minced prawns and salted threadfin fish, accompanied by Ulam and hard boiled egg. The Laksa gravy was certainly bold and punchy with lots of flavours and herbs note, it’s something that we never tasted before.
Verdict: It’s a good dining experience for trying food that’s not our usual choice but still, it’s not something I’m looking forward to have it again. Don’t misunderstanding, there is no faults here but just more of a matter of preference.
Kafe Kleptokrat
No.18, Jalan Tun H.S Lee, 50100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: +6017-6428052 (for WhatsApp only)
Operating hours: 11.00am to 10.00pm, daily
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kafekleptokrat/
The food looks good to me and I enjoy Malay food. I am very curious about the Lontong Kering Pakcik Alam. I might enjoy that. I wonder why the use the word “Kleptokrat” in their name since it does not have a good meaning hah..hah…
PH, the name I guess it’s a gimmick to attract attention?
I think the decor and ambience of the place is to capture their target market…which are the foreign tourists, possibly even backpackers who love this kind of vibe. And in line with that, the food served is obviously Malaysian in nature. P/S: I had a little giggle when you mentioned that the swimming pool is for the hostel guests. Now who would want to swim there with all eyes watching you…lol.
Kris, I’m not joking, there was a Guai Lou swimming in the pool during our visit!