Review: Xenri Specialty Coffee at Old Klang Road

KL, meet your newest ‘hidden’ caffeine stop: Xenri Specialty Coffee is a pop-up slow bar that opened this week, owned by the long-running Xenri Japanese restaurant group & operated by Irene, Monica & Ashraf, who’ve worked in the past at various coffee outlets in the Klang Valley.

Located Inside Wisma Elken

Xenri Specialty Coffee is currently tucked inside Wisma Elken, next door to the main Japanese establishment off Old Klang Road. It’s meant to be a precursor to a two-level cafe & restaurant that’ll open nearby within several months; expect to enjoy ramen & hand-crafted coffee soon at the same venue.

Single-Origin Beans from Colombia, Kenya and Indonesia

Try three types of single-origin beans from Colombia, Kenya & Indonesia, one each representing Central America, Africa & Asia.

Available Brewing Methods

Syphon, Hario V60, Aeropress & GCB brewing methods; prices seem pretty reasonable for these.

Learning about the Beverages

Snatch a seat at the bar & let Irene explain the beverages; she has a keen sense of humour & a friendly enthusiasm. Ashraf & Monica work intently on preparing the medium-roasted coffee; we were happy to watch, listen & learn.

Kenya AA (Curtis Gold Cup Brewer)

Kenya AA (Curtis Gold Cup Brewer), the easiest to drink, with pleasant floral & fruity notes.

Colombia (V60)

Colombia (V60), more complex & aromatic, demanding a bit more time & thought to savour.

Indonesia Sumatran (syphon)

Indonesia Sumatran (syphon); a lot of things going on in each sip. Each of these three was distinctive in its own fashion.

Cold Brews

Xenri Specialty Coffee is also experimenting with cold brews; not officially available right now, but the Kenyan one, made with 20 hours of brewing, is a nutty pleasure.