Cafe K at Kiaraville, Mont Kiara: Restaurant Review

Cool new Korean cafes have popped up in Mont Kiara; here’s a look at the family-run Cafe K, hidden inside the Kiaraville condominium.

Poolside Cafe

This poolside outlet is bright & cheerful, with easy access (simply inform security that you’re heading to the cafe) & plenty of parking within the condo compound. Long-time readers might recall this was once the site of Fiesta Cafe, some five years ago.

Malaysian-Influenced Bibimbap

Our top tip: Order Cafe K’s Malaysian-influenced interpretation of bibimbap (RM17.90); it’s certain to raise a smile. This is deliciously evocative of nasi lemak, with warm, flavoursome rice accompanied by peanuts, cucumbers & other crisp veggies.

Mix everything up & enjoy this with gochujang fermented sauce; it’s terrific in both taste & texture, surprisingly satisfying for a vegetarian version of bibimbap. The mom of Cafe K’s family has lived in Malaysia for a long time, & she deserves to take pride in the recipes she serves here – they’re hearty & heartfelt.

Sesame-Flavoured Gimbap

Also well worth the carb calories: This sesame-flavoured gimbap (RM11.90), a plump, tasty roll stuffed with egg, crab stick, cucumber & carrots that combine for a creamy-crunchy effect.

Spicy, Steaming-Hot Pasta

Gochujang surfaces again as the sauce base for this spicy, steaming-hot pasta tossed with parmesan cheese (RM14.90); probably should be shared, since it can turn cloying in excess – take slow bites to taste the subtler dimensions of flavour in the sauce. Other options on Cafe K’s soft-launch menu include kimchi pancakes, rice cakes & stir-fried glass noodles.

Enlivening Ginger Tea

Securing a liquor license is a painfully slow process, but Cafe K is working on it. For now, sip on some enlivening ginger tea (RM5.90), served hot or cold. Bonus points too for the friendly, helpful service.