BEAM at Bandar Sri Damansara: Restaurant Review

Introducing our top recommendation for this long weekend: Off the beaten track, BEAM opened this week, offering stimulating new ideas in a manufacturing neighbourhood of Bandar Sri Damansara, scarcely a ten-minute drive from Taman Tun Dr Ismail.

Year’s of Experience

First, the basics: BEAM is run by a team with years of experience in coffee, including members of the local Caroma company that’s been involved in coffee production since the mid-1970s. This new cafe, located near Caroma’s factory, marks a push by a diverse set of talents to invigorate the momentum of Malaysia’s artisanal coffee movement.

Set to Become one of the Most Photographed Cafes

Aesthetics matter. In that regard, BEAM is captivating; it seems set to become one of the most photographed cafes for this second half of 2014, capitalising on its size & space by creating corners galore worth exploring. The beauty rests in the details.

The Furniture Was Built by BEAM’s Own Team!

Much of the furnishing was painstakingly built by BEAM’s own team. In recent months, some people have publicly & spitefully whined that many of KL’s cafes look cookie-cutter because of faux-vintage & industrial touches. Those people disrespect the heart & work poured into these places; they dismiss these cafes, without even visiting them, out of ignorance & self-importance.

Every Cup is Taken Seriously

Elegant coffee-making equipment lines the shelves & tables at BEAM, where every cup is taken seriously; a poster provides potential tips on recognising the elaborate, sometimes-elusive nuances of coffee.

BEAM Imports and Sells a Variety of Specialty Green Beans

Here’s what makes BEAM particularly notable: It imports & sells a convincing variety of speciality green beans, not yet roasted. Owners of other cafes can conveniently head here to select & purchase beans for their own use.

Roasting Machines, Workshops and Training Sessions

Roasting machines are available as well; BEAM is also likely to start hosting workshops & training sessions by September.

Hand-Brewed Coffee Which Comes in Options of ‘Strong’ or ‘Very Strong’

For casual customers, BEAM offers a rewarding experience too: Try the hand-brewed coffee, which comes in options of ‘strong’ (RM12, with 18 grams of coffee) or ‘very strong’ (RM16, with 25 grams), with current choices of Papua New Guinea, Costa Rica, Guatemala & Ethiopian beans. Baristas will try to chat with customers about the coffee.

Cherry Red Natural Yirgacheffe

Cherry Red Natural Yirgacheffe. Really enjoyable; light & easy to drink, but very much vibrant.

Espresso-Based Beverages and More

Espresso-based beverages, hot & cold, are also offered, as is iced sweetened coffee, plus Malaysian-style ‘kopi-o’ & ‘teh.’

Fresh and Flavoursome Food

BEAM’s food is the equal of its drinks, with wholesome recipes that feel fresh & flavoursome. The mixed seafood salad (RM18), which features Japanese-inspired flourishes, is satisfying from start to finish.

Warm Roast Chicken Panini Sandwich

Warm roast chicken panini sandwich (RM19), also very capably executed, hitting the right marks for taste & texture.

Desserts Range from Local Favourites to Western Pleasures

BEAM’s desserts also range from local favourites to Western pleasures, with glutinous rice sharing a display counter with peanut butter, ice cream & chocolate.

Mooncake?

Not officially for sale (we think), but maybe there might be a mooncake slice or two at hand here.

Parting Shots

Parting shots: BEAM is an acronym for something that’s kinda wordy. We’ll just keep calling it BEAM, pure & simple; expect to hear this name many, many more times in the months ahead.