Der Backmeister at Taman Tun Dr Ismail: Restaurant Review

Casting a ‘rye’ look at TTDI’s new German bakery-cafe, run by a two-nation collaboration that includes Oliver Rollar (who has lived in Malaysia since 2000), Bobby, Chris & Steve, with the help of Klaus & Monica, who helm their own bakeries in Cologne.

Breads

Der Backmeister’s shelves should delight devotees of dense, dark breads, including some made with up to 80 percent rye, relying on traditional German recipes that emphasise honest, wholesome goodness. Specialities span the likes of ‘sesam semmel’ (sesame roll; RM4) & ‘bauern brot’ (farmer’s bread loaves; RM15), plus plenty of pretzels, pastries & almond cakes.

Bite-size Samplings

Bite-sized samplings of baked-fresh-daily offerings are available at the counter. Der Backmeister has the friendly feel of a real neighbourhood haunt, with an easy-going, everyone’s-welcome vibe that might help make it one of KL’s next bakery-cafe hits.

Breakfast Set

For the ideal introduction to Der Backmeister, order the breakfast set – for only RM23, you’ll receive a basket brimming with at least five kinds of bread, plus a full plate of cold cuts (Italian bresaola, spicy beef salami, chicken meatloaf & more – Der Backmeister is a no-pork cafe), mixed European cheeses, French butter, German mustard, jam, hard-boiled eggs, veggies & fruits. Sufficient for two to share – possibly the best-value breakfast on this street, available all day long to boot.

Warm Breads

Der Backmeister’s short list of warm meals include a tangy goulash soup with buttered bread (RM15); sandwiches are provided too, as well as coffee of course, but the focus is expected to remain on bread that customers can happily bring home