Review: Bofe Eatery at Section 19, Petaling Jaya

Plenty of potential here at Bofe, which opened this week near PJ’s SS2, helmed primarily by a three-man team, including experienced chef Tony Fu. Bofe’s baffling name is actually an acronym for “Best of Everything,” a promise that it’s eager to fulfil. Bofe looks beautiful, suffused with soothing colours & lighting that were clearly born of careful thought & effort. It’s likely to become a popular hangout in the weeks ahead; luckily, it seems spacious & comfortable enough to cater to possible crowds. For now, Bofe opens 11am-10pm everyday, with speakers that blast a Top 40 playlist (One Direction to OneRepublic) & a kitchen that serves a full menu from morning through nightfall; that’s a strenuously punishing schedule that should eventually ease though. Bofe’s selection is eclectic & enterprising, bolstered by lower-than-expected prices.

Watermelon Gazpacho

The well-executed watermelon gazpacho, a fruity interpretation of the chilled soup classic that’s subtly infused with herbs & citrus juices, costs RM6.90.

Crab Canapes

Crab canapes with a dash of vodka (don’t expect a full-blown taste of the liquor), cushioned by crackers. The crustacean meat is luscious & lavish, making this worth the RM12 price tag (even if we’re not fans of the crackers).

Roast Duck Burritos

Another enjoyable appetiser: Roast duck burritos (RM8.90), stuffed with meat that’s tender & tasty. For fellow fans of our favourite feathered creature, Bofe also serves mains of cinnamon-tinged duck leg with orange plum sauce & duck ragu penne.

Apple Salad

An East-West coupling blossoms in this apple salad (not wholly a Waldorf), with what the menu calls a Nyonya kerabu twist. Pleasant, though the flavours could stand to pop more powerfully. Still, for RM6.90, we shouldn’t whine.

Guacamole

Creamy guacamole, combined with capsicum-&-cheese quesadillas (RM8.90), suitable for mindless munching.

Chicken Soba with Salad Dressing

Paprika-grilled chicken with soba, salad & sesame dressing. A chef’s recommendation; could benefit from something extra to take it to the next level (many recipes here could use more nuance & complexity), but again, definitely defensible for RM8.90.

Braised Beef

Mains range from the easy-to-eat Provencal-inspired braised beef (served with potato wedges, RM25) …

Sea Bass Fillet

… to the moist (too moist? maybe) pan-fried sea bass fillet with cilantro butter sauce & pilaf-influenced rice. RM18.90.

Beverages

Pick your poison. As with too many of PJ’s cafes, nothing stronger than the above is available.

Final Thoughts on Bofe Eatery

Ultimately, Bofe is a likeable place run by people who seem genuinely nice. Its food could still be tweaked, but we appreciate its ambition & sense of adventure, so we’re happy to wish the folks here well.