Review: Fikcles, Taman Tun and Cotton Craft, Shah Alam

Despite protestations & definition disputes, some of the Klang Valley’s recent new eateries probably deserve to be described as hipster cafes. But at the risk of sounding flippant (we use none of these terms as insults), Fikcles _ which launched this week in Taman Tun Dr Ismail _ might seem more like a makcik cafe …

… while Cotton Craft in Shah Alam could potentially be considered a hijabista cafe. That’s not a slight on both of these friendly cafes (we like them) or their customers (whom any restaurant would be fortunate to welcome), but a very superficial observation based on our brief visits here. We hope the two outlets will be kind enough to humour us.

1. Fikcles

First up, Fikcles, which follows in the footsteps of TTDI cafes that choose to name themselves by intentionally misspelling words (we blame you, Thursdvys!). Catchy, certainly; Fikcles also features an interesting layout that we failed to capture in our photos. Service is warm (with super-pleasant vibes) but somewhat haphazard for now _ forgivable, since it’s still early days for this place.

By the way, our reason for saying Fikcles seems like a makcik cafe: Many of the tables here on one weekday afternoon featured at least one or two women who were more mature than the typical KL cafe-hopper.

Pasta Aglio Olio

Fikcles’ selection this week is limited to the likes of pasta aglio olio (RM15.90 nett; lots of prawns & nicely spicy, though perhaps a little limp & under-seasoned), but expect more excitement next week, when the restaurant is scheduled to start serving stuff like tortillas filled with squid in salted egg yolk (also RM15.90).

Congo Bar with Ice Cream

Congo bar (a bit dry, but we’re nitpicking) with ice cream, washed down with a soda of grapefruit & chamomile.

Coffee

Coffee? For sure. Fikcles is blessed with the services of a barista who honed his talents at RAW & Plan B Roasters.

Location and Operating Hours of Fikcles

Fikcles Cafe TTDI

11 Jalan Wan Kadir 2, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur

Mon-Fri, 10am-10pm; Sat, 8am-10pm; Sun, 8am-3pm

View Fikcles’s directory page here.

2. Cotton Craft

Next up, Cotton Craft, helmed by sisters Nadia & Nilda. This is a bright, beautiful cafe with thoughtful touches (also notable for how nearly each table comprises only patrons of the same gender).

Smoky Chicken Chop

The menu features fun twists; like Fikcles, Cotton Craft could stand to fine-tune some recipes, but this smoky chicken chop (RM17) _ labelled ‘satay style’ _ served with BBQ sauce, potatoes au gratin & mushroom ragout has its merits. Nice plating.