Review: For Goodness Cakes at Desa Sri Hartamas

Powered by six Malaysian mothers (!!!) who’ve banded together to birth their own cafe, For Goodness Cakes is a tasty testament to how _ when it comes to whipping up nourishing food & serving with heaps of heart _ moms truly do know best.

This cheerfully welcoming, daytime-only eatery is a labour of love by Sheila, Saby, Gowry, Kits, Raji & Ramiza; some of the women were childhood friends, while others found each other through boot camp, but each of them has long nurtured a passion for food & a hope to someday open a cafe of her own.

The moms have individual roles to take pride in; Sheila bakes these beautiful loaves, Gowry cooks hot meals like pumpkin soup, lasagna & roast chicken, Saby handles beverages, Raji dishes out desserts, & Kits (who insists she’s hopeless in the kitchen) manages the front of the house. What about Ramiza? She’s now overseas but will likely fit fluidly into the team when she’s back.

Bread

White bread has suffered a bad rep in recent times, but this cafe serves a wonderfully wholesome-tasting rendition. Thickly sliced, with a fragrant fluffiness that’s a triumphant tell-tale of its freshness. Genuinely good enough to eat on its own (two plain slices of toast cost RM4.50), or have it as a hearty egg mayo sandwich for RM8.90.

For Goodness Cakes thrives on a lunchtime crowd; office workers from across Hartamas are packing this place & packing back these texturally terrific banana bread (two slices for RM5) for a teatime treat.

Desserts

Desserts range from a satisfying pavlova (RM6.50) to familiar favourites like fruit crumbles, butter cakes, lemon lamingtons, bread-&-butter pudding & creme brulee.

Our top tip here though is to try the gluten-free brownie (RM6.50), a delectable delight in its rich, complex depth of flavour.

Still, not everything’s a bona fide hit; the cupcakes & scones proved lacklustre, with flavours that bordered on blandness & textures that leaned toward dryness.

Beverages

Coffee is available, as is everything from hot chocolate to tea, sodas & juices. The selection should be even wider now, since this visit was on the first week of the cafe’s operations at the start of this month.

Final Thoughts on For Goodness Cakes

The cafe is family-friendly; there’s a corner where kids can play while their parents indulge in scandalous conversations.

‘Bake Love Not War.’ ‘Let’s Cake Ass Today.’ ‘Have Some Dessert, For Goodness’ Cake.’ Cute, catchy slogans; expect to hear more about For Goodness Cakes in the weeks to come.