Review: Kaffeine at Plaza Damas 3, Sri Hartamas

It’s a loss for our city that barista extraordinaire J.H. Yee has shut Top Brew Coffee Bar & headed to Johor Bahru & Singapore (though he’ll be a guest barista at Empire Damansara’s Sevencups on Sat, June 7). Thankfully, some of Yee’s friends have taken over his Plaza Damas cafe, renaming it Kaffeine & putting their own stamp on KL’s suburban coffee experiences. Kaffeine is run by the friendly team of Andrew & Jeff, who keep things pleasantly fuss-free & fun here.

June 16 Update: Kaffeine is starting to showcase Instagram-ready murals (still a work in progress) & feels wonderfully cosy. Kaffeine also serves sandwiches & something else we’re hearing nice things about: baked portobello mushroom stuffed with beef bacon & served with poached eggs.

Waffles

The Belgian waffles menu is noteworthy: Try this savoury one, tinged with kimchi for a Korean twist. RM13.90.

Bits of fermented veggies add an interesting edge to these well-prepared waffles; could work even better with a bit of bulgogi on the side. House-made dessert waffles are available as well (peanut butter, or maple syrup & butter, or ice cream with banana).

Baked Eggs

Kaffeine’s baked eggs (RM13.90) could be fine-tuned though; the cafe is generous with the chicken ham, but maybe a mix with beef bacon might provide more satisfying texture & flavour.