Wild Sheep Chase at Taman Desa: Preview

Wild Sheep Chase:

1. A novel by Haruki Murakami, one of Chris & Sujian’s favourite authors.

2. An allusion to how Chris & Sujian are pursuing their dreams by opening their own cafe in the Year of the Sheep.

3. A shout-out to their affectionate nicknames for each other. Silly Kambing. Silly Sheep.

Wild Sheep Chase will launch in Taman Desa this Saturday, Aug. 15 – it’s a cafe that represents its founders well, with a gracious quality of quiet, big-hearted dreaminess that may inspire many to return to this place repeatedly. Chris & Sujian, who live in this neighbourhood, have borrowed inspiration from their travels in Japan & Taiwan to create a sanctuary that seeks to welcome everyone, whether you’re here on your own in search of serenity or visiting with friends to strengthen your bonds.

The journey to Wild Sheep Chase’s creation spanned thousands of miles, many years & more than a few people. Chris & Sujian are first-time cafe owners who value the help they’ve received from well-wishers such as the folks behind the long-closed Cafe Ole, a blast from Changkat Bukit Bintang’s past. The couple seem genuinely open to share their story, taking time to connect with each patron while everyone from Florence & The Machine to Simon & Garfunkel harmonise in the background.

Desserts

Wild Sheep Chase dabbles in desserts that disclose distinctive divergences: The signature is a souffle that’s based on a Taiwanese cafe’s recipe that Chris & Sujian learned, with tweaks to make it rise triumphantly in KL. Moist but not too wet (kampung eggs are used) & delicate in flavour (the current ‘original’ version is made with real vanilla), partnered with a gently mellow orange syrup & invigoratingly perky grapefruit sorbet, this will be sold at an initial introductory price of RM15.

Waffles

The counterpoint is the waffles, faintly infused with Gula Melaka, teamed up with osmanthus-laced maple syrup & kitchen-made Earl Grey cream, all also with subtle, understated nuances. Note: These waffles might prove denser & less fluffy than some customers are accustomed to. Expect only a short but meticulously curated list of offerings for now (including a lava cake constructed with dark, milk & white chocolate), with light savoury bites such as wholesome sandwiches to surface later.

Beverages

Beverage recommendations pay homage to what Chris & Sujian fondly recall of Taiwan: The Earl Grey milk tea sprinkled with lemon peel & latte with ‘first-generation Taiwanese art’ showcase clear flavours & creamy textures, prepared with heart & skill. But ultimately, Chris & Sujian aren’t creating a carbon copy of a Taiwanese venue – Wild Sheep Chase promises to be a future favourite that stands out on its own unique merit, imbued with the character, spirit & soul of its founders & their collaborators.