Pitter...patter...went the rain....
On a rainy day in October, three of us took refuge in this cosy nook right next to Surisit.
We had braved the torrential storm for a bite and was pleasantly surprised with this homey place filled with old LPs, comfy chairs and welcoming vibe.
There's no paper menu. Instead we walked up to the counter and read off the chalkboard to decide what to order for our mid-day meal.
It was a rather quick choice since the menu was limited - Western dishes mingling with Middle Eastern items picked up by the owners during their studies in Yemen.
Kacang pol (RM8) was the first choice. This fava bean dip usually found in Johor is minus the egg like how they serve it in Yemen.
"Would you like an egg with your dip?" we were asked. We nodded since that was the way we usually eat the dip mashed together with the fried egg.
It was no fine dining fare but the dish enveloped us with a warmth and a totally feel good factor.
Comfort seems to be the big buzz word in Mukha...in its decor and the food.
The beef bamia (RM15) was another prime example with minced beef cooked with okra (or to some ladyfingers) with a little spice to make it interesting.
One spoon was never enough, as we ladled the tummy comforting dish onto crispy Arab toasts to enjoy.
I liked the lamb cutlets (RM29) beautifully grilled to a caramel brown colour. Each piece is like a lollipop with a dash of Mukha's own blend of spices that I slowly savour. It's not A+ perfect since the spices are rather mild but I enjoy the whole combo with the mash potatoes and french beans.
The Gulf Rice (RM16) was a let-down with a rather ordinary taste. Akin to our briyani, this version with chicken, vegetable chutney, poppadum and chutney didn't excite us at all.
Everything is washed down with a cuppa of their Shahi or mint tea that is served in dainty glass cups.
Someone relives his American days with an order of Cherry Coke.
To end, we looked forward to desserts. Red Velvet was the original intention but it had sold out so instead we settled for pavlova (RM9.50) and banoffee pie (RM8.50).
Everything felt light as air...even though we know it ain't especially the creamy calorie laden banoffee pie with the very short biscuit crumb. As we licked our lips and enjoyed the pavlova topped with fruits, the rain had subsided. Just in time as we walked off.
Will we return...is the question? I reckon we may since the place scored high on the comfort quotient. While the food won't exactly rock the world, it was still rather nice with a feel good factor.
Mukha Cafe
15, Lorong Rahim Kajai 13
Taman Tun Dr Ismail
Kuala Lumpur
(Halal. Place is same row as Penang Village and right next to Surisit Thai Kopitiam. More pictures in the Flickr set. See this link to the website for the menu and etc.)
*Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here is entirely based on my personal tastebuds and may vary for others. This review is time sensitive; changes may occur to the place later on that can affect this opinion. The reviewer also declares that she has not received any monetary or non-monetary compensation from this place for writing the review.
11 comments:
the pavolva looks really neat. :)
Its really getting to be quite an overload of choices in that stretch of shoplots. :)
(yay!)
Pity that the parking situation is getting so much worse tho :(
Michelle - it was rather neat and not an explosion like the ones I usually eat at Alexis.
J - yeah, parking is a pain here especially for lunch. Luckily the rain drove them away that Saturday.
And some days the feel good factor is all we need. :)
What do you mean you settled for the banoffee pie and pavlova? Banoffi and Pav! I think they're a step up. Were they as good as the Aussies do them :-) Mmmm
The way you described the rainy Oct weather, plus the solace you guys seek from Mukha, I can almost imagine the experience. Yeah, at times, the ambience plays more vital role than the food/drinks.
I like place in the earlier parts of the evening before the shisha bandits come to dodge up the place after 830pm. I reckon that's when one leaves even if the rain hasn't stopped. Hehe.
Love the decor though.
Dear Masak-Masak,
Thank you for featuring Mukha Cafe here in your awesome blog. We feel so humbled to have been mentioned here, what more having an entire post dedicated to the cafe.
Thanks so much and we hope to see you again.
Toodles!
Love,
Mukha Cafe
Yum yum I loved the pavlova and on the last few rainy evenings, hankered for some fol :)
I do believe that this certain blog was ever most useful in my adventures of blogging. Ever more I think everyone should know and learn the information posted. Good day.
I do believe that this certain blog was ever most useful in my adventures of blogging. Ever more I think everyone should know and learn the information posted. Good day.
Shon
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