Beans Depot @ Parklane Commercial Hub, Kelana Jaya

If Beans Depot can be summed up in one word, it would be passionate. Taking its pride as a local roaster and coffee beans retailer, the cafe strives to provide personalized coffee indulgence for both casual drinkers and aficionados. Not only that, now you can enjoy newly-introduced hot dishes, salad, sandwiches and desserts along with the coffee staples. 

Beans Depot carries more than 20 types of coffee beans to suit even the most discerning palate among coffee connoisseurs. Whether you are a cafe operator or home brewer, you are welcomed to get your supplies of beans from here.

Two roasting machines in the cafe costing more than USD 20,000 each!

Medium light roasted beans are more complex in flavours as they possess a wonderful mix of floral and fruity notes, whereas dark roasts are bitter and relatively cheaper because it burns all of the 'defects' of the beans. Emphasizing on quality beans, Beans Depot usually goes for light roast to city roast for a real taste of 'coffee'.

Taking the center stage of the cafe is the wooden bar counter where you get to experiment with different brewing equipments, smell and taste various beans, as well as practise your barista skills there under the guidance of Mdm. Yip Leong Sum, the owner cum Malaysia Barista Championship judge.

If you're keen on being a barista or opening your own cafe, feel free to rent the bar and brew your own coffee! The bar is all yours.

On the rack, Mdm. Yip showcases her personal collection of coffee makers, brewing equipments and beans collected from different parts of the world during her adventures. Forget about the usual Syphon Coffee Brewer, here you will be wowed by so many new things that you haven't seen before!

Living up to its tagline of "Personalized Coffee Indulgence", customers can customize your cup of coffee based on their personal liking. Whether you love your coffee to be more fruity or smoky, the barista will surprise you with a cup of coffee that suits your preference.

Weekend roasting and cupping session for the coffee enthusiasts. Unlike coffee workshops that cost a bomb, here Ms. Yip hosts free coffee sharing sessions during weekends. You can learn about the aroma and taste of coffee beans from around the world, the cupping roast protocol, and how to use different equipments!

Panama Geisha Esmeralda @ RM60 

I am shocked to hear that my hand-brewed coffee costs RM60 a cup! In fact, it is very rare to be found elsewhere, and if other cafes do carry such beans, they usually price it around RM89 per cup. 

Due to the very limited supply of this coffee, it becomes one of the world's most expensive and sought-after coffees. It is a very balanced cup of coffee with medium level of citrus acidity well-balanced by the sweet floral aroma of jasmine. Smooth and chocolatey on the palate, it doesn't feel like drinking 'coffee' at all! 

Mollases Macchiato

Caramel macchiato is a common name we often hear, but how about replacing caramel with mollases, a type of natural sweetener extracted from sugar cane? The overall taste of the espresso and foamed milk is lifted by the lightly sweet and delicate cane flavour!

Love. Coffee. (爱。咖啡。)

Creativity is the main element of coffees here. Apart from the popular Coffee Cocktails (RM28) in which you can choose your own elements of alcohol, here we get to enjoy the owner's specialty coffee. Beautifully presented in distinctive layers with honey as the base, followed by coffee and milk foam, the glass is rimmed with fine chocolate powder. This sweet concoction definitely melts your heart away!

For those who are less adventurous, basic espresso-based coffee staples such as latte and long black are available at a price from RM7 to RM10.

Taiwanese Flower Tea

Non-coffee drinkers are also welcomed to gather here because this cafe serves premium flower tea where you can choose to combine up to 3 types of flower buds imported from Taiwan. Exuding delicate aroma with subtle sweetness, the lovely blend of Red Rose, Apple Flower and Violet Flower buds is good to soothe the mind and soul.

Lemongrass Red Tea With Mint @ RM10

For a instant pleasant cooling kick, do opt for the refreshing concoction of Thai-inspired red tea with mint leaves and lemongrass to wake up all the senses! Non-coffee beverages are pegged at affordable prices from RM8 to RM20.

Green Salad with Smoked Salmon @ RM22

Instead of putting too much focus on creative beverages, Beans Depot now diversifies its food menu to cater for the corporate crowd during lunch hours. Healthy goers can rejoice as the garden salad here is loaded with pumpkin seeds and crushed pistachios, and topped with a choice of smoked salmon or turkey ham. A drizzle of homemade tangy sauce adds a nice touch to the greens.

Mushroom Fettuccine Alfredo with Garlic Toast

Hot soups, sandwiches and pastas here are equally soul-satisfying as these comfort food are served using fresh, healthy ingredients. The generous portion of al dente pasta topped with mushroom and sprinkles of Parmesan cheese will definitely get your stomach filled.

Diced Mushroom Fried Rice with Chicken Skewers @ RM15

For those who can't live without rice, this staple food is served in different fusion styles at Beans Depot. You'll expect to see a weekly rotating menu featuring Taiwanese Braised Chicken Rice, Japanese Curry Rice as well as Vegetarian Rice, ranging from RM10 to RM25 each.

Roselle Crumble @ RM13

When it comes to dessert, the homemade cakes in the chiller are also seasonal and I'm lucky to have a taste on the roselle (a type of edible hibiscus flower) dessert! Sitting on soft biscuit base, the cake is served warm so that the thick, gooey cheese melts in the mouth with chunks of chewy roselles. The crispy, buttery crumble and pistachio topping add a beautiful contrast to the overall texture. To my delight, this delight is lightly tart and tangy, with hints of sweetness.

Feel free to drop by at Beans Depot and take home with you a well of knowledge about coffee!

Verdict:
1. I am impressed by the distinctive concept of Beans Depot that makes it a standout among the ever growing cafe communities. Even if you're a non-coffee drinker, you might fall in love with coffee after making a visit here!
2. Love this place with friendly barista and down-to-earth owner who is willing to share the knowledge and patiently teach us the brewing methods!

3. A visit to Beans Depot is definitely an eye opener for both beginners and coffee experts. 

Beans Depot (豆库)
B-G-5, Jalan SS7/26,
Parklane Commercial Hub @ Kelana Jaya,
47301 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor.
Contact: 6012-7858488 / 6012-2715393
Email: beansdepot@gmail.com
Facebook: fb.com/beansdepot
Instagram: @beansdepot

Business Hours:
Mon: 11am - 7pm
Tue: 9am - 4pm
Wed-Thurs: 11am - 7pm
Fri: 9am - 4pm
Sat-Sun: 11am - 7pm

Otherwise Cafe @ Kelana Jaya, PJ

Visiting the ever increasing industrial-style cafes in town seem to be too mainstream for some cafe hoppers. If you prefer somewhere really different and unique, Otherwise Cafe is worth visiting as it is an extremely indie-looking cafe located at the most unexpected neighbourhood area in Kelana Jaya.

Living up to its name, "Otherwise", you'd expect a total different ambiance in this cafe. It is a wedding photography studio with makeup and hair services by day, and transformed into a tastefully adorned hangout space during the evening. 

In fact, this is one of the cafes that gets raves for detail, from the classic music playing at background, to all the vintage antiques at every nook and corner of the cafe.

The owner has gone great lengths to source for rare and valuable decades-old antiques from all around the world, and even showcase his personal collectibles in this cozy space. Entering this dimly-lit cafe, surely you'd notice pieces of old train paraphernalia that is revamped and currently used as the counter, with an unique monochromatic masterpiece on the wall behind it.

On the left, I have no idea that it is an antique wooden refrigerator imported all the way from Japan until the owner tells me so! But of course you shouldn't miss out the oldest antique in the cafe--- an elaborate mahogany wooden piano used during the second World War! 

Bringing out perfectly the retro theme of the cafe, it is tastefully adorned with different items that I have not seen in my entire life! From the artfully scrapped cemented walls to irregular furniture and cool sculptures, I'm truly amazed! 

Another vintage upright piano is in the house. 

The golden age of radio may be gone, but antique radios from every other era can be seen on the display here. 

Whichever spot you choose to hang out here, it definitely gives you a different kind of enjoyment.

Get your camera ready because every nook and corner is picture worthy!!

Under the rustic atmosphere that makes us feel like we have stepped back in time, the best accompaniments would be a warm, comforting cup of coffee and a slice of homemade cake. 

 Latte @ RM11 / Mocha @ RM12

For those who fancy the coffee to have deep, full-bodied flavour and rich aroma, coffees served here is exactly what you are seeking for! Using Toraja dark-roasted beans by Sprezzatura, a local roaster in town, every cup here has strong earthiness and less acidity which may be admired by some coffee enthusiasts. 

The daily selection of desserts differ everyday, so you may be surprised by new flavours during each visit! But one good thing about it is, all desserts are pegged at one same price of RM11 each.

Homemade Strawberry and Banana Cheesecake @ RM11

Cheese lovers will be totally smitten by this heavenly slice of homemade cheesecake layered with chunks of strawberry and banana. The biscuit base is so crumbly that it adds a beautiful contrasting texture to the creamy, melt-in-the-mouth cheese.

Topped with strawberry yoghurt mousse and fresh berries, I love it for being a lighter version of cheesecake that makes a sweet tooth like me feel less guilty! 

 Normandy @ RM11

Named after a region famous for apples in France, the Normandy cake features thick slices of baked apples layered with lemon creme and vanilla sponge. Sweet, tangy and delicious! 

Homemade Tiramisu @ RM11

Among the desserts, nothing beats my all-time favourite classic Italian dessert! As a true fan of tiramisu, I am more particular about its taste and texture.

Dark and indulgent, each bite is a divine layer of texture in the mouth but it is the Irish whiskey soaked ladyfingers that have us on cloud nine! Amazingly, the cake is very well-executed as it strikes a balance in bittersweet flavour and coffee aroma. 

Macadamia Nut Pie

 Cuppa Wonderland (Banana, Dried Cranberry, Oreo with Caramel Swirls)

On lucky days, homemade desserts can be aplenty in the cafe. You may get to try the classic red velvet, sour mango cheesecake, and new flavours which will be introduced from time to time. 

Verdict:
1. If you are intrigued by themed cafe, it makes the best reason for your next visit here.
2. Hot food is not served at the moment, but coffee and dessert are good enough for me to stay for the entire lazy afternoon.
3. Recommended: Tiramisu and Strawberry Banana Cheesecake


Otherwise Cafe
6, Jalan SS4D/14,
(next to Yipie Yaya Studio,
nearby Paradigm Mall)
47301 Kelana Jaya,
Petaling Jaya,
Selangor.
Contact: 6012-783 8818
Email: otherwisecafe@gmail.com
Facebook: fb.com/otherwisecafe
Instagram: @otherwisecafe

Business Hours:
Weekdays: 5pm - 10pm
Weekends: 11am - 11pm
Closed on Tuesdays 

Fa-Ying by Rama V @ Paradigm Mall, Kelana Jaya

Fa-Ying by Rama V may have been around for a couple of years, but the name is not one unheard of. Conveniently located at the family favourite Paradigm Mall, the restaurant is separated from the main building of the mall and is accessible via the entrance above the concierge counter.

Stepping in, discover an eclectic treasure trove of Thai vintage carvings lining the wall of the main dining area. Those who would love to chill out after a long day at work may opt for high stool seating by the bar.

 ICE POPS!

Iced Thai Milk Tea Pops @ RM13

There we go for the star of the evening! What's interesting about the ice pops beverages is the flavoured ice cubes that allow you to enjoy the consistent taste of the drinks until the very last sip. Just pour in the chilled milk into the glass of brown sugar and allow the Thai tea ice cubes to melt away. You'd be surprised with the trio combination!

Iced Lemongrass Basil Pops @ RM15

Perfect as a thirst quencher among the Thais, the lemongrass cooler is equally interesting

as the soda blends well with ice cubes of lemongrass. 

 TAPAS

Neur Dadt Deow @ RM18

Deep-fried sun-dried marinated beef tenderloin strips served with Thai chilli sauce

Any outstanding Thai restaurant should take pride in crafting authentic Thai flavours, but the Thai chefs in Fa-Ying goes beyond the traditional way and injects modern interpretation to the dishes. Its menu items emphasize communal dining, where dishes such as Tapas and Thai BBQ Skewers can be shared among friends, along with wine.

Classic tapas such as the beef tenderloin strips is the perfect dish to kickstart your meal. A favourite among the Spanish, here you can enjoy the light nibbles with a kick of spiciness from the sweet spicy Thai chilli sauce. 

Salmon Lom Kuan @ RM18

Salmon in Manow Sauce

It is uncommon to find salmon on the menu of a Thai eatery, hence we are excited to see how Fa-Ying serves it in the Thai style. Fresh salmon seasoned with lime and spices which make up the tangy Manow sauce, is a refreshing option for those who are more health conscious. 

THAI BBQ SKEWER

Gai Sate @ RM12
Thai Grilled Chicken (3 sticks)

A popular street food in Thailand, the barbecued skewer option is aplenty in the menu ranging from beef to tofu. The strong aroma of Asian spices whet our appetite as soon as this dish arrives at our table! We love the excellent marinade that allows the lean meat to be well-suffused with sweet curry flavours and double our enjoyment when pairing it with the tangy dipping sauce. 

 SALAD

Yam Neur Yang A-ngoon @ RM23

Grilled beef tenderloin salad with grapes and mint-chilli-lime dressing

A welcoming change from the crowd's favourite Thai mango salad, we are served with another exotic dish-- the well-done beef tenderloin served on a bed of seedless grapes and vegetable salad. Sweet, savoury and citrusy, all at once, a complex and charming blend of flavours and textures that glue diners to the seats.

PASTA

Fettuccini Gaeng Paed Ped Yang Sai Linchee @ RM22

Fettuccini with roasted duck curry lychee

We agree that the spiciness of Thai red curry, sweetness of lychees and the saltiness of roasted duck combine as a perfectly comforting hot dish, but have you ever tried the pasta version of it? The al dente pasta is so well-coated with creamy red curry gravy that may be a tad overwhelming for some. The duck breast is tender and juicy, which is a pleasant surprise, since breast meat is usually rather dry.

FA-YING SIGNATURE MAINS

Gai Tacos @ RM22

Thai BBQ chicken tacos served with special Thai sauce, avocado and somtam

For the signature mains, the chicken tacos will satisfy your carnivorous cravings. I personally feel that the Beef Tacos (RM25) would be a better choice when sipping on icy cold beer. Served along with deep-fried vegetables and raw papaya salad, the tacos are good to go with both sweet plum Thai chilli sauce and mint avocado mayo. 

Pad Cod Yang Rad Sod Manow @ RM48

Grilled cod with grilled vegetables in manow sauce

If beef isn't your thing, the grilled cod sitting on a bed of brinjal, capcisum and baby tomatoes will be a safe option. The cod is beautifully done, pairing well with the sour and spicy manow sauce and it is still soft on the inside and not overcooked. 

Apart from featuring classic Thai fare, other inventive creations on the menu include a range of burgers, pasta and sandwiches. Here it ensures every diner experiences enchantment when taking a culinary journey from Old Siam to Modern Bangkok.

Some noteworthy dishes that worth a try include Thai crab cake burger, beef sandwich in Nam Tok style, Pineapple Fried Rice served in pretty pineapple shell, well just to name a few :) 

DESSERTS 

Khao Niaw Ma Muang @ RM12

Mango sticky rice

End off on a sweet note with the classic Thai dessert, the homemade mango sticky rice served with a separate shot of coconut milk. The coconut cream possesses a good amount of salty sweetness to cut through the warm glutinous rice, and provides a satisfying finale to the meal. We are delighted that the fried salty mung bean topping also gives the dessert a nice crunch. 

Thab Tim Krob @ RM6

Water chestnut with coconut milk

A simple concoction of ruby red jellies floating in a pool of sweet, cold coconut milk with ice shaves and jackfruit. I'd appreciate if it is added with some transparent sago to give a better texture to this bland dessert.

Tiramisu from Just Heavenly

Not a fan of Thai desserts? Premium cakes from Just Heavenly are available here too, including Red Velvet, Tiramisu and Butterscotch Cake. Anyone looking for a jolly good time would take interest in Fa-Ying's daily happy hour promotions for the selection of cocktails and beers in the house.

Verdict:

1. Overall, the ambiance is great for a casual night chill-out. Love the idea of nibbling on Thai-style tapas and BBQ skewers while downing jugs of cocktails and beers. 

2. Recommended: Thai Tapas, BBQ Skeweres, Fettuccini with roasted duck curry lychee, Ice pops

3. Pricewise, it falls within the mid range, but I don't mind dropping by if I feel like having Thai while my dining partner may prefer something more westernized. 

Fa-Ying by Rama V
Lot Lot 08, 
Level G - Boulevard 
(near to the outdoor stage) 
Paradigm Mall
No.1, Jalan SS7/26A, 
47301 Kelana Jaya,
Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Contact: 603-7451 2933
Email: marketing@ramav.com.my
Facebook: www.facebook.com/faying.com.my
Business Hours: 11am to 12am daily