Mitec, the country's largest trade and exhibition centre, also is also home to a cafe that cooks breakfast all day. Hanim Mohd checks it out.

The no frill counter of Garden Court Cafe.
The no frill counter of Garden Court Cafe.

WE don't normally go all the way to a trade and exhibition centre purposely for its food as food at such a venue usually comes second after the events held there.

But that may not be the case at Garden Court Cafe, a lounge located at the north entrance of Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC), the country's largest trade and exhibition centre located in the suburb of Segambut in Kuala Lumpur.

Offering a relaxing ambience to unwind - thanks to the triple-height ceiling and all-glass walls and a unique menu, Garden Court Cafe can easily make itself as the city's best kept secret for dining. And there's also an al fresco seating area at the Oval Garden.

ON THE MENU

What's unique about its menu is it's an all-day-breakfast menu that is themed "flavours from around the world". Out of 16 items offered on the menu, only two of them are Asian.

Staying true to its all-day breakfast menu, the majority of the items offered have eggs in them. The eggs are done in various ways - poached, sunny side up, scrambled and omelette, all done to almost perfection. If I would fault any, it'll be a request for more Hollandaise sauce on the poached eggs.

Egg-travaganza (from top, clockwise) Eggs Benedict and Beef, Chick and Oriental Taste Eggs and Ultimate Full English Breakfast. Pictures by Hanim Mohd.
Egg-travaganza (from top, clockwise) Eggs Benedict and Beef, Chick and Oriental Taste Eggs and Ultimate Full English Breakfast. Pictures by Hanim Mohd.

But there are also other breakfast favourites like waffles, pancakes, burrito and oat meals. The Belgian waffles are made in house and you get to enjoy both savoury and sweet on a plate as it is served with maple syrup with fruits and slices of crispy streaky beef.

The oatmeal porridge is also a contender. It is done just right which probably Goldilocks herself would approve of - not too thick nor runny. It has a tinge of cinnamon and is topped with fresh blueberries and strawberries.

Healthy options - (from left, clockwise) Guacamole Toast Sandwich, Oatmeal Porridge and Grains, Greens, Beans and Egg.
Healthy options - (from left, clockwise) Guacamole Toast Sandwich, Oatmeal Porridge and Grains, Greens, Beans and Egg.

Out of all the international fares, the Durban Bunny Chow is the most intriguing for me. This South African dish is a hollowed-out white bread loaf filled with a choice of chicken and vegetarian curry.

Initially, I was afraid that the curry would make the bread soggy but when I spoon it, the bread proves me wrong. Its consistency is just right and the curry is delicious. It is served with a side of carrot salad.

Mitec acting chief executive officer Mala Dorasamy who is from Durban, South Africa says that it is as authentic as the one she had back home and we can take her word for it.

The locals on the menu are Nasi Lemak and Curry noodles. I wish the cafe would add more Malaysian breakfast as there are so many possibilities and choices since we are after all multi-cultural.

The Nasi Lemak, nonetheless, is not too bad. It comes with the usual condiments and a piece of crispy fried chicken.

The must-try Durban Bunny Chow.
The must-try Durban Bunny Chow.

ON THE BALL

For sports active patrons, Garden Court Cafe has an interesting item on the menu - a game of Teqball, a ball game that combines table tennis and football.

Like table tennis, it's a game for two or four 2 players who have to hit the ball using parts of their body except their arms and hands. It is played on a curved table which is located at the Oval Garden.

If Teqball is not your cup of tea, there is a jogging trail within the Mitec compound. Otherwise, you can chill or make the cafe your new work base for those who are working online.

The peaceful indoor ambience perhaps would be a good place for rendezvous with spouses, too. Whatever your reasons are whether for business, work, family, leisure or simply seeking solitude, Garden Court Cafe is the place.

 A game of Teqball in session.
A game of Teqball in session.

FAST FACTS

GARDEN COURT CAFE

WHERE 8, Jalan Dutamas 2, 50480 Kuala Lumpur

TEL 03- 6206 0100

WEBSITE www.mitec.com.my

HOURS 7.30am- 5.30pm

EAT All Day breakfast and hot snacks

MUST TRY Durban Bunny Chow

PAY From RM16

MOOD Well ventilated and spacious and cosy ambience

SERVICE Staff are attentive and friendly

I SAY Give it a try


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