SERIOUSLY, who goes cafe-hunting in Sungai Buloh, Selangor? More notable for its colonial-era leprosarium, which was opened in the 1930s and was one of the largest in the British Commonwealth, it's the last place that anyone would think of stumbling upon a hidden gem of a cafe.
But that's exactly what happened when I took a leisurely drive there one morning and discovered Ra-Ft Cafe. Passing by IGB International School, I nearly missed the entrance to the parking lot. In fact, it's quite easy to miss the cafe altogether from the main road as it blends very well with all the other nice bungalows in the neighbourhood.
Ra-Ft is located in a white bungalow — on the first floor to be exact. There is only a small circular sign bearing its name that protrudes from a pillar, which can only be seen when you're well within its compound.
However, there's ample parking within the premises, in addition to a nice stretch of greenery lining the other side of the building. Being here makes me feel like I am entering into another world; a world so far away from the madding crowd of the city.
There are outdoor and indoor seating customers can choose from. I opt for the air-conditioned interior due to the stifling heat outside. I love the fact that it's spacious and cosy, with a distinct air of serenity permeating from every corner.
BREAKFAST FEAST
As I arrived in the morning, it made sense to check out the wide range of breakfast options. Already ravenous before the day could begin in earnest, I ordered three items on the menu — the Turkish eggs, the breakfast platter and eggs Benedict.
The Turkish eggs comprised poached eggs served with aioli, spicy butter sauce and chili flakes, accompanied with pita on the side. It is so satisfying that I used the pita to mop up every bit of chilled aioli and runny egg yolk on my plate. As nothing is fried, I felt "healthy" indulging in every bit of this dish.
The breakfast platter at Ra-Ft is customisable, where you can choose from a range of additional sides to go with your standard eggs, hash browns, baked beans, sautéed butter mushrooms, roasted tomato and toasted multi-grain bread. I choose to add bacon to my platter, which, for me, fits the definition of a hearty breakfast.
I opt for the porchetta (thinly sliced Italian roast pork) as an add-on to the eggs Benedict. The dish is superb, but the crackling that day were a bit on the hard side, which felt like chewing on tiny pebbles. But that's just a small matter and it doesn't spoil such a delightful outing.
For a truly satisfying meal, I will always remember to order my customary latte, which, in this lively cafe, comes with a charming art on the top of the milk foam. A cross between a rabbit and cat, the art is definitely a cute touch. The coffee itself is so rich and fresh, it provided the perfect caffeine kick to start my day.
Would I return to Ra-Ft in Sungai Buloh? You bet I will!
Ra-ft Café/Bistro Sierramas
WHERE: IGBIS Grounds, Jalan Sierramas Utama, Sierramas, Sg Buloh, Selangor.
OPERATING HOURS:
Monday to Wednesday: 8am to 5pm
Thursday and Friday: 8am to 5pm, 6pm to 10pm
Saturday: 9am to 10pm
Sunday: 9am to 6pm.
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