DISCLAIMER - This is my first blog post - quality of writing / food review, photos etc. are subject to considerable improvements.
It is no surprise that Common Man Coffee Roasters (CMCR) (partnership between Harry Grove of 40 hands, Australian specialist roaster Five Senses Coffee and the Spa Esprit Group) is commonly rated as one of Singapore's best coffee cafes. Fortunately for KL-lites and PJ-ians, the group finally ventured into KL and welcomed its eager customers on 28 October 2016.
INTERIOR / AMBIANCE
Similar to its Singapore cafe, CMCR KL's coffee-centric concept cafe offers a spacious coffee bar area showcasing the extensive coffee selections and equipment. Delightful ambiance - unpretentious modern interior, spacious layout (caters to both small / large groups or even individuals (bar seats), pleasant to both eyes and ears (lounge-type music with no accompaniment of elevated chatter noise / echoes commonly experienced in crowded cafes).
The entrance - seats for a quick coffee+pastry break
FOOD AND DRINKS
Coffee - well-balanced, sufficient strength. TICK.
Food - Premium ingredients, demonstrating considerable amount of effort, creativity and technique, overall . TICK.
Turkish Common Man Breakfast (RM39)- Phyllo-wrapped soft-boiled organic egg, crispy feta, fresh cucumber and tomatoes, olives and hummus, with pita bread
I'm guessing the dish mimicks a nest with eggs (fried cheese balls - a tad too salty for my liking, nevertheless tasty when consumed together with the pita bread and salad). Surprisingly, the crispy "nest" is more on the sweet side. Overall, an interesting and satisfying dish which offers various textures and flavours for the enjoyment of your palette - from savoury to sweet and even slight bitterness (from the rocket salad), and crispy elements to the soft and creamy hummus and oozing organic egg yolk.
Sauteed Kale and Egg White Scramble (RM29), with the option to add chicken (+RM10) or prawns (+RM12)
The loneliest dish on the table, literally GREEN with envy at the other dishes as it paled in comparison to the Turkish Common Man Breakfast. Obviously more suitable for the health conscious. Loads of kale, broccoli and asparagus, lightly stir-fried hence some may find the vegetables a bit on the hard /bland side but the shaved parmesan definitely adds flavour to the dish. On a positive note, be sure that much of the nutrients are retained and so will your waistline. Suits my palette, though (especially on days when my priority is more on health). Nonetheless, the plate was cleaned up.
Orecchiette Pasta with Squid and Prawn Bolognese (RM36)
Didn't impress the group as much as the brunch selections from both creativity and flavours aspects.
Quinoa Salad with grilled & crispy kumara (sweet potato), spinach, coriander, mint, goat's cheese & honey-raisin yoghurt (RM25), with the option to add chicken (+RM10) or prawns (+RM12)
Unfortunately had only a bite - strong creamy goat's cheese (think camembert /brie style) (which you either love or can't tolerate). I loved it. The quinoa is well flavoured too.
Apple pie
Simple, rustic style and most importantly, heated up to an ideal temperature where the shortcrust pastry is crispy on the outside but maintains its moist buttery richness inside to pair with the generous amount of warm juicy tart apples.
Am already planning my next visit to try the other dishes and coffee selections. Common Man has definitely lifted the standard of brunch dishes in KL and hopefully inspire the others to explore the not so common dishes.
DETAILS
Common Man Coffee Roasters KL
Ground Floor, Plaza VADs
No. 1, Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad,
Taman Tun Dr Ismail
6000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 7.30 A.M. - 6 P.M.
Contact No.: +603-7731 7095
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