He Ju Kopitiam: A Culinary Adventure Through a Food Critic's Lens

We decided to check out a kopitiam, which has become quite popular lately. It seems that just using the word "kopitiam" in a restaurant's name attracts customers for different reasons. Kopitiams can be simple coffee shops serving Malaysian food or fancier places with nice decorations and air conditioning. The fancier ones may be a bit pricier, but they attract people with their tasty food and cozy atmosphere. The one we went to was somewhere in the middle, offering a variety of delicious dishes from both Malaysia and other countries on their menu.

He Ju Kopitiam (Bandar Rimbayu), a relatively new addition to the kopitiam scene, caught our attention. While they do serve Western delights, we decided to stick to the classic Malaysian favorites: Curry Laksa, Singapore Prawn Noodles, and a slice of their intriguing Salted Eggyolk Cheesecake. Despite the limited number of customers, we patiently waited nearly 20 minutes before our food arrived, accompanied by a glass of warm water(2x: RM1.00)

In terms of taste, we were not disappointed. The curry laksa (RM13.50) boasted a creamy and indulgent broth, infused with the richness of coconut milk and brimming with a medley of seafood. The generous portion arrived in a sizable bowl, and although I struggled to finish it entirely, the flavors were captivating. 

The Singapore prawn noodles (RM12.90) delighted our palates with their perfectly cooked noodles bathed in a velvety gravy, accompanied by succulent seafood. The wait was justified by the deliciousness of these dishes.

However, when it came to the salted eggyolk cheesecake, we were left underwhelmed. Typically, cheesecakes are meant to be velvety and smooth, but this particular slice was disappointingly dense. The flavor lacked the punch that would awaken our taste buds. 

We sincerely believe that the kopitiam should revisit this dessert and craft a more tantalizing version. Especially considering the price of RM 16.80 for a relatively small slice, we expected a more memorable experience.

As we settled the bill and made our way back to the car, we agreed that while it was worth trying He Ju Kopitiam, we wouldn't be returning anytime soon. The lack of temptation to explore the rest of the menu left us with little desire to revisit this particular establishment. 

Overall, our kopitiam adventure provided us with mixed experiences. The delightful flavors of the curry laksa and Singapore prawn noodles were a true highlight, showcasing the culinary prowess of He Ju Kopitiam. However, the letdown of the salted eggyolk cheesecake and the lack of enticement to explore other offerings left us with a lukewarm impression. 

Nevertheless, our food journey continues, and we eagerly look forward to our next gastronomic exploration.