The Komunal Bukit Rimau: A MIxed Review

I can't provide a detailed history or pinpoint when The Komunal Bukit Rimau first made its mark among the eateries in Bukit Rimau and Kota Kemuning, given the subtle boundary between these two areas (CHAMELEON KOTA KEMUNING & BUNS & NOODLES BUKIT RIMAU). My discovery was serendipitous, as The Komunal Bukit Rimau surfaced during an online search among a plethora of dining options. Positioned at a corner lot in a commercial building with residential condos above, the four of us arrived around 9:30 a.m.

The establishment exudes a cozy atmosphere, enhanced by sunlight streaming through the surrounding glass walls, creating a comfortable and inviting space. After perusing a menu that boasts an impressive variety, we made our selections. Notably, desserts require a visit to the counter to choose from an enticing display.

Our dessert choices - Chocolate Indulgence (RM18.00), Apple Crumble Pie (RM12.00), and the Salted Egg Croissant (RM12.00) - arrived promptly. However, the Tea Pot Chamomile Blossom (RM9.00) presented an interesting conundrum: despite its name, it was served in individual cups rather than a teapot. 

This was somewhat unexpected, as I anticipated a teapot presentation, especially given the promise of free refills. Consequently, we needed to attract the staff's attention each time we required more hot water. Nonetheless, considering the price, it remains an excellent value for such a soothing beverage.

Chocolate Indulgence is a common fare in other cafes, so I won’t delve into its taste. However, the Salted Egg Croissant turned out to be the star of the show. Warmed up before serving, it oozed a generous amount of runny, thick, and vividly yellow salted egg yolk when you dissect the crumbly, flaky croissant, spilling over the table. As an avid fan of salted egg yolk, I truly loved it. The Apple Crumble Pie was a close second in the dessert lineup, alongside the croissant. It's been a while since I've had it, and it delivered a delightful sugar rush to my palate.

Just as we were nearly done with the desserts, the other dishes started arriving. First up was the Buffalo Wings (RM27.00). These bite-sized, tender wings were topped with a mildly spicy sauce and tasted lovely, but they could have been perfect if the skin had been crunchy. Next, we had the Chicken Ham and Cheese Bagel (RM15.00). This dish was a bit of a tough cookie - the ham was over-fried or over-grilled, and the bagel's toughness made it difficult to share when cutting into pieces.

By the time we tucked into the Chicken Hash and Hot Chicken Burger, we were already struggling due to the sugar rush from the desserts. Lesson learned: keep desserts for the last. But since we were already hungry, it explains why we couldn’t resist diving in immediately.

 

That said, the Chicken Hash and Hot Chicken Burger were appreciated but not praised. The tender and soft chicken meat inside was commendable, making these two dishes worth trying. As for the fries, paired with these two dishes, they were nothing extraordinary but finished off nonetheless, as leaving them would have rendered them as chewy as a rubber band.

Zen Dining Insights

QR code ordering is now the latest trend in  eateries, but its convenience for customers remains debatable. At The Komunal Bukit Rimau, this system meant that the staff were less attentive to table service. We had to specifically ask if the traditional way of ordering was still available.

 

The service left much to be desired. The staff were frequently behind the counter, engrossed in other tasks, and we had to actively seek their attention when we needed assistance. Twice, I had to head to the counter for self-service items like forks, spoons, and tissues. Additionally, we had to request a refill for the chili sauce, which was not even served until we asked for it.

 

Cashless payment is another prevalent trend in eateries. While some places clearly indicate this at the entrance, it wasn’t immediately obvious at The Komunal. This could pose a challenge for customers who are not prepared for cashless transactions.

 

Additionally, the presence of plastic plants rather than natural ones was noticeable. While the plants may enliven the ambiance, they offer no real benefits and might as well be omitted. This choice might not align with the broader movement towards environmental sustainability and the appreciation of nature.

Our total bill amounted to RM169.36, including a 10% service charge (RM14.60) and 6% GST (RM8.76), raising the question of whether the meal was reasonably priced. 

 

Oh, and I must mention that they served us little crispy biscuits as a complimentary gesture - a nostalgic snack that brought back fond memories.