All the beans at Contour PJ are roasted in-house (Photo: Contour PJ)
Whether you are looking for that invigorating sip first thing in the morning or a midday pick-me-up, these laid-back but reliable coffee places have got you covered.
For the most part, One Half’s second outpost serves as a central hub for the other cafés under three-time Malaysia Barista Champion Keith Koay’s helm — the original outlet within Ilaika Select Store at Taman Paramount in PJ, Transparent Coffee and Dou Dou Bake. Despite being largely dedicated to the retail, educational and backend side of the business, the new One Half Roastery opens its counter five days a week, welcoming those seeking unique brews and esoteric coffee conversations.
Ask the experts and they will gladly share all you need to know from bean to cup. Koay embarks on a pilgrimage almost monthly, from Panama to Taiwan, to source the best java, build relationships and sharpen his skills. As a result, he is able to bring back a wealth of knowledge and transfer it through cupping workshops held at the roastery.
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Local and regional café owners make it a point to visit from time to time to sample some of the most elusive coffees in the world. The most expensive option currently retails at RM360 per cup. Coveted for its lasting floral and sweet aroma — hops flower, apricot, champagne and orange blossom — the Panama Longboard Misty Mountain La Flor is extremely limited and used in high-level competitions. Koay paid the farm a visit, made friends with the producers and was able to bring them home. Some of their prestigious beans are also attained through auctions.
One Half Roastery is like a lab for coffee geeks, but even if you are not an aficionado, the kind baristas will still ensure you won’t leave without trying something exceptional.
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19 Jalan Bukit 11/2, Seksyen 11, PJ. Fridays to Tuesdays, 8am to 5pm.
The new kid on the block at B.Land PJ radiates good vibes and positivity. It has been only a handful of months since Rays was launched, but the modest café, dipped in warm terracotta shades, has quickly become a neighbourhood favourite.
Its name takes inspiration from sunrays, explains owner Kenneth Lee, former head roaster of VCR, who spends most of his time manning the horseshoe coffee counter and checking on customers in between preparing long blacks and flat whites. Scrumptious brunch fare and artisanal brews aside, he hopes the café becomes a wellspring of good energy for guests, most of whom come with their families.
One can find typical avocado toast, buttermilk pancakes and big breakfasts here, but the Pulled Beef Cheese Toastie (RM32) should not be missed. Shredded beef brisket, cheddar cheese and mozzarella are melded in between perfectly grilled slices of seeded sourdough. A side salad tossed with lime vinaigrette and pomegranate seeds accompanies the hearty and comforting dish, which is available in limited quantities daily.
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There are plenty of other toasties as well as a variety of rice bowls and pastas to choose from, but if you prefer something light, the Wheat Berry Salad (RM22) is quite lovely. Rich in protein and fibre, the whole grain lends a nutty flavour to the bright and tangy toss. Ornamented with avocado, cranberries, raisins, green apples and sourdough crumble, the medley of textures is laced with a piquant yoghurt dressing.
For something indulgent — and the kids will love you for this — go for the pretty French Toast (RM28). It comes with a thick slice of egg-drenched brioche topped with vanilla ice cream, jam, candied walnuts and a sprinkling of edible pansies.
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8 B.Land, 2 Jalan 51a/225, Seksyen 51a, PJ. Daily, 8.30am to 5pm. (012) 879 6878.
A giant croissant perches cheekily above barista champion Jason Loo’s latest establishment. Located in a 2-storey shophouse in PJ Old Town, Contour offers a more laid-back environment than the ever-buzzing scene at its sister restaurant Yellow Brick Road.
The lofty café embraces a lot of its building’s old-school charm by way of nostalgic tiling and dark wood, but contemporary touches endow the space with modern appeal.
Patrons are greeted with rows and rows of neatly laid-out pastries as they enter the front door. The system operates like this: Pick out your viennoiserie, order coffee and pay at the counter. Those who want to dine in will be led to their tables, either downstairs or upstairs, upon availability (expect a wait on weekends). So, the divide-and-conquer method of chupping a spot, unfortunately, does not work here.
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All the beans are roasted in-house in a dedicated room at the far end of the shop, allowing more control over the profiles of their Brazilian and Ethiopian blends. They are also on sale in the provisions section, alongside other coffee paraphernalia and seasonal offerings.
The pastries are excellent, with the sort of rich, flaky and glossy layers that litter your surroundings like confetti. The sausage roll (RM15) makes a quick breakfast option, but if you have time to spare, order a hot chocolate (RM14) to dip your sourdough croissant (RM8) evoking memories of Paris’ Angelina Café. The danishes and pain au chocolat are safe bets, but the banana bread (RM12), ribboned with chocolate with an almost crispy outer layer, was an unexpected favourite.
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55 Jalan 1/12, PJ Old Town, PJ. Mondays to Fridays, 8am to 4pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 8am to 6pm.
This article first appeared on Feb 26, 2024 in The Edge Malaysia.
