Kopitiam Done Right - Pappa Rich @ Aman Puri, Kepong

Updated: 31st Dec '09, Please check out my post on Pappa Rich Bandar Sri Damansara.

I am impressed at the offerings of Pappa Rich Kopitiam. This Aman Puri corner-lot branch was opened 2 months ago and its still packed. A nicely constructed sweeping staircase with wrought iron railings brings any overflow from the front of the shop into the 1st floor. Thoughtfully custom built with the customers in mind! Besides the good design they manage also to capture the essence and the true spirit of the kopitiam of yesteryears. Rich beverages. Flavourful and quality food. Fresh as can be servings. But most of all, attentive waiting staff. Food is prepared from two good-sized open and one closed kitchens. Bread was toasted on a stainless grill over charcoal embers. There is also a huge oven. Another section is the steamer where bread and vegetarian dim sum are prepared. The other open kitchen housed the beverages dept. Noodles and other food I believed are prepared from the closed kitchen.

With all these high points be prepared for some downsides. Customers have to pay for the good quality menu by having smaller portions. The meal is also costlier due to better ambiance, interior and better than the usual kopitiam's furniture and fittings.

However, the coup de grace may be its integrated design from the operational area to the floor giving it a relax and aesthetically pleasing feel of a higher-end kopitiam. The management has a good thing coming and I hope they will maintain the momentum and will not compromised on service and quality.

Go for a cuppa and enjoy!

Steamed buns with kaya and butter. Good quality but was stingy with the kaya and butter portions. RM3.80. All prices 5% service charge. No Gov tax.

Nasi Lemak. Egg was done right. White was firm and broke easily to the bite. The yolk was soft and again - firm. The drumstick was flavourful and the curry and spices shone through! Very good curry. Good peanuts. Crunchy and lightly salted anchovies. A big plus as I have to endure many a salty ones. The fragrant rice, nasi, was done just right, fluffy and all. Downside - small portions in the chicken and rice. The sambal is slightly burnt but I can attest to their claims that is was not too spicy. It was also not sweetened:-) I disliked those sugared sambal. RM8.90.
Fried Rice. The chicken wing had a crispy skin and taste good. Again the sambal which will go very well with the rice if not for the slight burnt smell. RM8.90.
The Open Kitchen. Modern, thoughtful, spacious, steam wafting, cups kept hot for that nostalgic cup of hot beverage.
Cham. I eschewed coffee but indulged in this for old time's sake. Rich quality. Slightly salted coffee to remove the bitter edge. One of the better coffee/tea concoction. RM2.80.
Very good Iced Cappucino. Did not stinge on its ingredients but be prepared to pay for it. RM6.50.
Pappa Rich Koptiam has 18 outlets and counting.

Address of Aman Puri outlet:

No. 3-1A, Block 3, Jalan D2/2,
Desa Aman Puri Kepong,
52100 Kuala Lumpur.