Brewing That Perfect Cuppa

Eating Out
By OH ING YEEN


IT all began with a cup of latte. Five years ago, web-designer Chung Yeh Chin was looking for new business opportunities to explore and was struck with the coffee-drinking culture after a cup of latte.

“I was looking for a new avenue as the web design business did not go well. Even though I was more a tea drinker than a coffee drinker, I liked the taste of the latte. When I saw the coffee syphon, I was fascinated with the mechanism and did some research, hence discovering a very interesting coffee scene.


Popular item: The Grilled Cajun Chicken is popular among Coffee Ritual’s patrons.

“It’s not only about the brew itself but its culture and history that I was fascinated with. Till now, I’m still looking up the Internet for info on coffee,” he said.

He then started the F&B business with his co-partner Hoh Ee Mei, who unlike him, is a coffee drinker.

Regarding the cafe’s name Coffee Ritual, he said: “The coffee-making process is like a ritual. There are certain steps to follow, miss one step and it will affect the taste.”

Adhering to the right methods is important in preparing the perfect cuppa and Chung proceeds with a technical explanation of how the syphon coffee maker functions.

“It keeps the water temperature just a few degrees below 100°C to retain the coffee aroma,” he said to sum up the mechanism.

Coffee Ritual has recently relocated from its original premises in Phileo Damansara to Section 14 in Petaling Jaya.

“The previous location was too confined to the office crowd. We hope this new location will be more accessible, especially for families,” he said.

The spacious interior exudes a relaxing and welcoming ambiance. There is also an alfresco dining place at the balcony for those who like to enjoy the breeze while sipping their favourite brew.

What sets it apart from others is that Coffee Ritual offers espresso-based coffee.


Simple yet wholesome: The flavourful Cream of Mushroom (front) makes a great comfort food. You can also opt for the Soup of the Day and the Tomato Soup is one of it.

“Normally, many of the cafes in Malaysia are Seattle-styled or American cafes. We offer Italian espressos instead,” he said.

Cappuccino is just one of the many espresso-based coffees in Coffee Ritual.

Coffee connoisseurs can try out the Single Origin Gourmet Coffee (RM6) variants such as Brazil Fancy Santos and Java Arabica Jampit.

“The single origins are rare and priced as premium coffee as it is not easy to preserve coffee due to its short shelf life. After it is roasted, it takes about two days for it to develop into full-body flavours and is best consumed within two to three weeks,” he said.

With its premium coffee, the cafe has attracted coffee aficionados and has recently hosted a coffee-lover gathering.

“We welcome coffee lovers, whether to get pointers on how to prepare the perfect cup of coffee or just to exchange coffee-related ideas,” Chung said.

Aside from the coffee, there are over 60 items on the menu for customers to choose from.

The Cream of Mushroom (RM7.40) served with was quite flavourful that it was finished in no time and the accompanying roll was not spared either. You can also opt for the Soup of the Day.

For main course, one of the choices is the Grilled Cajun Chicken (RM13.40) served with butter rice or baked potato and stir-fried vegetables.

As for gourmet sandwiches, The Black Pepper Chicken Sandwich (RM12.80) is one of the popular choices and diners can choose either the Foccacia or Ciabatta bread.

After a bite of the Turkey Toast Crêpe (RM8.80), it’s no wonder that it is a favourite among patrons when it comes to savoury crêpes. The combination of shredded turkey toast, mozzarella cheese, creamy sauce and stir-fried onions makes this a satisfying meal. As it may be quite filling for small eaters, you can opt to share it with a friend.

Alternatively, you can satisfy your sweet tooth and opt for sweet crêpes instead. The Crêpe with Mixed Fruits (RM8.20) was a simple yet satisfying dessert.

For desserts, choose from a variety of cakes offered. Hoh tries out new recipes from time to time and her latest is the Peach Cheesecake. While most cheese cakes are very filling, this proves to be a light dessert with its combination with the fragrant fruit.

“Actually some of our male patrons like to have cake to go with their coffee, too,” Chung said, proving that comfort food is for both genders.

Realising that Section 14 is a parking nightmare, Coffee Ritual offers an hour of free parking at the Section 14 multi-level parking complex for those who spend RM30 and above on a single receipt. All you have to do is present your original parking ticket when you pay your bill.

> COFFEE RITUAL, No. 35, Jalan 14/20, 46100 Petaling Jaya. (Tel:03-79561080, Website: www.gv.com.my, E-mail: info@coffeeritual.com) Business hours: 10.00am to 11.00pm (Monday-Saturday) and 9.00am to 10.00pm (Sunday and public holidays).