LOKL Coffee Co @ Jalan Tun H.S.Lee, KL

LOKL, pronounced as "Local" is a cafe tucked within the historical heart of Kuala Lumpur. Just a stone throw away from Masjid Jamek, the cafe is located along the quiet street of Jalan Tun H.S.Lee which is a total stranger's place to me. Thanks to Waze, I found my way there easily. 

If you're coming from the main entrance, you wouldn't be able to see LOKL from the main road. Turn into the street and you'll find LOKL located right next to Back Home hostel, a boutique backpackers' hotel in KL and they share the same courtyard where diners get to enjoy bright airy ambiance at the back of the cafe.

Also, it seems that you'd have no choice but to park your car at the open private parking space at the end of the road. The parking rate is quite hefty there-- RM5 for the first hour, and RM5 for each subsequent hour. 

A perfect coffee place for the weekend ♥

LOKL aims to serve good food-- Simple yet delicious and nothing too fancy. But I find this place perfect to spend some tranquil time there enjoying coffee while reading books, or to hang out with a bunch of mates over desserts and comfort food. 

Once you're inside, you will find that much of the wooden furniture, vintage lighting, pictures and decorations are exclusively designed for LOKL which blend well and lend a charm to its old-school local theme.

The cafe also has some lovely portraits that truly reflects the Malaysian vibes around its walls

which add a bit of colour to the simplistic decors of LOKL. 

Looking at the cafe's name in 4 languages and a roaster logo, it reminisces those good ol' days in 1950s. I have always wanted to try their breakfast menu, but never once we can make it in the morning. So we head there for a late lunch instead. The lunch menu is available until late evenings when the shop closes. 

For lunch menu, LOKL serves typical western cuisine ranging from soup and salad to sandwiches. Glancing through the beverages menu, it is pleasant to see a list of local coffee just like those we have in mamak stall or old coffee shop.

The cafe has a pleasant ambiance, with white furnishings an rustic exposed brick walls. But the seating here is rather limited. If you come alone or with one friend, the waiters don't allow you sit indoors at the table for four. Al fresco dining is available at the courtyard if you prefer more spacious, warmer and brighter environment.

Pastries and desserts are not listed on the printed menu, but you can find them at the chiller and on the blackboard. Set lunch menu is available here on a daily rotation. I also noticed that the service was prompt but not very friendly or warm, probably because they were too busy so I'd close an eye. 

Hainanese Meatloaf @ RM16.90

Our gastronomic adventure began with a crispy portion of sandwich bread battered and deep-fried till golden brown perfection. It somehow reminded me of some Taiwanese snack instead. And I found it surprisingly bland despite of it being stuffed with a mixture of chicken, chestnuts and prawns. Luckily, the sweet garlic soy sauce is served separately as dips, so diners can customise it to their liking.

Just in case you're wondering how big is the meatloaf sandwich...

Rosemary Chicken Thigh Panini @ RM18.90

Bite into the grilled chicken and you'd discover the meat's aromatics assert their piquant accents in your mouth within seconds. As I savour the meat, my tongue detects a slight sweetness and I'm thrilled that it is imbued with a robust flavour of rosemary, thyme and basil. 

Interestingly, the toasted sandwiches were layered with roasted carrots and onions, which enhanced the natural sweetness of the dish. What a nice pleasant change from the usual tomato and cucumber fillings!

DESSERT

Dessert lovers would be spoilt with a wide array of choices including creme brulee, walnut cake, brownie, quiche and the ever popular mille crepe! Well, regardless of the varieties, I still went for my all-time favourite Almond Tiramisu cake.

Almond Tiramisu @ RM12.00

I loved how well the caramelized sweetness of almond flakes enhanced the moist tiramisu's inherent taste. The verdict? A light, airy and lip-smacking masterpiece. Something worth to go for if you have low tolerance towards sweetness. And I'd keep the most sought-after mille crepe on the list during my next visit.

Latte @ RM10.90

If you are a coffee lover, the latte will have you hooked the minute you get a whiff of its strong espresso aroma.

Passion Fruit & Mojito @ RM9.50

For fruit juices, they serve freshly-brewed tea infused with flavoured syrups, then ice-shaken. Despite of its high sugar content, I adore the refreshing drink which is boldly infused with a zingy passion fruit scent. 

By the way, here you only have to pay 10% service charge, with no government tax applied.

Verdict:
1. Love the old school charm here that makes me feel nostalgic in the historical heart of KL.
2. With prices of the dishes ranging from RM8.90 to RM22.90, LOKL has dishes to suit myriad price brackets. But taste and portion wise, I think there are plenty of rooms for improvement ;)

3. Revisit? Perhaps only for breakfast. Because I find it rather overrated and I'll prefer more pocket-friendly coffee places. 

LOKL Coffee Co.
30, Jalan Tun HS Lee,
50000 Kuala Lumpur.
Email: eat@loklcoffee.com

Website: www.loklcoffee.com

Facebook: fb.com/LoklCoffee

Twitter: @loklcoffee
Instagram: @loklcoffee

Business Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday: 8am - 8pm
Closed on Monday
Last orders at 7.15pm