Smirk Cafe: Comfort Western Fare @ Jalan Telawi, Bangsar

Located at the heart of the bustling Jalan Telawi, Bangsar, Smirk Cafe is one of the coziest establishments in town that serves a wide array of Western food such as soups, sandwiches and pasta under a comfortable and homey dining ambiance.

It is easily noticeable from the main road as it is tucked along the same row as Jalan Maarof's Mc'Donalds, just two doors away from Pince and Pints.

One thing unique about Smirk is its open kitchen concept where diners can see how the food is being prepared, hence the handling process and hygiene are well-assured.

Signature Drinks: Chocolate Martini @ RM15 / Electric Blue Lemonade @ RM10

We begin our meal with two signature drinks. No worries, both are just mocktails, with no alcohol content. Beautifully laced with a ring of chocolate sprinkles around the brim, the Chocolate Martini is a sweet tangy concoction of iced chocolate and raspberry puree. I'd call it a Valentine's drinks! So thick, chocolatey and sweet to my liking. 

Coffee enthusiasts will be happy to satisfy their cravings for caffeine with the medium roasted Degayo coffee beans from Indonesia, carefully brewed by the Kees Van Der Western Mirage coffee machine.

Degayo is amongst the most highly sought-after coffees worldwide for its sweet, silky and earthy dark chocolate notes and low acidity. Hence, do expect the coffee to be milder in flavour.

Flat White @ RM11

A collection of Harney & Sons fine tea imported from New York is available too.

 Mushroom Soup @ RM16

Appetizers such as bruschetta, homemade soup and salad are aplenty here. An aromatic blend of 4 types of mushrooms (Button, oyster, shimeji, shiitake), the soup exudes an exceptionally strong earthy aroma with hints of truffle oil. I enjoy the thick creamy consistency too.

Chicken Caesar Salad @ RM15

We also have the healthy Caesar salad to whet our appetite. The crunchy concoction is nicely done with generous portion of grilled chicken slices, bread croutons, hard boiled egg and cheese sprinkles. The homemade Caesar sauce falls on the more tangy side, hence more palatable than the usual heavy mayo. 

Grilled Red Snapper Fish @ RM29

As for the hot dishes, you'll be able to find your favourite here be it beef, fish or chicken. My personal pick is usually the fish dish, and I am surprised that it actually served good quality and well-portioned grilled red snapper here at such a reasonable price!

Sitting on a base of chunky tomato-flavoured sauce with cheese and fresh greens, two thick slabs of fish are grilled to perfection, with a nice crisp skin on the outside. Nicely flavoured with sticky-sweet balsamic vinaigrette on the side too. 

 Slipper Lobster with Sundried Tomato @ RM24

Seafood lovers will love this slipper lobster pasta stir-fried in aglio olio style.The spiciness is slightly toned down, but nevertheless flavourful with the natural sweetness of the seafood. The meat gives a nice crunch on its own, without being rubbery at all. 

Ice Cream Sandwich Waffle @ RM14

As for the dessert, it serves a wide selection of homemade waffles, The Last Polka ice creams and cakes. If you are into very dense, heavy waffles, then this is a great option that can easily fill up the stomach.

Ambiance wise, indoor section and al fresco dining are equally cosy and good for a casual chill-out session with friends and family. Space is ample in this cafe, hence you may consider having private functions here for up to 50 pax.

To enjoy the meal at the best comfort, I'd prefer this private dining room here that exudes

a more chic and quirky ambiance. Suitable for small group gatherings and meetings.

Verdict:

1. Thumbs up to the generously portioned Western fare at reasonable pricing. 

2. A nice, quiet place where I can easily chill there for hours with my laptop and a cup of coffee. 

3. Recommended: Chocolate Martini, Slipper Lobster with Sundried Tomato 

Smirk Cafe
28, Jalan Telawi 5,
Bangsar Baru,
59100 Kuala Lumpur.
Contact: +603-2202 2774
Facebook: fb.com/smirkcafe
Instagram: @smirkcafebangsar

Business Hours:
Tues-Thurs: 10am - 12am
Fri-Sat: 10am - 1am
Sun: 10am - 12am
Closed on Mondays