Mendung Kafe in Bandar Bukit Mahkota came onto my radar thanks to a dear friend who was deep in a serious nasi lemak craving spiral and determined to find a new spot worth obsessing over.Â
One quick look at its social presence and I was already intrigued. The branding was clean, neat, and thoughtfully put together, which admittedly matters more than ever in an age where first impressions are made by a scroll and a double tap.
Stepping into Mendung Kafe sealed the deal. The space was unexpectedly cosy, filled with natural light streaming through wide glass windows without feeling glaring or overwhelming.Â
The service was warm, the decor leaned into a tasteful blend of traditional touches and modern sensibilities, and there was an easy breeziness to the whole place that made you want to linger a little longer (while fighting the drowsiness taking over after a full meal).
What to order at Mendung Kafe
Since Mendung Kafe operates only until 12pm, it naturally leans into breakfast fare. That said, the menu is far from limited. You’ll find familiar Malay breakfast staples alongside a small Western selection, so there’s room to play it safe or switch things up. If you’re visiting on a weekday, their pasta options are also worth a look, though mornings here clearly belong to comfort food.
What genuinely surprised me, however, was the drink menu. It’s impressively varied, covering everything from coffee to non-coffee options like teas and mocktails. To kick off the morning, I went with their Latte (RM11.90), served hot.Â
From the first sip, it was clear this was a well-executed cup. The foam was smooth and creamy, holding up beautifully all the way to the end. The coffee itself was bold and robust, with flavour notes that leaned more towards fruity than nutty. If that’s your thing, this will hit the spot. Personally, I lean towards nuttier profiles, but there’s no denying the quality here.
I didn’t wait long before moving on to the main event: the Nasi Lemak Ayam Makdee (RM11.90). While the menu doesn’t label it as a McDonald’s-inspired version, the resemblance is there. For the price, the portion was generous without feeling excessive.
The rice stood out immediately. Fluffy and fragrant, it carried strong santan notes and, most importantly, was properly seasoned. While some places shy away from adding salt to their coconut rice entirely, this one didn’t hold back, making every bite far more layered.
The sambal was a knockout. Spicy, with a subtle sour edge and just a hint of sweetness, it struck a well-balanced profile that kept me going back for more. Easily one of the better sambals I’ve had, though I wouldn’t complain if it leaned even more towards sour. The ikan bilis and roasted peanuts were crispy and well-prepared, adding texture without stealing the spotlight.
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Visually, the fried chicken could pass for something you’d expect from a fast-food favourite. That deep red colour and crispy skin were instantly inviting. Flavour-wise, it leaned closer to Texas Chicken than McDonald’s, with a smoky-forward profile and straightforward seasoning. The chicken was cooked just right, juicy on the inside with a satisfying crunch on the outside.
Another standout was the Nasi Lemak Ayam Salted Egg (RM16.90). The battered fried chicken was generously coated in sauce, making every bite indulgent.
While the sauce leaned more curry-forward than distinctly salted egg, it was undeniably delicious. Savoury, aromatic, and packed with spice — it was dangerously addictive.
To round things off, we ordered the Lontong Kuah (RM9.90) for a bit of variety. Once again, the portion size exceeded expectations.
The plate was brimming with tempeh, tofu, green beans, nasi impit, and more. Halfway through and we were already comfortably full. The broth was flavourful yet light, and rich without being overwhelming.
Who Mendung Kafe is best for?
Mendung Kafe isn’t restrictive in any way. You can come alone, with friends, or with whoever you feel like bringing along. That said, it really shines as a spot for a slow, relaxed breakfast, especially with family.
It’s a place that suits an unhurried morning. Wake up early, take your time getting ready, throw on something comfortable, and arrive with empty stomachs and no rush to leave. The calm atmosphere, generous portions, and familiar flavours make it ideal for lingering conversations over breakfast, where the goal isn’t to eat quickly, but to enjoy the start of the day together.
How to get there?
Mendung Kafe isn’t directly accessible by public transportation, so driving is your best bet. Coming from Cheras, the journey took us close to an hour, depending on traffic.
That said, the drive feels a little more forgiving once you arrive. Parking is relatively easy to find, especially since the surrounding area isn’t as densely commercialised as places like Jalan Telawi in Bangsar. It’s a small trade-off, but one that pays off when you’re not circling the block endlessly before breakfast.
Do we recommend Mendung Kafe?
In short, yes — only for the right reasons. Mendung Kafe delivers where it matters most. The food is thoughtfully prepared, the coffee is well executed, and the prices remain approachable without feeling compromised. Add in the cosy ambience and genuinely warm service, and it’s easy to see why the place leaves a lasting impression.
It’s worth stopping by if you’re in the area, especially for a slow breakfast or early brunch. Just be mindful if you’re planning to come in a group larger than five. The charm of Mendung Kafe lies in its calm, intimate atmosphere, and it’s best enjoyed when that easygoing rhythm is left undisturbed.
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