A Homely Treat at Chendana Home Café

Text & Images by MUHAMMAD HASIF MOHD JELANI

Despite being located just next to the popular Titiwangsa Lake, Chendana Home Café (“Chendana”) on Jalan Kuantan is still considered a hidden gem because surprisingly, it is not yet known to many. From the outside, Chendana does not look like your typical café because it is part of the owner’s home now converted into a dining establishment bursting with creativity, which is noticeable the moment you enter the courtyard.

The interiors At its foyer and main entrance, there is a cosy space replete with rattan chairs, pampas grass, an abstract-painted canvas, earthytone pillows, wooden lanterns and beautiful decorative plants that exude Boho vibe. The courtyard is filled with tables and chairs as well for guests who prefer to sit outside and enjoy the breeze. But this area will change entirely come evening as the open space will be lit up with fairy lights and the neon Chendana signage turned on. Either day or night, the aesthetics of the café’s attractive façade becomes a plus point for diners, especially when they are content creators.

But that is not the only point that makes the café special; as diners step into the café’s indoor dining area, be sure to take the opportunity to talk to the café’s amiable owner, Aina Syahirah, who works as a makeup artist as well. Most of the furniture were taken from her own home such as the multi-vanity-mirrors of different designs on one side of a wall and a wooden table right in the middle of the space. There is even a mini bookshelf where guests can pick their favourite books or magazines and read them while lounging.

Aina admits that she loves to host gatherings at her house for as long as she remembers, and Chendana Home Café manifests her persona. The name itself is inspired from the place where she resided. She even crafts the menu consisting of her own favourite dishes that are free of monosodium glutamate to enhance the flavour and contain no salt and sugar. She describes the food as healthy without having to compromise the taste.

The food Gaya Travel team recommends that diners try Chendana’s signature WNP Charcuterie Board that is served with fluffy waffles and pancakes alongside hearty homemade sausage, chicken toast and streaky beef. The strawberries, blueberries and bananas served are more than mere colours on this cutting board; they offer a real English-breakfast taste, which generally has fruits on the side. At the same time, the accompanying biscuits add crunchiness, while fine cheese make the entire dish wholesome. This generous meal is matched by three types of condiments: whipped cream, honey and mayonnaise.

Another menu that is downright satisfying is Bagel Brunch Board. Placed atop of end grain cutting board, the main highlight on this dish is the spread of plain and jalapeno bagels that are served in cut halves. It also has smoked salmon, chicken slices, streaky beef and cheese spread besides condiments, including olives, tomatoes, and salad.

The above two dishes are suitable for a group of two or three pax since they come in large portion.

The drinks Peach milk is recommended for those who prefer cold, sweet drinks. The milk is set just nice to not overshadow the taste of the peach, but rather complement it. For diners who prefer something unique, they should try the café’s Cake-A-Cino, a combination of three-layer pancake with honey, a dash of gula melaka (palm sugar) and whipped cream on top of a cup of well-brewed cappuccino.

Near the main entrance stands the Dewi Bar, owned by mixologist Fauzi. His passion towards crafted drinks is evident based on the drinks menu that is not permanent and change according to seasons. His drinks are mostly experimental and reflect his own, curious self, who has a sentimental perspective of life.

One of the mocktails prepared by Fauzi is Terlalu Rindu (meaning ‘missing you too much’), a concoction that he has been keeping for 12 years. Apart from osmanthus syrup and apricot juice, the unique use of egg white is what makes this mocktail special. Interestingly, you will not taste of the white egg. Instead, the egg white gives the drink a creamier texture with long-lasting bubbles. That exotic, mystical combination tastes perfect on Gaya Travel team members’ tongue.

Fauzi also invites diners to try another unique drink of his, Dark & Delusion, a one-of-a-kind coffee mocktail. If I needed to put it into words, it is a taste twister. The coffee is manually brewed on a mocha pot before being mixed with a unique blend of 11 herbs, including cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, forming what is called as aromatic bitters, a suitable replacement for alcohol. It is indeed an out-of-this-world concoction that all adventurous diners and coffee aficionados must try!

Simply put, Chendana Home Café is best for curious guests who wish to uncover a gem that is full of unique, creative flavours all housed within a homely space that gives memorable, warm dining experience.

Chendana Home Café I: instagram.com/chendanahc