There is nothing like the aroma of freshly brewed coffee to awaken the senses, followed by an energy-boosting meal.
BARELY minutes after it opens its shutters, the breakfast crowd starts trickling in. In the back, the kitchen team, led by the talented but rather taciturn Chef Leonard Vong, is aproned up and on the ready.
At the front of the shop, trays of bread, pastries and cakes at the counter catch the eye and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee quickens the pulse.
Not all items on the menu are available all day long. Granola, ham and cheese omelette are strictly served in the mornings. If you’re really hungry, First Square Of The Day (RM28.90) is a satisfying combination of two free range eggs (fried or scrambled), beef pastrami, cheese-stuffed chicken sausage, house-made baked beans, grilled tomato and potato cubes sauteed in duck fat, served with toast; customers can choose between crusty Farmer’s Bread, crusty multi-grain or Yoghurt Sourdough.
Regular customers sometimes ask for this in the afternoon and Vong is more than happy to oblige.
The Breakfast Mains menu is available till closing hours. Huckleberry uses only free-range eggs. Eggs Benedict (RM23.90) are poached eggs with hollandaise on turkey ham or salmon, served over choice of bread.
Customers are warned there’s a 20-minute cooking time for Shakshuka (RM20.90) but it’s well worth the wait. This Tunisian-style breakfast is a piping hot, slow-roasted pepper stew with feta cheese and rocket leaves. In the centre is a sous-vide egg. Such a decadent indulgence. I’m delighted that it comes with bread to mop up the sauce.
To cater to local tastebuds, there’s Chili Cheese Toast (RM13.90), with fried egg but I find this pales in comparison with the rest.
I don’t have a sweet tooth but I have fallen in love with the Banana French Toast (RM24.90). This is a dish I’d be reluctant to share with anyone. Thick slices of brioche are left to soak in egg custard and panfried to an amazingly soft-centred offering with slightly crusty edges. It’s served with caramelised walnuts, chopped banana and a drizzle of raw honey.
HUCKLEBERRY FOOD & FARE
WHERE: 2G-4G, Plaza Damansara, Jalan Medan Setia 2, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur
TEL: 03-2098 7933
OPENING HOURS: Opens Tuesday to Sunday 7.30am to 6pm.
WHAT’S COOKING: Hearty breakfast and lunch mains
MUST TRY: Breakfast dishes and sandwiches
YOU’LL PAY: About RM30 each
ATMOSPHERE: Cheerful
THE LOO: Clean
SERVICE: Excellent
OVERALL VERDICT: Must try