Brunch | Smith's Bread & Cafe, Bukit Damansara | Aug & Dec 2020

"Friends who brunch together, stay together"

I don't even know if this is a legit quote or just something that people throw around when friends go out to sit down for a meal together where we can talk (read between the lines, because bitching is also included in this) while having some good food. But with the current situation of the Covid pandemic, who knows when this can be a casual and carefree thing again.

Luckily for the few of us, we managed to have a brunch meetup and shopping day on a weekend just a week or two before things got bad again in KL. And that was our last proper hangout before we have started the CMCO phase. 

Then me being the sourdough-obsessed person that I am immediately suggested that we go to Smith's Bread & Cafe after finding out about this place by chance on Instagram. I just love breads, especially really good thick & crusty sourdough that is perfectly toasted then layered with all sorts of yummy toppings. 

And everyone agreed because I think no one else had any other ideas where else to go. So, I win, by default. 

I guess it should not be a surprise that there was quite the crowd at the cafe when we got there. Not because we were a little late for brunch since we arrived at about 12pm-ish. While the early crowd were just finishing up, the late-risers were just getting there. Which also happens to be us. Oopps.. 

Initially we were seated at the only table outside of the cafe which was just enough to fit us four. But as we were going through the menu, a server told us that there was a table inside ready for us and since the weather was pretty hot that day, we chose to sit inside. 

The interior of the restaurant was minimalistic and cosy. One thing that I liked was that most, if not all, the tables had an interesting marble-esque tabletop. Me being me was quite into it. As well as the interior furnishings because nothing makes you, or well me mostly, more interested in dining at a cafe or restaurant more than the details of the furnitures.

I was even super into the design of the cups & plates. They were hecking cute & minimalistic; also obviously not something that you can generally find by taking a trip to Ikea. This I can testify because I looked at the bottom of the plates. Only because I wanted to know where they bought the plates so I can get some too. 

Something that struck me as a little weird was, we were given physical menus to decide what we wanted to order. Yet we are supposed to scan a QR code on the table where we will place our order & also pay on via credit card. Since that was my first time at Smith's, I am unsure if it is because of the current pandemic or this was just how they operated. 

But I think I did see one or two patrons at least making their way to the cashier to make a payment. So I was a little confused there. Maybe that is just for people who are getting their sourdough loaves to go?

I didn't think much about that because we were all practically starving and also going through caffeine withdrawal symptoms. Or well, I was since I have had yet to have my daily dose then and was already dozing off mid-day. 

The first thing I ordered, confidently, was a Iced Cappucino (RM10.00). And again, what is with the extra dollar for a cold drink? What is the reasoning behind that? Why am I paying extra for a drink with ice cubes that will essentially water down my coffee anyway?

For food however I could not decide on what I wanted. There was a part of me that was interested in the Beef Brisket Toastie because I read about it being super good somewhere before. But in the end, I caved in when I saw the Smoked Salmon Tartine (RM25.00) which was more my thing. 

Crusty sourdough bread lathered with mayo, cucumbers, generous slices of smoked salmon topped with capers, onions and sour cream with a zing of lemon. Also comes with the side of a mix of pickled onion, cabbage and cornichons. This would have been even more perfect if I had the option to add-on some sliced avocados too but that was not an option on the menu from what I could tell. 

With that being said, there was nothing on this plate that I did not like. Although this seemed like merely two slices of (quite thick) toasts and some toppings, this was actually quite filling. For me at least. By about half of the second slice, I was starting to feel quite full but I finished it all up because I know the day after, I will regret not finishing what I had. 

Then I felt like a ball after. A happy ball. So not much regrets really. 

Another friend, Bao Xiang, had the Crispy Chicken Burger (RM28.00) that comes with a side of thick-cut fries. I never got to try the burger because I was too focused on my sandwich and plus I rarely order any dish with chicken in it, but from the looks of the dish, it would satisfy anyone with a craving for a burger.

I did try the thick-cut fries though and I loved it. I can never resist anything potato - especially when it is deep fried. Perfectly crispy on the outside but scorching hot and mushy on the inside. Also perfectly salted so I was not looking for some condiment to dip it in. 

Another thing that we had that day was the Big Brunch Platter (RM35.00). This platter comes with eggs, cooked any style - you have the choice to have the eggs cooked either sunny side up, scrambled or have it as an omelette, slow-roasted tomatoes, sauteed mushrooms with spinach & onion, crispy shredded potatoes, choice of spanish turkey ham or beef kebabs and perfectly toasted sourdough bread. 

Yes, there was as much on the plate as the words that I have just typed out. Unfortunately I wish I could show you how awesome it was but... let's just say that someone was way too hungry to even give me a chance to take a photo of it. Ahem.. 

Missing photo aside, I have to say that this was the best big breakfast platter that I have tried in quite awhile. The scrambled eggs were perfectly cooked - soft, buttery and just all around syok. And the slices of turkey ham was good too; nice & savoury to go with the milder tasting eggs. Layer it all onto the crunchy sourdough and its a perfect bite of breakfast. 

Seeing how much I enjoyed my very first meal at Smith's, of course I had to bring my baby Jasmine with me because she too has a love for good sourdough breads. Such good discovery needs to be shared with someone that will enjoy it as much as I do and plus, our girl-date has been much overdue. 

So brunch at Smith's Bakery was in order!

This time my very caffeine order was none other than a Cappucino - hot this time around so I would not have to pay extra for additional cubes of ice. And I have to say that I do prefer my coffee hot rather than cold. I personally feel that I can taste it better plus the coffee won't get watered down with time, especially since we would be chatting while we were eating as well. 

We also ordered the Smoked Salmon Tartine. But since I have gushed about this earlier, we all know what this is all about & how generous plus satisfying this plate was. And truly no regrets ordering this for the second time. 

Even Jasmine liked it a lot. 

This time, I decided to order the Mixed Sourdough platter that comes with a side of French Butter & course Sea Salt (RM 8.00). Also added on an extra serving of the Sun-dried Tomato Pesto (RM 6.00) because that was too tempting to pass up. 

There was two thick & crusty slices of Classic Country Sourdough and uhmm.. Honestly not too sure what the second flavour of Sourdough was because I did not ask nor was it explained to me when the dish was served. Truthfully I did not mind because I was too busy lathering up the toast with a good layer of butter, topped with a little pinch of salt and taking a big bite out of it.

The first bite was.... awesome. This is one of the best sourdough that I have ever eaten, soft but dense with a crispy crust. Though, if I were being honest, I really had no idea what the second flavour was but I think it had some mixed spices in it. Then again maybe any discerning flavour was drowned out by the outrageous amount of butter that I lathered on. 

Let's not forget about the Sun-dried Tomato Pesto - savoury, tangy and the perfect condiment for the sourdough. Omg. If Smith's sold this paste then I would be buying multiple jars of it so that I can cook it with pasta.

How sad it is that we have entered into a second MCO phase and I live about 20km away because as I am writing this, I am wishing that I had a loaf of Smith's Sourdough bread to have with some creamed spinach. Instead I can only have my regular bread which does not give me the same sort of satisfaction. 

So if you can, go to Smith's and have some on my behalf. :)

Smith Bread & Cafe
71, Jalan Setia Bakti,

Bukit Damansara, 

50490 Kuala Lumpur.

Opening Hours: 8.30am to 4.00pm | Tuesday to Sunday.