KL's first cafe that specialises in both savoury & sweet waffles served in the spirit of experimentation has opened this week in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, setting the stage for what's expected to be a welcome explosion of waffle eateries in the weeks to come.
Former engineer Terence, his marketing-whiz girlfriend Michelle & their chef-partner Fazli have made a timely leap to the forefront of the Klang Valley's waffle scene. Waffles-&-chicken are no longer a distant dream, thanks to Chequer creations like the Chicken Cobb Sandwich (RM19), featuring waffles with shredded chicken, hard-boiled egg, avocado, beef bacon, plum tomatoes & curry mayo. Alternatively, there's also the Chicken Square (RM22), with spicy waffles complemented by square-cut chicken, purple raisin slaw, chicken jus & sriracha sauce.
Moo Moo (RM25), basically a waffle burger, with sirloin beef patty, cheddar, slaw, relish, crispy bacon & berry BBQ sauce, showcasing the skills of chef Fazli, a vet of establishments like Garibaldi & The Morning After. Are these recipes perfect? No (some need more sauces, others could use fine-tuning in the choice of components), but they're still convincingly tasty & competently textured, hearty & well-priced, served by a hospitable & enthusiastic team that wants customers to leave satisfied.
Chequers' waffle version of Eggs Benedict (RM18) with watercress salad makes for a fun change. We like how several different types of kitchen-made waffles are available at Chequers, creating a more compelling sense of variety - this 'Down Home Benny' comes with extra-crispy waffles, while other offerings might surface with, say, waffles laced with pumpkin & cinnamon. Bonus trivia: Terence & Michelle were inspired to start a waffle place following their food experiences in the U.S.
Of course, there's a vegetarian waffle too - tinged with bits of spinach, topped with a grilled portobello mushroom, glazed cherry tomatoes, balsamic reduction, rocket salad & shaved parmesan (RM18). Chequers can still push the envelope further with even more imaginative combos, but this works well enough for a promising beginning; the team says it tried out some Asian flavours, but chose to start with a streamlined Western selection first, which functions fine for consistent flavour profiles.
Still, there's something akin to a 'goreng pisang' waffle on the dessert list - it's called 'Melting Moments' (RM16), comprising a waffle studded with chocolate chips, teamed with deep-fried bananas, salted caramel sauce, coconut & almond vanilla crust.
We're fans of the tiramisu, soft & creamy, served with espresso & wonderfully fluffy waffles. Well worthwhile for RM13.
Coffee is available, as are root beer-based beverages (like this one mixed with chocolate, milk & ice cream), but the star of the show is ultimately the waffles at Chequers, a destination that deserves attention this December. Head here soon before the crowds come.
Chequers TTDI
153 Jalan Aminuddin Baki, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
Mon-Thurs, 10am-11pm; Fri, 10am-12am, Sat, 9am-10am; Sun, 9am-11pm
This restaurant is available for bookings under TABLEAPP, which enables customers to make instant reservations at Malaysia's top restaurants, while saving time and money in the process. Reserve your table at this restaurant by clicking here.
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