Koosh Koffeez @ Publika KL - Where Is Juliet?

With a name like that, I walked into Koosh Koffeez that afternoon, not knowing what to expect.

I reckoned I've fallen out of the breakfast chapter. I'm not even suggesting that all cafe menus are the same, but frankly, it has become somewhat predictable, boring even.

I think thats why Koosh Koffeez got me so excited.

The menu here focuses on creative cooking with contemporary Western flavors - alongside a touch of soul. Everything here, from food to coffee, is a little more imaginative and different compared to the conventional. The restaurant is also pork free.

On a side note, don't get too confused with the Aladdin-fairytale-like setting. The plush purple interior may appear somewhat dreamy and extravagant to some, but trust me, the dishes that I'm about to show you, would make you march straight in.

Remember to take pictures on the fuschia couch at the entrance. How often do you see one of these?

Koosh Koffeez uses Arabica coffee beans sourced from Arabica Estate, their mother company.

Romeo. Rm12.

Soon to make a splash on social media - this mocha and rose Romeo. It had traces of sweetness, pinch of bitterness, and a romantic allure from the circle of rose petals.

Baller Koffee. Rm16.

Try their signature Baller Koffee! It comes standard with two shots of espresso, an iceball, and a beaker of creamer or soda. I enjoyed both, but the coffee and soda unity, came as a surprising treat for me.

Virgin Mojito.

On the other hand, if you'd like something more chilling and refreshing, this virgon mojito would do you well.

Bruschetta Trio. Rm25.

To kickstart our meal, a trio of canapes - tomato & basil, foie gras terrine, smoked salmon & dill. My favorite would have to be the foie gras terrine, but who can say no to smoked salmon?

The Mandarin. Rm18.

A colorful medley of crunchy mesclun salad, roasted tomatoes, almonds and orange segments in goma dressing. I thought the smoked duck added a beautiful hint of saltiness to the overall salad.

Escargots. Rm23.

The oven-baked escargots in white garlic confit and rich parmesan sauce were delicious. I could've easily polished up the entire plate on my own.

Lamb Shank in Coffee Stew. Rm45.

A massive lamb shank in coffee stew, held together in a pool of mashed potatoes, carrots, onions and gravy. Not to worry - the coffee infused flavors were close to non-existent. 

Peppercorn Steak. Rm38.

Next, we sampled 200g of prime sirloin steak, served on a bed of fries and buttered vegetables. The rich peppercorn gravy was a hit - everyone liked it - it gave the dish a huge taste boost.

Pizza. Rm25.

We shared two pizzas - it was hard to pick which I liked most. I enjoyed the minced lamb, onion and jalepenos combo on the Acapulco, and I found Kasablanca's chicken and sundried tomatoes fusion, pretty good also.

King Krab. Rm33.

The best soft shell crab pasta hands down! A generous serving of one whole soft shell crab karaage! The roasted sesame and cream spaghetti were delicious, but I craved the crab more than the pasta, obviously.

Cinnamon Bolognese. Rm23.

For adventurous eaters who love to try new ingredients and flavors - cinnamon and nutmeg - this pasta dish is for you. Weaved with minced lamb and sundried tomatoes.

Smoked Duck in Tomato Caper Cream. Rm25.

Of the several pasta dishes I had, I don't quite remember having this one. Smoked duck breast swirled in creamy tomato capers sauce.

Karbonara. Rm23.

"Becareful! Don't pop the onsen egg!" Spaghetti smothered in cream, chewy bits of beef and duck bacon, topped with flowing yolk of a perfectly done onsen egg once slit apart. This could get a little rich towards the end.

Siren's Salad. Rm23.

Take note: this dish is on the salad section of the menu. Served cold, the squid ink fettucine fused with ebiko had toothsome textures; the prawn rosettes and chewy squid gave the dish a boost of sweetness.

James' Brownie. Rm18.

The outside of the chocolate waffles were crisp, a nice contrast to the chewy brownie hidden inside. Topped with toasted marshmallows, almonds, whipped cream and ice cream. A tweak: relieve the whipped cream please.

Tiramisu. Rm18.

One of the fanciest waffle I've had - too much happening on a plate however. Tiramisu infused waffle, mascarpone, dark chocolate shavings, strawberries, whipped cream, espresso lady fingers and arabica dustings.

Overall Rating: 8/10. My Top 5 Picks: Romeo (drinks), Escargots (appetizer), Kasablanca Pizza (to share), King Krab Pasta (best soft shell crab pasta ever!) and James Brownie (dessert).

There's just something very appealing about Koosh Koffeez for me. Maybe its my love for soft shell crab pasta or my preference towards fancy gourmet waffles. Oh hey - it could be the fuschia couch too. My meal here were substantial, prices are surprisingly affordable and to keep the excitement going, the menu will evolve from time to time. I will definitely be back.

Koosh Koffeez is located at:
Address: D5-G3-03 Solaris Dutamas, Jalan Dutamas 1, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone: 03-62111586
Email: enquiries@arabicaestate.com
Opening Hours: 8.30am-10.30pm (Weekdays). 9.30am-11.30pm (Weekends). Open Daily.

Located along the same stretch as Coffee Stain by Joseph, Banana Leaf Restaurant, and right next to Senya Izakaya Japanese Restaurant.