Keeping It Wholesome & Simple
At Wayne's Cafe
Ever get fed up of chic coffee and dessert cafes that seem to focus more on their "hipster" decor, only to then be let down by their lacklustre food with bite-sized portions? Wayne's Cafe, which is located in the bustling Jalan Radin Bagus neighbourhood in Sri Petaling, prides itself in serving hearty portions, both Western and Hainanese cuisines and freshly brewed coffees and teas too.
Being less than 3 months old, the new cafe is banking on its homey ambience and comfort food such as small bites of pork rolls (Choon Kuen), meatballs, mains of roast pork, fried rice with roast pork, and much more to lure customers.
Wayne's Cafe offers a more relaxed dining experience and an extensive menu compared to the cafes. Choose from their all-day breakfasts, salad, pies, pasta, sandwiches to Oriental favourites and Western mains.
It was a love for food, combined with his passion for his family time-honoured recipes, that led to the husband and wife team, Mike and Carolyn starting the Wayne's Cafe. "I named my business - Wayne's Cafe in hopes that people could enjoy food that is unpretentious and wholesome," Carolyn said of the name that was inspired by her 3 years old son, little young master Wayne.
Helming Wayne's Cafe is Master Chef Uncle Phua,76, a first-generation Malaysian Hainanese, with four decades of culinary experience in the F&B industry. Uncle Phua is a gem as he's one of the last few true blue Hainan in the professional kitchen these days.
They are the hardworking and skilled cooks who created a brand of English or western food with a Hainanese touch. They include roast pork, pork chop, classic Hainanese Chicken Chop, Roast Pork Stew Pie and other delights. Some of Malaysia's best-loved foods are Hainanese in origin, but not necessarily Chinese in nature. Believe me or not, they have been responsible for some of the best dishes to be savoured in Malaysia.
SMALL BITES
Nostalgic Family Recipe
Choon Kuen (Spring Rolls)
RM 18
We started off with Choon Kuen (Spring Rolls) - a deep-fried pork roll made from a variety of fresh ingredients such as minced pork, prawn, pork liver together with carrot and jicama for the extra crunch. A time-honoured recipe and family's favourites originated from Micheal's family which was passed down from his late Uncle that spans over 2 generations.
The "Choon Kuen" or "Chun Kuen" in Cantonese was taught to Micheal by his Uncle many years ago. They would have this wonderful dish during their Family Reunion on the eve of Chinese new Year. It's only served once a year due to the tedious process of making these pork rolls. making this dish more unique and often looked forward to glee by his family whenever Chinese New year is near.
No many restaurants served this authentic dish anymore due to the tedious process of preparation. Lots of effort are required to clean the pork fat "netting" (pig's caul lining) or "Chee Mong Yau" that is thin and transparent, an ideal wrapper for the minced meat. This caul lining melts away once fried, leaving a light, non-greasy, see-through casing and a clean pork roll flavour.
A must-try for pork-lovers! I guaranteed you'll fall in love with Pork Spring Rolls or "Choon Kuen" upon the first bite.
Golden MeatBalls
RM 16
Next up, was the Golden MeatBalls, a classic take of deep-fried grounded pork meatballs served with Hainanese chilli sauce. Marinated with chef's secret seasoning, before being steamed and coated in dry breadcrumbs prior to frying.
These freshly fried to golden perfection meatballs was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside with its flavoursome stuffing of grounded pork. Their housemade Hainanese chilli sauce deserves mentioned as it really goes well hand-in-hand with the dish. Just a thought, it would be better if chef filled the insides with some Swiss cheese for the extra kick.
MAINS
Roast Pork
RM 25
Wayne's Cafe signature dish of Roast Pork is a must-have if first time to dine here. Perfect for the roast pork lovers, the cafe's signature roast pork is slow-baked, roasted over the fire using a gas oven, cooked perfectly to just the right degree for a tender, juicy bite.
If you love pork belly, you would not go wrong in ordering the Wayne's Cafe's roast pork which melts right in your mouth. Enhanced with the house-made brown sauce and green apple sauce, all made from scratch, this would definitely hit the right spot. Remember this is a strictly no sharing dish too!
Spanish Pork Chop
RM 25
I have to tell you that the food here certainly checked the box for guilty pleasures. Taking this mouth-watering Spanish Pork Chop for instance, fresh (not frozen) black pork neck or more commonly known as pork collar was marinated for 24 hours in a concoction of herb and spices which are grilled and served on a bed of homemade mash, steamed mixed vegetables and a slice of grilled green apple.
Tender and succulent, the grilled pig collar was slightly charred tears off effortlessly and enters my mouth easily. The meat is so juicy and full of flavours, you might just skip the brown sauce and savour it as it is. Nevertheless, the brown sauce is a good complement for the smooth mash potatoes that comes with the dish.
Fried Kwai Fa Mien
RM 15
To ensure locals feel right at home, the likes of fried rice with roast pork, pork chop or chicken chop, Hainanese fried noodles, fried Tung Fun with bitter gourd and fried Kwai Fa Mien are popular as well, offering the diners an option of their Oriental favourites.
My personal favourite, Fried Kwai Fa Mien priced RM15 per plate, is a good mix of textures in a plate from the tender spring of the Yee mee, to the juicy pork slices and prawn, chewy shitake mushroom, shredded onions and carrots together with the crunchy bean sprout.
The Yee mee was well-fried and nicely coated with the generous amount of the fine strips of egg or "Kwai Fai" that made this another comfort food candidate indeed. I can feel the different textures in each bite with the host of so many ingredients that goes into the cooking of this dish. It's fragrant and yummy ... the Fried Kwai Fa Mien indeed is a joy to eat!
Wayne's Signature Coffee
RM 11
We complete our meals with house brewed coffee of Wayne's signature coffee made from Italy's finest coffee with Lavazza. My hubby, Uncle Hong had his usual favourite Affogato while I choose to have some Nestle La Cremeria ice cream to end our awesome dining at Wayne's Cafe.
Affogato
RM 9
LA CREMERIA® Almond Pecan Passion
RM 5
A decadent mix of pecan flavoured ice cream and crunchy roasted almond drizzled with rich chocolate sauce.
WAYNE'S CAFE
No: 10 Jalan Radin Bagus 6
Sri Petaling
57000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 9055 3362
FaceBook: www.facebook.com/waynescafe.my
Follow Me At My FaceBook Page For My Latest Reviews
Follow Me To Eat on Instagram :
