Kleptokrat? When I first came across this cafe, its name cracked me up. 😆😆😆 It is term usually used to describe crooked, corrupt and dirty politicians as well as institutions. So, to me, it was a little bizzare seeing the word ‘KLEPTOKRAT’ being associated to food and restaurant, lol. A little bizarre, a little intriguing and a whole lot memorable. Hence why I’d be remembering this cafe for a long, long time.
Kleptokrat Cafe is a beauty. Just like many other cafes/eateries in the vicinity, this establishment also embodies the vintage, rustic, ol’ school feel. Judging from its structure alone, one can deduce that this certainly is not a case of recent construction work in hopes of replicating, immitate something old. Nope, this is a structure that has been around for a very long time. The folks behind this cafe has certainly done an awesome job in preservering it while also adding in their own personal touch. A charming beauty, indeed.
This was the first cafe I’ve visited for dine in after surviving for months indoor at home on takeouts and deliveries. Simply sitting in this cafe and taking in the ambiance, atmosphere and vibe was a breathe of fresh air. If I am not mistaken, this eatery is relatively new, opened doors mid last year. It however, is quickly becoming a crowd favorite, mainly known as a vintage cafe with a pool courtyard serving Melbourne inspired brekkies as well as local /Asian favorites.
Where is it located? Cafe Kleptokrat is located next to another cafe – Timothy, along the Jalan Tun HS Lee road. To me, its basically in the Lebuh Ampang area and within walking distance from the Masjid Jamek train station.
Parking? Well, I am sure you are aware that parking in this part of town can be a little pricey. There are open carparks at both ends of the road, one further than the other. I parked at the closest one which had an RM 6 per hour rate. Of course, many also chose to park by the roadside, outside the cafe – for free, but its a risky move as DBKL was constantly on the prowl. So, do so at you own risk.
Menu
Grilled Chicken Sourdough Sandwich, RM 22 + Soto Ayam, RM 20
The sourdough bread at Kleptokrat are all homemade and besides using it for the dishes, they are also sold in loafs for those interested to purchase the bread alone. Texturewise, the outer side of the bread was solid and crispy while the inner part was. The distinct and unique taste of sourdough was evident from the get-go.
To me, this sandwich tasted like pizza, lol. The dish was made up of the bread, tomato, lettuce, a layer of melted cheese, grilled chicken breast. The dish was tasty, a good meal for brunch. I am however not a fan of the nacho chips as I am more of a fries person. So, that boils down to individual preference.
This was real good Soto. One of the best I’ve had in a very long time. If you like this particular dish, the one here is worth a try. The meat broth was flavorful with a touch of saltiness, consistent with Soto in general. The Chicken Bergedil was nicely done. Unlike a lot of restaurants here that likes serving Bergedil that is mostly hard, the one here was surprisingly tender. The inner part was soft and dense, where as the outer layer was solid. It held its shape well even after I’ve broken into it. Besides that, the dish also included rice cubes, nuts, rice noodles, shredded chicken. Overall, a tasty dish.
I would most probably be back for a nother visit in the near future. Not only is the ambiance awesome, food was good too.
Address: 18 , Jalan Tun HS Lee, City Centre, Kuala Lumpur. (Next to Timothy)
Opening hours: Everyday. Weekdays, 8 am – 6 pm. Weekends, 8 am – 8 pm.
FB page: https://m.facebook.com/kafekleptokrat/
Signing out now, Ciao.
