To me, Rika is a cafe I would consider hidden. This newly opened, 3 week old eatery is located on the Ground floor of a low density, low cost flat in Seksyen 17, PJ. I have passed this area many, many times and yet, I was utterly clueless about the existences of restaurants here, some of which look like they have been around for decades. Where exactly is the cafe located? It is opposite the road from the AtWater Residence development (which is next to Ryan & Miho Service Apartment and Jaya One). Opposite the road from this development is a row of low cost flats. On the Ground floor of that flat, you’d find Rika Cafe and several other restaurants.
For some reason, I’ve always thought the flat was predominantly occupied by Muslims. Of course, I anticipated seeing F&B related businesses here – Malay, Mamak and perhaps even Thai food but color me suprised when I came across Rika, a proper cafe and several Chinese restaurants too. Certainly not what I expected to find here, which was a good thing. When you have been to an area too many times to count, it tends to loose its initial appeal. The excitement dwindles and it simply becomes an area you ‘lepak’ at because it is familiar and comfortable. However, every once in a while, you’d discover something new, something that brings back excitement … yup, the discovery of Rika and the other restaurants did that for me. The flats share some similarities with the popular Happy Mansion apartment whereby it is located within the same area, Seksyen 17 and has the same concept of residence on top and retail space on the Ground floor … but that is about it. The look, feel and setting is different.
** Parking was easy and free. Plenty available outside the cafe. Depending on the time of your visit. You may have to make a few rounds around the block till you come across an empty spot.
I like Rika. While it may not occupy a large space, The ambiance was appealing – it was warm, cozy and inviting. If you are a fan of hidden cafes, one that catches you by surprise, you’d like Rika. Sometimes, it is unlikely settings that offers you pleasant surprises and this to me, was one of those instances. I loved it.
Menu
Genmaicha Loaf slice, RM 11 + Morning Butter Loaf slice, RM 7
As I’ve had my lunch just before visiting Rika, I opted to try out their desserts this time. Upon enquiring, I was told that their crowd favorites were their loafs – the Genmaicha and Morning Butter.
Both slices were yummy but between the two, I liked the Morning Butter Loaf. If you are a green tea lover, the Genmaicha option would be a good choice. It wasn’t too sweet and most importantly, it had a slightly bitter-ish aftertaste that is to be expected with green tea. As I generally like my loafs with a consistent level of sweetness, from start to end, it was no surprise that I was inclined towards the Morning Butter loaf instead. This loaf was pleasantly sweet with a dash of lemon zest? It is just a guess, whether it was indeed lemon zest or something else but it was a good addition.
Would I head back here? Yes I would. I really liked the ambiance and feel of the cafe. I can see myself returning here, indulging in more desserts while working away on my laptop.
Address: 8, Jalan 17/1a, Seksyen 17, Petaling Jaya.
Opening hours: Mon, Wed-Sun, 10am-6pm.
Signing out now, Ciao.
