I would categorize Grafa as a hidden café. Nestled amidst a row of shops along the busy Jalan Universiti, this establishment presents an unassuming ambiance due to its strategic placement. While the shops in the front row gets plenty of ‘eyeballs’ as it faces the bustling main road, the back row does not share the same visual. Only people who drives around the block will notice Grafa’s existence. Despite that, it seemed like a popular lunch spot among the folks in the area as it was rather busy during that period.
It’s advantage is that it provides a relatively quiet atmosphere, rendering it an ideal location to relax and savor one’s meal. Over the years, I have frequently driven past this cafe in search of a parking spot. During my most recent attempt, I decided to give Grafa a try. Marketed as an Asian Fusion restaurant, it offers a range of Asian dishes, including Nasi Goreng, Nasi Balado, Indomie, and Mee Hoon Goreng Tom Yum, alongside Western offerings such as burgers, sandwiches, chicken chop, and pasta.
Menu
Nasi Balado Chicken, RM 17 + Salted Egg Butter Chicken Chop, RM 27
I was a bit unsure about what to order, but I eventually chose their Chicken Chop, and what a delightful decision it turned out to be. Grafa offers two fantastic chicken chop options, with the Grafa Chicken Chop being their signature item. However, I was excited to hear that the Salted Egg Butter Chicken Chop is a crowd favorite. I went for that option, and I’m so glad I did—it was absolutely delicious! I’ve always loved Salted Egg gravy for its distinct sweet and savory flavor, paired with a wonderfully thick texture. The dish featured a succulent piece of fried chicken thigh generously coated in salted egg gravy, accompanied by a side of crispy fries. The meat was tender and easy to bite into, making each mouthful a joy, especially with that generous drizzle of sauce on top. Yum.
The Nasi Belado Chicken is an Indonesian dish characterized by boneless chicken meat that is enveloped in a spicy chili paste. Here, the dish is accompanied by a serving of rice, topped with a fried egg, alongside chicken Balado and a serving of sweet sweet black sauce. I liked the spiciness of the chicken; the inclusion of red chili paste certainly imparted a desired ‘kick’ to the overall mix. However, for those who may find the spiciness overwhelming, mixing in the thickened sweet black sauce can lower the heat. In summary, this dish was tasty. If I were to change one thing, it would be to extend the cooking time of the meat slightly to make it more tender and reduce its chewiness.
Address: 6, Lorong Universiti B, Seksyen 16, Petaling Jaya.
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 12pm to 10.30pm.
Signing out now, Ciao.
