Midsummer Night Cafe in OUG KL 仲夏夜 – a cafe that runs its “own version of cafe”. We said. Like Mainmain Cafe in Jalan Choo Cheng Khay and Bookmark Cafe near Ikon Cheras.
Instead of putting together concrete floorings, exposed bricks walls, black colour steel cabinets for raw & rustic industrial style; or wooden furnishing within all white space for minialism, Midsummer Night Cafe reaches for a design that reflects the cafe owner’s talent in art, and deep interest in movies.
Chairs are wooden, but not those from famous furniture store, which almost half the cafes in Klang Valley are using. White walls, adorned with colourful movie posters. Arrays of postcard size photos near to counter, changed from time to time. Not too sure on the current content as the area was filled with customers during our visit.
The cafe’s design is a masterpiece by Jon, the man behind Midsummer Night, who is also a barista with strong background in advertising and editorial firm, now a full time lecturer. That’s why you can’t get a morning cuppa from this cafe in OUG. It opens only from 7PM to 12AM on weekdays (except Monday), 3PM to 12midnight on weekends.
Crispy Pork Lard Rice RM7
Menu covers simple comfort food with a touch of creativity, priced within RM10. Egg Rice, Vege Egg Rice, Shishamo Egg Rice, Butter Cat Rice, Crispy Lard Rice, Tea Rice, Japanese Soup Rice, Sesame Udon for the Rice & Noodle Section. Edamame, Cheese Stick and Smashed Cucumber for the Snack section. How about Spaghetti Bolognese, Chicken Chop with Mashed Potato, Pan Seared Salmon with Seasonal Vegetables, Braised Beef Ribs and etc. ? Move aside. You are too common to be in Midsummer Night Cafe that shines in their own way. At least, to us. We came all the way just for this Crispy Pork Lard Rice, in a rainy evening dinner time.
Shishamo Egg Rice RM10
We normally have Shishamo the grilled way in Izakaya restaurant, but this is on sweet side, more chewy, like a cross between Bak Kwa and caramelized anchovies. Paired well with white rice, which already doused with creaminess from onsen egg. Highly recommended.
Dream (coffee ice cube, ice coffee, fresh milk, gula melaka, butter cookies) RM15
No trace of latte, cappuccino or flat white here, but specially concocted coffee-based drink. Coffee with Pineapple Ice Cube, Coffee with Lemon Ice Cube, Iced Coffee + Choc drink + Milk with Choc Ice Cube and few of the interesting items to try out. Sip on only Dream for this time, for a dreamy taste that combines coffee ice cube, iced coffee, fresh milk and gula melaka. Hand-brew coffee is available too.
Trouble White (single origin + milk ) RM15
Why trouble white? We guess because it is single origin (*the trouble), hence extra effort is needed to get the mouthfeel, flavours, aftertaste that suit customer’s palate. Think steamed egg. It is harder to make a plain steamed egg that can impress everyone, comparing to steaming egg with preserved egg and salted egg. For non-caffeine drinker, enjoy ginger tea, rose milk, lavender milk, double chocolate, summer soda which receive positive feedback from many too.
Show time. And then later we found that Jon is also a “magician”. Ya, he entertained us with few of his magic tricks, before excusing himself to serve newly walked-in customers. Probably Summergirl would be one of his memorable customers, for she threw the whole set of card onto the floor instead of spreading it on table. “You win liao” he said. OMG Jin pai seh.
Opinions: Midsummer Night Cafe may not offer the best cafe food in KL, nor the best coffee. But what we love most about this place is the non-commercialized relaxing ambience, and delicious rice bowl that you don’t find everywhere. Service is friendly, and they constantly listening to feedback from customers to understand their tastebud. Of course, the extra time that Jon put in for his passion after work, deserved loud applause. Perhaps when we here again, the talented owner will be presenting new skill. Maybe cups and saucer, handmade by him from pottery class hahaha. Just kidding.
Photographer: Summerkid
Write-up: Summergirl
Address:
Midsummer Night Cafe OUG 仲夏夜
( Just behind MyBurgerLab OUG )
36A, Jalan Awan Hijau,
Overseas Union Garden,
Off Jalan Klang Lama
58200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Opening Hours:
Tues – Fri: 7:00pm – 12:00am (closed on Mondays)
Sat – Sun: 3:00pm – 12:00am
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Midsummer-Night
