Chocha Foodstore Petaling Street KL – A cafe along Jalan Petaling, just few doors away from Merchant’s Lane emerges this August, taking up the location of Mah Lian Hotel 馬聯旅社. When two beautiful cafes come together in the same block, it easily raises our thought – “competitors”. We can’t deny that both Chocha Foodstore and Merchant’s Lane share some similarities, but in details, they stands out uniquely on their own in terms of design, concept, food and beverage.
Merchant’s Lane highlights a lot of wooden elements with myriad of colour in their furnishing. Chocha Foodstore on the other hand, showcases nostalgic moments in a two-storeys Chinatown shop house that has withstood the ravages of time. Rusty torn walls, exposed bricks, ancient patterned floor tiles, plenty of olden charm are remained untouched by purpose, creating an ambience that put contrast to many other cafes with modern vibe.
“Chocha” means “sit down and drink” in Hakka language. Hence the cafe welcomes everyone to join in, sit down, have a relaxed afternoon and sip on really excellent tea, specially picked by the team and seriously brewed. Chocha offers Black Tea (Lapsang Souchong, Darjeeling Autumnal Read Tunder), Dark (Xiu Lin Wu Hao Raw Pu-erh 2011), Oolong Tea (Dong Ding Jin Xuan, Aged Fujian Shui Hsien, Da Hong Pa, Dong Ding Oolong Cold Brew Tea), Scented Tea (Gold Rush) and Green Tea Sencha.
Lapsang Soushong 正山小种 RM16
We tried out Lapsang Soushong, signature tea in Chocha Foodstore. It is the first black tea appeared in the tea history and original tea of Earl grey. Pronounced smoky aroma, with very mild dried longan finish. Highly recommended. We really hope Chocha Foodstore places brewed tea as their speciality and keep coffee off their menu list, but we saw a brand new three-group espresso machine at the counter when we left. Hopefully diners’ attention for their good tea will not get driven away by cappuccino, latte or flat white. LOL.
Chocha Foodstore menu focuses on Asian-Chinese delights with a fun twists, price within RM30. Since the cafe is still in soft launch period, you got only Vol.1 one page of food to dig in currently. Bigger menu will be launched soon, and expect the opening of cocktail bar & wine lounge on second floor in near future.
Chinese Pesto Flat Noodle RM20
Summergirl’s Chinese Pesto Flat Noodle is so delicious! Housemade noodle is triple the width of pan mee, flat and packed with chewiness, tossed in ulam pesto with charred capsicum, semi-dried tomato, crunchy peanut and aromatic sesame seed. Meatless, green, but oh-so-good satisfying till the last bite!
Duck Rice RM25
A bed of barley duck fat rice, topped over with pan-seared duck confit breast, poached egg, and house pickle. We love the combination of barley and rice despite it is loaded with moisture, as it comes into balance with the rather dry and tough duck confit breast. House pickle does the trick, flavoured up the entire rice bowl with spicy, appetizing kick.
Other selections to check out in Chocha Cafe: Cucumber salad (RM15), Curryflower (RM15), Crispy Chili Squid (RM22), Kerabu Mango Slaw (RM15), Charred Eggplant Belado (RM15), Chincalok Fried Chicken with Summer Salsa (RM25), Biang Biang Inspired Noodle (RM16), Aglio Olio with Roast Duck Breast (RM22), Ulam Stew Barley Rice (RM28), Sharing Platter Oriental Spiced Chicken (RM36) and Ulam Raja Creme Brulee dessert (RM15)
Overall review: Comfort food with modern touch, portion is quite small, hence you may need to add on snacks to pair with main course. Now you have the reason to order their famous Chincalok Fried Chicken and Crispy Chili Squid LOL. Environment is definitely photography-worthy. What we love most is their tea!
Photographer: Summerkid
Write-up: Summergirl
Address:
Chocha Foodstore (location of Mah Lian Hotel, same row with Merchant’s Lane Cafe)
No .156, Jalan Petaling,
5000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Opening Hours: Tue – Sun (11am – 6pm)
Contact: 03 – 2200 1100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chocha.foodstore/
