Gardenage by Craftman, located in Kota Kemuning, is an oasis of calm hidden from the world, with its frontage concealed by a canopy of trees and plants.
At first glance, you might think this was a plant boutique rather than an eatery, and you would be half right. Gardenage started as a plant shop but, several months after opening in 2020, began selling croissants and coffee.
Encouraged by the response, its founders opened a full-fledged café in January last year, while retaining the plant boutique.
It is clear Gardenage has been receiving lots of love from the neighbourhood, as the place is packed during lunchtimes. People are drawn here by the unique environment, or the tasty and affordable fusion food – or, most likely, both!
The menu here is pork- and alcohol-free, which makes it appealing to Malaysians of all stripes.
Speaking to FMT, co-founder Miguel Tan said Gardenage is a “secret meeting place” for people to dine on good food in a comfortable environment.
“It’s just a little space where you can chill and relax” while savouring delicious fare, he said. So, what’s good on the menu?
The “Lamb”orghini Pasta is a particular crowd favourite, with the pasta tangy and creamy both at once. Juicy chunks of braised Cajun lamb feature prominently, each bite worth savouring at your own pace.
As simple as this dish might appear, don’t be fooled – it is surprisingly delicious and will leave you content and hankering for more… again, both at the same time!
Seafood lovers, meanwhile, will love the Clam Tongarashi Pasta, which comes with a generous number of fresh asari clams.
This pasta has a spicy kick courtesy of the homemade prawn oil and pesto, which blends perfectly well with the topping of ebiko (shrimp roe).
The clams, too, add to the explosion of flavours, with a deep flavour profile and noticeable sweetness.
Next up is the Croffle Nanban. It’s supposed to be a serving for one, but its sheer size suggests it can be shared – though would you really want to?
Accompanied by leafy greens, the croissant-waffle hybrid is flanked by two juicy pieces of chicken thigh, coated with a tasty egg.
The dish gets its name from the Japanese-style Nanban sauce, which is somehow sweet, sour, spicy and salty, all at once!
FMT was also offered the chance to try an item that isn’t even on the menu yet, wittily dubbed the “Coming Soon Dish”.
Cold somen noodles are topped with cold-smoked salmon, making it a perfect meal on scorching-hot days.
Doused in truffle oil and shoyu, the dish is flavourful and offers a variety of textures courtesy of the bits of crunchy ikura (salmon roe).
If you are looking for something to satiate your sweet tooth, you will not be disappointed with the BBB – Brioche Butterscotch Bananas, a dessert with a name that is as long as it is tasty.
Expect soft sourdough brioche French toast fresh off the pan, covered with butterscotch bananas and topped with burnt caramel ice cream to balance out the warm pastry. Amazingly, all of this is made in-house!
Before calling it a day, try out some of Gardenage’s other in-house ice-creams, including its French vanilla, Almost Burnt Caramel, and coffee flavours.
For an even more luxurious experience, give the Banana Caramel or Earl Grey a go, and add on a tasty croffle if you wish.
After such a big meal, you’d need something to wash it all down with. Fortunately, Gardenage has no shortage of beverages.
Aside from the usual freshly brewed coffees and teas, you can order the Niko Neko Matcha, Genmaicha, or Genmai Latte, all of which are popular here.
And on your way out, maybe take a moment to check out pots and plants on sale. Who knows, you just might find something that will catch your eye!
Check out Gardenage’s Facebook and Instagram profiles.
Gardenage by Craftman
8, Jalan Anggerik Aranda A 31/A,
Kota Kemuning, 40460 Shah Alam,
Selangor
Business hours: 10am-6pm (Tuesdays to Fridays, closed on Mondays)
10am-4pm (weekends)