If you think this a good idea, make a trip to Teluk Panglima Garang, Selangor where a beautiful English-styled eatery called Qidot Café has made its home since 2016.
Founded by siblings Jeffiz and Jehan Aquidah Jaafar, the duo had one mission. “We wanted to give the locals the chance to experience something new that is more common in bigger cities,” the 39-year-old Jeffiz said.
Apart from good coffee, desserts, and main dishes, one interesting highlight of this café is its architecture – the charming black and white colonial house with beautiful blooms and other plants looks like it belongs in an English countryside.
In fact, there is even a classic red telephone booth on the grounds – how more English can you get? “We mainly drew inspiration from our travels to the UK, US, and Europe,” Jeffiz revealed.
To cater to different group sizes, Qidot Cafe has three dining spaces in two separate buildings. The first is a cosy cottage perfect for intimate groups of two to three.
The second building is where Iram Hall is located – a stunning space with black-and-white floor tiles that is suitable for larger groups. Adjacent to Iram hall is a beautifully decorated private function area called the Iram Room that seats 30.
Given its picturesque setting, diners enjoy taking photographs here, both during the day and at night when the grounds sparkle with glowing lights.
Jehan, 34, said the café has become rather famous as diners from as far as Putrajaya and Johor have dropped by to savour the food and snap some shots. “We are happy and grateful for that,” she added.
Tasting notes
The latte, both hot and cold, is a must-try. Brewed to perfection, the latte is neither too strong nor too milky. You can also opt for the hazelnut latte or the caramel and vanilla versions – each delectable in its own way.
If you’re a fan of chocolate and coffee, the iced mocha is a lovely thirst quencher, while those craving something stronger should give the iced Vietnamese coffee a go.
Enjoy your coffee with a slice (or more) of the café’s decadent cakes.
The Almond Tiramisu is light as a cloud with hints of coffee while the Chocolate Indulgence lives up to its name with its layers of chocolate cake sandwiched with cream and topped with melted chocolate.
Other cakes that deserve a mention are the Hazelnut Torte, Callebaut, and Victoria Sandwich Cake.
‘Stay for the food’
“Come for the coffee, stay for the food,” Jehan said, and it’s good advice you should take as the menu here covers all manner of Asian and Western fare.
Of note is the nasi lemak Caribbean – a heaping plate of aromatic rice, prawns, mussels, and squid. The sambal – often regarded as the “make or break’ factor of a good plate of nasi lemak – is piquant and not overly spicy.
Another scrumptious item on the menu is “grandma’s porridge”, which Jehan revealed is her grandmother’s recipe. The bowl of chicken porridge is delicious, and comforting – and it may just trigger memories of your grandmother’s other dishes as well.
If you’re feeling exceptionally hungry, the grilled lamb is a good option. Well marinated and served with creamy mashed potatoes, greens, and a black pepper sauce, it’s makes for a flavourful and hearty meal.
Then there’s the all-time favourite beef burger. This fat and tasty patty is homemade and sandwiched between Brioche buns – super yum. It comes with the prerequisite crispy fries.
Ahoy, seafood lovers! Don’t pass up on the chance to dig into the seafood aglio olio – a simple yet flavourful dish of pasta and prawns, mussels, squid, and a parmesan crisp.
Whatever your reason to stop at Qidot Café – coffee, desserts, main dishes or stunning scenery – your time here will be well spent and oh, so memorable.
Learn more about Qidot Cafe here.
Qidot Cafe
Lot 1658, Jalan Klang-Banting
Batu 9, Kampung Medan
42500 Teluk Panglima Garang
Selangor
Business hours: 12pm-10pm (Closed on Monday)
Contact: 013-336 8688