THE robust Salt Beef Bagel and scrumptious Smoked Salmon Pizza are worth repeat trips to Kenny Hills Bakers in Taman Tunku.

We were there last month when the cafe reopened after massive renovations and they were still testing out the pizza oven.

The outlet – now a cafe and bistro – is more spacious, with an upstairs area and alfresco seating.

Kenny Hills fans would know that its organic breads, croissants, pastries and cakes make you want more than you need.

On our earlier visit, we chowed down on the Soft-Shell Crab Burger with fries and salad after being told that the Masala Toastie, fried in a curried egg batter with spinach and topped with aged cheddar and chilli flakes, was not available.

I’ve always adored the Salt Beef Bagel. It’s generously filled with not-too-salty meat, and gherkins and mayonnaise give it a piquant lift.

I remembered the juicy roast beef, sweet caramelised onions, watercress and wholemeal bread coming together oh-so deliciously the last time I had it, so it was another trip for this.

A citrusy dressing with hints of orange stands out in the Smoked Salmon Pizza amid its toppings of fish, crème fraiche, cheese, red radish, capers and rocket on a wonderfully crusty sourdough base.

Altogether, the ingredients make for one luscious-tasting pizza.

The Pesto Pasta, topped with toasted pine nuts and grated parmesan, is creamy, flavourful and aromatic.

Its only flaw is that the pasta is soft instead of al dente.

When it comes to desserts, a cake that can hold its own without any cream or embellishments is always my top choice.

At Kenny Hills, it’s the Orange Polenta Cake. The fruit’s bright, unadulterated tang simply shines through this sticky and moist treat.

Of course, there’s a wide selection of sweets on offer, among them the Tiramisu Cake, Pavlova, Pistachio Lemon Cake, Crumble Cheesecake, Pecan Pie, Strawberry Tart and Lemon Meringue Tart, to go with your coffee.

We also had the Crispy Waffle as a dessert. It comes piled up on a base of berry coulis, with lemon sour cream and organic maple syrup served alongside.

This needs some butter, and the coulis should’ve been on the side instead of beneath the bottom waffle, rendering it soggy.

However, we liked the waffle’s texture – crispy on the outside and slightly bready on the inside.

Cravings for pies and croissants will certainly be fulfilled here. I have my eye on the Beef Cheek and Portobello Mushroom Pie and Moroccan Lamb Shepherd’s Pie, as well as the rich and buttery plain croissant.

While the cafe and bistro are in the same space, the bistro menu is only available starting 12pm. It features some Asian dishes, such as the Basmati Nasi Lemak, Squid Ink Fried Rice and Crab Curry with rice.

Sup Buntut, or Indonesian oxtail soup, is due to make its debut.

The Smoked Salmon Pizza is RM30, Salt Beef Bagel (RM28), Pesto Pasta (RM30), Crispy Waffle (RM22) and Soft-Shell Crab Burger (RM33).

Kenny Hills is located at Lots B1 & B2, Taman Tunku in Kuala Lumpur. There are also outlets at No. 241, Lorong Nibong off Jalan Ampang, and The Waterfront in Desa ParkCity. – February 8, 2020.

* Eu Hooi-Khaw has been writing about food for the longest time, covering all aspects, from restaurant reviews to cooking and recipes, as well as the healthy side of it. She has written for major newspapers and magazines, published the cookbook Fresh Ingredients, and also writes for her website hooikhawandsu.com.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.