LUSH treetops offer a relaxing view from the window of Front Room & The Kneady Baker.

Collectibles, books, artworks and flowers make this Taman Desa cafe feel like a homey hideaway – it’s hard to believe you’re on the first floor of a shophouse in a busy street.

Front Room is run by Peter and Jo, who used to be in marketing and advertising, and banking, respectively.

Jo, the namesake Kneady Baker, now rolls out a variety of breads, cakes and other baked goods.

We wanted something light when we visited prior to the movement-control order, but the Pulled Pork Sliders, Brazilian Cheese Balls, Pork Chilli Nachos, Jo’s Pear & Ricotta Salad and Bananarama were too tempting to resist.

Jo’s Pear & Ricotta Salad (RM24) offers a myriad of textures and flavour profiles – from sweet forella pear and fresh romaine and arugula to creamy ricotta and toasted pecans and almonds in a cheesy dressing.

Hot from the oven are the Brazilian Cheese Balls (RM15), made of tapioca flour, parmesan and mozzarella.

These are a light and crispy gluten-free treat with a lovely aroma.

More cheese awaits in the Pork Chilli Nachos (RM20), which has aged and mild cheddar, as well as parmesan, melted over chilli con carne.

The tortilla chips are wonderfully crunchy, down to the last piece. They are amazing with the rich chilli of beans, tomatoes and minced pork. It’s a truly addictive dish that’ll leave you wanting more.

For the Pulled Pork Sliders (RM26), moist, flavourful pork that has been slow-cooked for eight hours is sandwiched between soft milk buns.

These come with a slaw and fries.

A standout is the Bananarama (RM18), where Jo’s banana bread is toasted to perfection in a waffle pan. Slather salted butter all over it, and lay on the divine house-made banana jam!

I took much delight in the crumbly texture of the walnut-studded bread, which has inviting hints of cinnamon. You can get a whole loaf to enjoy at home for RM45.

As we were leaving, Peter reminded us to come back for the Pasta Carbonara, which the cafe prepares the right way, meaning with eggs, not cream. And that was just what we did after movement curbs were eased.

The dish is spectacular – al dente spaghetti is coated in a sauce made with free-range eggs, generously finished off with aged cheddar and pecorino, and topped with crispy pork bacon.

It was teatime when we popped by, so the Buttermilk Scones (RM15) with fresh cream and strawberry jam were a given.

Beautifully buttery, the scones with the house-made jam and cream are a real winner.

The cafe is known for its cakes, among them the Pandan Gula Melaka, Musang King Almond, Salted Buttercream Chocolate, Banoffee, Orange Almond and Nutty Raspberry.

Jo’s breads, meanwhile, include the Sourdough, Espresso Sourdough, Nine-Grain Italian and Jalapeno Loaf.

Front Room is located at 6-1, Jalan 1/109E, Desa Business Park in Taman Desa, Kuala Lumpur, and is open from 9.30am to 5pm. It can be reached at 016-233-8807. – July 18, 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.