THIRTY Seconds is the place to be if you are looking for a keto and low-carb meal that’s tasty and acceptable. To that, I would add, the best coffee, too.

At the helm of this cafe in Sri Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, is Sharon Khor who puts her heart into not only cooking food to keep your weight in check, but also dishes to whet up a normal appetite.

Her son, Aaron Phua, the 2019 Malaysia Barista Champion, is head barista at Thirty Seconds, so named because it’s the ideal time taken to pull that shot of espresso.

First, the Nasi Lemak Cauli Rice (RM20), from the low-carb menu, had fried chicken, sambal, ikan bilis and cauliflower rice cooked with santan and topped with a fried egg. It brought to the plate all the elements of a nasi lemak, without the heaviness of rice. The cauliflower “rice” was creamy and aromatic with coconut.

It made a delightful meal together with a tangy sambal, crispy fried chicken thigh, crunchy ikan bilis and perfectly fried egg. You could also order a one-of-a-kind nasi lemak (savoury) cake from Sharon for a celebration.

I dipped my spoon into the cheesy topping of the Keto Baked Eggs, turning up chunks of chicken, bell pepper and mushrooms cooked in a curry sauce. Two beaten eggs contributed to a custard-like texture while I pulled away at stringy melted mozzarella cheese. It was a hot and happy keto dish with a mixed salad with a lemon juice and olive oil dressing. The bonus was the Bulletproof Coffee that was served with it.

I liked the smooth, buttery feel and aroma of the Bulletproof Coffee, a keto-friendly drink. Butter and coconut oil are in this coffee which fills you up and is expected to keep you energised and alert.

You could also choose to have tea or lemon juice with the Keto Baked Eggs (RM28).  A low-carb and keto diet has helped Sharon lose 15kg and her diabetic condition has improved with it.

At Thirty Seconds too you can have a healthy breakfast of low-carb bread with keto kaya and soft-boiled eggs (RM12). Made with almond flour, psyllium husk and ground flaxseed, the bread tastes light and so good with the fragrant kaya cooked with a natural sugar substitute.

The Elvis Presley Sandwich and Seafood Aroi were our two carb-loaded choices from the normal menu. Peanut butter, banana and beef bacon are sandwiched between two slice of toast for The Elvis, which has been documented as a favourite snack of the late singer.

We loved the sweet, fruity and salty bites of this sandwich too. It’s served with a bowl of chips, too.

Seafood Aroi is squid ink pasta finished in creamy tom yam sauce cooked with squid, prawns, fish fritters, mushrooms and cherry tomatoes. There was light heat from chilli and scent of lemongrass in the flavourful al dente pasta.

Coffee from the award-winning barista Aaron is not to be missed. I had a smooth flat white with caramel aftertones (RM11). He brewed us a long black with Costa Rican coffee (RM7) that had a sweet, mild acidity that we liked.

Thirty Seconds is pork-free. I’ll be back for the signature 30 Seconds Laksa (RM14), Jepun Pasta (RM20) with shoyu, diced chicken, seaweed and curry omelette and Keto Pesto Chicken/Fish (RM28), among others.

Thirty Seconds is at 7, Jalan Margosa SD10/4A, Bandar Sri Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, tel 012-268 6919, 017-883 2697. It opens 9am every day, except Wednesday. – November 14, 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.