Since Then proves that unsightly steel and plastic siding can still make people feel at home. This cosy Bangsar cafe serves up matcha and bowls of fluffy rice in a grandiose space reminiscent of an industrial loft.
Ambience & Amenities
Since Then has a very clear warehouse chic with exposed girders and corrugated steel walls. Transparent corrugated plastic sheets let in natural light and keep the space from looking oppressive.
The toilets are in the alcove near the front of the restaurant. Since Then’s washrooms are combined-gender, with four private stalls. Four sinks with soap are outside the room, while paper towels to dry hands are located at the threshold of the toilets.
Menu at Since Then
Click on menu pictures to enlarge
The restaurant’s main speciality is rice bowls. Since Then’s menu has several variations on the theme, such as their popular omurice, poke bowls and donburi. The sushi is an unexpected find at a brunch cafe, and the nori tacos are a unique (and pricey) treat.
Remember to check the chilled cabinet at the back of the restaurant. It includes some cakes that aren’t listed on the menu, and you can check out their cross-section. Filtered water is free at Since Then. Larger groups will automatically receive a bottle on the table, while tables of two or fewer pax will get their glasses refilled periodically. If you’re big water drinkers like us, ask the servers for a bottle, and they will gladly provide.
Food at Since Then
I was excited to try the Matcha Ube (RM18) because I had never seen that flavour combo before, but it was honestly a bit disappointing. The yam was a thick paste that stuck to the sides of the cup and in the straw. It was also unsweetened, imparting only a faint hint of yam to the matcha that was neither particularly exciting nor scrumptious.
The Unagi Tomago Don (RM45.90) comes in a small bowl, but it’s decently filling. The eel breaks apart easily with just a spoon and is coated in a sweet, teriyaki-like sauce. The fluffy egg brick adds more protein and heft to round out the dish. It’s a basic but tasty meal for eel lovers.
I ordered the Omurice (RM30.90) with Beef Curry (extra RM1) and Nam Yu Fried Chicken. The beef curry is mildly spicy compared to Japanese curry and has a concentrated flavour like beef bouillon. The perfectly shaped omelette parcel has the consistency of a crepe, not scrambled egg. Once I made an incision, the creamy, egg-soaked white rice within was revealed. The chicken was mostly dark meat. Whilst the outer skin tasted a bit scorched, the meat on the inside remained acceptably moist.
Since Then’s Omurice is a massive serving. The only people who can finish this entire plate are probably bodybuilders. I gave Mark a few pieces of my chicken, but I was still stuffed and couldn’t finish half the rice and egg. The lady next to me ordered this too, and similarly had to leave half the food behind. If you’re a woman with a regular-sized appetite, consider splitting this with a friend to avoid wasting food.
Saturday Worthy?
The menu doesn’t have the traditional brunch options, but if you enjoy hearty rice bowls, Since Then will likely fill that craving. I might return and try their pizzas, but the rest of the food at Since Then doesn’t really appeal to me. This place has to compete with the nearby restaurant hub, A Place Where – APW, which has more variety in the same trendy industrial setting.
Price for 2 Pax: RM123.75
Unagi Tomago Don: RM45.90
Omurice: RM30.90
Beef Curry Omurice Option: RM1.00
Matcha Ube: RM18.00
Americano: RM10.90
10% Service: RM10.67
6% SST: RM6.40
Rounding: (RM0.02)
Since Then
Address: 6, Jalan Liku, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours:10am – 10pm Daily
Alcohol Served: No
