Pastel in Damansara Utama is a charming spot for brunch with friends. This Muslim-friendly cafe aims to serve hearty portions while still being affordable.
Ambience & Amenities
Pastel has a very clean aesthetic with white everything. There are squat tree stump seats in the corner next to the booths and in front of the large window. They look like they’re for solo visitors who want to hide away and enjoy a quiet coffee. Since the cafe saves on card processing fees, Pastel only has an 8% service charge.
The washroom is in the back corner of the cafe. There is a small room for each gender with a communal sink outside. The Western-style toilet was fully stocked during our visit.
Menu
Ordering food at Pastel can either be super convenient or a super hassle if you’re a Luddite. Every table goes through Pastel’s online menu via the QR code on each table. It’s annoying because you must sign up for an account with your phone number before your order can be processed. However, you can circumvent that by simply telling the cashier what you want. Moreover, Pastel does not accept card payments. They only take cash and DuitNow payments through your phone.
Click on menu pictures to enlarge
There are cakes in the chiller next to the register that aren’t on the menu. Filtered water is free. The jug and glasses are at the back next to the counter.
Food
The Salmon and Potatoes Gratin (RM14) looks small but is filling. It’s popular too, as I spotted a couple of other patrons who ordered this dish. Big chunks of skin-on potatoes and slivers of salmon are covered with a hearty helping of stringy, gooey mozzarella on top. The potatoes and salmon are also swimming in a creamy, alfredo-like sauce for lots of flavour.
The Pulled Beef Eggs Benedict (RM22) has two perfectly poached eggs with runny yellow yolks bursting out when the first slice is made. The pulled beef is seasoned wonderfully and very tender. The bottoms looked and tasted like they were toasted burger buns, which was the only negative.
Saturday Worthy?
Aside from the cafe’s annoying insistence that everything has to be done through our phones, we had an excellent meal at Pastel. The dishes are quite cheap compared to what we’re used to. Several items on the menu look great, so there’s a good chance we’ll come back.
Price for 2 Pax: RM52.90
Salmon and Potatoes Gratin: RM14.00
Pulled Beef Eggs Benedict: RM22.00
Apple Ginger Alocha Kombucha: RM13.00
8% Service: RM3.92
Rounding: (RM0.02)
Pastél
Address: 38, Jalan SS 21/58, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening Hours: 9am – 9pm Tuesday to Sunday, Closed on Monday
Alcohol Served: No
