Bite into the fluffiest, freshly-baked sourdough bread at these KL bakeries
Sourdough is taking Kuala Lumpur by storm, with a huge proliferation of bakeries serving both the classic and creative renditions of this yeasty delight. Timeless and tasty, the love for bread is a universal one. From independent artisanal bakers, to reputable establishments, everyone is jumping on the bread bandwagon, delivering their creations by the loaves to consumers who search endlessly to find the newest sanctuary of sourdough. In this competitive market, it is easy for consumers to feel overwhelmed by the multitude of choices on offer. We bring you six places serving sourdough bread, all unequivocally delicious in their own ways.
1. Table and Apron
The sourdough at Table & Apron, a restaurant in the Petaling Jaya neighbourhood of Damansara Kim is so popular that its owners have opened a bakery just next door to sell its rustic breads. Universal Bakehouse operates out of a former laundromat, repainted by an artist in his seventies, selling sourdough, scones and open-faced sandwiches. Get their basic set of two country sourdough slices with French butter and sea salt (RM6). The bread is deeply satisfying, with its crispy crust and a yielding chew. Diners can opt to add on a variety of accompaniments like soft-boiled kampung eggs or hummus. The bread menu changes daily, with other sourdough varieties like walnuts and olives, honey oats, green apple and many more on offer. Customers can watch the entire bread-making process through a wide-open window.
Address: No. 21, Jalan 20/11, Damansara Kim, Petaling Jaya
2. Tommy Le Baker
Located at the vibrant Zhongshan Building in Kampung Attap, Tommy Le Baker has become almost an institution in it’s own right. The snaking queues are a testament to their resounding popularity. Here, you will find no trendy pastries or Insta-worthy cute cupcakes. Their main (and only draw) is sourdough bread in all it’s crusty glory.
Baker Tommy Lee is the unrivalled master of sourdough, constantly tweaking his recipe as he experiments with flour, water and salt. The sourdough is available in loaves to take home (RM10 per loaf) or your can order the sandwiches, available in a variety of luscious fillings like smoked salon, egg mayo and the perennial favourite – butter and brown sugar (RM10). Though fleeting food fads may be baked into our culinary culture, Tommy Le Baker proves that simplicity never grows old.
Address: 82, Jalan Rotan, Kampung Attap, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia, 50460
3. Huckleberry Food & Fare
Admire master baker Christophe Gros working hard at his craft with an impressive 120-square-foot Bongard Omega2 artisanal oven at Huckleberry Food & Fare as he endeavours to deliver the freshest loaves of sourdough bread to eager and hungry customers. The spacious shop has a rustic and industrial-chic vibe with a touch of modernity. The impressive cake and bread counter is worth a picture or two. The cakes are delicious, but the breads? Even better. All of the breads are made with sourdough starters following the traditional method of baking. The loaves are left to rise longer than usual, resulting in a lighter texture with stronger flavours. Their Miche Sourdough range is not to be missed. Other scrumptious bread options include the classic multigrain, organic meteil, farmer’s bread, and buttery croissants that flake and melt seamlessly in the mouth. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all available, but better to come during off-peak hours to beat the surging crowds.
Plaza Damansara, 2G & 4G, Jalan Medan Setia 2, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
4. Yin’s Sourdough Bakery
This Penang-born bakery in Damansara Uptown, which had its humble beginnings selling only loaves of sourdough has now expanded its culinary repertoire beyond yeast, offering a menu full of healthy smoothies and hearty dishes like cauliflower rice and quinoa.
As its name suggests, Yin’s Sourdough is the go-to locale to satiate your sourdough cravings at anytime of the day. The bread is made daily in-house in their fermentation lab, so you will always get the freshest slices delivered straight to your table. If you prefer to pair your sourdough with some savouries, opt for the Cured Salmon Sandwich (RM22), a dish of crusty toast generously crowned with smoked salmon and mashed avocado. If you can’t get enough of their additive bread, takeaway options are available. Our two top picks are the Whole Wheat Sourdough (RM7.80) and Three Seed Sourdough (RM10), preservative-free loaves of goodness that pair well with anything.
41G Uptown, No. 37 Jalan SS21/37, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya
5. Universal Bakehouse
It’s hard to miss the striking storefront of this quaint bakery in Damansara Kim; the retro signboard, reminiscent of old storefronts you’ll find in Malaysia, is designed by local creative Fictionist. But we digress. Pop in and treat yourselves to its freshly baked loaves like the Assorted Sourdough, which comprises two fluffy slices of the loaf, and served with French butter and sea salt or – if you’re feeling adventurous – either gula melaka or butter and ikura roe.
6. Bake Plan
For heavenly baked goods by a talented team, a visit to this shop is in order. Located in the heart of the bustling SS2 area, Bake Plan entices customers daily with the fragrance of freshly baked goods that waft invitingly across the street. Follow the irresistible smell and step into a frabjous wonderland of preservative-free crusty loaves, fluffy danishes, delightful croissants and dazzling cakes. Heavily influenced by Japanese-style bakeries, they specially import Japanese flour for their breads, to give them a better taste and texture. Regulars love the Earl Grey Cream Cheese (RM 6.90), a crisp and flaky pastry, with a generous filling of sweet cream. The pièce de résistance however, is their signature Classic Sourdough (RM10). The pliable and chewy texture of this sugar-free bread is a winning combination.
Jalan SS2/61, Petaling Jaya
This article was originally published in February 2020.
