Large windows
I love cafes that are bright and airy with plenty of window space to allow the sunlight to come through. It works well in Australia but considering how unforgivably humid our Malaysian weather can be, large windows becomes not quite a good idea. Podgy & The Banker in Sri Hartamas easily makes one of my favourite spots for brunch but with the scorching hot sun, it was difficult to stay beyond a cuppa.
Spacious and airy
Fortunately for the folks behind this concept, the place if often packed during weekends — many didn’t mind the glaring sun and heat. I reckon it’s more pleasant late evenings or at night, when the weather is cooler.
Poached eggs on toast
Perfect for a light brunch
If there was one thing I think Podgy & The Banker does well, it is their poached eggs on toast (RM10). Served with some spinach and tomato salsa on the side, the yolks were perfectly runny. Nothing mind-blowing, but it makes a good brunch on weekends.
Runny yolk
Chicken avocado sandwich
Tasty treat
Also pretty decent was the chicken avocado sandwich (RM16), a light treat of toasted bread with chicken, cheese, vegetables and creamy avocado pieces. I thought the chicken pie (RM7) was disappointing. While the pastry was beautifully flaky, there was little filling at the centre to go with it. It was a hollow pie.
Chicken pie
Hollow centre
Americano & flat white
Coffees are not too bad, though I’m puzzled why they served both the Flat White and Americano hotter than drinking comfort.
Ambiance: 6.5/10
Price: 6.5/10
Food: 6.5/10 (halal)
Verdict: Nice ambiance, but pity the place gets uncomfortable during hot weather days. Try the poached eggs while you’re there.
Podgy & The Banker
No 2, Jalan Sri Hartamas 8,
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 9am to 12midnight
Closed Tuesday