Nestled deep within the quiet suburb of Ampang, along Jalan Ritchie, is this welcome oasis called Green Tomato Cafe. It shares the same address as Yayasan Seni – just walk down the stone-paved garden path towards the cafe at the back.
In the same premise, there is also a batik workshop – you can’t miss it – the lovely batik curtains fluttering by the verandah is such a welcoming sight.
Right across the batik workshop, there’re some garden toys for the kids. So yes, there’s a space for the kids to amuse themselves while you lose yourself learning how to draw some batik and thereafter, relax with some refreshments at the cafe.
Wooden chairs and tables covered with bright batik cloths gave a rustic charm to Green Tomato Cafe. Run by Emilia Tan and her team, the cafe serves simple all-day breakfast and light lunch fares like burgers, pastries, cakes and eggs Benedict and “Big Breakfast” platters.
Start the day with this healthy booster of green apples, celery & cucumber!
Then move on to have a cup of Latte
Our plate of Eggs Benedict (RM18) were served on two halves of a burger bun, surrounded by some herbed-roasted potatoes and fresh garden salad. I found the eggs to be slightly overcooked and I prefer the yolks to be more runny. However, with a shake of pepper and salt, the eggs made a nutritious breakfast nonetheless.
Eggs Benedict
You can choose to have a chicken sausage instead of the eggs in a similar platter. The black pepper chicken sausage we had was not any gourmet sausage but rather the regular type found in most supermarkets.
The Beef Burger (RM18) was similarly simplistic – a thick patty made from Australian beef topped with some lettuce leaves, tomatoes, cheese and sandwiched in a regular bun. Thick-cut fries and garden salad accompanied the burger.
We tried some Pineapple Danish (RM10 for 2) and a Plain Croissant (RM7) which Emilia told us were baked fresh by her crew.
Pineapple Danish
Plain Croissants
For desserts, there’s a selection of muffins (raspberry and chocolate, RM10 for 2) and cheesecakes (RM10 per slice) in the chiller. Portions were rather petite, good for small eaters or if you are trying to go on a less-sugar/dessert diet.
Oreo Cheese Cake
Green Tomato Cafe seems to be a secret hideaway for many – mainly residents living around that area. It’s a lovely place with lots of lush greenery around with many ancient trees lending their canopy to shade off the heat. There are some mature rambutan trees in the garden and during fruiting season, guests are welcome to the fruits.
The Batik Workshop
The batik workshop is also a great attraction for a de-stressing session, perfect for some self-discovery or as a group activity. They conduct batik painting classes for children and adults. Check them out at www.myBatik.org.my
There is also a shop next to the cafe selling all kinds of batik items, from clothings to toys to gift items. Feel free to browse around – they do customised batik gifts and souvenirs as well.
GREEN TOMATO CAFE
@ Yayasan Seni
333 Persiaran Ritchie
Off Jalan Ritchie
55000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-4251-5154/012-388-7343
Open daily from 8.00am till 5.00pm
website: www.greentomatocafe.com