When Frenchwoman Nathalie Grenier opened Pause Cafe in KL this year, she sought to cultivate the sort of honest, welcoming eatery that evokes the creperies of Brittany and boulangeries of Normandy. Together with her husband Pierre and their two young children, she can be proud of this family-run space, the perfect place to pause over pain au chocolat and more.
Galettes are the highlight here - savoury buckwheat pancakes, each personally cooked by Nathalie (who went to culinary school in Brittany and formerly managed a crepery in Normandy), served hot, fresh and ravishingly crisp. You'll find 10 varieties, each with distinctive fillings; La Montagnarde is stuffed with Serrano ham, raclette cheese, potatoes and onions - pure comfort food in both texture and taste (RM35).
Baked fare is also available - try the tartines, most notably this one, topped with pork ham and boursin cheese, their layers of tender creaminess contrasting pleasurably with the thick, crunchy baguette base (RM25). This pairs well with Normandy cider (RM70 per bottle).
For many patrons, the crepes might be the piece de resistance - the crepe Suzette might look simple, but it's one of the more memorable we've had in Malaysia, the wheat flour pancake saturated with a rich, punchy Grand Marnier sauce (RM35). There are 12 other crepes to choose from, with accompaniments like apple compote, apricot jam or salted butter caramel.
Note that you'll also find packs of French cereals, candies and condiments sold here, as Pause Cafe's founders also operate The Little Mart, an online store for Gallic-made groceries.
Pause Café by My Table d'Hôtes
28 Dutamas Condo, Jalan Dutamas Raya, Dutamas, 52100 Kuala Lumpur.
Open Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm; Saturday, 9am-3pm.