Xiao By Crustz — Attraction in Petaling Jaya

Calling all dark choc lovers! 💖 There is a lovely discovery here!

Note:

1. Happy Mansion area has very limited parking, so recommended modus operandi is for someone to drive and wait in car, and another person goes to get take-away
2. This cafe has very limited seating, during hot afternoons the indoor seating area can get a bit stuffy even with AC switched on
3. For such artwork items, i won't say its expensive but rather, this is a place where price meets quality, you dont see this level of detailing in the average cafe!

We visited this cafe over the weekend, feeling adventurous of sorts. Actually during MCO period we attempted to come as welll but unsuccessful to get parking. Surprisingly this round we got lucky, so we we quickly secured parking and rushed to discover what's inside this cafe!

Glorious works of edible art awaits! 🤩 Every piece looks amazing, i couldn't believe its edible! Hmmm.... as first timers, we could use some recommendations but the waiters just kept quiet and waited for us to gawk at the items. But we finally picked 2 items and ordered our pot of tea - its TWG brand, comes with 1 free refill but subsequently refill is chargeable (its just a teabag so probably 1 refill is already squeezing whatever flavour left).

This bear work-of-art is quite popular, i saw other customers ordering it. Amazing inside it feels like a giant Ferrero Rocher, and its made with dark choc so will not be too sweet! 😍 Definitely recommend this! I tried to capture a pic of the layers involved, very intricate detail work 💕

The 2nd item ordered is some kind of green tea with coconut (sounds weird but surprisingly pleasant combination). I tried to capture a shot of the intricate layers inside ie. Red bean, cream, etc.

Will be back...

Unfortunately, the taste did not seem to me to be worth the price. I had the ice cream cake in the shape of a raccoon dog and the cake with a fried egg on toast.

The raccoon dog ice cream cake had some kind of berry jelly in the face part, but there was some kind of a bland taste mixed in with the jelly that really bothered me.

The toasted cake was filled with a pandan sponge, but it did not adhere well to the crispy dough (cookies or crackers mixed with butter) that served as the base, and I could not eat it with the bread parts in one bite.

The flavors in both desserts were not harmonious and disjointed, and the taste was disappointing.

Also, even though the restaurant was already open, the staff was still cleaning and the floor was swept but felt rough.

Also, the lamps hanging from the ceiling were elaborate, but the ones hanging outside were torn and tattered. I think this is also a negative. Also, you had to carry the cake yourself and the water was self-service.

Also, plates and cutlery were randomly placed at the cash register, and the cakes that customers chose from the showcase were simply placed on a tray and carried by the customer. There are no decorations or anything.

All for almost 70 ringgit with a cup of black coffee, which has no depth of flavor. Amazing.

What was also extremely bad was that when I left the store, I said "thank you" to the waitress, but she ignored me with both elbows on the glass of the showcase, touching her cell phone. It was a lousy experience.

I am so frustrated that my mother tongue is used in this cafe, such as "Tanuki(タヌキ)". I learned the hard way that just because a place has won an award doesn't mean it has a real reputation. I will...

I don't normally review places I have been to but was moved to do so here having seen how the staff dealt with difficult customers with patience, courtesy & firmness.

First up, the food here is so lovely to look at & taste just as good as you'd imagine they'd be. The flavors are unique & blend really well.

The mini cakes (both mousse & ice cream) are sinfully delicious. Pastries are fresh & well made especially the puff pastry ones. Very flaky & buttery layers to be had if you choose those.

Small selection of drinks but I feel it is sufficient to cater to most. Drinking water is free & available upon request.

The cafe is big, airy & had plenty of elbow space. The soft lighting were spot on & air-conditioning provided respite from the heat without the need of extra layers. Washroom were clean as well.

Two staff stood out for me. I didn't manage to get their names but one was a tall, big sized guy who patiently described the items available to those who asked & provided great service to me & my family when we dined in. He appears similarly helpful to other customers judging by his actions over the 2 hrs we were there.

The other was a Chinese lady who firmly dealt with an unreasonable customer who should be ashamed with her words & general action that day. Too many service staff are too agreeable & customers take advantage as a result.

Both staff members are examples how service staff should act in my opinion.

Having stumbled onto this place after a quick meal of chicken rice next door, I am definitely coming back for more. Will update the review with photos after next visit.

Kudos to the team at...