Afloat Coffee Roaster — Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur

Thoroughly blown away by this place and if you happen to be reading this, do not hesitate. Go there and get yourself a drink. Right now, if they're open. This is gonna be a lengthy, honest review because they're worth it.

Visited mid-morning on a Sunday. It's a little hard to spot if you're just driving by. They're not exactly a café but more of a coffee space. Look up when you arrive and you'll see their orange/bronze & black signboard that is tucked away on the top most floor. You'll have to look for their sandwich board sign for the staircase that leads up to their space. Unfortunately, no elevators here so those with mobility issues may find it challenging to get upstairs.

Upon entering, you'll be greeted by the wafts of fresh coffee and the hues of bronze and black that seems to be the theme. I was actually mildly surprised to find that the space was smaller than I had expected from the photos but they managed to make it work and, just like their minimalist furniture and cozy tones, it fits right in to the neighborhood it's in without imposing. They have about four tables against one wall, a communal table in the middle, a section with a couch, a few front row bar seats right next to the action, and an outdoor mini patio with bar seats overlooking the small park and trees outside - which is, unsurprisingly, the hot spot for all the coffee photographers.

Service was friendly but I was more impressed by how patient they were to be present for their customers and the whole time we were there they never made us feel rushed despite continuously having other customers to attend to. The lady at the order counter patiently explained their entire menu of drinks and pastries to us first-timers, and their barista/co-owner dude was also there to answer our questions despite his busyness putting orders together. Their menu is unconventional and is an interesting way of presenting their brews. We ordered the micro filter coffee, the Irish coffee, and Song Khun's Cloud.

When our orders arrived, you can just tell that everything was put together meticulously and nothing was rushed. They do not skimp on quality and you see it as they work behind the counter. We even got a brief explanation of our orders when each item was served to us by the lady co-owner barista, so you know exactly what you're consuming and what goes into your order. So many cafés and these fancy coffee places overlook this little detail and most people just mindlessly consume coffee around this city.

For the Irish coffee: yes it's got booze in it, but don't expect a cocktail - it's a coffee place after all. I've had Irish Coffees before and this one manages to bring out the many layers of smooth, balanced but complex flavors that you just have to experience for yourself. The micro filter coffee has exactly the tasting notes that is described on the menu and you can surely taste it. It was fruity and leans towards the mildly acidic/sour notes but SO good. If you're not a fan of the acidity or like your coffees a certain way, definitely tell them before you order. Song Khun's Cloud was a refreshing drink for the non-coffee folks in your party. Ginger beer and a beautiful layer of milk with a dusting of lime zest served ice cold. Did not get a chance to try their pastries because we came here after a heavy meal but they've got a collaboration with the popular bake shop, doudoubake.

All in all I highly, highly recommend this joint. I've got a feeling that they're going to be extremely successful and famous in no time, but here's hoping that they're able to keep up with their successes and maintain not just the quality of their brews but the quality of their meticulous service as time goes by. I'll definitely be back.

Support your local small coffee business. Help keep this place thriving and I really hope they'll be able to stay "afloat"!

Accepts multiple eWallets; Has a restroom; Not great for large groups (limited seating); Parking in the area is decent but can get busy depending on time of day

Sept. 2023 Update:...

Nov'22 update: disregard whatever I said in the past, lol. This place is now my go-to and I've recommended it to quite a few friends. I've been to quite a few different coffee places, and I find myself coming back here instead. It's consistently great if you're somewhat particular about your coffee.

Original post:

Somehow, I find myself struggling to decide if I actually like this place or are they just very good at branding.

It's definitely not just any other cafe, but it feels much more ambitious. Always nice to have another roaster/curator-type cafe, especially in this part of town. It also feels like a lot of thought and consideration went into the whole aesthetic of the place, from the walls to the choice of equipment down to their packaging.

Perhaps that ambition itself is already commendable.

Was there around 3.45pm on a Saturday and didn't expect it to be that packed, so earlier reviews about there being no queue is short-lived. The instagrammability of the place is palpable (also you'll literally see everyone updating their instagrams).

Have to say I'm not a fan of pricey dainty desserts and pastries, but hey businesses need to make money and the consumers are willing to pay so there's that.

Ordered a cold coffee by mistake, but I like it when there are options for espresso brews and not just the filters. Not a fan of the plastic "coaster" (barely functions as one).

Still a bit hesistant to splurge on the filter coffees considering the amount I already consume at home, but for amatuer enthusiasts it's definitely worth trying. Had a sip of my friend's and it's definitely well-brewed. Often times with pricier / rarer coffee, you're trying something unique because it's hard to objectively say one tastes better than another when preferences are personal.

Definitely worth a revisit, but a bit wary of...

From the outside, it's a dull empty and nothing-significant sort of neighbourhood. You have to see some photos online and look upstairs, to find the little small orange box hanging about (the signboard). Look hard, as it may be blocked by tree branches.

Precisely because it is so well hidden, the moment you push open the door, that's a magical sense of how everything is displayed in front of you. Great ambience, chill out music, enough lights, coffee display and fragrance, and the background tiny human bustling voices as everyone is seated and enjoying food/conversation.

Food is not exactly their focus I would say? (I might be wrong) but looking at the menu and what's on everyone's table, it's mostly coffee and/or coffee-based drinks. Definitely instagrammable. The balcony and the trees outside made that spot a little dreamy. Interesting setup - not many tables available for such high volume patrons. But the space in front of the counter, is definitely enough for a few good friends standing and hanging out.

The coffee is perfectly extracted and double shot (!!) Love them. Ordered a macro and a micro white - one is nutty and one is fruity. Love both! Recommended and definitely will return over weekdays and grab that...