ZUKKINI — Restaurant in Petaling Jaya

So I recently dined at Zukkini which opened in August 2023.

Ambience wise it's very welcoming, there's a lot of greens and windows, so the setting is really bright (natural lighting and vibrant). Big and spacious which can accommodate larger crowds. It also faces the water display at Oasis Ara Damansara so you get a pleasant view.

The menu is rather extensive and you order via a QR code (I'll get back to this later). There's separate items for breakfast/lunch/dinner and an all day menu.

Our group ordered the Japanese Scrambled Eggs which was good while I ordered the smoked duck rigatoni (also good). Their truffle fries was rather underwhelming and their umami chicken wings I highly recommend you order if you like chicken wings.

Now onto the negatives (this was my own experience, yours may vary). You place your order via a QR Code, you would assume that by doing so yourself and the establishment would unlikely mess up your order. (Apparently not). I order an iced flat white. They served me a hot flat white. When I enquired with the wait staff, they apologized and proceeded to "resolve" the matter by simply pouring the hot latte over ice, which resulted in the hot coffee dissolving the ice leaving the beverage diluted.

Next, when my friends were placing their orders via QR, they noticed that there was a surcharge of RM1 for ice on the bill. When enquired again with the staff, they said that the reason for the RM 1 surcharge was for the ice for said coffee mentioned above. Mind you, their flat white is RM 13, if you "tick" the ice option below it makes it RM 14; which was the amount stated on the bill. However, they charged me RM 15 for the iced coffee which was clearly priced at RM 14. This too was rectified later on when brought to the staffs' attention again.

If the management is reading this, I strongly advise that the staff get more training on serving their customers. For example, when we asked for water, only 2 glasses were provided when the table had 3 guests.

While the food was good, and the ambiance welcoming, it is unfortunate that their service leaves a lot to be desired given the prices they're charging; let alone the 10% service tax on top of that. Credit where credit is due, the service definitely needs improvement.

TL;DR - Food & Ambience,...

Ambience and Decor - 5 stars Seating comfort - 5 stars Food - 0 stars (if there was this option) Aircond effectiveness - 5 stars (perhaps the pouring rain contributed to this) Service - 4 stars Food presentation - 5 stars (I wish the food was as good as it looked!!)

Expected the food to be good as this cafe felt very Melbourne-ish.... However, the food was very very disappointing. Doesn't justify the high price, NOT ONE BIT. Spent RM53.xx per person(1 main dish and a hot chocolate during a weekday - inclusive of 10% and 6% tax). I have no problems paying for a main dish of say beef spaghetti at RM32 if it would leave me wanting and craving more of it in each bite. However, food was bland, not flavourful enough. Waited a good 28 mins for my order to arrive(it wasn't very packed when I arrived at 12.04pm). My colleague's dish was the familiar something something rice... RM29. It was a high class chicken rice with some extra sides... taste was really just normal. Nothing fragrant, nothing special. It's good if you want to chew food and fill your tummy. But not good if you want tasty food.

Drinks were a bit too sweet! Not rich in chocolate and flavour. Even McDonald's serves better chocolate! My colleague's coffee was also way below par.. Too sweet and not rich in aroma.

Again, if they are charging kopitiam prices, I would have no complaints at all.. however, their prices are also similar to that of CBTL and Starbucks.. just that no where near the quality(and even then I know Starbucks doesn't serve the best coffee!). Imagine going to Gordon Ramsey's Bar and grill but only getting normal tasting and edible food.

Overall, very disappointed in this place. Safe to say it was my first and last time eating/drinking there.

Reiterates my stance that there hasn't been a cafe that I've visited in malaysia that is worthy to be compared with to even the worst cafe in Melbourne. TOP PADDOCK has really set the bar too high IMHO.

A bit harsh but this is truly what I felt after visiting this cafe today(and what every single one of my colleagues expressed too!) Not meant to run this place down, just being...

ZUKKINI Cafe is a delightful spot with a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for coffee lovers and foodies alike. Known for its fresh ingredients and cozy setting, it’s quickly becoming a favorite for anyone looking to enjoy a quality meal in a comfortable space.

Food and Drinks

The menu at ZUKKINI is impressive, offering a range of healthy and hearty options, from fresh salads and grain bowls to sandwiches and pastas. The ingredients taste fresh, and each dish is thoughtfully prepared. Their avocado toast and smoked salmon bowl are crowd-pleasers, and the homemade pastries are fantastic—especially the buttery croissants. The coffee is top-notch, with rich flavors and perfect brews. They also have a variety of non-coffee drinks, including fresh juices and matcha lattes, which are refreshing and well-balanced.

Ambience

ZUKKINI has a clean, modern design with minimalist decor that gives it a bright and airy feel. The seating is comfortable, and the layout is spacious, with plenty of natural light streaming through the windows. It’s an ideal spot to relax, catch up with friends, or even work remotely, as they provide ample seating and a welcoming vibe.

Service

The staff at ZUKKINI are friendly, attentive, and eager to make your experience pleasant. They provide excellent recommendations and check in periodically to ensure everything is to your liking. Service is prompt, even during busy hours, and you can feel the staff’s genuine warmth and hospitality.

Pricing

While ZUKKINI is slightly on the higher end, the quality of food, coffee, and overall experience make it worth every cent. It’s a great place for a leisurely brunch or a quick coffee break, where you can expect good value for the price.

Overall

ZUKKINI Cafe is a gem for anyone looking for quality food, great coffee, and a relaxing environment. With its fresh, flavorful dishes, warm service, and stylish atmosphere, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger. Highly recommended for brunch dates, solo coffee runs, or just enjoying a...