Life Cafe Padungan — Restaurant in Sarawak

I've been here for almost 10 years now, and even though I no longer live in Kuching, I still come back every time I'm in town and want noodles (but don't want kolo mee, laksa or mee goreng).

I'm forever grateful they have a vegetarian menu, it's very much appreciated as a vegan. I was worried they'd completely take it off their menu because they slashed most of it off during the pandemic years so I'm glad they have their full menu again.

For the vegans – I've messaged their Facebook many, many years ago and they have confirmed their noodles have no eggs. If this has changed, please correct me.

Their noodles are really nice, springy, not too greasy, and consistent every time I visit. You can choose your spice level or no spice. Highly recommend.

However every single time I visit, their dumplings always look and taste different. I don't understand why, in the past their dumplings were really, really good. Then it looked ugly but still OK. Now it looks OK but completely tasteless like there's no salt. They have a black vinegar dipping sauce but it tastes terrible to me, like Sprite. At least that's consistent, but not in a good way.

They give free condiments: vinegar cabbage which I love and an herbal seaweed broth which is new and I'm not a fan of.

Their drinks are incredibly expensive (almost as much as a bowl of noodles) and are always served in disposable plastic cups. Their portions are large and if you ask to be served in a regular cup, they will mention that their cups are too small for it. I've asked them to serve in 2 cups instead in the past.

Also, I don't understand what's the point of saying they are "pork free" on their tables when they serve crocodile meat. I know they have (had?) Muslim staff but serving crocodile meat automatically makes the place not halal – so what's the point of saying pork free?

The restaurant is always clean and comfortable, although some spots have very strong AC which is too cold. They also have Wi-fi and plug sockets which is convenient. In the 10 years I've been here, the staff have always been very nice, polite and friendly without overstepping any boundaries. Whoever did their training, good job!

Overall, I'd recommend the noodles or their tea sets for tea sessions while working. I'd still return, but with more options popping up in Kuching, they might need to review some of their current prices and products for...

I ate here two times, during my stay in Kuching, because i really appreciated their nice selection of vegan and vegetarian food and because the atmosphere of the restaurant is very good. The food is tasty, although a bit on the pricy side. I was very disappointed however, that when I asked the staff multiple times if the mushroom and carrot dim sum are vegan/vegetarian and they told me yes it is, even tho it clearly wasn't. I only realized it when I had already ordered and taken a bite of it, since I trusted them telling me the truth and there's also some very good mock meat options at this place. Maybe they just didn't understand what I was asking them, but if they don't understand they should just say that and not just say, "yes it's vegan/vegetarian". Bad service in this regard, in my opinion. I also disliked that they serve their drinks in single use cups, since they produce a lot of unnecessary waste like this and it also doesn't fit the otherwise very nice and "classy" atmosphere of...

I frequently visit this store, overall the foods are delicious.. however I would like to comment on the skinny guy working as cashier. Very arrogant and rude requesting for membership number. I must repeat myself multiple times to him, and he has been impolite. This is not the first occurrence. He has shown this behaviour on multiple times. However, I occasionally note that he treats other customer differently. Everyone who comes there to eat should be treated fairly, therefore I hope there is no discrimination against customers. Hopefully, they will replace their frontliner with more courteous employees. If he continues to serve as the cashier, kindly improve your attitudes. :) Compared to the girl who is always at the counter, I have been treated really courteously thus far by her (well done).

Overall: Good foods Waiters are respectful and friendly Unpleasant experience with one of...