PETALING JAYA: This time of the year is usually one full of good cheer – holidays are in full swing, there’s Christmas in the air and the anticipation of a bright new year on the horizon.
But the feeling is not so festive this time around as Covid-19 continues its sweep across the country. However, it’s not all doom and gloom.
There are still family and friends to catch up with over a cup of coffee and in Petaling Jaya there is no better place to do this than at Well Gallery Café.
Located within walking distance of the bustling Jaya One shopping mall, this café is a relatively new addition to PJ’s food scene.
At a time when everyone is staying home more, it is surprising how many of the socially distanced tables are occupied at lunch- or teatime in this café.
According to co-manager, Chan Jit How, the café was named Well as it is meant to be an oasis for people to chill in the bright, comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.
The variety of offerings on the menu also helps, as do the many choices of caffeine fixes. Great care is taken to ensure that the ingredients are bought and kept fresh, with minimal or no refrigeration.
Well Gallery Café also gives back to society, training youth in the skills they will need in their working life.
And the gallery of plants on display is more than just for show – the proceeds from any sale of plants are donated to organisations looking after children with autism and Down’s syndrome.
If the quality of the ingredients is anything to go by, the food should be good, right?
And what better way to start a meal than with something healthy and classic? Made famous by a certain Pixar film of the same name, ratatouille is a classic French dish that is a delight for any vegetarian.
Consisting of slices of zucchini, eggplant and tomatoes, the vegetables are served on a delicious spread of bell pepper sauce. Two slices of artisanal bread are served alongside the ratatouille, to mop up the lip-smacking sauce.
Ever wondered what Korean-Malaysian fusion food would taste like? Well has you covered with its kimchi fried rice with honey soy wings, which adds a Korean twist to this Malaysian staple.
The fragrant fried rice is served with a generous helping of the famous Korean pickle, seaweed, crunchy fried chicken wings and a fried egg. For the best experience, mix the kimchi together with the fried rice and enjoy the taste of Korea interlaced with a Malaysian comfort food.
For something truly Malaysian, you can never go wrong with assam laksa, a favourite at Well.
With tangy chunks of pineapple, slices of fresh cucumber, bits and pieces of saba fish and bunga kantan, this assam laksa is nothing short of delicious.
The springy noodles add to the appeal, as do the perfect proportions of the red chilli, mint leaves and prawn paste.
If you are on the lookout for something less filling and more of an appetiser, then arancini served on a bed of tomato sauce is just for you.
This dish consists of three deep-fried risotto balls filled with chewy shiitake and white button mushrooms. At the very centre is a stuffing of mozzarella cheese.
The sweet potato fries are a surprisingly addictive light snack – the perfect combination of salty and sweet is definitely more-ish.
It would be a shame to visit Well and not check out the cake display at the counter and try some of the many delicious pastries.
The onde-onde cake catches the eye, and for good reason. It is as delicious as it sounds, with the distinctive flavour of pandan and grated coconut shavings.
Take a bite and savour the taste of this Malaysian delight now presented as a cake.
For a bite-sized sweet treat, the macarons are well worth a try. They come in a variety of interesting flavours, including gula Melaka, matcha, Biscoff and spicy.
Such a feast must be washed down with a refreshing drink.
The Icy Breeze offers Mexican lime juice sprinkled with a dash of mint and served with sparkling water. This refreshing citrus drink is perfect on a hot afternoon.
Last but very much not least are the many coffee and tea options served here. Particular favourites are latte and hojicha (Japanese green tea).
If you are unable or unwilling to leave home, no worries. Well’s treats are available for delivery, so you can enjoy these delicious offerings in the comfort and safety of your home.
Well Gallery Café
3, Jalan 13/6
Section 13
46200 Petaling Jaya
Selangor
Contact: (010) 931 0412
Delivery Menu: http://thewell.alacarte.my/