Apart from the sweets, I really love their pies and quiches, which are made in individual round portions, rather than sliced from a larger pie. They don’t scrimp on their ingredients!
There are many bakeries and patisseries in Taman Desa. Each of them has their own signature tastes and charm. From Ficelle to Les Deux Garcons, Taman Desa is actually full of grand and luxurious patisseries that produce world class baked goods. One place that doesn’t get mentioned often enough is of course, Encore, tucked in a corner of Taman Desa that is a little more secluded.
If you’re into ramen and udon, you’ll know Sanuki Udon and Lao Jiu Lou. This patisserie is on the same row, at the very end. The very first thing you’ll notice is its French café exterior, complete with a black and white tiled portico. The entrance is lit up with bright bulbs and transports you in part to a quaint European street.
The interior is furnished to really complete the whole French theme, with white lace curtains, fairy lights and white metallic chairs. As you enter, the first thing that will catch your eye is the large glass chiller displaying a range of tarts, pies, cakes and other baked goods. You’ll be able to choose from any of these or choose a proper lunch item from their menu.
Usually, people come here for the pastries, which are baked fresh in the patisserie’s oven daily. There’s a sweet al-fresco dining area at the right side, which is perfect to sit at on cool nights. Most of their pies, tarts and sweets are priced between RM7 to RM15 each. You order at the cashier, pay and take a number. Usually, your food will be served within 10 minutes.
They serve a breakfast menu in the mornings from 9am to 3pm that features sandwiches and wraps, as well as a lunch and dinner menu from 11am that has kinds of pasta and burgers. These menu items will be made fresh upon order. I usually come here for dessert after some Ramen down the road. Two of my favourite items are the chocolate éclairs and the Mille Feuille.
The chocolate éclair here is magnificent. It doesn’t weigh your palate down at all. Although the soft shell is partially encased in chocolate at the top, the chocolate cream filling within isn’t overwhelming. In fact, it actually complements the fluffy crust so well, you feel the whole thing just melt in your mouth.
The Mille Feuille (pronounced ‘mill foil’) is actually made up of three layers of flaky mille feuille pastry, with a custard vanilla cream between each layer. The name Mille Feuille actually translates to ‘Thousand Sheets’ and is made of many thin layers of puff pastry, all pressed together. This particular dessert is a textural delight, with the soft cream balancing out the mille feuille layers splendidly.
Apart from the sweets, I really love their pies and quiches, which are made in individual round portions, rather than sliced from a larger pie. They don’t scrimp on their ingredients, so no matter which savoury baked goods you choose, you’ll get your money’s worth.
My favourite is their ham and cheese quiche, where you’ll definitely get plenty of ham with every bite.
There’s also various teas and coffee served here. I really recommend getting an unsweetened tea ( Passionfruit Oolong was my choice) to go with any dessert you choose. Every cup of tea comes with a small sugared butter cookie, just like the French likes to serve their tea.
Apart from the excellent ambience, I love the fact that the desserts here aren’t sweet. Plus, everything here is crafted with love and care, so you really feel the passion and creativity of the pastry chef.
Encore, Taman Desa
- 1, Jalan Bukit Desa 5, Taman Bukit Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Phone: +60 3-7972 7988
- Opening Hours: Wednesday - Monday 09:00 - 23:00, Closed on Tuesdays
