KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 19 — For a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, how about a slice of kaya Swiss roll with a cup of coffee? Nowadays this old-fashioned cake is not as popular with the crowd who prefer flavours like durian, matcha or even black sesame.

Back in those good old days when fresh cream was scarce, these cakes would be filled with homemade kaya, our very own Malaysian jam. The smooth spread would be painstakingly double boiled from a mixture of coconut milk, eggs and sugar for many hours. The kaya could also be used to spread on toast for breakfast.

Yut Kee Restaurant 1, Jalan Kamunting, KL Open: 7.30am to 4.30pm Closed on Mondays

Popular for their food offerings like chicken chop and roti babi, this Hainanese coffee shop also sells old-fashioned cakes like marble butter cake and kaya Swiss roll. You can purchase the pre-sliced kaya Swiss roll by the box. The cake tends to have a craggy texture and the kaya used can be rather sweet so it’s best to pair it with a hot cup of coffee sans sugar.

Stall at Lorong Yap Ah Loy Kuala Lumpur Open: 8am to 2pm Closed on Sundays

At the entrance of an alleyway opposite Maybank, this 40-year-old stall is manned by an old woman. She offers kaya Swiss roll, kaya, kaya puffs and egg tarts. What makes the Swiss roll exceptional is the chunky fragrant kaya made from old coconuts. It looks lumpy and unattractive but try packing the kaya home and it’ll make a delicious breakfast treat with toast and butter.

You can purchase half or a whole Swiss roll. Previously, the stall was located in an alleyway opposite Central Market. If you’re feeling hungry, walk down the alleyway and it will lead you to a stall that is famous for their sang har mee or freshwater prawns noodles.

Restoran Sri Karak 17, Jalan 52/8 Petaling Jaya New Town Petaling Jaya Open daily: 10.30am to 10pm

This restaurant from Karak is famous for its durian items like durian cake, durian bomb and durian egg tart but try their kaya Swiss roll. The kaya is not too sweet and the cake has a slightly firmer texture. You can purchase half or a whole roll to try out.

TK Bakery 61-G, Jalan SS21/60 Damansara Utama (Uptown) Petaling Jaya Open daily: 7.30am to 10pm

For a different twist to kaya Swiss roll, try one that is chilled. With its pillow soft cake texture and not too sweet green tinged kaya, it makes a refreshing treat straight from the refrigerator. The kaya when chilled is transformed into a fragrant pandan custard. Even though this is a chain of bakeries, the one sold here tastes better compared to those at the other outlets.