KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 18 — There’s something magical about French toast, making it perfect for lazy mornings or any time of the day actually. It’s like a secret treat to yourself.
I also like how this trendy breakfast item has humble roots — born out of giving life to stale bread just by dipping it in egg and frying it.
The ideal French toast should be browned and crispy on the outside, while it’s creamy on the inside. Ironically, generic bread just won’t cut it these days and some cafes even use their own baked brioche, or a healthier rye bread.
You will find French toast popping up all over menus in the Klang Valley, in various forms and with different toppings, transforming it from just a brunch item to even a dessert. It’s definitely come a long way from being just day-old bread dipped in egg and fried.
If you’re hankering for an old-fashioned eggy soaked French toast, try Dr. Inc located on Jalan Kemuja, Bangsar. A little bird tells us that they will be introducing their French toast this weekend based on grandma’s recipe.
Jam & Kaya Cafe, PJ Palms Sports Center, No. 1, Lorong Sultan, PJ. Open: 9am to 5pm, (Tuesdays to Fridays), 9am to 6pm (Saturdays and Sundays). Closed on Mondays.
Celebrate with this weekends-only French toast at this quaint cafe housed within a sports center. The toothsome combination features homemade brioche bread with an embedded cornflake crust that gives you a crunch on the outside, followed by a soft middle. Relish each bite paired with their lightly caramelised bananas and a mix of refreshing fresh fruits, like blueberries, strawberries and raspberries. On the side, you can add syrup and a scoop of vanilla ice-cream to complete your weekend treat.
VCR Cafe, 2, Jalan Galloway, Bukit Bintang, KL. Open daily: 9am to 11pm.
Here, the French toast feels more like a sophiscated dessert item with its clever combination of flavours and textures. Start by cutting through a piece of their thick soft brioche with a light eggy taste and delicate crust. Dab a piece with berry compote and the no-churned espresso infused ice-cream that will slowly melt and transform into a creamy sauce. Roll that piece of French toast in the crumble mix made with chocolate and orange biscuits, pumpkin seeds and mocha sauce. Pop it into your mouth and enjoy its divine taste. Note the kitchen is open up to 5pm only.
La/Pa Restaurant, 15, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, KL. Open daily: 8am-11pm.
On the days when you feel like skipping sugar, go for this savoury Provencal French toast. This good-for-you version is made with the cafe’s homemade dark rye loaf lightly seasoned with aromatic herbs de Provence. The topping may look scarce — crumbles of feta cheese with dabs of kale & basil pesto — but it’s perfectly balanced in terms of saltiness. Get here early though, as the cafe only serves breakfast from 8am to noon daily.
BreadFruits, 17, Jalan 26/70A, Desa Sri Hartmas, KL. Open daily: 8.30am to 9pm.
If you’re trying to balance between a naughty and nice treat, try this healthier baked French toast. It’s made with a slightly dense rye bread and paired with caramelised bananas, back bacon slice and toasted almond flakes. Drizzle over their wild honey infused with passionfruit for a hint of sweetness. Note the kitchen closes by 5pm.
S.Wine Cafe, Ben’s Independent Grocers, UG1, Publika, Solaris Dutamas, KL. Open: 11am to 10pm (Mondays to Fridays), 9am to 10pm (Saturdays and Sundays).
For over-the-top decadence, go for their French toast with grilled bananas (available till 6pm). You get puffy bread topped with a dollop of peanut butter, caramelised bananas, and applewood smoked bacon. It’s drizzled with maple flavoured syrup for a sweet-savoury combination that makes it addictive but dreadful for the waistline.
