While that was true back then. But now it is under the helm of Duke Dinings Sdn Bhd.

Since the takeover, the love for The Loaf has spread far and wide with six chains in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor and another two in Langkawi, thanks to their famed artisanal bread and pastries.

“In total, we have over 40 pastries. There are no pre-mixes, additives, or preservatives and all the bread and pastries are made fresh every day for the diners’ consumption,” explained Kenny Low, marketing executive at The Loaf.

“We also use really good quality ingredients which are mostly imported.”

If glazed pastries are your Achilles’ heel, The Loaf has them especially laid out on endless wooden displays to tempt you. And take note, their pastries are anything but traditional.

As you walk into their stylish cafe — tong and tray in hand — be sure to pick up a piece (or two) of the bakery’s signature pastry, the Oyaki, a type of Japanese dumpling made from fermented buckwheat dough and commonly found in the Nagano prefecture of Japan.

The talented bakers at The Loaf have modified the traditional Oyaki into the modern Taisho Oyaki by stuffing the butter roll dough with more than 10 varieties of sweet and savoury ingredients.

The pastry is then left in the oven instead of being pan-fried, the latter being the traditional method of preparing it.

The Oyaki comes in nine varieties; the signature Cranberry Cheese Oyaki, Red Bean Walnut Oyaki and Lemon Cheese Oyaki. Those with a hardcore sweet tooth can opt for the Nutella Oyaki, Creme Brulee Oyaki and Caramel Cheese Oyaki.

The Cranberry Cheese Oyaki has nubs of the fruit nestled on the white soft bun outside and sweet cream cheese filling inside.

Some bakeries are often stingy with their cream cheese to bun ratio, but there is no such thing at The Loaf.

If you’re a fan of anything creamy and hazelnutty, you can’t leave without indulging in The Loaf’s Nutella Oyaki which is not only chock full of Nutella, but also dipped in the sinful spread, giving customers a double dose of the addictively delicious cream.

But if you’re slightly more old school and would prefer a golden brown croissant and a cup of black coffee, The Loaf has got you covered.

And, if you’re feeling slightly adventurous, opt for their International Women’s Day special, the Rose Croissant.

A treat to the eyes and the tastebuds, this is a traditional butter croissant filled with rose-flavoured raspberry cream topped with raspberry sugar, giving it a beautiful frosted pink glaze.

Don’t stray from The Loaf’s croissant section just yet.

Their recent collaboration with matcha connoisseurs Niko Neko has given birth to the ultimate matcha treat, the Genmaicha Croissant, which is a combination of melty, buttery and flaky Danish with a smooth, rich genmaicha aftertaste.

The Loaf might be notorious for its Japanese oyakis and fluffy croissants, but only a few are aware of their savoury menu that is equally tempting.

Start off with The Loaf’s all-time favourite, the Laksa Utara, and you don’t need to worry about the interstate travel restrictions to have a taste of Kedah or Perlis.

Next, travel down to Kelantan with The Loaf’s very unique Kecek Kelate burger which is their take on the state’s flavourful ayam percik.

Sandwiched between the bakery’s freshly made Danish doughnuts is a juicy grilled chicken patty drenched in percik gravy, sauteed onions, lettuce and cucumbers and a generous side of french fries, which makes for a very filling and fulfilling meal.

Continue your Asian fare with the Chicken Curry Gempak, a dish that truly lives up to its name.

If you’re planning to forgo your diet and go full-on turbo with carbo, this is truly the perfect dish with its piping hot Basmati rice, crispy papadum, fresh achar and The Loaf’s signature Tun Curry Chicken.

If you’re not in the mood for rice, there is the option to replace it with bread; after all, what’s a better combination than chicken curry and bread?

Travel plans to Korea cancelled due to the travel ban?

Heal the pain with The Loaf’s juicy Dae-Bak Chic Burger, a freshly fried crispy chicken chop slathered in Korean spicy sauce, topped with lettuce, fresh kimchi sandwiched between the bakery’s Danish doughnuts.

For diners wanting a more al fresco ambiance, they are more than welcome to head out to the verandah to enjoy the cool breeze giving customers a calming respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Now that dine-in is allowed again, there’s no stopping you from walking into one of The Loaf’s many establishments to enjoy your baked goods at their freshest and pair them with coffee or tea!

You can check out The Loaf’s Instagram and Facebook for more exciting offerings.

The Loaf
L1-10 & 10S, Level 1
No 1 Persiaran Multimedia
Jalan Plumbum 7/102
Seksyen 7, 40000 Shah Alam
Selangor