Against the backdrop of Batu Caves’ majestic limestone hills, one local café has joined the bandwagon in transforming how people think about food.

Introducing Farm Cafe, a cosy eatery that offers an inspiring blend of delicious, farm-fresh food and a mission-driven approach to dining that invites patrons to savour the true taste of sustainability.

Founded in 2022 by father-son duo Dr Manikam Kumarasamy, a veterinarian, and his son, Poshyanganapathy Manikam, a veterinarian pharmacist, Farm Cafe ensures customers are not only satisfied with their mouth-watering fusion meals but also reassured about the food’s origins.

“The farm-to-table concept is about knowing the source of your food. Were there any pesticides or any growth hormones used? Fresh food always tastes different compared to processed food,” Poshyan, 38, the driving force behind Farm Cafe, reiterated.

The father of three shared that he was particular about what his own kids ate and therefore was “very confident” about bringing his family to eat at his café since he knew the source of the food being served.

This concern for health and wellness extends to every customer at Farm Cafe, where dishes are crafted with care, using ingredients sourced from both the family’s own dairy farm in Batu Arang as well as that of other local producers.

Farm Cafe’s menu showcases the best of local produce with a twist, from pasta ala Malaya to chickpea paneer burger.

One of their top dishes is the “kulim cream mushroom soup”, made from buah kulim or jungle garlic known for its strong flavour, sourced directly from Kedah.

Another favourite is the “nasi beringin” series, a traditional rice dish from Johor and a house specialty at Farm Cafe.

Feedback from customers has been overwhelmingly positive, according to the duo. Many appreciate the cafe’s dedication to high-quality, fresh food as well as the child-friendly atmosphere here.

“Our customers say our food is not only tasty but also reassuring because they know where it comes from,” Manikam, 74, shared.

He and his son are behind a multi-faceted business empire called KM Group that includes a veterinary hospital and a veterinary pharmacy in Batu Caves. They also own KM Heritage Farm that produces up to 450 litres of milk daily. Now, they run a farm-to-table café as well.

With the aim to reduce the usage of antibiotics and chemicals in livestock, KM Group promotes herbal-based medicine and supplements to local farmers.

The concept of Farm Cafe was born out of necessity. During the pandemic, Poshyan and his team recognised the untapped potential of local resources which were going to waste.

“We realised that very good sources of milk, eggs, and chicken were not used. We realised we have to buy back from our farmers and started this whole farm-to-table concept restaurant,” Poshyan said.

Farm Cafe’s commitment to ethical farming is evident in every aspect of their operation.

“We believe in animal welfare and freedom. Most places coop up chickens, but our chickens are left to roam about, express their freedom, and they are very happy. The meat quality is better,” Manikam asserted.

Farm Cafe also believes in educating the community about the importance of responsible farming and consumption. “We use cage-free eggs and practise low-heat pasteurisation for our milk to retain the most nutrients,” Poshyan explained

For this year, they have lined up a series of events on responsible farming practices which they hope will help consumers make informed choices about what they eat.

The café is also taking steps towards sustainability, and plans to start a poultry farm and a composting initiative.

“We aim to upcycle food waste by getting our own compost and growing our own worms and feeding them to our chickens. This is part of our broader strategy to integrate waste management into our farming practices,” said Poshyan.

Looking ahead, Farm Cafe is not rushing to expand. The focus remains on maintaining high standards and ensuring every aspect of the café’s operation aligns with its core values.

“We want to maintain quality and source good raw materials. This has always been our top priority,” Poshyan concluded.

Follow Farm Cafe on Instagram.