If you’re looking for a brief respite from the stresses of the rat race, pop by “The 28” in Taman Shahjaya here, and enjoy a nice cup of coffee while surrounded by lush greenery.
This idyllic spot is located within the compound of founder Mohd Rizal Baharuddin’s family home, which he converted into a picturesque garden café last year.
“I have so many memories in this house,” he said of the property that is over 50 years old.
“The best times were during Hari Raya, when a lot of people would come over and visit. We’d have birthday parties here when I was a child. My mother would call the neighbours over to come and play with us,” he told FMT Lifestyle.
His late mother and father were avid gardeners: after they passed away, the former teacher decided to preserve his memories of them by maintaining the plants they grew all around the house.
Visitors can therefore enjoy a meal while taking in over 200 botanical beauties, including orchids, ferns and caladiums. A vibrant row of brightly-coloured bougainvilleas line the venue’s entrance, growing opposite a towering rambutan tree, a swing hanging from one of its branches.
According to him, starting up “The 28” just felt like the natural thing for him and his business partner, Riko Ariffin Mohd Shafin.
“Both of us love coffee and gardening. And just being at home! So we thought, why not open a home-based café? It combines all the things we love, and we could share it with others. We can relive the times there used to be lots of people here,” he said with a laugh.
Perhaps due to its origins as a family home, a cosy and intimate vibe permeates the space, making it feel warm and well-lived. Visitors can dine in the shade of the house compound, or beneath parasols in the garden.
The café’s walls are decorated with colourful pictures, and an ornate cabinet filled with fine crockery belonging to his late parents takes pride of place in one corner.
Bibliophiles will also enjoy the wide selection of books scattered all around, with everything from novels and travel books to poetry collections and of course, gardening guides, all present here.
All of the café’s cuisine is prepared by Rizal himself. Getting food and drinks ready for customers was challenging at first, due to a lack of F&B experience, but the café founder is happy to report that he is learning the ins and outs of the business.
Popular dishes here include the Spaghetti Carbonara, which is bathed in an aromatic, delightfully creamy sauce, and the Cheesy Creamy Nachos, which boast plenty of crunch.
Other highlights include banana cake, shakshuka, cheesy toast and Affogato Delicioso. Pop by this place on weekends: that’s when nasi lemak is on the menu!
And of course, you can’t leave without trying the reason the café started: Rizal and Riko’s home-brewed coffee!
Rizal said business has been good so far: one of his school seniors recently held a book launch here. While things can sometimes get hectic, as they were just a two-person business, both founders are satisfied with customer response, and are even thinking of expanding the business.
“It’s been a rollercoaster ride sometimes,” Rizal mused. “But a fun rollercoaster!”
Wherever his next outlet may be, he hopes that like “The 28”, it also features a welcoming and tranquil atmosphere.
“I want ‘The 28’ to feel like home. I don’t think there are many places like this, especially in Cheras.
“I hope that when our customers visit, it feels like they are going back to their kampung, and they can just relax in the greenery with some coffee or light bites,” he concluded.
The 28
Lot 2147, Taman Shahjaya Cheras
43200 Cheras, Selangor
Business Hours:
10am–6pm: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
8am–6pm: Saturday and Sunday
Closed: Thursday and Friday