However, it is the glass counter displaying a variety of scrumptious freshly baked goods that is harder to ignore – or resist. Overall, the fourth outlet of VCR Group – after VCR Galloway in Pudu, VCR Bangsar, and VCR Stacks – feels like a beautiful oasis.
“We were actually planning to open a bakery in Sentul, but the pandemic curtailed our plans,” food director and VCR Group partner Ivan Koh told FMT, adding that a team had even travelled to Copenhagen in 2019 to gain inspiration for the new bakery.
Despite the disappointment, they remained committed to the business and, in August 2020, opened VCR Stacks in Shoplex at Mont Kiara – an outlet focusing on sandwiches and coffee.
“People remarked that we were very bold to do that in the middle of the pandemic,” Koh recalled. Nevertheless, the risk paid off because VCR Stacks’ sandwiches began getting popular and, in turn, helped strengthen their brand.
Then, they found out about an empty lot at Shoplex. “So, we decided to take it and open a bakery,” he said, which is how VCR Bakehouse was born.
The outlet, which has an al-fresco dining concept, was designed by local company Wünderwall. Koh thinks they did a great job translating the ideas from their Copenhagen trip into the look and feel of the place.
Despite its success, in Koh’s view, it is the employees who are paramount. “When we keep our team happy, they will take care of our customers well. That’s why we try to challenge ourselves with new undertakings, because it also provides our team an opportunity to grow.”
A variety of baked goods
There are 20 different varieties of baked goods at VCR Bakehouse every day – and the staff comes in as early as 5am to begin baking!
The Kouign-Amann is a signature treat. The exquisite pastry is made from laminated dough – thin layers of dough separated by Isigny butter from France – and sprinkled with sugar. The pastry is buttery, flaky and sticky, which makes it the perfect pairing with a hot cup of coffee.
Alternatively, if you’re feeling more adventurous, the Matcha Kouign-Amann, redolent with the aroma and flavour of green tea, is well worth a try.
Meanwhile, the French butter croissant is divine: flaky on the outside, soft and buttery on the inside, it’s hard to stop at just one. Also made with Isigny butter, it comes as no surprise that they are a firm favourite.
Then there’s the Banoffee croissant, a luscious pastry served with a generous filling of banana pastry cream – akin to custard – inside a fresh croissant. It is further topped with Chantilly cream, chocolate chunks and banana slices.
A lovely combination of both sweet and savoury, this memorable and decadent pastry is only available throughout July as the monthly special – so don’t miss it!
Other baked goods include almond croissants, sausage rolls, apple strudel, pumpkin-seed cookies, and carrot cake.
Bakehouse breakfasts
Among the popular options on VCR Bakehouse’s breakfast menu is the House Gravlax Bagel, which features a generous portion of gravlax (cured salmon) made in-house.
The combination of tangy capers, onions, dill and chive cream cheese on top of the soft, fresh bagel is delectable, while the tomatoes – sourced from local urban farmer Cultiveat – are juicy and sweet.
Another delightful offering is the omelette. The eggs are deliciously creamy and fluffy, pairing well with the toasted bread of the day, which was rye during FMT’s visit.
Served with shavings of Parmigiano-Reggiano – a hard Italian cheese – and rocket salad with lime dressing, the dish is simple, hearty and satisfying.
All-day breakfast items include French toast and sourdough served with a variety of condiments such as maple syrup, Szechuan garlic butter, and jam. Pizza selections such as Margherita and beef pepperoni are also available from 12pm onwards.
Cups of cheer
The coffee beans used in VCR Bakehouse’s beverages are primarily from Brazil, Ethiopia and Kenya, and prepared at their own roastery. One popular beverage is the hot latte, which is milky and strong with a pleasant nutty aroma.
Additionally, VCR Bakehouse has a range of bottled drinks such as cold brew coffee, kombucha, and fermented lemonade that you can easily pick up to go!
Learn more about VCR Bakehouse on Facebook and Instagram.
VCR Bakehouse
Unit 2B and 2C,
Shoplex, Jalan Kiara,
Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Business hours: 8.30am-5pm daily