Urbean Café, Superfoods & Coffee, Avenue K

Urbean Café

Words: Monica Tindall. Photos: Rich Callahan

Under new management, Urbean Café in Avenue K has undergone a revamp. Building on a strong core of good coffee and healthy food, the menu has been polished and given a little personal flair by director Mahsa Vahedi. Looking better than ever with top-quality ingredients and edible flower garnishes, it’s just the freshness that is needed to entice customers back in post-pandemic.

Still, we’re staying home. We’re happy, however, for delivery. We can satisfy ourselves here with breakfast, lunch and dinner with plenty of options to keep our taste buds happy and immune systems boosted.

Urbean Café Menu

Breakfast

While there are plenty of animal protein choices on the menu, my preference is plants. And, I’m grateful for so many options at Urbean Café.

To begin the day with something hearty, the Urbean Vege Breakfast (RM21.90) is a good pick. Two eggs (done any style), baked beans, quinoa patties, grilled cherry tomatoes, pesto, mayo, potato chunks and wholemeal toast – there’s so much here you need more than a single plate to hold it all.

Something lighter, or just a yummy snack at any time of day, is the Granola Bowl (RM24.90). A base of plain yoghurt is topped with crunchy granola and a fruity crown of sliced banana, blueberries and strawberries. Honey can be drizzled at will.

Breakfast is not complete without coffee, and they make a serious cup at Urbean Café. The medium roast blend offers balance with a slightly acidic finish. Our brew of the day is a Flat White (RM11.90), but all of the regular espresso-based coffees are on the menu. Soy and almond milk alternatives are also available.

Lunch or Dinner

The rest of the fare at Urbean Café is a selection of sandwiches, salads, soups and pasta. I’m particularly fond of their bowls and can’t go past the Roasted Veggie Vegan (RM23. 90) celebrating the diversity of the plant world. Quinoa, spiced cauliflower, grilled eggplant, peas, cucumber, tomato salsa and toasted pumpkin seeds are all tossed together in a lemon vinaigrette. I don’t recall what the procedure is for dine-in, but for takeout, the dressing comes on the side. I appreciate the control of adding to my liking.

The Veggie Burger (RM23.90) is not quite what I had imagined. There is no bun tower here. Instead, it’s more of an open sandwich served on wholemeal slices. With equal toppings on each slice, it kind of feels like double value for your money. Two quinoa patties are supported by hummus, tomato salsa, alfalfa sprouts and a side of carrot salad making what is possibly the healthiest burger in the city.

Midday refreshments come in the form or a local brew of Kombucha (RM12.90) and a freshly pressed juice, the Mood Booster (beetroot, apple, carrot, lime, RM14.90). Both get a thumbs up.

Dessert

Outside of the CMCO Urbean Café has several gluten-free and vegan desserts. With a limited selection at the moment, however, we opt for the Burnt Cheesecake, which is smooth and dense. Alternatively, an Avocado Shake (RM17.90) also makes a satisfying conclusion. It’s velvety and aerated, and only mildly sweet. While hubby spoons up every last crumb of the cake, I’m happy with the shake. I feel as though I’ve had a treat but don’t get the sugar-slug that goes with it.

Urbean Café Review

The refocusing of the menu at Urbean Café is bright and fresh. While the founding principles of great coffee and nutritious food have been maintained, the new management has certainly added a splash of vibrancy. I recommend a revisit (or delivery in the very least).

Reasons to visit Urbean Café, Avenue K: good coffee; decent selection of meat-free options; nutritious and tasty food.

Urbean Café
C-14 Avenue K, 156, Jalan Ampang
50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
www.facebook.com/urbeanKLMalaysia
+6 03-2856 2894

Urbean Café Opening Hours
Daily 10 am – 10 pm

Find more restaurants open during the CMCO here, check out our favourite meals delivered to your door here, read more about food safety and the coronavirus here, and lastly stay up-to-date on KL’s vibrant food and beverage scene here.