Brew by Cobnb - Cafe Sungai Besi

Brew by Cobnb – Cafe Sungai Besi

Words: Nichole Ong
Photos: Rich Callahan

Newly opened in Sungai Besi, Brew by Cobnb combines the familiar comforts of cafe favourites with the community of a residential area. This latest spot is the brainchild of Alwin Yu, with over ten years worth of experience in the cafe industry and his collaboration with Cobnb, which helps owners run and maintain Air BnBs in the Klang Valley. The idea stemmed from wanting to create a welcoming place for visitors to check in to their holiday homes, rather than just collecting their key at the guardhouse or from a mailbox.

The interior of the cafe is clean and calm and dotted with greenery. A particular highlight is the aurora light-up wall, where blue, purple, and green lights streak across the curved wall and ceiling. There is plenty of space outside to sit with a cup of coffee, and the al-fresco area is even pet-friendly as a bonus!

Brew by Cobnb Residenti Trion 1 — Brew by Cobnb – Residenti Trion 1

Brew by Cobnb Menu

Potato Korokke (RM 15) is a tasty start – deliciously warm balls of fried potato with a crisp outside and soft inside. The corn mixed within provided little bursts of juicy sweetness, while the ham added a savoury component. The winner, though, was the fresh slaw on the side, lightly dressed in sesame sauce, balancing the heaviness of the korokke.

Breakfast Menu

A breakfast or brunch staple, the Eggs Benedict with Beef Bacon (RM 30) was vibrant and generously portioned, with the poached egg oozing out over the bread in such a satisfying way. Like any good egg Benedict, the creaminess of the egg paired undercut the acidity of the hollandaise sauce and the smoked savouriness of the beef bacon.

The Yoghurt Turkish Egg (RM 28) is not something seen on every brunch menu, but Brew by Cobnb’s version showed that it absolutely should be. This dish was one of our favourites, with the yoghurt being the right balance of spicy and herby, while adding daikon radish brought out its acidity. The sourdough from Universal Bakehouse holds the jammy egg and yoghurt well, providing a nice crunch.

Monica frequently tells me to eat my vegetables. Still, I needed no prompting to reach for a second and third helping of the scrumptious Quinoa Salad (RM 22). Vibrant, healthy, and colourful, the elements of quinoa, avocado, tomato, capsicum, and pomegranate on a bed of creamy mashed potato created a dynamic bite, synergising fresh and sweet flavours together.

For a bit of a twist, we tried the Salted Egg French Toast (RM 22) from the sweet and savoury menu. It is a visually impressive dish: fluffy toast bursting with salted egg and topped with ice cream. We appreciated the vibrancy of the lemon zest on top. Combining the salted egg with the sweet toast and ice cream is a unique flavour, putting a more adventurous spin on a classic breakfast.

Rice Bowls

Our Sirloin Steak Rice Bowl (RM 28) featured tender, juicy beef on top of fluffy rice, completed with seaweed and a soft-boiled egg. The dish is a great lunch option, packed with flavour from the seasoned beef and seaweed. It encapsulates the comfortable, reorderable nature of the menu at Brew by Cobnb.

Specialty Coffee

The drinks menu at Brew by Cobnb is a highlight. We would happily return for a cup of something good, and sip away on the lovely green lawn at the front. The Flat White (RM 13), made with locally roasted specialty beans, showcased a masterful balance of acidity and bitterness with a perfectly textured foam. Mon and Rich are big fans of the Black Tonic (RM 13), offering a caffeine kick and cool refreshment in one. The Orange Espresso (RM 16) uses orange juice to add brightness to the coffee. Also served cold, this was a refreshing and zesty option for an extra layer of flavour on top of the beans.

Drinks Menu

My brunch-time favourite, the Matcha Latte (RM 13), is made from Shiru Matcha powder originating in Uji, Japan. Foamy and earthy with a hint of sweetness, this made for an excellent companion to any of the breakfast and lunch options.

The Chia Fibre (RM 13) sounded a bit too healthy to be tasty at first glance, but I quickly changed my mind after a sip of this lively, citrusy, aromatic concoction. Although bottled, the freshness of the ingredients remains, storing the vibrant freshness of the drink.

Our Passionfruit Kombucha (RM 13) had just the right amount of Passion Fruit infused with the kombucha, adding a tartness that complemented the kick at the end. We thought it was a refreshing and healthy drink option.

Upcoming at Brew by Cobnb

For dessert, we enjoyed sampling an upcoming menu item at Brew by Cobnb: the Mochi Waffle. Made in-house, this waffle is made from glutinous rice flour rather than regular flour, giving it a chewier and fluffier texture than regular waffles. It paired wonderfully with the caramelly sweetness of the creamy gula melaka ice cream, made in collaboration with local artisans. It was the perfect sweet end to our meal.

Brew by Cobnb Review

Brew by Cobnb is a cosy and familiar neighbourhood cafe, providing a great service to clients in the building or cafe hoppers dropping by. Their menu has something for everyone, whether grabbing a quick lunch or settling in for a long catch-up with family and friends. It is ideal for enjoying breakfast or lunch with a drink in a nice, open, community-friendly space.

Reasons to visit Brew by Cobnb: great coffee and drinks, pet-friendly, lovely green space out front, no pork or alcohol; we’re sure the aurora wall will be a hit with those who love to snap pretty pics.