Birch by Huckleberry – Brunch in DC Mall
Words: Monica Tindall
Photos: Rich Callahan
I can’t imagine a better location for brunch than the lovely, greenhouse-inspired restaurant, Birch by Huckleberry in DC Mall. Glass walls let in mottled natural light thanks to the lush landscaping both outside and in. Tractor tyres act as hanging pots from the ceiling, holding spider and money plants, their vines and leaves reaching down towards diners. Upcycled shutters, distressed wood tables and semi-exposed brick and cement are complemented by a variety of seating. There are bar stools, dining tables for from two to ten, and coffee tables surrounded by comfortable lounges. The vibe is relaxed and comfortable. It’s very pleasant. We’re ready to settle in.
We’re here for brunch, but the informal eatery evolves into a mellow cocktail bar and trendy dinner spot as the evening descends. And, gosh, the dinner and drinks menus look as equally fabulous – we already have plans to return.
Birch by Huckleberry Day Menu
Birch by Huckleberry’s day menu is served daily until 3 pm, so diners have plenty of time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast, brunch or lunch. Recipes offer enough variety to suit various palates, including plentiful meat-free and gluten-free items.
Breakfast
Huckleberry Granola (RM 22.50) is the perfect creamy, crunchy, fruity and juicy combo. There’s a fine art to making excellent granola. It’s often ruined by cheap fillers, too much sugar or over-toasting. Huckleberry’s recipe is just the balance of nuts and golden oats roasted with cold-pressed coconut oil. Thick Greek yoghurt is drizzled with raw organic honey and topped with chunks of fresh tropical fruit. Yum!
Birch Benedict (RM 32) is a unique take on a classic with spicy pulled chicken and barbecue sauce replacing the more common ham or salmon. It’s a generous serving with two fat slices of your choice of crusty multigrain, white or gluten-free bread topped with poached eggs and lightly covered with hollandaise sauce. It’s packed with flavour, the sweet barbecue sauce dominating the dish. I’d order this again if it were possible to have the barbecue sauce on the side. Charred cherry tomatoes and green salad balance the richness of the Benedict.
Craft Sandwiches
Birch’s Breakfast Burrito (RM 26) bridges brekkie and lunch with a bold wrap and a side of steak fries and salsa. A soft flour tortilla bulges with scrambled eggs, spicy baked beans, smashed avocado, shredded cheese and sour cream. It’s a filling meal, easily shared with another moderate eater.
Salads & Soups
We ensure balance to our decadence with a Birch by Huckleberry’s vibrant Superfood Salad (RM 32). The health-giving plate is brimming with Romaine lettuce, baby spinach, mango, quinoa, rocket, red cabbage, pomegranate, avocado and blueberries. It’s lightly dressed with a gentle organic honey and lemon dressing. We love the crunchy mix of seeds and nuts tossed through.
Pasta & Rice
One of Birch by Huckleberry’s best-sellers is the Creamy Harissa & Crispy Chicken Rigatoni (RM 42). As soon as we bite in, we taste its appeal. Fat ribbed pasta tubes are liberally covered in harissa arrabbiata sauce. It goes in creamy and leaves with a warm thread of spice. The crispy, breaded chicken is a great contrast to the buttery sauce.
Asian Specials
Local flavour is celebrated with Huckleberry Nasi Lemak (RM 30). A decently-sized plate of fragrant coconut basmati and wild rice is supported by crunchy anchovies, peanuts, cucumber slices, a pungent spicy sambal and a hard-boiled egg. We opt for Beef Rendang on the side and think it a tasty companion to the rice.
Bigger Bites
Hugged by a fluffy brioche bun, the Huckleberry Burger (RM 36) holds a beef patty, the kitchen’s secret sauce, lettuce, fresh tomato slices, crispy onion strings, gherkins and cheese. Those thick steak fries make another appearance on the side, filling the plate and ensuring no one goes hungry.
Sweets
Our meal ends with the showstopping Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes (RM 28). It’s a stack of three fluffy rounds decorated with Polish blueberries, ricotta, honeycomb butter and maple syrup. They’re both eye-catching and delicious. The ricotta gives the pancakes a little additional chew. The crisp outside is met with a substantial yet aerated middle. “Little fluffy pieces of heaven right there,” confirms Rich, “Definitely, goes on the list of things that don’t suck.”
Drinks Menu
Coffee
Cottle Coffee roasts a special blend of beans for Huckleberry. It’s a medium to dark roast and does well with dairy milk, but it is also great with oat milk (+RM 3) in my Flat White (RM 12.20). Rich gives the Cold Brew Coffee (RM 22) a thumbs up, and we all go ga-ga over the Bolt Brew Smoothie (RM 17.90). This caffeine boost of double shot espresso, fresh milk, coffee ice cream, coffee syrup, whipped cream, coffee powder, and choc mocha beans looks a treat and is not overly sweet. It’s thick, creamy and well-balanced.
Superfood Sips
Birch by Huckleberry’s Hot Matcha Latte (RM 17) is clearly made on premium matcha, witnessed by its almost green vegetable flavour harmonised with a soft sweetness and umami. Niko Neko’s ceremonial grade Kiku matcha is the secret behind this first-class brew.
Slow-pressed Juices, Smoothies & Kombucha
Birch by Huckleberry continues with excellent drink options, ensuring a superb experience from the first bite to the last sip. We’re happy with our rainbow of slow-pressed juices and smoothies. Golden Glow (RM 16) is a zippy blend of orange, lemon, ginger, turmeric and apple, while the Red Velvet (RM 16) is a light, earthy mix of beetroot, watermelon, red apple, carrot and celery. Meanwhile, the Green Warrior Smoothie (RM 24) could be a meal on its own with fresh avocado, spinach, pineapple, banana, organic raw honey, Organicule Baobab powder (to aid digestion) and coconut water. Lastly, Huckleberry’s Calming Jasmine Kombucha (RM 15.90) is a great palate cleanser, light and easy-drinking.
Birch by Huckleberry Review
We’ve had a delightful morning at Birch by Huckleberry. The setting is relaxed and beautiful. The service has been efficient, kind and friendly – a special thanks to our server, Hasan, who predicted our every need. We can’t wait to return for cocktails and dinner.
Reasons to visit Birch by Huckleberry at DC Mall: gorgeous light-filled setting reminiscent of a rustic greenhouse; delicious food and drink menu with plentiful meat-free and gluten-free options; we’d return for the Huckleberry Granola, Breakfast Burrito, Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes, great coffee, juices and smoothies.
Birch by Huckleberry at DC Mall
Lot G10/11, Ground Floor Damansara City Jalan Damanlela
Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
@birch_kl www.birch.com.my
Birch by Huckleberry Opening Hours
Monday to Thursday: 9 am – 10:30 pm
Friday, Saturday & PH: 9 am – 11 pm
Sunday: 9 am – 3 pm
Find more cafes in Kuala Lumpur here and stay up-to-date on the latest happenings in KL’s food and beverage scene here and here.