I’d like to feature one of my favourite hang-outs in the neighbourhood: 5 Loaves Cafe at Jalan Keretapi. You can’t miss it because it’s right next to Bookcastle, the secondhand bookshop, and that’s sandwiched in an entire block of gastronimically inclined outlets, including Cheez n Tea and Jadepot.
5 Loaves is run by Angel, a friend from way back when I was still trying to play squash. They serve all the food that Angel loves from her childhood. If it’s on the menu, she’ll eat it. So, ranging from kedondong juice to Mr Marshy (chocolate and marshmallows), good old solid teh c to cucumber lime juice, boiled eggs and roti kahwin to laksa to monte cristo sandwiches. I especially love the Mee Goreng Mamak (MGM), or is it the Mee Mamak Goreng (MMG)? No matter. Fling those three words in any combination and you’ll get a delicious fried platter of noodles lightly seeped with chilli sauce and a nice garnish on top that gives a slow burst of energy in the mouth. If I had absolutely no self-control whatsoever, I’d order a second one. As it is, I leave my seconds to delectable things like french toast with a sprinkling of cinnamon on top, or just plain thick toast with butter and a cuppa. It’s all nice and very homey.
I’ll tell you why I like visiting 5 Loaves, even if I didn’t know Angel. The place buzzes with a warmth and friendly energy that not many places have. Yes, the food is really nice. Kuching abounds with nice food anyway. This is hobbit haven we’re talking about, after all. Good food is a cornerstone to a successful eatery, BUT, if you’re anything like me, good service really nails it. 5 Loaves goes that extra mile with genuine service from the heart. There is an obvious passion, love and pride in the food that comes out of the kitchen at 5 Loaves. You see it in Angel and the staff there. That, and the good food they serve are the reason for their loyal clientele. A fanbase, almost. And it’s because the vibes are positively jivin’ over there.
Don’t take my word for it. Try it out for yourself. Look for Angel and tell her The Wordsmith sent you.
N.B.The Wordsmith apologizes for the way the photos are. There seems to be a bug on Wordpress. They only orientate the photos on the left. Go figure.
