The Pantree Melaka (Semabok)
Melaka town is so small and with all the social networking, one may think that there is probably no secret in the city. As much as we love the Jonker street and merry crowd on festive and holiday seasons, we all sometimes need a bit of quiet and peacefulness. It could be the reason for why it’s been under the hat but health enthusiast probably are already aware of this place that’s been running below the radar for close to about a year now.
Tucked inside a common looking shop lot in a rather new developed enclave in Semabok Melaka, The pantry deserves more than this clandestine operation that runs with probably less than 10 seats or so to cater dine ins, and table bar with open pantry kitchen just enough for essentials like simple oven and tiny stove.
Serving assorted breads made with natural live yeast (yes, they rare their own yeast- now are you impressed or what?) and organic flour, the menu changes regularly but they generally bakes wholewheat, foccacia, bagels, and many more. On the menu today, there is Chai cake as well. I pair them with Soy Matcha Latte (RM 13) and although taking relatively longer than standard cafe serving time, the zen and books keeps a good company so it doesn’t quite feel too dreadful. Put aside your mobile phone, pick up any book or magazines on their shelf and enjoy the ambiance as you take some time off the hustle and bustle in the city life.
Seasonal beans for coffee drinks are available but really, this is the rare occasion that coffee didn’t quite get my attention this time around. Instead, natural Red Grape Juice Kefir (RM 12) triggered my curiosity. The lovely tangy sweet, plus the goodness of Kefir is like a healthier and pricier (for a good reason) version of ribena drink resemblance.
Otherwise, tea is available if you are feeling like tea. We had Chamomile Pot (RM 12) and being the nice and friendly Malaccan, there is no restriction to how many serving cups or how many times of refilling are allowed. The staff simply just asks how many cups we wanted for our pot of tea and viola! We are sharing a pot of tea in one of its kind handmade tea cups. They are so pretty I couldn’t resist asking if they are for sale. Don’t say I didn’t share this. You can totally buy them!
For as assorted sourdough combination, go ahead and order the Bread Platter (RM 12) served with rosella jam and balsamic vinegar in olive oil dip. This one puts together a couple of bread slices and is the most perfect way to introduce artisan bread to the local. While the state is rich in heritage and cultural influences on breads are pretty much embedded with fluffy white bread as staple instead of tough and chewy ones, artisan bread is going to take longer than we expected to be accepted as fuel food.
Pantree definitely earned applauses for their effort and ambiance but I sure hope for consistency and a slight improvement on some of their bread. Focaccia here might need a little extra rise and probably a little more olive oil for a crispier crust.
And to the folks of Melaka, their organic supplies are decent if not complete with rich varieties. Eating organic is not only beneficial to the health but also helping Mother Nature in a long run. Watch this quick video to see more of Pantree and the organic supplies in Justlife.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=%20sg9Cou4WAqs?rel=0&w=853&h=480]
Click HERE for more photos on flickr.
Also click to read more Eating and Drinking Places in Melaka , Foodeverywhere’s Travel Journal outside Malaysia, or Sycookies Food Travelogue .
Pantree is located within Justlife Organic shop at:
No 9, Jalan PS 3,
Plaza Semabok 75050 Melaka
Business Hour: Tuesday- Saturday (10am- 6pm)
https://www.facebook.com/pantreemelaka
Tel: 60174017427
GPS: 2.1949279,102.265803
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