Enak!’s latest makan trip took place at Charlie’s Cafe and Bakery on April 23rd, with 16 members and one guest attending.
Having watched the video on this establishment fairly recently across most social media accounts, I jumped to click YES, I WILL ATTEND as soon as the email dropped into my inbox.
Charlie’s, nestled in the matured, residential neighbourhood of Taman Bukit Desa, does one thing best. And that is their Chicken Chops.
Chicken Chops à la Malaysia normally brings to mind the more popular Hainanese version coated in sweetish ketchup-based sauce. Charlie’s however deep fries the meanest, crispiest, largest bird I’ve ever seen this side of the city. Our lovely hosts Ay Ling and Corinne had painstakingly arranged for Enakers to experience the best Charlie’s had to offer at a fair price of RM45/pax. We could choose between:-
- A quarter chicken chop with steamed nasi lemak served with Sarawak black pepper and curry gravy plus a side of spicy sambal. (One is supposed to mix the black pepper and curry gravy for an elevated taste).
- A quarter chicken chop with mashed potato, coleslaw, salad and Sarawak black pepper gravy.
- No chicken chop, just a bowl of Charlie’s feisty Laksa à la Sarawak. Thick meehoon topped with shredded chicken, tiger prawns, taugeh, fish balls and fried tofu puff. All mixed in a broth made from chicken and crab.
Ay Ling outdid herself by designing and printing out our name cards written with our meal choice. They had wanted to make things easier for the wait staff but in all honesty, it was actually Corinne, Angela and Ay Ling who went around “serving” us!
Rosemary started the ball running by thanking the Enak family for all the work they had put in for this outing. Corinne also spoke a few words, thanking members for their support at the 44th AGM the day before and mentioned that MCG was still looking for a member-at-large and someone who could step into Santhi’s shoes as Enak Convenor in the near future.
While enjoying our meal, owner Desonny and wife Debra – both hail from Sabah – spoke about how they started their business 11 years ago. After the severe beating from covid, they sized down operations and laughingly told us how their children help out during the weekends and school holidays.
Enakers commented that they loved the crispy, juicy chicken chop, although some felt that the black pepper sauce was a tad watery. The sambal packed a punch – it was indeed on the spicier side even to the Enakers who could tolerate hot, spicy food. Christina said that her Laksa Sarawak was flavourful with a rich broth. Those who ordered nasi lemak with chicken chop marvelled at the sheer volume of their meal.
Drinks were either Charlie’s refreshing ice lemon tea or the post-meal smooth, Tenom black coffee. We finished off with the UFO tart (it was shaped like the flying saucer) and their light butter cake.
Burp!!! What’s not to love about Charlie’s?!!
More facts about Charlie’s
- Charlie’s Cafe and Bakery was one of the three Grand Prize winners at the Knorr Malaysia’s Next Top Chicken Chop competition in 2023.
- Charlie’s chicken chop is a whopping 300g brined in over 97 herbs and spices.
- Charlie’s only serves 100 chops a day.
Kotohuadan bah Desonny & Debra!
