Unstable Concoction, Sri Hartamas: Honest Review, Menu and Prices
From the operating hours, to the fun interior, to the curated and creative drink selection, this is a new cafe that really lives up to its name. It truly is a fun place that is a spot that I would recommend for all you experimental coffee lovers, with drinks ranging from a drink that tastes like apple pie, to a drink with strawberry and chilli cheong.
Is it Halal
Unstable concoction isn’t halal certified, but is probably in that Muslim-friendly category - especially if you’re here just for the drinks. But as always, do check with them directly for any drinks / menu items that you may want to avoid if this is a concern of yours.
Where it Is
As you would expect with Sri Hartamas square, expect a challenge with parking if you come during lunch hours onwards. It is located on the same row as Aftermeal and Binq. It is located almost directly above The Spec Shop. They have a quirky sign facing the square that is hard to miss, and they have a smaller sign on the walkway, so it is pretty hard to miss. Their staircase is also nicely designed with cute illustrations leading you to their store. Among the quirky features, of course, is their opening hours.
Address: 32-1, Jalan 27/70A, Desa Sri Hartamas, Taman Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours:
Daily } 7:51am to 6:02pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
What it Costs
I think what is interesting about Unstable Concoction is that it has both your classic favourites - from your simple latte and mocha drinks - to their more unconventional menu, which you will see on their ordering counter. Their signature in house drinks include La Reina (Cacao Nibs Tea with Strawberry and Chili Cheong), the Yolkswagen (Homemade Kaya, Coconut Water, and Espresso), HOR? (clarified roselle, lychee, honey, vanilla with ristretto), and their Apple Pie (spliced apple juice, brown butter, and cream cheese). All unique in their own way, and I think that this really is the fun of unstable concoction. Here’s what I tried:
Apple Pie (Drink) | RM23
Yolkswagen | RM20
Kimchi Eggs with Ham | RM16
Polo Bun with Butter and Kaya | RM11
Total | RM70
You can refer to the few menu photos below for price references. The more classic drinks range from between RM11 to RM17, specialty drinks from RM18 to RM23, and food items from RM11 to RM16. All prices you see are nett of any taxes. They don’t have a self service water area, but they did offer water on my visit here.
How it Tastes
The bottom line for me is that it really delivers on novelty. I think that the Apple Pie in particular was unique. As weird as it sounds, it really is like drinking an Apple Pie. It has this consistency that isn’t so thick, but really feels like you’re eating an Apple Pie. I realise I might not be making this sound like a nice drink, but trust me, it is really unique! And that’s really the magic of Unstable Concoction - something you might not quite expect in a fun environment for trying new things.
The Yolkswagen is something I’d recommend to those who like local delights but also like coffee. The reason being is that if you talk about ratio, I definitely feel the espresso more than the homemade kaya. It does have this sweetness, so it’s not exactly that I’m asking for more sweetness, but I would almost like the fragrance of the kaya to come through more. Still a pretty nice and interesting drink.
I think both food items are decent. In a sense, not a MUST to order here, but still pretty good, especially as I for some reason half expected there to be not much attention paid to the food here. The Polo Bun had this nice crumbly crunch that was really nice. Another one where I wished I had the Kaya flavours coming through more, but overall, probably their signature dish here.
Their Kimchi Eggs with Ham is a stronger tasting pastry - as you may expect from a Kimchi pastry. The pastry was flaky but with a nice texture. As with the Polo Bun, I’d say that the uniqueness of Unstable Concoction comes more from the drink selections and the whole ambiance, so I would say this seems much more for a catchup with a friend over some interesting drinks or even a first date spot to get to know someone better.
Star Rating
7/10. A solid 7/10. A nice spot with a really nice ambiance, if that isn’t something that I haven’t touched upon enough yet. There’s a lot of fun design elements including the few hanging monkeys you will see around the cafe, as well as the attention to detail in the interior design that you’ll spot throughout the entire cafe. One of those cafes that might not become your regular spot, but definitely one that is good enough for me to recommend and tell others that it is pretty darn cool.
