Ristretto @ 10 Mont Kiara KL

Ever since my sister got me started on coffee, I know it's the beginning of a long coffee journey. Just over the last weekend, Kelvin asked if I would be free to have a cuppa at a new coffee joint in Mont Kiara where he found out about it in a coffee forum. And I thought to myself, "why not?!!"

Ristretto is just barely a month old. Julian Koh, the head barista whom has been making coffee in Sydney for years, is here to get the coffee right for you! The place is really new and the building (10 Mont Kiara) which is a condominium still looked like it's unoccupied yet. This coffee place is really simple and very minimal in design and don't expect it to look like a Starbucks or Coffee Bean outlet. Wooden chairs and foldaway tables are used instead of designer chairs or coffee tables. If you're looking for a cozy ambiance, this might not be it.

And according to them, the tastiest way to drink coffee is of course in a ristretto, made with an espresso machine!

Ristretto is actually a "short" shot of an espresso coffee. In layman terms, this meant pulling a hand press espresso machine faster than usual and using the same amount of water as a regular shot of espresso. Since the water came in contact with the grinds for a much shorter time the caffeine is less but the coffee maintains its flavour. This shot could be described as bolder, fuller, with more body and less bitterness. Because of this exaggerated flavour, ristretto is often preferred by espresso coffee cognoscenti. They called this a purist pour.

But then if you asked my coffee friends, why would someone want less caffeine?!! The reason why they are drinking coffee is because of the caffeine! Hmm... (I haven't figured that out yet)

My Double Ristretto Latte

There is an interesting theory about ristretto. People will order a shot of espresso this way for two reasons: they know what they are drinking or they want to appear as if they know their coffee! For me, I ordered this because I read about it and I want to know what is it all about! Sorry, I am no coffee cognoscenti. Fyi, a double espresso shot is typically around 60 ml, while a double ristretto is typically 45 ml. Thus, this double ristretto is having more flavour but less caffeine, less dilute than a double espresso.

Here, they encourage you to be bold! Order any coffee styles you want if you don't see it on their menu. Even the double ristretto latte was not in the menu but they will still make it for you. My customised coffee was very good. I have not learnt to study the flavours and provide you with the history of beans but I did enjoy my creamy cuppa.

Cappuccino and cafe latte with Ham & Cheese Panini Sandwich

Feeling that one cup wasn't enough since I've driven all the way here, I had another cappuccino and Kelvin had a cafe latte. I've always enjoyed a good cup of cappuccino where I don't even need to add any sugar. In that way, I can taste the aroma and the wonderful flavours of both the combination of coffee and milk. The sandwich is a nice snack to have since I did not have my lunch that day.

Cappuccino with Latte Art

The latte art is created simply by frothing some milk to create the foam/bubbles. Then a shot of espresso is poured in by creating a pattern on the milk bubbles. You'll get a different art here with every latte. We had 3 different arts that day.

While we were talking to Julian, he asked if we have tried this Sparkling coffee? Hmm... I know about sparkling wine but sparkling coffee? No. Thus, we asked him to make us a cup. It was actually brewing coffee using the sparkling water instead of the normal water. It was bitter and had lots of crema. To me, it tastes like the chinese bitter herbal drink and it comes cold. Well, it's indeed something special and I'm glad I get to try it here.

To savour the coffee, take your time. Don't be a big gulper because I believe coffee can be a good stress reliever whenever you're having a cuppa with a friend or two. And I can't believe I had 3 cuppa that day. I managed to sleep very well. No, I didn't die from caffeine overdose.

Check out this place. It's really new and 10 Mont Kiara is located at the end of Jalan Kiara 1. At the small roundabout in front of this building, take 3 o'clock and drive into the carpark. You can get to the cafe through the car park.

Prices are reasonable. We had coffees for RM5-7 and special coffees at RM10. For the 5 cups of coffee and sandwich, the bill comes up to a little less than RM50.

Ristretto
Unit 3A @ 10 Mont Kiara,
Jalan Kiara 1, Mont Kiara,
50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Tel: +6017-313 3931
my.ristretto@gmail.com
website

Open from 9.30am to 11.00pm daily Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner