When we first heard of "Pok-See", we scrunched up our left nostril and flared the right, eyebrows knitted (go ahead, try it). Later on, we found out that it was actually POKC which is an abbreviation of People of Kheng Chew.
Founded by Sheena Ng, a former bar owner, guests can frequently see the dolled-up lady boss on the premises as she flits from table to table.
Despite being a Hainanese eatery, POKC has decided to take on the yuppie's coffee culture by bringing in Papa Palhelta's beans. Nevertheless, we hear that they aren't chopping off the idea of offering authentic Hainanese brews in the future (*ahem* kau tim only lah!). Sadly, when we went there, they were experiencing some problems with water supply due to SYABAS restrictions, so no coffee or hot chocolate touched anyone's lips that night.
The menu
African Autumn by Harney & Sons
The friendly waitress suggested for us to try African Autumn by Harney & Sons, which is a New York-based tea name making its rounds around town, we note. Being a rainy day, we agreed to have tea and went with the latter as well as the mint tea. The caffeine-free African Autumn had unsubtle notes of citrus, with a rooibos base. We discovered that it contains cranberry and oranges, hence the citrus flavours. Definitely an appetizing tea. While mint is a familiar tea, we feel like Harney & Sons got this tisane right! Some mint teas are too strong, leaving a bitter taste in the mouth and your stomach just ends up unsettled (totally the opposite of what mint is supposed to do). This one was balanced and was a delicious way to end our meal.
On to the food!
The Hainanese are very proud of their Roti Babi.
Roti Babi
Large pieces of bread are fried in an egg batter and hollowed out slightly, then mince pork seasoned generously with spices is pushed in between. Despite the presence of the chilli slices, there does not seem to be any chilli spiciness. This dish, good to share, lies on the oily side as all Roti Babis usually do.
Cordon Bleu Koi
"Koi" means chicken in Hainanese. Chicken is pretty synonymous with this group of Chinese. Hainanese Chicken Rice and Hainanese Chicken Chop are good examples. We have been craving for a good Cordon Bleu for a while now and so, of course, upon seeing it on the menu, KAU TIM LAH!
Crumbed chicken rolled up with thick slices of ham and oozy cheese. 'Nuff said? No? How about sweet potato fries? Together with the sauce (is that Worcestershire, Sheena?), it's definitely something worth ordering. The breadcrumbs stuck on well and the cook's patience to deep fry the pieces were evident in the quality of it.
Menu clipped like those newspapers in the library
We saw this intriguing door and proceeded to ask the waitress about it but she had no inkling either! Hmmm...could it be a Hainanese bar or a Hainanese Happy Hideout?
This is a rather nice place to catch up with friends. The interior designs were done by Karen Tan while the coffee was handled by Sima Manan. Both of them have since left POKC, for reasons Kau Tim Lah does not want to be nosy about.
We wished we could have their desserts as they have mille crepes but by the time we were done, we were too full to even move! Never mind, we already kau tim-ed our next date to be here at POKC Coffee & Eatery to try their famed comfort Lamb Stew and coffee.
POKC Coffee and Eatery
Address
12 Jalan SS21/35,
Damansara Uptown,
Petaling Jaya, Selangor
(Located in the row behind Village Park, few doors away from Vicchuda)
Business Hours
Everyday except Tuesdays
11.30 a.m. - 10.30 p.m.
Tel
03 77326080
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