By Mei Kuan
La Tentation, French for temptation, is a cosy fusion-style cafe cum bakery tucked away in Bandar Ipoh Raya. Established early last year, it has a mostly white interior dotted with hanging light bulbs, a Polaroid wall and a reading corner.
Ong Shi Yun, the owner who co-runs the space with her cousin, explained, “We make the breads, cakes, cookies, waffles and dressings ourselves. We get our ideas from the internet and cookbooks.” For instance, their freshly baked daily house bread is served with kaya and butter (RM3.50) or jam (RM4.50). Both the kaya (coconut jam) and jam which are also homemade make a world of difference.
Highly recommended are their tossed pasta (RM16), avocado egg mayo sandwich (RM18) and bruschetta roast chicken (RM22), all brimming with flavours. For an element of surprise, order the beef stew with pasta (RM22) which is infused with a hint of red wine.
Another noteworthy mention is the limited while-stocks-last gula melaka cheesecake (RM11 per piece) which is drenched in gula melaka syrup and yet not overly sweet. Also, try their coffee hot, iced, or latte style.
“We are planning to shift beginning of next year to a more intimate space that can be easily handled by just the both of us since it is difficult to obtain permanent staff. Everything is still under planning though,” Shi Yun shared.
Pre-order, tailored to your budget and taste, is available for all cakes and pastries for small parties and weddings.
La Tentation is located at No. 3, Medan Istana 6, Bandar Ipoh Raya, 30000 Ipoh. Opens from 8am to 4pm (closed on Sundays and Mondays). Interested readers can call 05 241 1948 to find out more. It is pork free with some desserts and main courses containing alcohol.
