Publika Food Porn – 4 Cafes in Publika!

I love food and Publika really is a food haven, filled with all kinds of delicious Australian-like cafes. Rather than prattle on and on like how I’m used to, I’ll just jump right to it.. And in no particular order:

1. Journal by Plan B

With a few branches scattered all over, Plan B has been steadily making a name for itself for its relaxed dining experience and good food.

Considering my love for runny yolk, it isn’t a surprise that I ordered their Eggs Benedict (RM17+) which comes with two poached eggs, sourdough muffin, and turkey ham.

Look at that beautiful gooey yolk. *salivates*

To be honest, the Eggs Benedict was kind of a disappointment. It isn’t that it wasn’t good but I was really hoping to have Eggs Royale instead, which was the smoked salmon version of this dish. I don’t know if it was the disappointment of realizing that Eggs Royale had been removed from the menu, or if the dish really was lackluster, but I wish the muffin had been toasted a little more thoroughly because the bread was chewy and didn’t go too well with the dish.  

However, all is forgiven with its perfectly poached eggs. The yolk burst exactly as it should and it wasn’t over or undercooked – just perfect.

I have more praises to sing for its Spaghetti Beef Bolognese though, with its salty minced meat sauce, accompanied by excellent spaghetti which wasn’t too soft or too hard. The beef sauce tasted almost as good as the layers in between Ben’s Lasagna, with just enough bite to it to be memorable.

Overall, the other dishes in Plan B have been consistently on par with not many fluctuations in quality of the food. I really wish they’d bring Eggs Royale back though but other than that, the environment is good for quick lunch dates and I would definitely recommend it. They have a selection of cakes on display as well to choose from and although I didn’t try anything from their dessert menu this time around, it’s good to know that an option is available.  

2. Ben’s.

I’ve been to Ben’s a couple of times since the first time I blogged about it and it has officially become my go-to place when I can’t seem to figure out where to eat in Publika.

Their pesto spaghetti with chicken has impressed me before and their duck confit pasta wasn’t bad as well, but the last time I went, I decided to try something I kept seeing repeatedly on Instagram – their soft shell crab pasta!

I think the name for it is something along the lines of Spaghettini Gas Soft Shell Crab or something odd like that but for something with such a weird name, it has a very very good taste. This pasta has definitely got to be shared though because too much of it gives the whole jelak feeling. The closest English word I can think of to that sensation is nausea from too much of it?

But I thought the combination of soft shell crab and pasta was brilliant and I loved that the sauce has a little kick to it, probably from the chilli flakes.

This short little excerpt does little to no justice to Ben’s but although the menu can be a little bit boring after a while, it is a great place to chill and relax with friends thanks to its comfortable seating indoors and outdoors.

3. Coffee Stain by Joseph

Coffee lovers would probably say I don’t deserve to go here because rather than order coffee, I called for a hot chocolate instead!  

They offer a wide variety of coffee made from all sorts of beans so those who are very specific with the kinds of coffee they like, or would like to explore the different types available, this place would be just right! Its hot chocolate however was fairly decent, but nothing to shout about. It could have endeavoured to be more of a hot chocolate, maybe with some mini marshmallows or a less wide mug (which made it cool off too quickly) but for a place with a name like Coffee Stain, going there for a chocolate drink probably isn’t the wisest choice.  

Their breakfast had amazing eggs (a little runny, hehehe) and was the typical cafe affair, comparable to the likes of Antipodean.

It’s a little small than the usual cafe, but has an intimate cozy environment and all the better if you love coffee because it has won several awards and I’m sure deserves all the praises it gets. Those who don’t quite share the affinity though can be rest assured that it isn’t too bad of a place to join your buddies for a drink, but I probably wouldn’t return there on my own for its hot chocolate.

4. The Red Beanbag

I’ve gone back a couple of times since I was first here but what still strikes me the most impressive is The Atlantic. (RM22+)

Look at those beautiful poached globes on that gorgeous orange bed of salmon, cushioned by bread and topped with orbs of roe. Ahhh. :’)

Maybe I’m biased because you know how I feel about runny yolk, folks but how can you resist that glorious golden delicacy? Ahhh!

I may have taken a little too long photographing it rather just jump right into it when it’s piping hot so don’t make that mistake else you’d have to have it a little lukewarm, which is neither here nor there and definitely isn’t the best temperature to do this dish justice.

So there you have it! The last few cafes I’ve been to in Publika as of late. I’m flying off to the UK this Saturday () and although I’m busy packing and making frequent stops to the hospital after my surgery (heh, I’ll get to that), I’m also aware I have loads and loads of blogposts half written, sitting in my drafts like the sad neglected children they are. So, for the rest of the week, I aim to get a blog post out every day till Saturday!  

So keep checking back!

Much love! *blows trunk at you*