Found a hidden gem in SS2!
If you love eating healthy, this homemade-everything-authentic-Japanese-restaurant, Solomen Cafe might just be your newest safe haven!
Located just beside the main road of SS2, this quieter street is our favourite hideout from the hustle and bustle of the buzzing SS2.
Our recent discovery of Solomen Cafe, a Japanese cafe specializing in homemade ramen just gave us all the more reason to appreciate this what we deemed as the SS2 "food street"!
Adopting the modern Japanese design featuring clean lines and wooden tones, the exterior of the Solomen cafe gives off a Zen vibe, which is not quite what I'd have expected, especially not from the hectic SS2.
The stunning contemporary design of this cafe definitely makes it looks so much more expensive than it actually is. But behind the tall automatic wooden door adorned with Noren, you will be greeted with an inviting and cozy space which makes you actually want to stay here for as long as you can!
The arrangement of the tables utilizes the space wisely to accommodate quite a number of patrons at one go without compromising personal space, hence making it an ideal place for any occasions be it a family gathering, chilling out with friends or spending some me-time with your laptop.
Not sure if you have noticed from the photos, but they have kindly prepared powerpoints everywhere for the convenience of their patrons.
Every single item you see on the Solomen cafe menu is homemade from scratch!
Including the noodles, the sauce, the broth, the list goes on and on.
While you may think all these hard work would definitely add up to a hefty price tag,
everything on the menu is surprisingly reasonably priced!
We tried out some of the chef recommendations!
Cafe Latte (RM9.00)
We were a bit hesitant when it comes to their beverages because we thought this place focuses more on their food than their beverages.
But the fancy latte art and the aromatic coffee covered with smooth and foamy froth definitely changed our perception.
I am even considering coming here for most of my upcoming meetings not just because of how good the ambiance and the beverages are, but also how accommodating the staffs are towards their patrons!
Earl Grey Mojito RM7.90
This drink also came highly recommended by the barista and I can clearly see why.
This alcohol-free drink is absolutely refreshing!
The earl grey tea added a crisp flavour to the traditional mojito!
Underneath the minty citrus blend, the drink ended with a creamy base note of early grey which lingers for a bit.
Quite an interesting adventure for the taste bud, but definitely a good one.
Gyoza (RM11.90)
Made from scratch in the kitchen, this ordinary looking gyoza is surprisingly different from what I am used to!
Their homemade dough is thin but chewy with a crisp bottom,
while the stuffing is juicy and flavourful with an interesting crunch from the high vegetables to meat ratio, just as what you'd expect from an authentic Japanese gyoza.
Juicy and tender on the inside, golden brown on the outside, their gyoza is best when eaten with their homemade sauce, which adds an exciting taste to the gyoza.
Tonkotsu Ramen (RM20.90)
The most apparent difference between Solomen Cafe's ramen and what they serve in other Japanese restaurant is the almost non-existent oil film on the surface of the broth.
Boiled with pork bones for hours, this clear looking soup is not lacking in any way when it comes to the flavour.
The soup is light but absolutely flavourful and has a distinct umami taste!
I also appreciate how the char shu has more flesh than fats.
Nagi Miso Ramen RM20.90
This miso broth is a tad saltier than the one above, perfect for those who preferred strongly flavoured dishes aka me.
The char shu served in the Nagi Miso Ramen also came shredded, makes eating them along with the noodles such an easy thing to do!
Personally, when I eat any ramen, the ramen will always leave a bitter taste on my tongue.
This bitter taste comes from the alkaline water used to make the noodles.
But Solomen Cafe's secret formulation enabled them to make their noodles without using any of those alkaline water!
If this was also one of your concerns when it comes to ramen, then yes, I have found you a restaurant that serves springy noodle without the bitter aftertaste!
Niku Hosogiri Itame RM20.90
Stir-fried shredded beef with green pepper.
A surprisingly addictive dish.
We couldn't stop dipping our chopsticks into it after the first bite.
Nicely seasoned beef tossed in with some crisp green pepper, this dish is great as a side, or with a bowl of rice!
Hoikoro RM16.90
Stir-fried sliced pork with vegetables in homemade miso paste.
Quite possibly my favourite umami taste on earth!
The nicely seasoned pork is juicy and tender to the bite, quite a contrast with the lightly stir-fried vegetables which have retained its crunchiness.
Despite being flavourful on its own, the sliced pork paired well with the vegetables without being too overpowering.
Overall, I highly recommend everyone to try out their food, especially those who are particularly concern about what they eat.
Anticipate only the most authentic taste from them as they do not use any artificial flavourings.
I love how they have prepared every dishes wholeheartedly.
This place deserves more hype!
Solomen Cafe, PJ SS2
Address: No 16, Jalan SS2/24, Petaling Jaya, 47300 Selangor.
Contact: 016-289 9079
Hours: 12pm- 12am
Website: http://www.solomencafe.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/solomencafe/
Very efficiently written story. It will be useful to anybody who employees it, including me. Keep up the good work – can’t wait to read more posts.
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