Special thanks to Barista for extending this food review invitation.
Update: This business has ceased its operations.
Bazaar Tanjung Retail Centre is a two-floor building between Prima Tanjung Business Centre and Hong San Si (凤山寺) Chinese temple. Compared to Prima Tanjung, Bazaar Tanjung looks relatively deserted. There are several pet shops at the ground floor. Few people actually step inside this building, much less explore the upper floor.
Towards the back of the upper floor is Barista Coffee ‘N’ Pizza House. This store just opened a week ago. Even the sign board has yet to be installed. As far as exposure is concerned, this is one of the most secluded eateries that I have ever encountered.
Barista wishes to assume the role of a local community café. Against my skepticism, a significant number of locals are already aware of the presence of this place. As the store is very small, the only dining tables are located outside the shop.
As the name implies, the menu of this eatery features pizzas with various toppings. There are also several types of pasta dishes. Meanwhile, an espresso machine provides hot and cold drinks, caffeinated and otherwise.
For food, I tried the Chicken Carbonara. Chicken ham and chicken pepperoni are served over spaghetti. Chopped parsley and parmesan cheese are used as garnish and seasoning. This pasta dish is priced at RM13.50 for à la carte order, or RM15.00 with any coffee beverage.
The spaghetti itself is cooked al dente, certainly properly prepared. The sauce, made from eggs, cheese and butter, provides creamy consistency that distinctively defines carbonara. As the creamy sauce dries up rather quickly, it is advisable to consume the pasta while it is still warm. Meanwhile, the ham and pepperoni are nicely cured, adding salty flavors to this dish.
Café Vienna (RM6.00) is a hot beverage made from a shot of espresso with whipped cream on top. Chocolate powder is lightly sprinkled on top. The espresso is made from medium-roast Arabica beans sourced from Latin America. Sweetness comes from whipped cream itself, so no additional sugar is required. Nevertheless, I still prefer my coffee not to be as sweet as this.
For something refreshing in a hot afternoon, the non-caffeinated Ice Blended Blueberry (RM12.00) is a viable choice to cool down. Blueberry juice and ice cream are blended together as a slushy mixture. The fruity drink is then topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Although pizza is probably the main feature at this eatery, I have yet to try any yet. Perhaps I will try some pizzas during my next visit.
Name: Barista Coffee ‘N’ Pizza House
Address: 99-01-11, Bazaar Tanjung, Jalan Fettes, 11200 Tanjung Tokong, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-890-5013
Business hours: 11:00am-11:00pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/baristapizza
Coordinates: 5.45178 N, 100.30315 E
Directions: From Island Plaza, drive along Jalan Fettes. Bazaar Tanjung is located on the left between Prima Tanjung Business Centre and Hong San Si (凤山寺) Chinese temple. Barista is located towards the back on the upper floor of Bazaar Tanjung. Street parking is available along Jalan Fettes and the service road. There is also a private car park between Bazaar Tanjung and Prima Tanjung, but the entrance is only accessible from the back of Prima Tanjung.