Special thanks to DCS Cafe for extending this food review invitation.
Update: This business has ceased its operations.
DCS Cafe is one of the latest cafés in Setia Alam commercial square. In case you find the coffee here to be familiar, this is because the proprietor was formerly operating a café in Setia City Mall.
“DCS” stands for “Delicious Cuisine Satisfaction”. With a larger premises, DCS Cafe is able to offer a food menu in addition to gourmet coffee that regulars have come to love.
The coffee served at DCS Cafe is brewed from a mixed blend of Colombian and Ethiopian beans. This is one of the more premium beans on the market today, although not exactly “specialty coffee” yet.
As DCS Cafe is relatively new, espresso machines are used to prepare coffee. As the cafe becomes better staffed, drip brewing will be introduced too. Meanwhile, non-coffee drinkers can also try some specialty tea from Harney & Sons.
My personal favorite coffee drink is Caffe Latte (RM9.90). Although coffee beans are medium roast, I feel that the flavor is quite bold, probably in the range of medium-dark. Nevertheless, the latte is rounded well with pleasant sweetness of fresh milk. The drink is served with a piece of butter cookie of delicate crumble.
Although not as widely available as its African or Latin American counterparts, Vietnamese coffee possesses unique flavor and aroma which I have been enjoying recently. As per tradition, Ca Phe Vietnam (RM8.90) is served in a metal drip filter (cà phê phin) into which hot water is poured. Filtered coffee collects at the glass below, where it mixes with sweet condensed milk.
Most food items at DCS Cafe are characteristically served on stone plates. Although not exactly sizzling hot, the plate should not be touched by hands as they can still cause burns. As recommended, the Grilled Pork Chop (RM18.90) is reasonably thick and has a balanced mixture of lean and fatty sections. The pork is marinated with herbs to produce succulent flavors.
Grilled Pork Chop is best served with sweet-savory Hainanese sauce, although black pepper sauce and brown sauce are also available. On the side are a generous serving of garden salad, roasted potatoes and fried egg. The food portion is quite large and should be sufficient for most people.
Meanwhile, DCS Chicken Butter Rice (RM17.90) consists of a piece of fried chicken, buttered rice, mixed vegetables and fried egg. I think deep-frying does not bring out the best in chicken as it is difficult to control the level of doneness. Instead, roasting or grilling would be better in preserving the flesh’s juiciness as well as the marinade within.
On the other hand, buttered rice is quite delectable. I enjoy the soft texture of rice as it enters the mouth. Meanwhile, I think the mixed vegetables ought to be boiled longer, as the green peas are notably quite raw. In fact, it may be worthwhile to cook mixed vegetables with buttered rice.
DCS Cafe specializes in Belgian Waffle (RM16.90), whose batter has been specially formulated. As a result, the waffle is lighter, crispier, and not as starchy as regular American waffle. The waffle is then topped with two scoops of rum and raisin ice cream and liberal amount of chocolate syrup.
While the waffle is enjoyable on its own, I think the main highlight is the rum and raisin ice cream. Slushy and creamy, the ice cream provides chilling coolness in the mouth. The alcohol content and intermittent sweetness from raisins serve to tantalize the palate in very interesting ways. The ice cream here is highly recommended.
In addition to these dishes, DCS Cafe also serves all-day brunch, croissant sandwiches, pasta, salad and soup. The menu here is beef-free.
Name: DCS Cafe
Address: 10-1-1, Jalan Setia Prima U13/C, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor
Contact: 03-3359-1826
Business hours: 9:00am-10:30pm (Sunday), 11:00am-10:30pm (Monday-Thursday), 11:00am-11:30pm (Friday), 9:00am-11:30pm (Saturday)
Website: https://www.facebook.com/DCS-cafe-565989056882147
Coordinates: 3.09460 N, 101.44513 E
Directions: DCS Cafe is located at Setia Alam commercial square, near the southern end of the Saturday pasar malam. There are parking spaces in front of the restaurant.