Artisan Roast & Seniman Kakao, reborn in Taman Tun Dr Ismail

With Nick Cave singing on the speakers, the morning sunshine streams serenely into a warm, welcoming space with earthy-textured brick and wood tones, serving the community 7am-4pm weekdays, 8am-5pm weekends.

Artisan Roast’s Blackbird Blend soars for a marvellous white. Also try Seniman Kakao’s chocolate beverages, including one made florally fragrant with rose and the subtle uplift of black pepper.

Sourcing cacao from farms in Perak, Johor and Kedah, Seniman Kakao bakes sweet treats like mellow chocolate tarts. Also check out the Kuala Mu 72% bar, a balance of not-too-sweet, not-too-sour in convenient single-serving sizes. Chocolate gelato should be available soon, plus pastries and sammies.

Later this month, a living cacao tree will be planted inside the cafe, underscoring the journey that cacao takes before becoming chocolate. Chocolate workshops are being planned too.

All in all, this is a remarkable reincarnation of Artisan Roast and Seniman Kakao, taking both brands into the next decade and beyond. Spot the weathered furniture that has been thoughtfully transformed from the old Artisan Roast to fit the new.

Fun fact: If you’re wondering how Artisan Roast’s calatheas and snake plants are thriving outdoors, they’re being fertilised with nitrogen-rich coffee grounds.