Im usually very excited about new breads and new bakeries. Consuming an average of a 400g of bread daily, theres only that many bakeries to visit and breads I can eat before I get really really bored.
Thus new varieties, new bakeries and new baking techniques are exciting news for me. So when a long time friend of mine alerted me about this new bakery Tedboy in Bangsar, I was immediatelyraring to go.
Its prime location certainly works in its favour. Its just across the road from Delicious in BV II and on the same row as Devis. If that still doesnt get your attention, then maybe enticing fresh loaves peeking out of its store front would?
I observed that almost 80% of the passer-by would stop, stare and then pushed through the doors of Tedboy incuriosity. While not all actually purchased a loaf, chances are high that they would return to do so.
They serve Bristot coffee here and coffee seems to be their strong point.
Unfortunately I dont drink coffee but on the other hand, theres healthy smoothies! Oh, rejoice!!!
I was bought back to earth with a disappointing thud with the first sip of my smoothie. The Red Dragon (RM9.90) was watery and bland. The Fibre Rush and Green Mint was better, ever so slightly. Edward, the father of Ted (of which the bakery was named after) and the half owner (another of which is his wife) explained that only pure juice were used to make the smoothies and theres no added sugar.
Well, I have had many smoothies before made with the same principles and they werent watery and bland. Due feedback was given, and I hope to be back for thick, luscious smoothies next time.
Moving on, I was served one of their Mushroom Tomato Focaccia, RM5.50. Frankly its not focaccia but a rather an airy bun with pizza toppings and some herbs thrown in. I can get started with a long essay on how focaccia should be (if you are going to name your bread focaccia) but Ill let it pass.
As if to make up for the lack of olive oil in the bread mix itself, ! copious amount was slathered over the top. Urghh
For those who know their artisan breads, a look at the cross section below would sufficientlyexplain the texture (just in case anyone was wondering).
Next was the scones.
Its admirable that everything is made in house or sourced from the best supplier such as the cream and the jam in this case but the scones lacked the buttery aroma and its texture was rather lacking in moisture.
Heres one of their best-selling sandwiches Norwegian Salmon Croissant (RM19.90).
Salmon, egg and mangoes a lovely combination really but marred by a dry croissant. Maybe the croissant its nice on its own, very flaky with just a hint of buttery aroma, good for those who prefer their croissant less greasy?
This meal took place about a month ago, and like I mentioned above, Im usually very excited to blog about new bakeries. It took me a month to write this post, wondering whether I should even post it. Thankfully, my dining partner helped;advisingme along the way for the review. Hescurrently pursuing his baking diploma in one of the academies in PJ and works part-time for one of my favourite bakeries in KL.
I think every business has a targeted market segment low medium high. So expectations should be at that suitable level.
With that mind, I worked on to finish this post.
Next, the cakes.
This was the best of the lot. Teds Almond Cake RM8.50. Fair chocolate taste, neither too rich or dark and generously piled with nuts.
Vanilla Mille Crepe. RM11.90.
Chocolate Peanut Mousse RM8.50.
Apple Cheese Pie RM8.50. Ill spare my comments for both of the cakes above as I find both decent but not exactly memorable. I ! would ho wever recommend the Teds Almond and this Apple Cheese Pie. The lovely pie has the perfect ratio of cheese, apple and crust. With moderate hint of cinnamon and a thin crispy crust; I would gladly revisit Tedboy just so I could eat this again.
Heres a mini tour of Tedboy Bakery and its range of baked goods.
Ted gave me a pack of the Peanut Butter cookies to take home.
I had it the very next day so I dont think the texture was off due to me keeping it for an extended period. I find it rather greasy (even for a cookie!) and the texture didnt quite pass for a soft baked cookie. For one, isnt soft bake cookies supposedly to be a bit chewy? This was rather crumbly but yet soft inside. Its not chewy for sure. Any advice from bakers are welcome
I was given a few loaves to try as well. Below are the ham and cheese (RM4.90 for half loaf) and Cranberry Apricot (RM6.90 half loaf).
Tedboy uses margarine for these loaves.
Heres are the slices for better inspection. The breads are generally airy with some seeds, grains and fruit thrown into the mix. Ill quote my friend whos was my partner that day since he had described it rather well.
I like the loaf with fruits more than the one with black sesame. But apart from these add-on ingredients, the bread itself (the part that comes from flour) is lacking in flavour. The black sesame bread had an ingredient label but not the fruit bread. From there, I find the use of margarine to be unappealing (I AGREE!!). But then this comes from someone who had the privilege of tasting superlative bread, so hardly any local bread will reach those lofty heights. But for most Malaysians, I think Tedboys breads and cakes will be considered very acceptable, not lousy in any way.
Yes yes, Tedboy bakery would certainly have its fair share of fans. Edward and Petrina certainly has th! eir hear ts in the right place, wishing to offer better breads with no preservatives to fellow Malaysians.
Custard Raisin Danish Danish dough, butter, custard, raisin.RM3.20.
Cinnamon Roll: Danish dough, butter, cinnamon. RM4.90.
Croissant. Danish dough, butter. RM4.50.
BELOW: The usual range of buns.
Some brownies.
The cakes display counter.
Tedboy Bakery: The menu:
Recommendation:
Go enjoy the coffee, I heard that the barista there is sufficiently trained.
And heed my friends fair advice as below and you wont be disappointed as I am.
This friend of mine is currently pursuing his baking diploma in one of the academies in PJ and works part-time for one of my favourite bakeries in KL. He has since become my fellow bread-eating partner and advisor. He has tasted some of the best breads around (overseas & Malaysia) and I have him to thank for being level-headed in his comments. I can be rather critical and I know my reviews doesnt sit well with many sometimes.
I have now started bringing eating partners for my reviews and food hunting sessions. At least if the review is negative, its aaccumulationof 3-4 diners opinion!
Since Edward revealed that he cant bake (and presumably Petrina too), Im guessing that they opened their bakery not with the intention of selling superlative bread, but to sell better bread and better cakes, as compared to the typical Malaysian standard bakeries. If thats the case, then it wont be fair to bring our French experienced palates to judge their products.
I think every business has a targeted market segment low medium high. So expectations should be at that suitable level.
My choice of bakeries?
Take your pick from Tommy Le Baker, Craft Bakers, Bonjour Bakery post soon, The Carpentars Daughter post soon. Hagen Bake and Brew recently lost its main baker and thats realyl sad as the breads there was really good. Now Hagen stocks breads from Hiestand.
Tedboy Bakery
10, Jalan Telawi 4, Bangsar, 59100 KL.
Tel: 03-2202 1312.
Hours: 8:00am-9:30pm.
FB: http://www.facebook.com/tedboybakery
* Same row as Devis, Moo Cow and 7-11
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