
You know that feeling when a place keeps calling your name, quietly sitting on your bucket list, just waiting for the right moment? That was me with Koffie Craft—a charming little Dutch café in KL that I had been meaning to visit for what felt like forever, but since it’s not exactly around the corner from where I live, I kept putting it off.
“Maybe next weekend,” I’d tell myself… and suddenly, before I knew it, months had flown by. But this time? It was my birthday, and I told myself, “No more postponing.” I wanted the day to feel meaningful—and finally visiting this café was part of that.
Dutch food had been on my radar for years. Not just out of curiosity, but because it quietly became part of my story, which felt personal. All thanks to someone very special in my life who happens to be Dutch. We’ve been close since 2021, and through our endless conversations, Dutch food became one of our favorite things to talk about. He introduced me to stroopwafels (which I now love—I could honestly snack on those caramel-filled wonders all day). But there was one thing he always hyped up the most: Bitterballen. I’d heard about them so many times, it became my mini obsession. I just knew I had to try them one day.
A Cozy Café and the Sweetest Coincidence
Koffie Craft is a Dutch-themed café-restaurant located inside The Sphere, Bangsar, and from what I know, it’s the first and only Dutch café in Kuala Lumpur—which made me even more excited to finally visit.
The moment I walked in, I was wrapped in the kind of calm that only a cozy café can give. The space had that warm, rustic charm I love—soft lighting, charming Dutch-inspired décor details, and the comforting scent of freshly brewed coffee floating through the air. It wasn’t crowded either, which was honestly a relief. I like enjoying my coffee and dessert without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
But here’s where it gets even more special—almost surreal, honestly. As I settled in, I found out that the owner of this lovely little Dutch café is from Maastricht. That might not mean much to most people, but for me? That hit straight to the heart.
Because Maastricht is also where my Dutch friend is from. So to finally be in a Dutch café, on my birthday, discovering that it’s run by someone from where he lives? I couldn’t help but smile. It felt like the universe giving me this quiet little wink, like,
“See? You were meant to be here.”
I Skipped the Birthday Cake and Went for Bitterballen & Dutch Baby Pancakes
When I got the menu, I lit up. So many Dutch dishes I’d never even heard of, and I suddenly wished my friend were there to walk me through. But let’s be real; I knew exactly what I came for. I was already mentally ordering bitterballen long before I even stepped through the door.
So I went ahead and ordered what my heart (and stomach) had been craving: the bitterballen—plus Dutch baby pancakes and a hot koffie mokka to complete the meal. I was this close to adding a stroopwafel to the mix (tempting, always), but then I remembered I’ve had it before, and I don’t want to over-order and end up wasting anything.
I also checked out their cheesecake selection—not a lot to choose from, and since they were all burnt cheesecakes (and I’m personally not a fan), I decided to pass. Instead, I made the Dutch baby pancakes my birthday treat. And let me just say: no regrets.
🧆 Bitterballen: First Bite, Instant Love
Golden and perfectly crisp, served with mustard and mayo on the side—my bitterballen looked like little bites of heaven. I took my first bite, and OH. MY. GOD. I loved it.
Imagine biting through a crunchy shell, only to be met with warm, creamy, savory beef ragout inside. Rich, flavorful, and comforting—like a warm hug in food form. Every bite made me think of my friend and how surreal it felt to finally taste something I’d only heard about for so long.
At first, I expected it to taste like a regular meatball, but nope. It was on a whole different level. The texture inside was smooth and velvety, not chunky like minced meat. It reminded me more of a rich, savory stew that had been thickened and rolled into a crispy, bite-sized snack. It came with bread, so I made a little sandwich with the bitterballen, gently pressing them down so they sat flatter in the bread (thanks to a quick Google search beforehand!). Paired with a side of fresh salad and crispy wedges, the whole plate felt hearty and comforting.
🥞Dutch Baby Pancakes: My Birthday Treat
Then came dessert: Dutch baby pancakes, baked until golden with beautifully crisped, wavy edges. Served warm on a plate, they were topped with scoops of vanilla ice cream drizzled with strawberry sauce, a swirl of whipped cream, slivered almonds, chunks of fresh mango, and berries. A sweet, colorful mix that looked as good as it tasted.
I just wish the fruit had been a little sweeter (they leaned a bit sour), but the vanilla ice cream and whipped cream balanced it all out beautifully. Overall? Loved it. Would totally get it again.
☕ Koffie Mokka: A Mocha That Gets My Approval
If you know me, you know I’m fussy when it comes to mocha. It’s hard to find one that nails the balance—not too bitter, more on the chocolatey-sweet side, with just the right blend of espresso and chocolate, and absolutely no harsh coffee aftertaste.
Well, Koffie Craft’s version? I approve. It meets my picky expectations! I’ve tried so many that I have never bothered to order twice, but this one? Smooth, bold, chocolatey, and balanced. I’d 100% order it again.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a little taste of the Netherlands without hopping on a plane, Koffie Craft might just be your answer. Personally, I do think some of the prices are on the higher side—it really depends on what you order, but considering the location and the unique Dutch café concept, it makes sense. Overall, I genuinely enjoyed the place so much that I didn’t even notice I’d been there for hours.
Check out the website here: Koffie Craft Holland Boutique Café
Tasting Dutch food was more than just a birthday treat or another aesthetic café stop—it felt like a full-circle moment. A quiet reminder of how deeply we can feel connected to places we’ve never even been, simply through the people we meet. What started as a friendship during a global crisis slowly opened my heart to a culture miles away from mine. Over time, Dutch food became more than just a curiosity; it became personal. And as I sat there, finally tasting something I’d only ever heard about in our conversations, I couldn’t help but feel a rush of joy inside me. The Netherlands has been at the top of my travel list for a while now, and after this experience, it’s no longer just a wish—it’s a promise to myself. A promise to go, to explore, and hopefully, to finally meet my dear friend face-to-face.
Until my next visit.
xx, Auri 💛
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lovely birthday treat! Happy birthday!
Thank you! 🌼🥰