Birthday Lunch at Kenny Hills Bakers, IOI City Mall (Our Sweet & Awkward First Celebration)

I never had the chance to celebrate a partner’s birthday at a restaurant before. Not once in my life, actually. Not because I didn’t want to, but because my relationship timelines never quite aligned with birthdays—one was long-distance, and the other didn’t even last a full year. The timing was always… off.

This time, though, I finally got the chance. And the truth is, I was kind of a noob at it. 😅

I didn’t have a solid plan, but I did know one thing: my partner loves a good pizza. So, I casually asked him where he’d like to go for lunch and gave him a few options. He ended up picking Kenny Hills Bakers, a place known for its delicious food and cozy vibes—and yes, they serve good pizza too!

We headed to Kenny Hills Bakers at IOI City Mall, Putrajaya, for what turned out to be a funny, awkward, sweet little birthday celebration we’ll probably never forget.

✅ What Is Kenny Hills Bakers?

If you’ve never been to Kenny Hills Bakers, it’s one of those places that just feels right—whether you’re there for brunch, coffee, dessert, or a full-on lunch date. Originally started as a humble bakery and café in Bukit Tunku, it has since grown into a much-loved eatery with multiple branches across the Klang Valley.

Kenny Hills is known for its:

Sourdough pizzas
Organic wood-fired cooking
Hearty mains and fresh pastries
Beautiful, handcrafted desserts
Cozy, rustic interiors and outdoor seating

It’s the kind of place where the aroma of freshly baked bread and good coffee just pulls you in.

💡 Fun Fact: Their ingredients are mostly organic, locally sourced, and their pizzas are baked in real wood-fired ovens. So you can expect that delicious charred crust and deep, smoky flavor!

You can check out their menu here: Kenny Hills Bakers Menu

✅ What We Ordered

Of course, we came for the pizza—and Kenny Hills Bakers didn’t disappoint.

Their sourdough pizzas are not your average pizza. You can taste the love and craft in every bite. Each pizza is hand-stretched to order and baked in a traditional organic wood-fired oven, which gives the crust that beautiful, rustic texture: slightly charred on the edges, airy and chewy inside, with just the right amount of crisp at the bottom.

We went for the Margherita with Burrata Pizza. At first glance, it looks simple. But that simplicity is exactly what makes it so special.

The base is brushed generously with house blend tomato sauce
Fresh basil leaves are scattered on top, adding a light, herbal aroma that cuts through the richness perfectly.
the layer of mozzarella, melted just enough to stretch slightly with every pull

And the star of the show?

Right in the center of the pizza sits a whole ball of burrata cheese. Once you cut into it, the soft, milky interior slowly oozes over the warm pizza, blending beautifully with the sauce and crust.

Every bite becomes a mix of gooey cheese, tangy tomato, fragrant basil, and that slightly smoky, chewy crust. It’s comforting, indulgent, and just a little fancy in the best way.

The contrast in textures—crispy crust, velvety burrata, and melty mozzarella—makes each bite feel exciting. It’s one of those pizzas where the first bite makes you go,

“Okay, wow, this is REALLY good.”

Even online reviews rave about this pizza, and now I get the hype. It’s one of their most recommended menu items, and after trying it, I can see why. If you’re new to Kenny Hills and don’t know what to order, this one is a solid, no-regrets choice.

✅ That Awkward Birthday Surprise

Now here’s the part that caught both of us off guard.

Before we finished our pizza, I quietly slipped over to the cake counter and picked a slice of cake for him. I asked the staff if they could write “Happy Birthday” on the plate and bring it to our table after the meal.

Then I casually returned to the table and told my partner I’d already picked dessert for us. We waited. And waited. It felt like more than five minutes, and I started thinking, did they forget? I was just about to get up and check—

Then suddenly…

We heard the entire staff singing Happy Birthday loudly as they walked toward our table—with the cake and all the attention I didn’t ask for. My partner and I were both stunned. I didn’t ask for any singing, so it completely took us by surprise.

We both turned bright red. I could literally feel my cheeks heating up. His face was glowing pink. We were smiling… awkward, frozen, just waiting for the song to end while everyone looked at us and sang.

It was so awkward,

but also… kind of sweet.

We didn’t even think to take a video for the memory because we were too surprised, too busy blushing. But honestly, looking back, it’s one of those unexpected little moments we’ll probably remember 10 years from now… and still smile.

✅ Do Restaurants Always Sing for Birthdays?

After the whole surprise singing situation, I shared the story with a friend. That’s when I learned something new: apparently, most restaurants will automatically sing “Happy Birthday” if you request a cake with “Happy Birthday” written on it.

Yep, even if you don’t explicitly ask for a celebration or any attention, that one little phrase on the plate is usually enough to trigger a whole mini performance.

It turns out, in many casual dining or family-friendly restaurants, this is part of their standard operating procedure (SOP). Staff are trained to treat it as a cue that a celebration is happening. So unless you specifically tell them otherwise, they’ll often assume that a birthday song is part of the plan—and honestly, they’re just trying to add a little joy to the moment (even if you’re blushing your way through it 😅).

This is especially common in:

Chain restaurants and cafes
Family-style or themed eateries
Dessert and cake-focused spots
Places that serve a high volume of celebratory occasions (like Kenny Hills!)

💡 Pro tip: If you ever want to celebrate quietly—like just a slice of cake and a simple “Happy Birthday” on the plate—let the staff know in advance that you don’t want any singing or public attention. Just a little note like, “No singing, please!” can save you from a full-on restaurant serenade.

But hey, if you’re into big surprises, clapping, and having the whole restaurant join in, go for it. Sometimes the awkward moments are the most memorable ones.

✅ The Vibe at Kenny Hills Bakers, IOI City Mall

The Kenny Hills Bakers branch at IOI City Mall, Putrajaya, has that perfect blend of cozy and lively, where you feel comfortable staying a while but never bored.

The space has a rustic, café-meets-bakery charm, with warm lighting, wood-accented furniture, and a casual elegance that feels both welcoming and stylish. It’s the kind of place where you can instantly settle in, whether you’re there for a full lunch or just coffee and cake.

It’s almost always buzzing, especially during weekends and lunch hours, with diners catching up over sourdough pizzas, pastries, and fresh juices or coffees. But despite the crowd, it never feels cramped or overwhelming. The layout is thoughtfully spaced out with plenty of seating, including indoor tables for air-conditioned comfort and outdoor seating for those who love dining al fresco.

Soft music plays in the background, blending with the gentle clinking of cutlery and the hum of conversations. It creates a cheerful, comforting backdrop—what I like to call that “happy place” vibe. It’s just lively enough to make you feel part of something, without ever being too noisy.

It’s stylish, unpretentious, and has a charm that makes you want to come back—not just for the food, but for the feel of it.

✅ Is It Expensive?

Kenny Hills Bakers isn’t exactly budget-friendly, especially if you’re watching your spending. But to be fair, you’re not just paying for food; you’re paying for quality ingredients, handcrafted dishes, cozy ambiance, and that elevated café-dining experience.

Here’s a rough idea of what to expect:

RM30–RM50 for a sourdough pizza (depending on toppings)
RM15–RM25 for a slice of cake or pastry
RM10–RM20 for drinks, whether it’s coffee, juice, or a smoothie

It can add up if you’re ordering a full meal with dessert and drinks, but in return, you’re getting thoughtfully prepared food, good service, and a relaxing place to enjoy your time.

So yes, it’s on the pricier side, but it’s worth it when you’re craving something indulgent, celebrating a milestone, or just want a feel-good food experience in a nice setting.

Final Thoughts: Would I Recommend Kenny Hills?

Absolutely.

Despite the unexpected birthday serenade and our bright-red faces, it turned out to be such a memorable and meaningful first birthday celebration with my partner. It wasn’t perfect—but it was real, funny, and sweet in its own awkward way. And that’s what made it special.

Kenny Hills offered everything we needed: good food, cozy vibes, and a story we’ll probably be laughing about for years.

So if you’re looking for:

A casual yet special place to celebrate a birthday (even your first one together)
Delicious sourdough pizza in the heart of Putrajaya
A café that serves not just great desserts, but also a warm, inviting ambiance

Then Kenny Hills Bakers at IOI City Mall is a solid choice.

Would I go back? Yes.
Would I ask them not to sing next time? Also yes. 😄

Until his next birthday,
X, Auri 💖

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