Infusion: Specialty Coffee Co @ 1Utama

With the sheer number of coffee shops sprouting around the Klang Valley, in shop lots and shopping malls, some as indie and non-specialty, indie and specialty, chain and non-specialty and chain and specialty, how do we tell the pretenders from the genuine article?

Despite being located in the heart of the shopping mall, there is nothing fake about Infusion. A departure from the ubiquitous "warehouse" or "raw" feel of so many independent cafes, Infusion features sofa sets, and ample space to lounge to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the crowd. 

(front view of the Infusion 1Utama outlet, located on the 2nd floor, old wing above Nyonya Colors) 

The guys here at Infusion are serious about their coffee. In the front of the outlet are some pretty serious equipment including Compak and Fieranzato espresso grinders, an Astoria Rapallo 3-group Lever Machine and a custom made matt-black Wega Concept 2-group espresso machine.  Sexy!

(the Wega Concept 2-Group Greenline espresso machine and Fieranzato F64 Evo grinder)

So the question is, beyond the LCD Menu screens, the machines and the impressive cake display (Mille Crepe Cake (RM12) and Just Heavenly Cakes (RM14)), how does Infusion coffee stack up? 

Verdict: The coffee is good.  

There are currently two espresso based coffees available, one which is the exclusive Infusion"Symphony" House Blend, roasted by Coffex Coffee Roasters and the other is a Toraja Single Origin, roasted by Sprezzatura Small Batch Coffee Roasters. 

The Infusion "Symphony" House Blend is a crowd pleaser, using specialty beans from Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala and Vietnam. As all Infusion's coffees are double shots, the result is in a full bodied coffee, which works extremely well in milk. Opt for the Flat White (RM11) or the Piccolo Latte (RM10) if you want more punch. The Toraja coffee is bold and chocolately, great for anyone who wants more kick to their coffee. 

(Flat white (RM11) with the Infusion House Blend. Naturally sweet with a good balance.)

For those who are craving for something sweeter, there is the exclusive Infusion version of the Affogato (RM14) which is a double espresso over Australian vanilla ice cream, topped with dark chocolate crispearls, and a praline flakes. Amazing on a hot day!

(the Affogato (RM14), an assured crowd pleaser for those with a sweet tooth)

For those who love filter coffees but don't want to travel to Bangsar or the city for it, they brew a mean cup. The baristas are trained as according to SCAE standards, and they are fussy not only about the calibration of their espresso shots, but also their filter coffee. 

Currently they serve two filters. One is an Ethiopia Yirghaceffe Gelena Abaya which is is floral, citrusy and sweet. The second is a Kenya AA Kiambu Getare which has very strong blackcurrant notes. Both are roasted by Coffex Coffee Roasters, and are absolutely outstanding. 

(a Hario V60 pourover. Prices vary based on brew method and beans so ask the barista)

 (filter coffees are nicely presented on a plate, accompanied by almond toast)

At this point in time, they do not serve savory food, but the coffee is good enough to drop in for a visit. They also have a second branch at Setia City Mall, located next to Tony Roma's. 

Infusion: Specialty Coffee Co.

Lot SK-108, 2nd Floor, 1Utama Shopping Centre (Old Wing)

Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya

Tel: 03-7732 7455

Open Daily from 10:00am to 10:00pm 

(Closes at 10:30pm on Friday and Saturday)

Infusion: Specialty Coffee Co.

Lot UG-29A, Level UG, Setia City Mall,

Setia Eco Park, Seksyen U13, 40170 Shah Alam

Tel: 03-3362 3455

Open Daily from 10:00am to 10:00pm 

Facebook:          www.facebook.com/myinfusion

Instagram:          @myinfusion