With a catchy name like Strangers at 47, this bustling café in Section 17 PJ draws in the lunchtime crowd in hordes. Nestled along that narrow road of Jalan 17/45, the road is packed with cars lined up bumper to bumper.
Outside Strangers at 47, the staff greets guests and manages the queue. Occupying 3 sprawling shop lots that are interconnected, the cozy insides are filled to the brim. Thus, suggesting a promising dining experience.
First impressions of this award-winning café seem to line up with the stars. But did it live up to its billing? We were pleasantly surprised. Read on to find out more.
About Strangers At 47
Strangers At 47 was founded by husband and wife duo, Sean and Sing Yi in 2014.
Backed with a degree in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management from Taylors College, the co-founders hone their skills in managing the day-to-day operations.
Here, customers relish their shape-shifting menu and crafty coffee art, attributed to Sing Yi’s experience as a barista in Singapore.
When the office next to Strangers at 47 was vacated, they jumped at the opportunity to expand the space and introduce Friends at 45.
The expansion was much needed as the crew required a bigger kitchen and floor space to cater to the burgeoning crowd. Expanding sideways allowed them to share resources and nurture their existing clientele, as opposed to opening in a new location.
This pet-friendly café allocates a small space at the alfresco sitting area for fur kids and paw-parents. Occasionally, you’ll see their resident pooch taking a break from the human crowd at the open-air car park. Or lounging outside the café.
Accessibility
Street parking is available but scarce. So if you’re coming in a bigger group, do drop your passengers at the entrance and find parking along the neighborhood houses.
Ambiance
The interior's warm and dim lighting complements its contemporary décor, with wooden benches and smaller tables lined on the sides. The open kitchen draws your attention as you enter while the atmosphere buzzes with energy.
The cake display counter lights up like a beacon as the barista whips up delicious concoctions on the side.
Being full-house at peak hours has its drawback as the noises bonces of the walls. However, its noisy inside is worth putting up with for the food is good.
Service At Strangers at 47
Service is efficient and the greeter promptly puts you in the queue after ascertaining the number of guests. Table service was available too and this comes in handy for senior citizens, who often struggle with QR code ordering.
The wait for food was reasonable at 15 minutes considering the crowd.
Food
Strangers at 47 serves a fusion of local and Western food with original curations and intriguing names to boot.
While the Aglio Olio with Mushrooms may not sound fancy, it sets high standards hitting all the right taste notes. The earthy undertones from the mushrooms combined with aromatic garlic taste divine, complemented with mildly spicy chili flakes. The lightly poached egg relented with slight pressure, coating the linguine with luscious crimson sauce.
The roasted Cajun chicken with waffle fries and potato salad stunned our palates with its explosion of flavors. The crispy skin crackled with each cut, and the well-marinated chicken was tender and juicy. The waffle fries were not soggy, and the dressing of the potato salad was herbaceous, creamy, and unlike any other.
If you’re a fan of crepes but need more meat to it, then try their Buttermilk Chicken Savory Crepe. Introduced in 2019 and still one of their best sellers 5 years later, this crepe flaunts intricate flavors and is void of MSG or artificial seasoning.
Slathered with a secret buttermilk sauce and a generous amount of cabbage, the fresh corn lends texture and bite to this sinfully delicious dish!
Food portions don’t look overly huge. But since they use quality ingredients, you'll find yourself surprisingly satiated towards the end of a meal.
Pricing
The price for a main meal ranges between RM21 – RM37, with an average price of RM25. Water all around is complementary, and the waiters serve a huge jug on the table that is refillable too.
While prices may be slightly higher than normal with a slight wait, the flavors here are unique and exceed expectations.
Verdict
Personally, I’m looking forward to dining in again and trying more of their savory crepes and bespoke cakes. There is a decent variety of vegetarian dishes too. As a fan of mushrooms,
I’m eyeing the Lethal Shrooms Crepe that packs healthy plant proteins, wrapped in an egg omelet.
Besides, you’ll find new items on the menu every month or two, besides seasonal curations to ring in local festivities.
With a menu that is never boring and always changing, it’s no surprise that Strangers at 47 has a growing list of regulars and new customers too!
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