Platform 39 Cafe

Special thanks to Platform 39 Cafe for extending this food review invitation.

Update: This business has ceased its operations.

This is my second visit to Platform 39 Cafe at Seberang Jaya. Since my previous visit, I returned to Platform 39 Cafe with the company of several foodies. Returning in full force allows me to sample more dishes than my previous visit.

The interior decor of Platform 39 Cafe retains its simplicity and grace. One does not always need fancy ornaments to give a cozy atmosphere.

Our meal starts with a portion of Egg Benedict (RM13.90) which is now served on a single bun. Ham, chicken bacon and poached egg are laid on top, followed by Hollandaise sauce (made from egg yolks). On the side are cherry tomatoes and green apples.

While the toppings and Hollandaise sauce are fine, I personally prefer the sauce to cover the bun entirely.

Simply Toast (RM8.90) is made from two slices of toasted bread and a slice of cheese. A hollowed-out heart is cut at the center to make space for half-boiled eggs. Displaced bread is not wasted; it is toasted and served on the side.

Each serving of Golden Bun (RM4.90) comes in trios. The bread dough is flavored with pumpkins, giving a pleasant sensation which appeals to both the nose and the tongue. Despite being deep-fried, the buns are not really oily. Condensed milk is provided as dipping sauce, but I feel that the buns are already enjoyable on their own.

The serving of French Toast (RM6.90) consists of four pieces. Sandwich bread is spread with jam, peanut butter and beaten eggs, then fried till toasty. I think the choice of ingredient is overwhelming in the grand scheme of things. Instead, I think that jam and peanut butter can be used on separate sandwiches so that the individual taste do not interfere.

Next up, the Tuna Toast (RM7.90) sandwich is lightly toasted, but it is the tuna spread which pulls the main weight. This sandwich also contains cucumber, tomato and lettuce for juicier sensation.

There is also a spicy version of Tuna Toast. Contrary to popular opinion, I personally prefer the spicy version over the normal one.

Moving on to something more fluid, the Seafood Chowder (RM8.90) is a creamy soup with chunks of shrimps, squid and potatoes. Two pieces of garlic bread are also included.

While I appreciate the creamy composition of chowder, I feel that the contents are too biased towards potatoes; the proportion of seafood should be increased.

Familiar to most people is the Creamy Mushroom Soup (RM6.90). This serving also includes two pieces of garlic bread; the extra pieces are meant for all reviewers to sample.

While the mushroom soup is acceptable, I feel that there is room for improvement on the garlic bread. I personally prefer more garlic butter for stronger flavor. In fact, I do not think it is possible to have too much garlic butter on garlic bread.

The Salmon Pineapple (RM18.90) is pan-fried salmon using olive oil, served over a slice of pineapple and covered with pineapple sauce. On the sidelines are potato wedges and coleslaw.

The salmon flesh is overcooked, therefore is drier than what it should be. The chef should exercise better control during cooking. In addition, using thicker slices of salmon helps to retain natural sweetness in the fish. The choice of pineapples with salmon is commendable, but I personally prefer the next dish.

The Salmon Mango (RM18.90) swaps pineapples for mango. This dish is served using a single, thicker slice of salmon. As anticipated, the salmon retains its tender texture and does not appear too dry.

Besides potato wedges on the side, there is also mashed potatoes underneath the salmon. I think the amount of mashed potatoes should be increased.

As for the Aglio Olio Spaghetti (RM14.90), I observe that the pasta is overcooked by significant degree. As a result, the spaghetti is quite soggy and breaks easily. The chef should be more watchful during food preparation.

Spaghetti aside, the other ingredients are commendable. The amount of shrimp and squid is adequate, while mushrooms and potatoes add to the variety of flavors. Fresh and dried chili pepper serve to provide spicy flavor, but only in a mild sense.

The Chicken Bolognaise (RM12.90) suffers similar fate as the previous dish: overcooked spaghetti. However in terms of bolognaise toppings, this dish is in good shape.

Moving on to comfort food, the Charcoal Bun Chicken Burger (RM13.90) is newly added to the menu. This is a piece of fried chicken fillet sandwiched between black buns. As a suggestion for improvement, I recommend grilled chicken to be used instead. Perhaps with some sweet BBQ sauce too.

As for snacks, the Vietnamese Spring Roll (RM7.90) uses rice flour wrapped around fillings such as prawns, rice vermicelli and lettuce. Some peanut sauce is provided, but I feel that the amount is insufficient.

More appealing is the Vietnamese Fried Spring Roll (RM7.90) which uses minced chicken as fillings. The entire roll is deep-fried for delightful layer of crisp on the outside.

The Caramel Latte (RM8.90) is made using an Arissto coffee machine. Platform 39 Cafe does not hire a barista for the time being, so premium coffee will have to come in this form.

Fancy for floral teas? The Lavender With Osmanthus Tea (RM13.90) is an interesting choice. The tea set is made entirely of glass. A candle is lit under the teapot to keep the tea warm.

The main enjoyment of floral teas is the lovely aroma. Nevertheless, I also feel that the flavor itself is rather soothing. This is a nice beverage to be enjoyed slowly.

For cold drinks, there are P39 Signature Blended Cappuccino (RM8.90), P39 Signature Blended Mocha (RM8.90) and P39 Signature Blended Hong Kong Milk Tea (RM8.90). Each drink contains pieces of vanilla pudding for added mouthfeel.

If ice-blended drink is not your cup of tea, go for the iced version instead. What we have here is a glass of P39 Signature Iced Mocha (RM8.90).

P39 Boom Boom (RM7.90) is made from ice cream soda with a frozen ball of fruit juice in the middle. In this case, watermelon juice is used. The appeal of this drink is that it becomes fruitier as the ice melts. This beverage is a real thirst buster.

In case you prefer pure juices, the Pure Watermelon Juice (RM7.90) is the right choice for you.

How about a super-sized glass of fruit juice? Platform 39 Cafe has several formulated mixtures to choose from. The Lamborghini (RM10.90) is a mixture of watermelon, orange and apple juices. Water is added, so this drink is not exactly pure juice. At least, the juices are made from fresh fruits.

A marriage between tea and fruit culminated with the Honey Lemon Tea (RM5.90). Whenever it comes to quenching thirst, lemon tea never fails to perform.

Last but not least, the Pumpkin Barley (RM6.90) is stuck between being a drink and a dessert. This is the actual serving size; the one I tasted before was just a sampling portion.

This drink (or dessert) derives natural sweetness from pumpkin, therefore added sugar is unnecessary. This round, I feel that the pumpkin pulp is slightly dilute. I prefer it to be thicker as I like to think of it as a dessert more than a drink.

In terms of diningware, Platform 39 Cafe scores many points in this category. For instance, the set of miniature cups appeals to most people especially youngsters. Several pieces of these diningware are available for sale.

The same goes for ornaments that are used to decorate the place. Enquire within for the actual price.

Platform 39 Cafe provides useful amenities for the convenience of customers. Wi-Fi is provided, and so is power supply at every table. Or if you wish, power banks can also be loaned for free. The first hour of parking is also on the house, but this does not apply on Sundays as parking is free. It is evident that customer satisfaction is the utmost priority here.

The food at Platform 39 Cafe is pork-free. Most meat dishes are based on poultry and seafood, but lamb and beef will be introduced in the future.

Name: Platform 39 Cafe
Address: 39, Jalan Todak 2, Pusat Bandar Seberang Jaya, 13700 Seberang Jaya, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-383-8506
Business hours: 9:00am-11:00pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Platform-39-Cafe/1517414781807953
Coordinates: 5.39649 N, 100.39885 E
Directions: From Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan (North-South Expressway), take the Seberang Jaya exit and head west. After the Petronas gas station on the left, turn left where you will see Sunway Carnival Mall and Billion Supermarket on your left. Turn left immediately after Billion Supermarket and drive till the end of this road. Platform 39 Cafe is located at the row of shops ahead, but you need to make a left turn and find the next right turn. Street parking is available in front of this row of shops, but vacant spaces may be scarce on weekdays.