This KL dessert spot lets you pick-and-choose your treats “chap fan” style

It goes without saying that many Malaysians have a second stomach for dessert. How many times have you eaten a full meal only to go, “Hmm… ice cream or bingsu next?” Little wonder our waistlines are what they are.

Health jokes aside, if you’re one of those who can’t resist something sweet, there’s a new spot in central KL waiting for you. It’s called Butterae, and it’s run by the same folks behind Brown & Sugar, who are known for their beautifully crafted and designed cakes.

A dessert shop, but “chap fan” style

Butterae takes a different approach with desserts. Instead of the usual fixed menu, everything here is customisable. especially when compared to many other dessert shops. For one, desserts are completely customisable. Think of it as a “chap fan” shop, but with desserts instead of rice and side dishes.

For your “base”, there are six options: Pavlova Vanilla Cremeux (RM16), Basque Burnt Cheesecake (RM16), Fudgy Brownies (RM15.50), Brookie (RM16), Choux au Croquelin (5 pieces) (RM13.50), and Croissant Butter Pudding with Cream Anglaise (RM18).

Once you have selected your base, you can choose to adorn it with whichever toppings you want. With over 15 options to choose from, you can go all out. One topping costs RM5.50, two for RM10, and three for RM13.50. You can have even more, with add-on charges, of course.

A bed of cheesecake

My first pick was the cheesecake, topped with strawberries and crunchy pistachio chocolate. The cheesecake was a soft, pillowy mattress, on which the fresh strawberries sat, blanketed with chocolate. The pistachio bits were the star for me, though they had the annoying habit of getting stuck between my teeth.

A super-sweet croissant

Next up was the croissant base with banana, vanilla sauce, and Callebaut hazelnut chocolate. You can never go wrong with caramelised banana, and the vanilla added an extra layer of creaminess. The saccharine flavour was only further accentuated by the rich, creamy chocolate. This is definitely not for the faint-hearted (or easily guilted by indulgence).

The best brownies ever?

The brownies here are dangerously addictive, and not because they’re spiked with anything! Fudgy with just the right level of chewiness, they were already great on their own, but I couldn’t resist topping them with Biscoff sauce, crumbs, and marshmallows. The result? Pure perfection.

Are pavlovas Kiwi?

Here’s a fun fact: despite its name, Pavlova isn’t Russian? It actually hails from New Zealand or Australia, both still argue about it. Either way, I had to try it since I’d never had one before.

The pavlova collapsed in my mouth into a sugary cloud, sweet and crisp at once. To counter the overwhelming sweetness, I had mine with kiwi, blueberries and mango, doused with milk chocolate. Sweet, fruity, creamy; all good things that I want in my mouth.

Smaller treats

If customising feels overwhelming, Butterae also offers smaller ready-made desserts like Strawberry Tres Leches (RM18.50), Strawberry Pistachio Kunafa (RM16.50), and Classic Tiramisu (RM14). Of the three, I liked the Tres Leches the most, unapologetically milky and indulgent. It is a bit rich, though, so be warned.

To wash down the sugar, I ordered an Iced Matcha (RM13) and Iced Chocolate (RM10). The combo of both was enough to quench my thirst.

Is Butterae worth your time?

If you’re a dessert lover or just in need of a sugar high, Butterae offers plenty of choice at prices that are reasonable by KL standards. I’ll definitely be back for more, especially for those brownies, which might just be some of the best I’ve had.