MasterChef M’sia’s first champion runs Pastribella in Cyberjaya & is known for her tiramisu

Pastribella Bakeshop, a quaint cafe nestled in Tamarind Square, Cyberjaya, is the brainchild of MasterChef Malaysia’s first-ever champion, Dr. Ezani. Over the years, this cosy spot has become a Cyberjaya go-to, offering a delectable mix of cakes, bakes, and savoury delights.

More than just another cafe, Pastribella is a sweet success story born from passion, friendship, and a touch of MasterChef magic. It’s where childhood dreams and culinary expertise blend seamlessly to create a menu that comforts the senses. Whether you’re a dessert enthusiast or simply craving a good meal in Tamarind Square, Pastribella guarantees a memorable experience crafted with local charm and mastery.

Skilled dentist and MasterChef champion

Image Credit: @ezanimonoto on Instagram (left), Rotikaya (right)

Dr. Ezani’s journey to culinary stardom was anything but ordinary. An avid viewer of MasterChef Australia, she never in her wildest dreams imagined applying for the Malaysian version of the show. Yet there she was, with her childhood best friend, Nurul Shai, pushing her to fill out the application. What started as just a bit of fun quickly turned into a life-changing opportunity.

To her surprise, Dr. Ezani was indeed selected for MasterChef Malaysia‘s inaugural season. At the same time, she was offered a dentistry posting in Sabah. Faced with a tough choice, Dr. Ezani decided to take a leap of faith and requested a deferral from her dental position. That decision proved to be the right one when she went on to become the first-ever MasterChef Malaysia champion.

While baking had always been a passion, Dr. Ezani continued working as a dental officer at UPM’s university health clinic, all while freelancing as a celebrity chef. Balancing the best of both worlds, she was truly mastering her craft in both the dental and culinary fields.

Friends who support each other: The birth of Pastribella

Image Credit: @ezanimonoto on Instagram (left), Siti Aishah on Google Review (right)

As best friends, Dr. Ezani and Nurul Shai shared a deep love for food and cooking. While Dr. Ezani’s passion for baking was clear, Nurul, who had always been a natural in the kitchen, soon took an interest in baking as well. Having worked in the oil and gas industry before becoming a full-time mom, Nurul found herself drawn to the creative process of baking alongside her best friend. Together, they would host makan sessions with friends, indulging their love for food, cooking, and sharing meals with loved ones. Eventually, their passion led them to sell baked goods at food festivals, sparking a deeper connection to their craft.

In 2019, after years of nurturing their passion, Dr. Ezani and Nurul decided to take the leap and open Pastribella Bakeshop. Although neither had experience running a business, their shared love for baking, combined with cherished memories of experimenting in the kitchen together gave them the confidence to pursue their vision. After years of balancing her dental career with her passion for culinary arts, Dr. Ezani made the bold decision to leave her full-time position and fully commit to making her bakery dream a reality.

The duo found an ideal location in Cyberjaya and opened Pastribella, a bakery-cafe where every single recipe is crafted by the MasterChef herself. The menu started with a select few cakes and has gradually expanded to include savoury dishes, all crafted with the same passion and care that has always defined their culinary journey.

A menu full of homemade creativity

Image Credit: @pastribellabakeshop on Instagram

Pastribella quickly earned a reputation in the area for its exquisite cakes. What appears to be a standout favourite among customers, is the Tiramisu Itu, priced at RM24.90. This homemade tiramisu has a smooth, creamy texture, though some find the coffee flavour to be a little on the subtle side. Topped with chocolate shavings, it offers a gentle balance between rich creaminess and a hint of coffee, sure to satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth. So popular is the dessert that Dr. Ezani even created an Instagram tutorial, teaching her followers how to recreate it at home.

In addition to the tiramisu, Pastribella’s menu boasts other beloved cake options, such as Burnt Cheesecake, Banana Walnut Cake, and the beautiful Pistachio Rose Cake. Each cake brings its own unique twist, making them perfect for any occasion or preference. Pastribella’s commitment to spreading sweetness extends beyond the cafe walls. They offer an online pre-ordering service for whole cakes, custom cakes, and cookies. Whether you’re hosting a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, Pastribella’s freshly baked treats will elevate any event and make it even more memorable.

Hold on—Pastribella isn’t just about cakes! The cafe also serves a variety of hot savoury dishes that combine unique flavours with familiar comfort food. The Spicy Buttermilk Pasta is a crowd-pleaser for those craving a creamy, spicy dish, while the Ginger Crispy Chicken offers a delightful crunch with a zesty ginger kick. Other options, like the Oyster Omelette, add even more variety to the menu, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Where else can you find MasterChef-approved cooking in M’sia?

Image Credit: on Google Review (left), Syasya Yuslani (right)

Pastribella isn’t just a cafe—it’s a spot where great food, good vibes, and delicious desserts all come together. From its humble beginnings to its well-loved status today, Pastribella is proof that following your passion really pays off.

For Dr. Ezani and Nurul, their dream of opening a bakery has become a reality, and it’s a beautiful reminder of how sometimes friendship and following your dreams go hand in hand. Pastribella promises not just delicious baked goods, but an experience as sweet as the friendship it was built on.

So, the next time you find yourself in Cyberjaya, make sure to drop by Pastribella Bakeshop—because when it comes to good food and even better desserts, you can’t go wrong with a slice of MasterChef magic.