Profiteroles

Japanese savories & French sweets? Sometimes, it's the unlikeliest union that breeds the best results; in this case, the proof is in the profiteroles.

This charming cafe offers a reasonable range of basic fare _ everything from ramen and chicken katsu to gyoza and prawn tempura. We were pleasantly surprised by these handrolls, one stuffed with warm unagi and the other with tamago. There was minimal rice inside, substituted mainly with super-fresh greens for a springy crunch.

We had mixed feelings, however, about the outlet's namesake _ its profiteroles. I liked their creamy, custard-like chocolate filling, but my friend insisted they made his teeth ache.

More macarons? Really? But these do offer something different. There are several interesting flavors _ sakura, lavender, salted butter caramel _ that absolutely hit the spot, featuring less sugar compared to other macarons out there. But purists might say the ganache filling in this version is too thick and heavy.

Vanilla & chocolate sables. Classic cookies, nicely baked. Crisp and buttery all at once.

The walls here are decorated with real photographs taken of the cafe's own food, helping to create a warm, comfortable atmosphere. If all works well, this humble hideout could become Solaris Dutamas' next hip hangout.

One point: Profiteroles might currently seem impossible to find, but here are the basic steps _ take the escalator up from The Pink Sage, look for a Subway store, take the staircase from there up another level, then search for a cafe with no signboard.

A final note: no dinners are served here for now. The outlet is only open 10am-6pm, Mondays through Saturdays, but that should change later this year.

Profiteroles,

A3-01-07, Solaris Dutamas, Kuala Lumpur.

Tel: 03-6205-5503