It is hard to believe there is such a good cafe, Drum and Desk, in this residential area of Kota Bharu. A delightful surprise, because in the midst of this state’s conservatism, we have a place that does not reflect it at all.
Best of all, this cafe is located about 4 km from Salaam Suites. It has also become a go-to spot for many of our guests who want to enjoy quality food in a modern, contemporary setting.
Drum and Desk Cafe offers you a wonderful experience in just about everything: the surroundings, the flavours, and something special for coffee lovers. Since they earned the title of Malaysia barista runner-up, coffee is one menu item you simply must try. They also import their own coffee beans and process them. So it is no wonder this cafe is wrapped in an appetising coffee aroma.
Compared with other cafes in Kota Bharu, their price range is on the higher side, but the cafe itself, the surroundings, and the quality of the food make it very much worth it.
If you want to visit this cafe, you should come early. Parking is always an issue here because it is located in a residential area. The place is rather tucked away within the Taman Sari residential area in Kota Bharu. Parking is quite limited, but you can always park along the roadside without worrying about getting a parking ticket from the authorities.
So most of the cafe’s visitors have to park far away and walk over here. When you park, make sure your car does not block the local residents’ road.
It is definitely worth spending your money on their coffee. They sell two types of coffee beans. You can choose one for your cup of latte. They also roast their own ground coffee beans. My cappuccino reminded me of the best cafes in Melbourne – and I am not surprised that they have an award-winning barista.
As for the food, everything I tried was truly delicious. A juicy chicken chop served with the best fries I have ever eaten, beautiful fluffy pancakes (Japanese style) served with butter, cream, and maple syrup, hot croissants served straight from the oven, and one of the best cheesecakes I have ever tasted! Their buttermilk chicken chop is also rather special, crispy and tasty.
There is a dining space reserved for private events, and a minimum spend of RM300 per receipt is required if you want to book that room. If you are looking for a co-working space, this is the place too. They have a co-working centre upstairs with a vibe similar to Sydney or New York. In fact, Drum and Desk Cafe is the first co-working space in Kota Bharu! They have daily, weekly, and monthly passes, with fast internet too! For more information, please get in touch with their warm and friendly staff. They will surely be able to help you.
Drum and Desk has a really lovely atmosphere and a relaxed vibe. It is like enjoying nature with a minute’s pause. You can close your eyes and meditate for a minute while breathing in the fresh air with the scent of their coffee.
The outdoor seating is properly fenced so we could let the children run and play while we ate. I really love their outdoor seating. There is surrounding greenery that makes the place even more relaxing and peaceful. It is also one of the most Insta-worthy spots in this cafe.
Their servers, meanwhile, are polite, professional, and respectful, while always doing their best to meet your needs. With that, we give them 5 stars in our review. They also accept e-wallet payments. So you do not even need to bring your wallet.
There is a variety of special treats such as desserts that you should try. Have you ever been to Drum and Desk? How was your experience there? Comment below!
If you like this cafe, you will surely also love The Bold Lab!
Drum and Desk
2055, Lorong Taman Sari 2, Taman Sari, 15200 Kota Bharu, Kelantan
09-743 5898
Photo credit: Drum & Desk
Cafes in Kota Bharu you should try
Ayang Cafe
The Bold Lab
Shiro Yuki Dessert Cafe
