Whatever Cafe @ Alor Setar, Kedah

Alor Setar’s café scene has been buzzing lately, and with the recent opening of Whatever Cafe near Alor Setar Mall, it’s quickly drawing attention from both locals and visitors alike. Intrigued by the hype, I decided to check it out and try their offerings for myself. Here’s my honest take on the food, drinks, and overall experience.

Whatever Cafe

Upon stepping inside Whatever Cafe, you’re immediately greeted by its minimalist décor. The space feels clean and sleek, with simple furniture, neutral tones, and understated decorative elements. The vibe is modern but restrained, creating a calm, no-frills environment.

However, the café is relatively small, which could make it a tight fit for larger groups or those looking for a more spacious, relaxed atmosphere. On the plus side, parking is a breeze, especially since it’s located in a quieter part of town.

The menu at Whatever Cafe offers a selection of dishes, but it’s relatively limited compared to other cafés in Alor Setar, like Mansion 28. While some might appreciate the focus on simplicity, I found the choices to be somewhat underwhelming. Here’s a breakdown of the dishes I tried:

Good Morning, London! – RM 28

This big breakfast-inspired dish had potential, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite hit the mark. The presentation was appealing at first glance, but the taste left much to be desired. The mushrooms, which were heavily spiced, clashed with the other elements on the plate, and the canned-tasting baked beans didn’t help matters. The bread was too hard, making it unpleasant to chew, and the sausage had a rubbery, almost processed texture. A more balanced dish could have included some greens to lighten up the heaviness, but that was missing here.

For RM28, the quality didn’t justify the price. In comparison, you’re much better off opting for an English breakfast at Mansion 28, which offers better quality for a similar price.

Doflamingo – RM 18

The Doflamingo burger was decent, but like the breakfast dish, it lacked that extra wow factor. The sauce was the highlight – creamy and flavourful – but the burger as a whole felt incomplete. The lack of greens made it feel unbalanced, and the fries were unfortunately subpar. While the sauce was tasty, I felt it could’ve also be utilised as a dip for the fries rather than just as a burger topping.

The name Doflamingo was an interesting touch. I initially thought it was an odd choice since the burger didn’t really resemble a flamingo in any way – except perhaps for the sauce’s pink hue. Later, I learned that the name was inspired by the One Piece character, Donquixote Doflamingo, and the pink sauce represented his iconic coat.

As for the burger itself, it was a bit awkward in structure, almost more like a sandwich than a well-constructed burger. Without the usual condiments like pickles or greens, it felt incomplete. While it wasn’t terrible, it didn’t leave me craving a return visit.

Once Upon A Time – RM 12

This tea was billed as a relaxing, bedtime infusion with lavender, and it certainly lived up to its calming reputation. However, it’s not for everyone. The lavender flavor was intense and, to me, a little too overwhelming. The aftertaste was oily, reminiscent of essential oils, which might not be to everyone’s taste. If you enjoy strong floral teas and want something to help you unwind, this could be the perfect choice.

Personally, I found it a bit too much, but I can see how others might appreciate the soothing effect it offers.

Berry Good – RM 12

Berry Good is a refreshing and fruity tea, packed with real whole berries for that healthy kick. It’s light yet satisfying, with a natural sweetness that isn’t overwhelming. This drink was a standout for me—it was warm and comforting, especially given the chilly atmosphere of the café. The balance of fruity freshness and soothing warmth made it a perfect companion to the heavier dishes, offering a nice contrast.

If you’re a fan of berry flavours and want something both refreshing and comforting, this tea is definitely worth trying.

Verdict

Whatever Cafe is an ambitious addition to Alor Setar’s café scene, but it still has a long way to go before it can compete with more established spots like Mansion 28. While the minimalist décor and friendly service offer promise, the food quality and variety fall short of expectations. The dishes, though decent, don’t justify the price tag, especially considering you can find better options elsewhere in town for the same cost.

Would I return? Maybe – but only if I’m in the area and willing to give it another chance. With some tweaks to the menu and improvements in both food quality and café atmosphere, it could become a more consistent contender in Alor Setar’s competitive café scene.

Have you visited Whatever Cafe? What was your experience like? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

My Rating

80%: Ambiance
60%: Price (value for money)
70%: Taste
80%: Location (ease of parking)
85%: Service
75%: Overall Rating

Opening Hours

10 AM – 10 PM (Tuesday to Sunday)

Address / Contact Information

014 556 6569

B158, Jalan Tandop 6
Taman Perindustrian Tandop Utama
05400 Alor Setar
Kedah