(Clockwise from top) Pineapple coffee, Pineapple Spring Rolls and Pineapple Puff.
Serdang cafe demonstrates fruit’s versatility by incorporating it into snacks, desserts and beverages
LOCATED within the grounds of the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) in Serdang, Selangor, is a cafe that specialises in all things pineapple – not just in raw form, but also as meals, snacks, desserts and drinks.
Cafe Nanas Montel, operated by QAF Foods (Malaysia), serves an array of dishes and drinks featuring the tropical fruit, using in-house developed recipes.
“We use only the MD2 pineapple species. This particular variety is known for its sweetness, golden yellow colour, uniform size and high vitamin C content,” said Mohd Azli Abdol Mihat, who owns both Cafe Nanas Montel and QAF Foods.
“The Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board, an agency tasked with developing the local pineapple industry, recommended that the MD2 species be used.
“It takes about 14 months to grow and harvest MD2 pineapples. I work with more than 15 farms all over Peninsular Malaysia to ensure I have ample supply.”
Mohd Azli claimed that MD2 was the pineapple equivalent of Musang King durians.
Mohd Azli (right) and his wife Fifi Norbaizura at their cafe that specialises in all things pineapple. — Photos: AZMAN GHANI/The Star
He said the cafe occasionally sells Yan Kee and Morris pineapples, depending on availability.
The cafe serves up to two tonnes of pineapples in a week, with that figure doubling if there are events happening at the nearby Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS).
Cafe Nanas Montel’s bestsellers are its snacks, namely Pineapple Puff (curry puff) and Pineapple Spring Rolls (popiah) filled with pineapple cubes. Each is priced at RM7 for a set of five pieces.
The cold desserts make for refreshing treats, especially on hot days.
There is the Pineapple Ice Cream (RM6, served in a cone or cup), Pineapple Float (RM10) and Pineapple Shake (RM10).
Main dishes that incorporate pineapples are Nasi Lemak Sambal Nanas, Nasi Ayam Penyet Sambal Nanas and Nasi Goreng Nanas.
They are priced between RM5 and RM12 per plate.
The pineapple juice is priced at RM10 per bottle and RM6 per cup. Mohd Azli said the juice was cold-pressed without sugar added.
Adventurous diners may want to try the Pineapple Coffee, priced at RM6 and RM7 for hot and iced versions, respectively.
I found this drink too sweet for my liking.
There is also a selection of pineapple-free dishes such as Nasi Goreng Kampung, Nasi Goreng Ayam and Kuey Teow Goreng.
Whole MD2 pineapples are also sold at RM8 per kg. Cutting services are available.
Mohd Azli said the recipes for the dishes were developed by his wife, Fifi Norbaizura Mohd Salim.
“We use different components of the pineapple in our food and drinks, such as cubes in some snacks, extract in the coffee as well as fibre and juice in the ice cream.”
Cafe Nanas Montel is located within a tree-lined area overlooking a lake, offering guests a relaxing ambience as they enjoy their meals amidst a scenic backdrop.
Mohd Azli said the cafe was designed to be a place where families and friends can catch up over a dining experience.
During weekdays, the dining crowd comprises those who work within a 10km radius of the cafe, such as Putrajaya, Cyberjaya and Seri Kembangan.
“I work closely with Mardi, which is the landowner of the space my cafe is located on.
“I have to comply with its guidelines and procedures in terms of waste management, food handling and other operations matters,” said Mohd Azli.
The 50-year-old shared that montel (chubby) in the cafe’s name referred to his size years ago. He has since lost weight.
He is in the midst of applying for a halal status for the cafe that marked its fifth year of operations last month.
He will be opening a second, bigger store within the grounds of Universiti Putra Malaysia in Serdang by the end of this year.
Mohd Azli said he was open to the idea of expanding the cafe’s menu to include burgers and growing its business model, whether through partnership or franchising, or to run Cafe Nanas Montel as a kiosk or restaurant at food courts and malls.
Cafe Nanas Montel is open Tuesdays to Sundays, from 9am to 7pm. It is closed on Mondays, except when the Monday falls on a public holiday.
For details, call 011-1084 7077 or email qaffoods@gmail.com
