The older you get, the faster time flies. It seems only yesterday that I congratulated my cousin V on his daughter’s birth – and now she’s already a year old!

Mi and I drove to Cheras for Baby H’s birthday bash, which was held at KOLA Cafe, a family-friendly Japanese / fusion cafe that’s perfect for gatherings.

The ground floor is where they run their regular cafe operations, while the first floor is more for parties, as it has a large children’s playground, complete with slides, a ball pit, and play stations where kids can let their imaginations run wild.

The space is brightly lit and sports a Japanese minimalist touch, with wooden furniture and beige walls. For Baby H’s party, the cafe had set up a buffet counter with a decent variety of food, including salad, chicken karaage, sushi, rice and noodles, soup, and finger food. But before tucking in, we had to go say Hi to the birthday girl.

Baby H was initially frightened (this was probably her first outing with so many unfamiliar faces!), but she eventually calmed down and was able to ‘receive’ the red packet from Mi. Look at her clutching it with her tiny fingers… c’est adorable!

There was a fun and interactive counter for guests, where they could get cute stickers and fake tattoos. The dessert table was also beautifully set up with a Chinese theme,featuring dainty cupcakes and sweet treats on wooden shelves, mochi in bamboo ‘bowls’, and wagashi served in dim sum baskets.

Zhua Zhou (literally translated to ‘picking anniversary’) is an ancient Chinese ceremony held on a child’s first birthday, whereby a collection of objects, each representing a particular career or personality trait, are laid out in front of the child. Whichever object the child grabs first is meant to indicate their interest and foretells what they might become in the future.

Of course, these days, this ceremony is more for fun rather than taken seriously. But then again… my brother and I didn’t have this, and maybe that’s why we’re so lost in life?

Red hard boiled eggs are commonly given out at a child’s full moon party (to celebrate their first month), but you’ll also see it at important birthdays and anniversaries. They’re meant to symbolise joy and renewed life, and since the Chinese love the colour red, they’re dyed with colouring.

After all the excitement, it was time to dig in. KOLA’s food was surprisingly tasty – it’s one thing to prepare dishes for regular cafe service, but their buffet kitchen is good too.

The chicken karaage was excellent, perfectly fried and not greasy, while being moist and juicy inside. The thin fries were crunchy and tasted homemade, evenly coated with salt and seaweed seasoning. Sushi (sweet tamago and inari with fish roe) was fresh and simple. The desserts were good too, although I’m sure all the guests (myself included) felt a twinge of guilt having to take apart the beautiful presentation.

The party was well organised, food was delicious, and everyone had a great time, not just the kids. A venue to consider if you’re having a family event or birthday party for the little ones.

KOLA CAFE

55G, Jalan 30a/119, Taman Taynton View, 56000 Cheras, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Opening hours: 11AM – 9PM (Wed – Sun, closed Mon-Tues). **Reservations required on weekends.

Phone: 011-5622 1782

Instagram: kolacafe.cheras

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