BuTian Desserts Review: Does "Not Sweet" Actually Deliver?

If you know me, I love my sweet desserts, although I'm very picky about when I pick them. So when I hear that a dessert shop wants to literally brand itself as "Not Sweet" in Chinese (what Bu Tian translates to in English), naturally, I'm a little bit curious. Here's what I thought of the Kuchai Lama offering from this intriguing establishment that has been making waves in the Klang Valley dessert scene.

The Story Behind BuTian

There's a very interesting story behind BuTian. It's a story of three sisters who started with a pandemic home-baking gig. What began as egg tarts and pineapple tarts grew into a proper kitchen unit that ultimately evolved into the BuTian we see today. Along the way, they kept hearing what people wanted out of their desserts and realised that there was a growing demand for desserts that were less sweet. And that's where the brand was born.

The sisters noticed that many customers were looking for treats that didn't overwhelm the palate with sugar, allowing the natural flavours of the ingredients to shine through. This insight became the cornerstone of their philosophy. They are also an official partner of Niko Neko, being listed in Niko Neko's list of partners, so you know exactly what you're getting when you order their Matcha dessert dishes. The collaboration with Niko Neko ensures that their matcha offerings are of the highest quality, using premium ceremonial-grade matcha that delivers a rich, authentic flavour.

Location and Accessibility

Let's address the elephant in the room: parking. I think one common complaint about visiting BuTian is the lack of parking in the area. On my visit, I would say I generally agree. It is pretty challenging to park here, but not impossible. That's what you kind of expect out of the Kuchai Lama area, which is known for its bustling food scene and limited parking spaces. It's located over in Taman Indrahana, quite near to Kuchai Entrepreneurs Park, Salak South and Taman Desa if you want a rough indication of which area it is located in.

One important note: BuTian is located directly on top of another dessert cafe, Voila. You'll need to take a lift up in order to get to BuTian, which adds a little bit of a treasure-hunt element to your visit. The address is 16-1, Jalan Indrahana 1, Taman Indrahana, 58200 Kuala Lumpur. The cafe operates daily from 11 am to 7pm, but is closed on Wednesdays. If you're planning to order online for pickup, the window is narrower: 1pm to 6 pm.

Halal-Friendly Status

I would describe BuTian as Muslim-friendly with one caveat. They are not Jakim-certified, but they do claim that they are free from pork, lard, and gelatine. There is only one dish that contains alcohol this being their Tiramisu tart so avoid that if you're looking for halal options. For most Muslim diners, the rest of the menu should be safe to enjoy, but as always, it's best to exercise your own discretion.

Pre-Orders and Delivery

If you're planning to order in advance, just note that pre-orders need 2-3 days especially for whole cakes and larger items and are only available via WhatsApp (011-3320 6680). There is no in-house delivery, so you will need to arrange Grab or Lalamove yourself if you want delivery. Some customers have noted in Google Reviews that the packing for deliveries could be improved, so keep this in mind if you're ordering from further away.

What It Costs

I would say the price is just about what you'd expect for what you get. Here's what I tried:

• Triple Matcha Cake | RM18

• Brulee Cookies Set | RM16

• Matchaberry | RM20

All menu prices are inclusive of tax, with a 6% service tax incorporated into the menu prices. Matcha drinks range between RM15 and RM18, which I would say is reasonable for using Niko Neko's premium matcha. Tarts are similarly priced, and you can find the full menu available at the cafe.

How It Tastes

I think my thoughts about the desserts would be simple: delicious! The Triple Matcha Cake is pretty interesting. Definitely not that sweet, although pretty delicious all things considered. What's interesting is the different layers of the cake coming together. It really is super rich with matcha and looks great as well. The texture is perfectly balanced; the cake is moist and tender, with the matcha flavour coming through in a bold yet refined manner. The layers create a delightful contrast that keeps each bite interesting. What I'll say is that even if you really like your sweet desserts, it is something that anybody can appreciate. Great flavours and looks really aesthetic as well, making it a favourite for Instagram-worthy shots.

I would say their Brulee Cookies might be what I'd recommend even more. This is more because of uniqueness than anything else. They have one that is Jasmine flavoured and one that is Vanilla flavoured. The floral taste of the Jasmine filling really hits. It's strong but not overpowering, and it really makes for a really enjoyable and light dessert. The combination of the crisp cookie exterior and the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth filling is a textural delight that sets these apart from typical cookies. The vanilla one feels like a rich cookie with a nice vanilla ice cream interior. I would say I like the vanilla one more, but I'd recommend the Jasmine one just for its uniqueness and the novelty of the Jasmine version as a whole. It's not every day you find a dessert that so successfully captures the delicate, floral essence of jasmine.

Their Matchaberry is a good option. I would say it's definitely reasonably priced but I wouldn't go as far to label it within the BuTian category. I recognise a lot of it is from the strawberry itself, but still a nice drink overall I like my sweet drinks anyway, so I will naturally like sweeter drinks regardless. But this is yet another dish that is really pretty and captures well for your Instagram shots. The vibrant red and green layers make for a stunning visual, and the combination of matcha and strawberry is a classic pairing that never fails to please.

The Verdict

Star Rating: 8/10. Somewhere between 7.5 and 8 out of 10, but I will give it an 8. Of course I went when it was pretty empty I visited around 1pm on a Saturday, and more people came as time passed, so it does get busy later in the day. The whole cafe is really pretty, with a bright, airy interior that feels welcoming and relaxing. The food is tasty, with an aesthetic to match. I think it's a really chill place to hang out and relax, so this definitely comes in the recommended category for me!

What Makes BuTian Special

What sets BuTian apart from other dessert cafes in the Klang Valley is its commitment to a less-sweet philosophy. In a world where many desserts are overwhelmingly sweet, BuTian offers a refreshing alternative that allows the natural flavours of high-quality ingredients to shine. The collaboration with Niko Neko ensures that their matcha offerings are top-tier, and the sisters' dedication to quality is evident in every bite.

The cafe itself is a testament to the sisters' vision. The space is thoughtfully designed, with a bright, minimalist aesthetic that invites you to linger over your dessert and drink. It's the kind of place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a moment of calm.

BuTian Desserts is a hidden gem in Kuchai Lama that is well worth the visit. The concept of "not sweet" might seem counterintuitive for a dessert shop, but it's executed with such finesse that you'll find yourself appreciating the subtlety and balance of flavours. Whether you're a matcha enthusiast, a fan of unique cookies, or just someone looking for a chill spot to enjoy a sweet treat, BuTian has something to offer.

Just be prepared for the parking challenge, and if you're planning to visit, try to come early to avoid the crowds. And don't forget to take the lift up you wouldn't want to miss out on this delightful dessert experience.