Tim Hortons Malaysia officially opens with significantly cheaper ...

Eager to learn what the first-ever Tim Hortons outlet in KL, Malaysia has to offer? Consider this your first sneak peek at its debut offerings, from bite-sized doughnut delights to its signature coffee beverages.

Singaporeans would be familiar with Tim Hortons by now; the Canadian coffee and doughnut chain first made waves last year, and has since expanded to seven outlets around the island. Doughnut chains from North America have steadily made their presence known across the Southeast Asian region. Dunkin’ Donuts was perhaps one of the earliest pioneers, making its local foray into the Malaysian market back in 1987 and commanding a sizeable market share. That was later challenged by the introduction of Krispy Kreme in 2009.

This year, expect things to turn into a proper three-corner battle for doughnut supremacy, with Tim Hortons officially opening its doors at KL’s Sunway Velocity and Putrajaya’s IOI City Mall.

Tim Hortons officially debuts in Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur

For the uninitiated, Tim Hortons takes its name after the late Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman, Miles Gilbert “Tim” Horton. Funnily enough, the first restaurant to bear the Tim Hortons name didn’t sell doughnuts. Located in Ontario’s North Bay neighbourhood, its menu was comprised largely of American diner-style burgers.

It wouldn’t be until 1964 when Horton opened up another venture in the city of Hamilton, did the business turned its focus to doughnuts. Dubbed ‘Tim Horton’s Donut Shop’, what had once been a mom-and-pop enterprise grew to become a commercial success in just four years with the help of Horton’s business partner, Ron Joyce.

While Horton would tragically pass away in a motor accident at the age of 44 in 1974, Joyce went on to assume full ownership of the brand after purchasing his deceased partner’s share of the business for $1 million. With that said, the partnership remained in spirit as Joyce’s son wedded Horton’s eldest daughter. The couple ran the business together until just last year when they retired after 37 years at the helm.

Canadian comforts on Malaysian shores

Tim Hortons’ intentions to expand into Malaysia were made possible through a strategic partnership with Singapore-based Marubeni Growth Capital Asia. And as any brand making its grand debut would know, first appearances are everything.

In that regard, the KL team at Tim Hortons did not skimp on their choice of real estate and presentation, leaving nothing to chance by translating its cosy casual sensibilities into the perennial Cheras retail hotspot by an exacting degree.

Image credit: Lifestyle Asia KL

The recipe is a familiar one for those who have been to any of the brand’s global outlets: light wood furnishings with matching feature walls set against bright splashes of their signature red, interspersed throughout a quite considerable floor plan.

It’s pared down and comforting, encouraging long conversations over coffee and light bites. Which conveniently brings us to its menu offerings, of which there are plenty of. We mentioned doughnuts being their signature, so that is where we will start. If you’re anything like us and find it difficult to choose just one flavour, you’ll be glad to try out the brand’s bite-sized Timbits.

Tim Hortons Malaysia: Doughnuts, sandwiches and more make the menu

If you’re looking to enjoy your favourite coffee and doughnuts but at the fraction of the price, you’ll want to make a trip across the Causeway soon.

You can pick between two versions of doughnuts, either in regular guise with a hole in the centre or the brand’s diminutive Timbits. The latter is our preferred way of enjoying their doughnuts, shaped in small spheres and generously drenched with all manner of sauces and toppings that mimic those of its full-sized siblings.

Image credit: Lifestyle Asia KL

As far as prices go, Tim Hortons in Malaysia is significantly cheaper than the one in Singapore. Regular-sized doughnuts start from RM3.50 (approx. S$1.04) in their Classic Glaze guise, and top out at RM6 (approx. S$1.78) for more luxe flavours such as the Maple Glaze. The doughnuts come in boxes of six, either in classic (RM21; approx. S$6.25) or assorted (RM28; approx. S$8.33) versions.

As for the Timbits, each morsel comes in at around RM2.50 (approx. S$0.74). Timbits can be purchased in a box of ten assorted flavours for RM15 (approx. S$4.50).

By comparison, Tim Hortons Singapore charges S$3.50 for a Classic Glaze Donut, or S$20 for a box of six. A set of three Classic Timbits cost S$3.00, or S$10 for a box of 10.

Image credit: Lifestyle Asia KL Savoury sandwiches and pasta bakes

If you’re hankering for something that leans more savoury, Tim Hortons Malaysia has got you covered too. Just like its counterparts abroad, all manner of sandwich melts and baked pasta dishes are served here, making it a fantastic option for corporate folks living the grab-and-go lifestyle.

Two standouts are worth mentioning concerning sandwiches and tortillas, as they are exclusive to Malaysia. Both the Sambal Grilled Cheese Sandwich (RM19; approx. S$5.65) and Sambal Chicken Grilled Cheese Tortilla (RM15; approx. S$4.46) add a kick of spice to an otherwise rich, gooey delight.

More generous appetites will benefit from the range of Pasta Bakes, which brand representatives claim are prepared upon ordering. The Classic Aglio Olio starts at RM16 (approx. S$4.75), while Truffle and Smoked Chicken Cabonara, Pesto Cream Chicken and Mozzarella, as well as Beef Ragu Bolognase bakes are all priced at RM19 (approx. S$5.65).

Coffee and Ice Capps at Tim Hortons KL

Coffees are where things get interesting, as you’re looking at brews made with two specific blends. The Original Blend is a medium roast which features beans from Latin America, sporting citrusy, bright flavours. On the other hand, the Espresso Blend combines beans from Latin America with Sumatra in a dark roast for a rich, nutty flavour.

A shot of Espresso starts from RM6 (approx. S$1.80) in the small size, while cups of Americano cost RM9.60 (approx. S$2.85) for a small, and top out at RM12.60 (approx. S$3.75) for a large. But if you know Tim Hortons, you’d opt for their Signature Lattes instead. Pick between your choice of Maple Cinnamon, Salted Caramel, Roasted Hazelnut, Dark Chocolate Mocha, and Dolce, with prices starting from RM16 (approx. S$4.75). In Singapore, the flavoured lattes are priced between S$7.10 to S$7.60.

Image credit: Lifestyle Asia KL

For a true indulgence, turn your eyes to the Iced Capp selection. Essentially a reintepreted take on the traditional frappucino, caffinated versions take the guise of several flavours, including French Vanilla (RM14; approx. S$4.20), White Chocolate Mocha, Maple French Vanilla, and Salted Caramel Macchiato, all RM15 (approx. S$4.45) each.

As for non-caffinated Iced Capps, the Butterscotch Onde-Onde and Teh Tark Tributes are worth the try at RM15, curated specifically for the local market. This is served alongside classic staples such as the Dark Chocolate Cream Chip, Matcha Cream, Strawberry Cream, and Biscoff Cream. Fret not, with the amount of crushed ice in each serving, every sip is decidedly more balanced than expected. The Ice Capps in Singapore, on the other hand, cost between S$7.90 and S$8.40.

Tim Hortons Malaysia will debut with two outlets in the Klang Valley; one in Sunway Velocity in KL which is slated to open on 17 August, and another in IOI City Mall, Putrajaya that will welcome customers on 15 August.

Website here.