What we have seen in 2019 is the trend of many overseas food businesses setting up in Singapore, and this is likely to continue in 2020.
That is not to say that Singaporeans do not support local cafes and start-ups. They do. But perhaps they want to experience something different, and not just the usual Eggs Ben, Waffles and Sandwiches any more.
French Fusion Restaurant-Café at ION Orchard
Poulet has opened a brand-new restaurant called “Poulet + Brasserie”, otherwise known as “P+” in the heart of town at ION Orchard basement 3.
A menu quite unlike their existing one, this one takes inspiration from cuisines in different places – Melbourne’s café-hopping scene, a little bit of Thai and French fare, and Singapore’s own local dishes. You can expect to find Seafood Laksa Linguine and Kaya French Toast here.
This specially curated menu, exclusively available at P+, offers you varied breakfast choices, alongside other exciting new French fusion dishes.
Go for hearty dishes such as the Truffle Mushroom Risotto, Jumbo Prawn & Garlic Pasta, Signature Duck Confit, and end off with a brunch-dessert dish of Nutella French Toast. Poulet + Brasserie (ION Orchard)
Popular Coffee Shop Has Opened At 313@somerset
%Arabica Singapore has taken over the space previously occupied by Barrio by Mex Out. A rather prominent location, especially if you come out from Somerset MRT, or walk from 313 to Orchard Central.
Not many may know that %Arabica is originally from Hong Kong technically, but gained more international recognition after the store moved to Kyoto.
Over in Singapore, Caffe Latte is priced at $7 for short, $8 for tall, while the iced version is priced at $8. Not considered cheap.
If you prefer something sweeter, also available is the Spanish Latte ($7.80. $9.00) which is included with condensed milk.
Expect it to be crowded, especially since there will be more visitors to Orchard Road during this season of the year. %Arabica (313@somerset)
Flor Patisserie Opens Japanese-Style Café With Brown Sugar Roll Cake
Fans of Japanese-style cakes and pastries should be familiar with FLOR Patisserie Café which has two branches at Duxton Hill and Siglap Drive.
It has recently opened its 3rd outlet with a slightly different concept, FLOR Capitol at Capitol Singapore (formally known as “Capitol Piazza”).
Something to note: This is the first FLOR Patisserie Café to feature freshly made desserts, and some of the recommended include the Signature Roll ($6 for slice, $22.45 for whole), Tiramisu in a Glass ($12), Warm Blueberry Pie with ice cream ($12), and Gula Melaka Crème Caramel ($10).
The one thing to get is the Gula Melaka Brown Sugar Roll Cake ($6) in which you can enjoy the interplay of play of two complex sugars in a single cake. And thankfully light and not too sweet as well.
In terms of texture, the sponge layer was fluffy and soft, while the cream inside was smooth and not too heavy. All in all, a delicious soft roll cake. FLOR Capitol (Capitol Piazza)
Mediterranean-Inspired Brunch Café Opens At Serangoon Garden
By the people behind Atlas Coffeehouse, Lunar Coffee Brewers and Columbus Coffee Co., the team have got their formula quite right with every venture, by coming up with variance of industrial chic dining environment coupled with creative food offerings to satisfy café hopper’s interest.
The food menu at Apollo are mostly new creations and inspired from Mediterranean origins. They are also categorized into SMALL and LARGE plates to promote communal dining.
I took a liking to the recommended Pork & Pear Tartine ($19.50) which came with roasted pears, bacon chunks, caramelized onions and ricotta cheese spread on a bed of fluffy ciabatta bread.
Exclusive to Apollo Coffee Bar is the Dark Chocolate and Miso Caramel Softserve ($7). I prefer the latter which has an interesting blend of salty miso and sweet caramel flavour. Apollo Coffee Bar (Serangoon Garden)
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The Better Half
1 Everton Park, #01-43, Singapore 081001
Tel: 9248 7088
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 5:30pm (Tues – Fri), 9:30am – 5:30pm (Sat – Sun), Closed on Mon
Bakery Café With Korean Vibes And Delicious Cakes
Established by two passionate individuals who also happens to be each other’s better half, the café aims to serve honest and real fare to everyone who visits.
The bakes are placed in the shop exudes a certain Korean bakery vibe – kind of what you see in Layered 레이어드 or Cafe Highwaist.
All the bakes you see in The Better Half all made from scratch in-house. Even if you order a toast, the bread is made within the store and not from a supplier.
While I was thinking of what to get, the owners kindly suggested a slice of Rose Raspberry Cake ($8) which they were just about to display.
Essentially a rose sponge cake with raspberry cream cheese, the cake was fluffy in texture and not dry at all. The Better Half (Everton Park)
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Micro Bakery & Kitchen – Red House
63 East Coast Road #01-06 Singapore 428776
Opening Hours: 8:30pm – 5pm Last Order 3pm (Wed – Fri), 8:30pm – 5pm, Last Order 4:30pm (Sat – Sun)
Bakery Café With Delicious Breads Hidden Within The Iconic Red House
The Red House is an iconic fixture along East Coast Building, now housed by Micro Bakery & Kitchen.
Their breads are naturally leavened using organic and sustainable flour, using natural ingredients and no additives.
Its brunch menu includes Big Breakfast ($18), Granola ($8), Smoked Salmon on Sourdough English Muffin ($18), Micro Club Sandwich ($14), Grilled 3 Cheese Sandwich ($12), Ricotta Tartine ($12), Smashed Avocado Tartine ($14) and Scrambled Free Range Egg Tartine ($14).
The Brownies ($5, $6 each) here are not to be missed – chocolatey, dense and moist, sometimes coming with interesting flavours such as cookies and cream, Bischof, and even miso with coconut flakes suitable for vegans. Micro Bakery & Kitchen Red House (East Coast)
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Kong Cafe
896 Dunearn Road, Sime Darby Centre #01-11 Singapore 589742 (King Albert Park MRT Exit B)
Opening Hours: 8am – 8pm (Mon – Tues), 8am – 10pm (Wed – Sun)
Korean Lifestyle Cafe With Honey Butter Waffles & Wings
This is a minimalist style Korean lifestyle café at Bukit Timah, which appears to be still quite under-the-radar.
The café is owned partially by a Korean artist and avid yogini, who felt that the Bukit Timah area needed a quiet and chill place where people could relax and enjoy themselves.
Due to her background, there are a number of Korean-infusions and treats for the health-conscious.
Some eye-catching items on the menu include the Honey Butter Waffles ($18), Bulgogi Sandwich ($17), Ban Ban Wings ($20 for 10), Korean Chicken Rice ($16), Bulgogi Pesto Pizza ($18), Ramyun ($14), and Tteokbokki ($14).
The Ban Ban Wings ($10 for 4) in choice of spicy & sticky or honey butter sauce, tasted quite authentically Korean.
It vaguely reminded me of Kyochon’s with its sticky-honeyed-sweetness, and the meat was deliciously moist. Kong Café (Bukit Timah)
1st Indomie-Focused Eatery In Singapore
The first Indomie-focused eatery IndoBowl has opened in Singapore, located at Sultan Gate near Arab Street.
IndoBowl has made some waves online due to the offering of a mega IndoMie Mumbo Jumbo, priced at $49.90 meant for 3 to 4 pax. In true Insider-video style, the bigger, the better, the more viral.
Smaller dishes such as Indomie Ayam Bakar ($9.90), Indomie Sate Ayam ($9.90), Indomie Ayam Goreng Jawa ($9.90), Indomie Seafood Goren ($10.90), and Indomie Dendeng ($10.90) are available.
Each is available in two styles – Sambal Balado (indicated by a red “B” on the menu) and Sambal Ijo (indicated by a green “H”). The Balado refers to the hot and spicy sauce, while Ijo refers to Indonesian-style green chilli paste. IndoBowl (Sultan Gate)
Japanese Bakery-Café At Novena
Kamome Bakery is a new Japanese bakery-café at Goldhill Shopping Centre, located near Novena MRT Station.
There are a couple of varied sandwich choices of Meat Loaf ($5.80), Croquette ($5.20), Tonkatsu ($5.60).
Breads are quite uniquely-Japanese, with the offering of Red Bean & Butter, Teriyaki Chicken Pizza, Yuzu Chestnut, Dark Cherry Tart, Cinnamon Roll, Banana Brown Sugar – all priced from $3 to $5 thereabout.
Chun Yang Tea 春陽茶事
Jewel Changi Airport #03-207
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Popular Taiwanese Bubble Tea Shop Opens At Jewel Changi Airport
Another day, another new bubble tea shop. And there are already that many BBT places there including The Alley Singapore, Woobbee at AC.Kafe and Signature KOI.
It seems like Taiwanese show host Blackie Chen aka Hei-Ren (Fan Wei Qi’s husband) is an ambassador / co-owner of the shop (Will he come here one day to grace the opening?)
The best-selling drinks at Chun Yang include Honey Lemon Oolong Tea ($5.90), Oolong Tea Latte with Pudding ($5.80), Brown Sugar Pearl with Fresh Milk ($5.80), Sugar Cane Fresh Milk ($4.90) and Cheese Macchiato with Tea ($5.50).
The boba pearls had a delightful caramelised-sweetness and chewy texture, though slightly on the expensive side and under-the-radar.
If the trend of 2019 continues, what we can see are more overseas brands heading down to Singapore. A couple of the head-lining ones have already descended, though we can expect more varied products being introduced in time to come.
The indie coffee shops on the other hand, have perhaps reached saturated point, and we do not see many coffee-specialty cafes and even that many hipster brunch places in the radar anymore. Still hoping to see more of them though.
Premium Ice Cream Brand From The Philippines Opens In Singapore
Premium ice cream brand Carmen’s Best from The Philippines has opened its first overseas store, setting camp at Capitol Singapore (previously known as “Capitol Piazza”).
Every flavour is inspired by real stories from Paco’s global travels, from the signature flavour “He’s Not Worth It” to seasonal ones like Cheese, Strawberry, Ube, and Brazilian Coffee.
Other popular must-taste flavours include Pistachio, Dark Chocolate, Salted Caramel, Butter Pecan, Cookies & Cream, and Cookie Dough.
Start with a single flavour at $4.90 per scoop, or go for 2 scoops at $5.90 (you can pick two flavours). Want a freshly-made waffle cone to go with your ice cream? Just add $0.60 and you’re good to go.
To mark this first international store, Carmen’s Best offers specially crafted limited-edition sundaes such as 3riple Treats Special, Best Friend in Good & Bad Times, Singa-Pour, and Pure Indulgence. Carmen’s Best (Capitol Singapore)
Popular Bakery Cafe Well-Missed Makes Its Return At Upper Thomson
Fans of Woodlands Sourdough were probably devastated upon hearing the closure of the previous outlet located in Serene Centre. (That shop has been replaced by Microbakery Bakery & Kitchen.)
But good news, owners Chalith and Nur are back at a brand-new location in Upper Thomson.
Woodlands Sourdough is known for their sourdough bread and brownies, which we argue may probably be one of the best in Singapore.
Apart from the usual brownies such as the Rye Hazelnut Almond Brownie ($5.50), some new items include the Tartine ($8) which is essentially a slice of their signature sourdough bread topped with fresh mozzarella, pesto and salad greens served alongside some roasted tomatoes. Woodlands Sourdough (Upper Thomson)
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Wells Café 井井咖啡
75 Bras Basah Road NTUC Income Centre Singapore 189557
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 4:30pm, (Mon – Fri), Closed Sat, Sun
Specialty Coffee from Taiwan Opens In Singapore
All the way from Hsinchu in Taiwan, Wells Café 井井咖啡 has set up a temporary pop-up store at the NTUC Income Centre. You might have also come across its other outlet at Jalan Chow Thye, Georgetown if you have been to Penang.
For a start, the place is small as it is mainly a takeaway kiosk.
However, the baristas are more than happy to explain to you how their beans are roasted, and the different notes of the coffee that you’ll be expecting. The passion they have for coffee is admirable.
I was recommended the Cappuccino (Hot $4.50, Cold $5.50) for something with a higher coffee content.
True enough, it was smooth and had hints of chocolate and orange peel. I appreciated that even after a while, the coffee was not too “stale” to swallow.
According to the barista, all the coffee beans are brought in directly from Taiwan. Wells Café (Bras Basah)
Halal Asian-Fusion Restaurant And Brunch Fare At Jewel Changi Airport
The halal-certified Commons is a family-friendly place that also caters to vegetarian guests. They have just revamped their menu.
Food selection is diverse as they specialise in specially crafted Asian-Fusion delights, from appetisers to desserts. And with its all-new, fully revamped menu just launched, you can expect more unique items to choose from.
Be ready to tease your palate with their signature dishes such as the locally-inspired Satay Chicken Griller. Go Thai-style with their Sticky Lamb Ribs, or try a fusion of Mexican and Asian flavours with the Lamb Wanton Tacos.
Get the Salted Caramel Waffle with Apple Berry Crisp ($16), combining a stack of crispy-edged and fluffy waffles blanketed with apples, berries and crumbly oats. Commons (Jewel Changi Airport)
Korean Coffee and Dessert Place at Shaw House
It seems like Cafe de Muse is a “Korean” cafe, looking at the servers, customers (who are primary Koreans) and they serve up Bingsu as well.
The cafe serves up the typical brunch items such as Avocado on Toast ($22), Egg Benedict ($26), a couple of sandwiches such as Beef & Chimichurri ($20), and Pasta dishes ($20 – $24).
The seats by the window make it a place to people-watch, and a friend quipped there is a “hunky cute Korean server with a soft voice”. Otherwise, we thought that the menu could have more differentiating factor to match its higher than average price point.
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The Coffee Roaster Cafe & Academy
205 Upper Thomson Road, Yew Lian Park, Singapore 574345
Tel: +65 8661 1035
Opening Hours: 9:30am – 6pm (Tue – Sun), Closed Mon
Specialty Coffee Place At Upper Thomson
The Coffee Roaster is a specialty coffee company, and has opened a new outlet at Upper Thomson.
What is noteworthy that it was founded back in 2014 by Ang Swee Heng when he was 20 years old.
The Upper Thomson outlet also houses its production centre for handcrafted cookies by The Baker’s Gallery – baked with 60% less butter and sugar.
For coffee, go for the Honey Latte ($5.50 got hot, $6 for iced) which accentuates the chocolate notes of their house-blend coffee; or Pourover Coffee ($6.50).
Popular Brown Sugar Bubble Tea Brand Opens Dessert Cafe Concept
Bubble Tea brand Tiger Sugar has opened a dessert cafe at Capitol Singapore, located within the same building as its flagship store (a short walk away).
There is no bubble tea found in this cafe with seating space for 10 pax or so.
What is featured are Taiwanese style desserts served in takeaway cups or bowls, such as Taiwan Taro Lava with Taro Pearl and Cream Mousse ($6.60), Fresh Mango with Golden Crystal and Creamy Sago Milk ($6.90), Red Bean with Taiwan Black Sesame Rice Ball ($7.80), Purple Rice with Red Bean Soup and Sago ($6), and Roasted Mung Bean Soup with Golden QQ ($6).
I personally thought that the offerings are not that exciting (or maybe current) to attract young customers over (also not many have actually heard of this concept). May need to fine-tune its menu a little to be more appealing to the millenials.
Tried the best-selling Fresh Mango with Golden Crystal and Creamy Sago Milk and the sugar level could have been lowered by a few notches.
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Popular Hong Kong Mango Dessert Chain Making A Return To Singapore
Hui Lau Shan 許留山 is possibly Hong Kong’s most visible dessert store, known for their ‘kwai ling ko’ and mango treats.
Now… the good news is Hui Lau Shan is making its return back to Singapore.
The brand is best known for its Mango series made from Carabao Mangoes, with a huge range of mango puddings, mango sago, mango jellies, mango glutinous balls and drinks.
The drinks come in layers of coconut, hashima jelly aloe, aloe vera, red bean, ice cream or fruit puree depending on your selection.
But they have been known to be pricey, and there is much competition from similar mango dessert stores. Shall see how. Hui Lau Shan (Chinatown Point)
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Jay Chou Endorsed Bubble Tea Brand To Open In Singapore
Jay Chou endorsed-brand Machi Machi is opening up early 2020. Moving away from just offering the typical bubble tea, Machi Machi is known for its “’God of Cheese Tea” offerings, serving up cold tea with a layer of milk and cream cheese foam on top, somewhat like a dessert in a drink.
Over in Singapore, the recommended signatures include Fresh Strawberry Latte with Panna Cotta in a bottle ($7.00), Black Milk Tea with Cheese Foam ($5.50), Black Tea Latte with Panna Cotta ($7.00), Fresh Fruit Jasmine Green Tea ($6.50), and Black Milk Bubble Tea ($4.80).
The Fresh Strawberry Latte with Panna Cotta ($7) features caffeine-free latte made with fresh strawberry and soft panna cotta at the bottom of the bottle, packed in the pretty ‘Machi Machi Bottle’. Machi Machi Singapore
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We Bare Bears Pop-Up Cafe
Kumoya @ 8 Jalan Klapa Singapore 199320
Opening Hours: 12.00pm – 9.30pm (Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sun), 12.00pm – 10.30pm (Fri, Sat), Last Order 30 minutes before closing, Closed Mon
We Bare Bears X Kumoya pop-up café from 4 January – 12 April 2020
The world’s first fully-themed We Bare Bears pop-up café will arrive early next year 4th January 2020, with art created exclusively for the pop-up café.
Kumoya Cafe is no stranger to character pop-ups, and will transform itself into the world of the Bear Bros. This includes a menu inspired by the popular Cartoon Network show and specially crafted by Shirley Wong (@littlemissbento) in collaboration with the Kumoya kitchen team.
You can look forward to mains such as the Ice Bear Arctic Cool Seafood rice with cream sauce ($26.90), and Bear-Bros Food Truck with Special Salmon Roll ($23.90).
For a more immersive experience, diners will also have the chance to take a small part of their experience home, with an exclusive range of specially-imported We Bare Bears merchandise.
And as the first month of 2020 flies by, what an ‘interesting’ month it has been.
If you are feeling down, here are 10 NEW Cafes openings in Singapore to look forward to:
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Hongdae Oppa
68 Orchard Road #B2-47 Plaza Singapura Singapore 238839
Tel: +65 9181 3038
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10pm Last Order 9.30pm (Sun – Thurs), 11:30am – 10:30pm Last Order 10pm (Fri – Sat, Eve PH, PH)
Colourful Korean Restaurant With Sizzling Hotplates And Fried Chicken
Hongdae Oppa Korean Dining House serves a broad selection of Urban K-Food including its signature Sizzlers (Bokkeumbap), Korean Fried Chicken, Hot Stone Jjigae, Tteokbokki, Ramyeon and side dishes.
These and many more Korean street food offerings are inspired by the founder’s extensive visits to the Hongdae Food Street and Night Market in Korea.
Start off with a hot plate Bokkeumbap Sizzlers ($12.90) to delight your palate with a variety of flavours and textures.
This Korean stir-fry rice dish is served with 80 grams of meats (you have pork, chicken and beef options), fried chicken skin, sweet corn kernels, onions, scallions, fried egg, and of course, rice.
You can choose between the non-spicy egg fried rice, or the spicy with kimchi.
What I enjoyed was that the Sizzlers were serving literally sizzling hot to the table, and the friendly staff will help add the sauces and mix the ingredients up (or you can do it your own). Hongdae Oppa (Plaza Singapura)
Largest Korean Burger Bar With Fluffy Egg Toasts At Clarke Quay Central
Burger+ has just launched the largest Korean Burger Bar in Singapore at Clarke Quay Central, with an expansive space that can sit up to 200 diners.
It opens from 8am daily offering newly-introduced Korean breakfast toasts; has a menu of burgers, fried chicken and sides throughout the day; and opens till 3am on Friday and Saturday (1am on the other days.)
In terms of the food, expect Korean breakfast toasts, soft burgers, to authentic Korean fried chicken.
The Korean Egg Toasts are a new introduction from Burger+ available from 8am till 5pm, though I feel that should just offer this at night as well.
While there are a number of Korean toast shops in Singapore, I do think what they have to offer is one of the most hearty around.
What was appealing was the fluffy brioche that was pan-grilled till they are slightly crisp on the outside. Burger+ (Clarke Quay Central)
Minimalist Grey Café At Jalan Besar Has The Right Look And Vibes
Newcomer Lucid which is also found at the Jalan Besar area, will likely attract café-hoppers to visit soon. The reasons are plenty.
Its location at Hamilton Road is considered ‘off-beat’ yet central enough.
And its industrial-grey look with cement flooring, modern matt-silver furniture and a minimalist look will appeal to the Instagram generation.
Lucid is a collaboration between 37 waves – a distributor for professional coffee equipment and tools; and Thought Bakes.
The menu is kept lean, with offerings of coffee drinks such as Black Coffee ($3.50), Iced Black ($5.50), Strong White ($5.00), Iced White ($6.00), Mocha ($5.50) and Chocolate ($5.00) for non-coffee drinkers. Lucid (Hamilton Road)
Hidden Café At A Rooftop Garden In The Heart Of Orchard Road Local specialty coffee chain Alchemist has opened a café in The Cocoon Space @ Design Orchard.
You can walk the steps up to “The Cocoon Space” and it is hidden behind greenery; or take the elevator at the back of the building to Level 3.
Alchemist DO will be to many, the ‘perfect Instagram spot’ with concrete interiors, a swanky terrazzo tile coffee bar along with stainless steel finishing, along with some natural daylight at certain angles.
Their signature espresso beverages are brewed with coffee beans fresh from their roastery, and include the usual Black ($5, $6), White ($5, $6), Mocha ($5.50, $7), Pourover ($6), and Iced versions ($6 – $7).
The two house-blends available are the more chocolatey Dark Matter (which I personally prefer), and Kotowa which is more fruity. Alchemist Design Orchard (Orchard Road)
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%Arabica Singapore – Holland Village
44 Jalan Merah Saga #01-58 Singapore 278116
Opening hours: 8am – 8pm (Mon – Sun)(subject to changes)
Famous Cafe Opens At Holland Village Chip Bee Gardens
The popular %Arabica has opened its 3rd outlet in Singapore, located at Chip Bee Gardens Holland Village.
Depending on the season and availability, you can find coffees from Japan, Guatemala, Brazil, El Salvador, Ethiopia and Panama.
If you like a little sweetness to your coffee, you can try the Spanish Latte ($9 for iced) which was first created by % Arabica Kuwait, and includes sweetened condensed milk.
There are nuances that reminded me of the local kopi peng, so for a more unadulterated taste, go for the Caffe Latte or Americano.
Grillhood
603 Ang Mo Kio Ave 5, #01-2661 Block 603, Singapore 560603
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Hidden Café At Ang Mo Kio, Serving Mains & Pastas From $7.90 Onwards
Located at the heart of a matured estate, Grillhood Café is the place to visit if you are looking for a ‘chillout’ spot with home-recipe cafe dishes at affordable prices.
Some of the prices you are looking at: Veggie Pasta ($7.90), Classic Tuna Sandwich ($7.90), Spicy Chicken Burger ($8.90), Cajun Chicken ($9.90), and Pan-seared Barramundi ($12.90).
What was recommended included the Chicken Quesadilla ($8.90) with sautéed onions and capsicum; Pan-Seared Barramundi ($12.90) served with wedges, garden salad and salsa; and Spicy Chicken Burger ($8.90) with sides of side of tortilla chips.
In addition, you can top-up $5.90 to get a soup of the day or coffee with a single scoop of ice cream. Grillhood Café (Ang Mo Kio)
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Steeped Tea Bar
2 Tan Quee Lan Street, #01-01, Singapore 188091 (Bugis MRT Station)
Tel: +65 9120 1169
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)
Minimalist Tea Café At Bugis With Unique Flavours
Steeped Tea Bar which is located at Tan Quee Lan Street (next to Kin Moo), uses espresso machines to brew tea to order.
The signature drinks are the fruit tea “mocktails”, with offerings of Pear High Mountain Oolong ($6.30), Grapefruit Sencha or Genmaicha ($5.80), Soursop Sencha ($6.60), Lavender Blueberry ($6.30), Rose Lychee Raspberry ($7.20), and Lime Mint Sencha ($6.30).
What will appeal to customers is that only real botanicals and fruit juices or purees are used, and not any flavoured syrups, colouring, or concentrates.
Also, whole tea leaves are used, instead of ‘tea dust’ or pre-ground tea that allows you to savour the natural taste of the tea better. Steeped Tea Bar (Tan Quee Lan Street)
Gelato Cafe With Unique Flavours Such As Burnt White Chocolate
Monarchs & Milkweed Gelato serves up gelato, waffles and coffee along North Bridge Road.
Good to know that owners had varied culinary experience – one with the renowned Blue Hills at Stone Barns at New York; the other worked at Le Clarence Paris. They both crossed paths at the former Cheek by Jowl.
The gelato is made in small batches, with interesting and unique flavours such as Brown Butter Sage, Burnt White Chocolate, Soursop Mint, Ispahan, Roasted Sesame, Sea Salt Gula Jawa, Rhubarb Buttermilk, Soursop Mint to Lavender.
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Korio
135 Amoy Street, Far East Square #01-03, Singapore 049964
Tel +65 9771 6491
Opening Hours: 8am – 4pm (Mon – Fri), 9am – 3pm (Sat), Closed Sun
Doughnut and Sandwich Shop At Far East Square
Korio is a doughnut and sandwich takeaway shop located in the CBD founded by a husband and wife team Myron and Shaz.
Having had some of the best doughnuts in New York, the couple set out to recreate something similar for Singaporeans.
They also wanted to serve up sandwiches on the menu to provide convenient and hearty lunch options for busy workers in the CBD.
Some of their signature items include the Peanut Butter & Jelly Doughnut ($4.50) containing runchy peanuts folded into a peanut butter glaze, topped with house made raspberry jam; and White Chocolate & Coconut Doughnut with Hazelnuts ($4.50) of toasted coconut flakes and hazelnuts folded into a white chocolate glaze, reminiscent of a Raffaello.
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JLD Dragon
Waterway Point, #B1-43, 83 Punggol Central, Singapore 828761
Bubble Tea Chain JLD 吉龙糖 Dragon Opening In Singapore
Known for its use of 1646 traditional Okinawa Brown Sugar from Japan, JLD Dragon will be opening in Singapore at Waterway Point.
Its signature Brown Sugar Milk is said to be crafted in a “golden ratio” and topped with whipped cream and crème fraiche, so that customers get a good proportion of brown-sugar-coated warm pearls and creamy milk.
I start March’s cafe guide by encouraging readers to support local food businesses you love and new establishments. Many of them are finding themselves in challenging situations in a time of opening.
Once things have become more ‘normalise’, head out and have a good meal. Here are 10 NEW Cafes in Singapore you can go to:
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The Dark Gallery – Great World
Great World #01-117/118, 1 Kim Seng Promenade, Singapore 237994
Tel: +65 6235 4582
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Dark Chocolate Heaven With All-Day High Tea and Savouries
The Dark Gallery has pioneered crafting artisanal dark chocolate desserts, becoming Singapore’s first dark choco-centric café and boutique concept.
It has launched its first triple concept at the revamped Great World, which is worth a visit.
What’s welcomed is that there is spacious dining space for a relaxing day out, a takeaway counter and sit-down cafe area for a quick coffee or ice cream, and retail section for Ice Cream Cakes, Single Origin Chocolate Tablets, Bonbons and Macarons.
Also included is a new dine-in menu crafted by Brand Chef Kimberly Tan, with exclusive plated desserts and savoury dishes – after customers have requested for more brunch food.
This French-style Toasted Egg Brioche ($15) is coated with egg for a glossy appearance, and bathed with rich, golden butter to give it that distinct fragrance.
Then it is stuffed with creamy scrambled eggs, sliced ham and of course cheddar cheese for that satisfying brunch meal.
Other savoury plates to try are the Avocado Toast with Sunny-side Egg ($15) and Mushroom & Bacon Quiche ($15), which also comes with a side salad. The Dark Gallery (Great World)
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Brown Butter
583 Orchard Road, #01-18-19, Forum The Shopping Mall, Singapore 238884
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 8:30pm (Mon – Sun)
Avocado And Beetroot-Centric Cafe With Pink And Teal Colours
From the folks behind the Over-The-Top Milkshakes at Benjamin Browns and Flying Noodles at Hana restaurant, one would expect their newest venture would be another Instagram hit.
True enough, the entire space at Brown Butter is full of Instagram spots; from a wall full of pink roses to an entire pink shelf, pink fridge and a dual tone wall decked in pink and teal for the perfect #OOTD shot.
A wide selection of Toasties (15 in total), are available on the menu, such as Beet Toastie ($15) and Shine Toastie ($15) topped with hummus and a beautiful avocado “flower” on a sourdough.
If cheesecakes are too mainstream as a dessert, check out their version which is literals shaped like a “Cheese”!
Coming in 3 different flavours: Lemon, Beetroot and Avocado at $8.90 each, each cheesecake is beautifully crafted to create the exact shape. Brown Butter (Orchard Road)
French Crepe Café With Kinfolk Vibes Opens At Raffles Hotel
Ronin at Hong Kong Street has said its surprise “Goodbye”, though fans may not be that sad as its owners has opened a brand-new café Gather at Raffles Hotel.
Gather is one of the more unusual French crepe specialty cafes, and also has a retail boutique section with a colour palette that is very “Kinfolk”.
The focus here is on the savoury galette, sweet crepes, though you can also find ciabatta sandwiches here.
The signature to get is called “Off The Bone” ($16) included with class ham, gruyere, cheddar and egg; and Parma Ham ($18) with Italian parma ham, gruyere, cheddar and egg ($18).
The outer layer was beautifully thin, wrapping within savoury and flavourful fillings that wasn’t overly cheesy.
On the sweet side, you get the Plain Crepe made with Bordier butter ($14), Burnt Caramel ($14) and Fig & Camembert ($16). Gather (Raffles Hotel)
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Brotherbird Coffeehouse
32 Bali Lane Singapore 189868
Opening Hours: 12pm – 9:30pm (Wed – Mon), 6pm – 9:30pm (Tues)
Creative Croissant And Brunch Cafe With Minimalist Décor
Fans who were sad due to Stateland Café’s ‘closure’ need not be too disappointed, as the team has reopened with a two-storey “Brotherbird Coffeehouse” concept.
The lower level contained an industrial-grey minimalist look (reminding me of Lucid at Hamilton Road) of two sections – the pastry counter and the coffee side, with a small seating area.
There are basically four different groups you can expect – Twice-baked croissant, the regular croissants (some pumped with fillings), chocolate series, and Danish pastries.
Brother Bird continues to introduce seasonal bakes, such as the current Hae Bee Hiam & Cheese Danish ($5), “Tang Yuan” Pastry ($5) with coconut mochi and adzuki bean, “Nian Gao” & Yam ($5) with yam fillings, Mandarin Orange Meringue Croissant ($4), and Mango Sticky Rice ($5) with fresh mango fillings, coconut mochi in a croissant topped with coconut flakes. Brotherbird Coffeehouse (Bali Lane)
Bakery Cafe With Tasty Breads And Scandinavian Vibes
The latest addition to Bukit Pasoh Road is Baker’s Bench Bakery, (well, kind of opposite Shake Shack Neil Road), positioned as a “neighbourhood bakery” with an open-concept bakery.
All breads and puff pastries naturally leavened by sourdough are baked freshly in the morning, and even many of the ingredients are made in-house such as kimchi, pickles, sauces, jams and butter.
I was naturally drawn to the display of pastries of loaf cakes, scones, muffins, brownies, cookies, and quiches. They include sourdough breads: humble ($8), milk loaf ($8), fruit ($10), multi-seeds($10), 100% rye ($9) and pumpernickel ($8).
But what first caught my eye was the Sticky Bun ($5) which was majestic-looking compared to all the rest, with all that gloss from caramel and pecan.
It turned out to be better than I expected, with a delightful contrast of sticky, brown-sugary and walnutty toppings with soft and pillowy texture. Baker’s Bench Bakery (Bt Pasoh)
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Canteen Bistro
80 Stamford Road, #B1-61, Singapore 178902
Opening Hours: 11am – 3pm Last orders 2:30pm, 5pm – 1am Last Order 10pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun
Hidden Cafe In SMU Serving $8 Omurice With Crispy Chicken
Canteen Bistro is a casual western styled cafe right in the heart of the university. Besides a simple lunch menu, it is also a pub at night which opens until 1am.
Great for students who looking for a place to chill and need a break from all those projects and tutorials.
The Lunch Menu is basically an Omurice as a base, with a choice of main such as crispy chicken, crispy fish, meatball, mushroom or beef stroganoff. Also offered is a soup of the day.
You can also choose from either cream, marinara or demi-glace sauce to be drizzled over your Omurice.
I was pleasantly surprised to see the Crispy Chicken Omurice ($8) served with a generous portion of chicken.
While the chicken was juicy and lightly battered (and decent-tasting), it didn’t have that “wow” effect. But I can’t complain for this price. Canteen Bistro (Stamford Road)
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Burnt Rum & Raisin Cheesecake And Spice-Inspired Menu
Local brand PS.Cafe has launched its latest addition at River Valley’s newly refurbished Great World (previously known as Great World City).
Spanning over 4,300 sq ft, the space can accommodate up to 125 guests, offering a comfortable space in the prime spot of the revamped shopping centre – loads of NEW F&B outlets there.
If you are a regular, you can look forward to a “Spice Route” menu special, with dishes added with house-blended Indian spices and herbs.
Exclusive items to this PS.Cafe at Great World include the Spiced Biryani Salad ($26), Masala Roast Chicken ($33), Lamb Pilaf Pie ($36), and Impossible Bombay Koftas ($28) featuring the Impossible plant-based meat.
PS.Cafe has also brought back its Burnt Rum & Raisin Cheesecake ($12), comprising of the quintessential burnt cheesecake recipe topped with macerated raisins, drizzled with burnt rum sauce. PS.Cafe (Great World)
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Double Up Coffee
7 Jalan Klapa, Singapore 199319
Opening Hours: 9am – 5:30pm (Mon, Wed – Sun), Closed Tues
New Minimalist Cafe With A Touch Of Funkiness
It is of no coincidence that three coffee places with minimalist-industrial vibes have opened within two weeks from one another – Lucid, Brother Bird Coffeehouse, and Double Up Coffee.
There are two halves of Double Up Coffee. Outside, you would spot three chairs of solid colours of red, yellow and blue, along with a table repurposed from a skateboard. It suggests funkiness and young vibes.
The menu is lean, divided into “business” (coffee drinks), “pleasure” (non-coffee drinks), and “chow” (rotational pastry).
You sense that element of playfulness when coffee drinks are not named the conventional latte or flat white, but Spro with Milk ($5) and Double Up ($7).
“Spro” is actually a slang term for an “espresso”. (You can use it like, ”Bro, let’s grab a Spro”); while a Double Up is a piccolo with espresso.
Local Dessert Cafe With White Chendol
Chow Zan Dessert is newly opened at North Bridge Road, located near Heng Long Teochew Porridge and opposite Monarchs & Milkweed Gelato.
The name “Chow Zan” is a colloquial term which means “extremely good”.
The humble-looking dessert shop brings about a selection of traditional hot and cold desserts – some with modern twists, ranging from White Chendol ($4.00), Mango Sago, ($4.20), Black Sesame Paste ($3.50), and Peach Gum with Milk ($4.50).
I was recommended the White Chendol ($4.00), also available in Red Bean and Durian versions ($4.50, $5.50). Fairly interesting with a differentiating factor.
What you get are these white coconut strips with a firmer bite instead of the usual pandan ones. But they would also mean there won’t be that particular pandan fragrance and may not photograph as striking as the typical Chendol.
The shaved ice was quite smooth, topped coconut cream fresh-tasting with mildly-sweet red bean. Even though there was some gula melaka added, the dessert was thankfully not too sweet. Chow Zan Dessert (North Bridge Road)
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Professor Brawn Bistro
Enabling Village, 20 Lengkok Bahru, Academy #01-17, Singapore 159053 (Redhill MRT 10-15 min walk)
Tel: +65 8321 2204
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm (Mon – Fri), 9am – 9pm (Sat), Closed Sun
Professor Brawn Officially Opens Largest Outlet At Enabling Village
Professor Brawn Café is a social enterprise by the Autism Resource Centre (ARC) which provides job and social integration opportunities to people with special needs and the disadvantaged in society.
Over the largest outlet at Enabling Village (near Redhill), the bistro employs staff with intellectual and hearing disabilities.
The space may be slightly hard to find, but do be patient and you will get to this cosy space with natural daylight, and warm, friendly service.
If you are looking for a fuller meal, some mains you can expect include Prof’s Signature Fish n Chips ($13.90), Pan Seared Norwegian Salmon ($18.90), Grilled Chicken with Truffle Sauce ($12.90), Pan Grilled Striploin Steak ($20.90), and Spaghetti Vongole ($14.90).
If not, a selection of desserts, waffles, cakes, croissants, and muffins are also available.
Also look out for The Art Faculty (TRF) which retails art and merchandise created by special talents with autism and related challenges. Royalties from proceeds from the sale of the merchandise will also go to the artists. Do show them some support!
Let’s not forget about some of the home-grown brands we should be proud of, such as Hvala and Matchaya, both known for their matcha latte and desserts.
Those in this list are a combination of 35 cafes (and more) that originate from Japan, feature Japanese style food and desserts, or are helmed by Japanese chefs – an update from the previous compilation. (There are some that we may not have included yet, as we prefer to add cafes we have personally visited before.)
For your convenience, I have arranged them in alphabetical order. While the opening hours have been updated as of Oct 2020, do check with individual cafe’s as operational hours do change from time to time.
The brand which technically started in Hong Kong moved to Higashiyama, Kyoto in February 2014 and became recognised as a coffee brand internationally. Therefore, it has always been thought as a Japanese brand.
While they have been quite popular in Singapore, the price of % Arabica’s drinks are generally to the higher side – Caffe Latte is priced at $7 for short, $8 for tall, while the iced version is priced at $8.
The outlet in Holland Village is the first to have a full food menu serving Beef Katsu Sando, Croque Madame, and Fedelini with Shiso Pasta.
This is its 108 Matcha Saro’s first outlet in South-East Asia, located at the revamped basement level of Suntec City. There are also branches at Changi Airport T3 and ION Orchard basement 4.
Even though the Singapore outlet is mainly a takeaway store, it is still designed with a traditional Japanese teahouse concept.
The local 108 Matcha Saro consists of 4 different live stations whereby passer-by can witness the live making of Warabi-mochi, Obanyaki, whisking of Matcha and assembling of Parfaits and Soft Serves.
Their specialty is the Obanyaki, a Japanese snack traditionally filled with Azuki bean paste and made using a special pan.
The matcha from Uji, Kyoto is most distinctive in the Matcha Custard with Original Dough ($2.90) with oozing matcha in the centre and a distinctive slight bitterness aftertaste. 108 Matcha Saro (Suntec City)
The Asanoya brand is more than 80 years old, founded in 1933 in Karuizawa Japan.
The bakery is known for its rustic Japanese-style bread, with a European twist and baked in a traditional stone ovens (modern ones in Singapore).
The signature bread is the Karuizawa in green tea ($2 per slice) and blueberry ($2.60 per slice) version. The other top-selling includes the Fruits Rye, a mixture of fragrant orange peel, rum infused raisins, lightly crushed walnuts and almonds mixed into a delicate rye bread.
If you are going for cakes, there are the Blackforest Cake ($6), Lychee Rose Cheesecake ($6.80), Chocolate Ganache Cake ($6.80), Matcha Swiss Roll ($2.80) and Chocolate Swiss Roll ($2.80).
Other than the main outlet at Queen Street, there is a kiosk and Paragon B1-K27 and 913 Bukit Timah Road.
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Baristart Coffee Singapore
65 Tras Street Singapore 079004 (Tanjong Pagar MRT)
Opening Hours: 9am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)
Popular Hokkaido café Baristart Coffee has arrived in Singapore, and it is not difficult to understand why it would be a hit with both coffee and Japanese food lovers.
Other than using Hokkaido milk of exceptional quality for its coffee, matched with beautiful latte art; its food and desserts – such as the Shiro Kuma Hokkaido shaved ice is worthy venturing to Tanjong Pagar for.
It is the first café here to offer coffee using the popular Brown Jersey Milk from Biei, a small town in Hokkaido, Japan.
Biei Jersey Milk is an ultra-premium milk prized for being rare, as there are only about 800 Brown Jersey cows left making up 1% of the total cow population in Japan.
For a savoury treat, get the Tonkatsu Sando ($16.80). Baristart takes a Western diner classic and gives it a Japanese spin, using the popular Japanese breaded pork cutlet (tonkatsu) as a sandwich filling.
The centimetre-thick meat coated in panko (Japanese-style bread crumbs) is well seasoned, deep fried to a crisp yet juicy inside. Baristart Coffee (Tras Street)
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Cafe Ma Maison
333A Orchard Road #02-33/34 Mandarin Gallery Singapore 238897
Tel: +65 6235 6411
For those of you who remember, Café Ma Maison used to exist at Liang Court’s basement. The new space at Orchard Road replaces where gorgeous pastry shop Antoinette used to be.
In terms of “Special Cakes”, there is an attractive display of Classic Strawberry Shortcake ($7.80), Chocolate Walnut ($7.80), Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake ($7.80), Earl Grey Tea ($7.80), Fresh Fruit Shortcake ($8.80), and Japanese Matcha Mousse & Red Bean ($8.80).
While my heart told me to go for a Strawberry Shortcake, I thought it has become quite a regular offering in Singapore’s cafes and so opted for a more uncommon and colourful Fresh Fruit Shortcake.
I loved the array of fruits of grapes, blueberries, kiwi, strawberries and oranges, in between moist yet flurry sponge. But my favourite part was still the light, airy cream.
Also included is a small savoury items menu, with Omu-Katsu ($20.80) of Omu-Rice with Pork Cutlet, Truffle-Flavoured Katsu Sandwich ($14.80), and Mentaiko Spaghetti ($18.30). Café Ma Maison (Mandarin Gallery)
After shopping for those ‘no-brand’ home accessories, you can rest your legs at the café for some Caramel Pudding and Roasted Tea Pudding.
For a filling meal, Japanese style ‘cai peng’ is available. A selection of 1 hot and 2 cold deli with choice of white rice or bread is at $14.80, while the 2 hot and 2 cold combination is at $18.90.
So you can pick dishes such as Inari Pock with Black Bean Sauce, Soy Meatball, Sakura Chicken with Curry Miso and Dried Chillies, Hokkaido Potato Croquette, and Healthy Tofu Patty with Shiitake Mushroom Sauce. The dishes taste, em, healthy.
If not, opt for favourites such as MUJI Butter Chicken Curry with Rice cooked with added Sakura chicken and vegetables; or Crispy Pork Katsu drizzled with a combination of Japanese mayonnaise and Tonkatsu Sauce. (Read: Café & Meal MUJI Paragon Orchard)
Japanese confectionary Châteraisé has been opening EVERYWHERE in Singapore, but this outlet at Toa Payoh incorporates a sit-down café concept.
Their best seller is the “Legendary Strawberry Cream Cake” which boasts of light fresh cream and sweet strawberries.
Other popular favourites include White Zebra Caramel (that’s like a Mille Crepe Cake), Green Zebra, Crispy Chocolate Cake, Fluffy Cream Rolls and animal-shaped ones.
Daizu Cafe is the newest addition to the cafe scene along Rangoon Road.
Their brunch menu featuring Daizu Brunch ($22) and Lemon Miso Egg Benedict ($24) is available daily from 11am to 3pm; whereas Rice Bowls ($14 – $17) and Udon ($16) are available from 11am till 3pm and 5pm onwards.
I loved that there is a Petit Breakfast ($10) meant for smaller eaters, with chicken sausage and ultra-creamy scrambled eggs with brioche toast.
Soybean powder is used to make the batter in some of their Japanese dishes such as the Kitsune Udon with Tempura Prawn ($16) and Chilli Soft Shell Crab Rice Bowl ($17). Daizu Café (Rangoon Road)
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Emma – 100AM
100 Tras Street #02-10 Singapore 079027
Tel: +65 6443 1727
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm (Sun – Thurs), 11am – 10pm (Fri – Sat)
Last order half hour before closing
Seen those gravity-defying Japanese soft serve on social media?
Other than Boba Taco Softie ($6.80) or Okinawa Brown Sugar Boba Japanese Soft Serve in Wafer Shell, I would recommend the Charcoal Cheese in Charcoal Cone ($5.50).
Think Japanese soft serve, topped with Okinawa brown sugar pearls and housed in crispy wafer taco shell.
They have also introduced new Japanese-style bubble tea range with a difference. The drinks are also included with “Kuromitsu” which literally translates to “black honey” – a thin and dark syrup made from Japanese unrefined kurozato (“black sugar”) often used in the making of Japanese sweets.
You would also find that the chewiness and sweetness of the boba pearls are unlike the usual. That is because “Okinawa brown sugar pearls” are used, cooked with a combination of Okinawan brown sugar and kuromitsu which gives it a distinctive caramelised-sweetness. Emma (Plaza Singapura)
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Fine Dining Bakery
207 River Valley Road, 01-59 UE Square, Singapore 238275
Opening Hours: 9am – 3pm (Mon, Thurs – Sun), Closed Tues, Wed
You would find many Japanese expats and ladies hanging around the café, and find that some of the recommended breads are quickly snapped up.
The head baker Chef Maekochi’s or “Akira” used to work at La Boutique de Joël Robuchon in Roppongi, Joël Robuchon at Resorts World Sentosa, and béni Singapore. That’s why the name of “fine dining bakery” due to his experience.
The bakery café specialises in handcrafted breads using Hokkaido flours, and baked throughout the day in small quantities so that the goods stay fresh.
Its signature is the Shokupan White Bread – deliciously soft and fluffy that may just transport you to Japan. You would also find the bread used for sandwiches such as the Fluffy Egg Salad Sandwich ($8.50).
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Flipper’s Singapore(Opening Nov 2020)
Flippers will make its debut in Southeast Asia with a flagship store at Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Ngee Ann City this November.
The brand that originated in Tokyo in 2014 is a cult favourite that trailblazed the soufflé pancake trend in Japan.
Flippers is known for its inimitable kiseki or ‘miracle’ pancake which is fluffy, pillow-soft and melt-in-the-mouth. Each artisanal soufflé pancake is made using a precise recipe.
The soufflé pancakes are so delicate that they are served with two forks as part of the experience.
The Singapore flagship store will offer both sweet and savoury favourites from Flipper’s classic menu. Flippers
Fans of Japanese-style cakes and pastries should be familiar with FLOR Patisserie Café which has two branches at Duxton Hill and Siglap Drive.
It has recently opened its 3rd outlet with a slightly different concept, FLOR Capitol at Capitol Singapore (formally known as “Capitol Piazza”).
Something to note: This is the first FLOR Patisserie Café to feature freshly made desserts, and some of the recommended include the Signature Roll ($6 for slice, $22.45 for whole), Tiramisu in a Glass ($12), Warm Blueberry Pie with ice cream ($12), and Gula Melaka Crème Caramel ($10).
The one thing to get is the Gula Melaka Brown Sugar Roll Cake ($6) in which you can enjoy the interplay of play of two complex sugars in a single cake. And thankfully light and not too sweet as well.
In terms of texture, the sponge layer was fluffy and soft, while the cream inside was smooth and not too heavy. All in all, a delicious soft roll cake. FLOR Capitol (Capitol Piazza)
You may have seen videos of Gram’s Pancakes which made their way around social media, of stacks of 3 pancakes being ‘shaken’ on plates.
Gram is famous for its 3-stacked “Premium Pancakes”, each 4 cm thick, served with syrup, butter and whipped cream.
In Singapore’s outlet, they are sold at $17.90 for the stack of three.
You can also look out for other offerings such as Rich Tiramisu Pancakes ($15.90), French Toast of Chocolate Banana ($18.90), and savoury Chilli Bean Pancakes ($18.90) with chilli beans sauce, cheddar cheese and sausage served with pancakes.
Henri Charpentier’s Strawberry Short Cake was actually crowned “Best Short Cake” in Japan on a well-known Japanese television programme.
This is also its Number 1 best seller in Singapore.
Compared to other cakes, the whipped fresh cream filling has a richer milk taste, but is still melt in your mouth. The sponge was just slightly on the dry side for me, but overall a delightful version.
Other popular cakes include Mille Crepe ($9.60), Double Cheesecake ($8.50), Tiramisu ($9.60), Lemon Tart ($7.50), Chocolatine ($10.20), and Classic Souffle Cheesecake.
Hoshino Coffee takes pride in its hand-drip coffees, made with roasted 100% premium Arabica coffee beans. These beans are carefully selected by Hoshino Coffee’s very own coffee blend specialist Master Kanno.
To pair with your coffees, you may order any of their popular soufflé-style pancakes – baked fresh upon order (allot 20 minutes waiting time) and served with whipped butter and your choice of syrup (maple or honey).
Their signature Pancakes Souffle Style is priced $9.80 for single and $12.00 and double. The special matcha variant is at $13.50 for single and $16.80 for double.
Aside the hand-drip coffee and pancakes, Hoshino offers spaghetti with various toppings (its signature is Hoshino Spaghetti with Eggplant, Bacon, Shimeji & Sausage, $14.00), rice dishes (the Fuwa-Fuwa Hoshino Souffle on Porcini Cream Rice with Bacon is a must-try), meat plates (go for the Hoshino Angus Beef Steak Plate, $21.80), and side dishes (Hoshino French Fries with Wasabi Mayo, $6.00).
A Japanese teahouse located within the walls of the 19th-century built chapels at CHIJMES. (There are also outlets at TripleOne Somerset and Keong Saik.)
The space has a minimalist touch with wooden elements incorporated into every single details, yet brought out the beauty and the simplicity in the design. (Reminds me of Peace Oriental Teahouse from Bangkok.)
The tea apparatus and tableware are all neatly displayed at the bar counter, from the mini stone mill grinder, pour over apparatus, tea scoop to the whisk.
This is probably the best spot to witness all the actions and effort in preparing every cup of tea, with an expanded space, and certainly feels more “zen” now. Hvala (CHIJMES)
Rail pass ticketing, retail and Japanese style cafe. This is the first overseas venture by East Japan Railway Company, located on Level 1 of Tanjong Pagar Centre.
Walking in, the first thing you may notice is a convenient rail ticket service for Japan rail passes.
Food wise, the menu did feel rather ‘Western-Japanese’, with a selection of burgers ($19 – $22), sandwiches ($15 – $18) and rice plates ($16 – $18). There is a selection of pastries from Asanoya Bakery.
Legit Matcha Desserts At Jewel Changi Airport
If you are a sweet tooth or just needing a tea break while walking around Jewel Changi Airport, the JW360° café corner is for you.
They have a range of cakes and gelato, with matcha and sakura specials, using Japanese ingredients like matcha, adzuki bean, and wasanbon, an expensive fine-grained Japanese sugar made from Shikoku sugarcane.
The must-get is the Japanese Gelato ($7.50) with 2 flavours topped with sweet potato. Flavours include Japanese Whiskey, Caramel Walnut, Soba-Cha (interesting), Matcha Milk, Sweet Potato, Hoji-cha and Black Sesame.
The Goma I dare say with its rich and intense flavour, is possibly THE BEST black sesame gelato I had in Singapore.
The picturesque Matcha Mont Blanc ($9.00) with Japanese chestnut paste is my personal favourite; while Matcha Mille Feuille ($9.00) with matcha butter, custard and sweet chestnut are both art-on-a-plate. JW360° (JEWEL Changi Airport)
Known to have 9 outlets in Japan with 14 years of history, Kagurazaka Saryo has opened its very first flagship store right in Singapore at VivoCity.
Brought into Singapore by Japan Food Holdings who owns eateries such as Ajisen Ramen, they have replaced existing Fruit Paradise outlet (Oh bye bye, Fruit Paradise!) with Kagurazaka Saryo.
Fans of fruit tarts from Fruit Paradise need not worry as the tarts are still available for purchase in slices or in whole at Kagurazaka Saryo.
The menu offers a selection of signature matcha desserts such as their famed Matcha Fondue with Assorted Sides ($14.90) and Matcha Frozen Smores ($9.90).
However, the matcha ice cream was milky and sweet, and the taste of green tea was not as distinct as expected, especially when this brand is supposed to comes from the land of matcha. Kagurazaka Saryo 神楽坂茶寮 (Vivocity)
Japanese Bakery-Café At Novena
Kamome Bakery is a new Japanese bakery-café at Goldhill Shopping Centre, located near Novena MRT Station.
There are a couple of varied sandwich choices of Meat Loaf ($5.80), Croquette ($5.20), Tonkatsu ($5.60).
Breads are quite uniquely-Japanese, with the offering of Red Bean & Butter, Teriyaki Chicken Pizza, Yuzu Chestnut, Dark Cherry Tart, Cinnamon Roll, Banana Brown Sugar – all priced from $3 to $5 thereabout.
When you talk about one of the best coffee shops in Singapore, Kurasu should be a shoo-in with its stringent roasting practices, aromatic coffee, and minimalist lifestyle approach.
Kurasu, which means “to live” or “lifestyle” in Japanese, started off as a Japanese homeware store in Australia.
It eventually led to a retail space in owner Yozo Otsuki’s hometown, Kyoto in 2016. The brand focuses on both the Japanese coffee culture and being a one-stop provider for Japanese coffee equipment.
Upon walking into the new outlet at Waterloo Street (it moved from Odeon Towers), you get that simple-homely and Japanese-style minimalist (better if it is not so crowded and thus echoey), with a coffee table to witness the hand pour process, and several sofa seats for a cozy feel.
A popular drink is the Matcha Latte Espresso ($7.50, same price for hot and iced) otherwise known as “Dirty Matcha” is a combination of sweet matcha and latte – so there is a good balance of both. Kurasu (Waterloo)
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Kyushu Pancake Singapore – Holland Village
25 Lor Liput, Singapore 277735
Tel: +65 6352 6265
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon
Japanese Pancake Cafe At Holland Village
Kyushu Pancake which used to be at Novena Regency, has reopened again at a different location – Holland Village.
Wondering what to get? Some of the top-sellers include Berry-licious Pancake ($16.90), Matcha Tiramisu ($16.00), and Matcha MontBlanc ($18.00), and Annou Imo Pancakes (16.00).
There are also savoury options of Eggs Benedict ($18.00), Croque Madame Pancake ($19.00), and American Big Breakfast ($22.00).
The Kyushu Pancake Mix is made from 7 different finely selected grains including wheat from Oita Prefecture and Pressed barley from Saga Prefecture, 100% homegrown in Kyushu Japan, free of emulsifier, artificial fragrance, additives or processed starch.
Therefore, the texture may not be the usual souffle and wobbly that many Singaporeans are more used to. Kyushu Pancake (Holland Village)
LUNA, the patisserie down Amoy Street spoiling customers with its mouth-watering cakes and pastries, has launched a number of new cakes in their menu.
My personal recommendations would be the 2 NEW Japanese inspired cakes of Houjicha Tiramisu (inspired by the trending waterfall cake), and Goma Kinako Mochi Roll.
For the Hojicha Tiramisu ($8), you get traditional Italian dessert tiramisu meeting hojicha, an aromatic Japanese roasted green tea, to fill in for this coffee-less treat.
What I need to mention though, is that the tiramisu comes wrapped with a plastic sheet. Once removed, be prepared for a ‘waterfall’ of the lava top later.
Also available on the menu are the Matcha White Chocolate ($8), Vanilla Cheddar Cheese ($7.50), Carrot Cream Cheese ($8) and assorted seasonal tarts and pastries such as the current-trending Korean-inspired Mentaiko Garlic Cream Cheese Bread ($6) and Truffle Garlic Cream Cheese Bread ($6). LUNA Patisserie (Amoy Street)
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Matchaya – The Cathay
The Cathay, #01-08/09, 2 Handy Road, Singapore 229233
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Matchaya is a Japanese tea shop serving authentic Japanese-inspired beverages and sweets. They started off at ICON Village, but moved to The Cathay with bigger seating area of 18 seats, and an impressive menu offering more than 80 items.
All premium ingredients, such as matcha and houjicha, are painstakingly sourced from different prefectures in Japan and blended exclusively.
Hand-brewed from their own sources of tea, the Matchaya Exclusive Blend which is a bottled Japanese Milk Tea is a crowd favourite.
The expanded menu includes Sandwiches ($6.90 – $8.90), Kiaseki- style Mains ($13.90 – $16.90), Drinks ($5 – $8), Ice Cream ($5.90 – $8), Parfaits ($8.50 – $14.90), Kakigori ($14.90) and Cakes ($6 – $9).
The crowd favourite is the Koicha Azuki Roll Cake ($6) made with generous amount of ceremonial matcha and Chantilly cream, Azuki red beans and 100% activated charcoal sponge cake.
Moist and fluffy on the outside, yet oozing with rich and distinctive matcha cream, I would say possibly worth the calories. Matchaya (The Cathay)
Café by day, Izakaya by night, Menya Kanae offers you authentic Japanese comfort food and drinks whichever day part you need them.
A bright, cosy ambiance welcomes you to sit and slurp on its signature Hokkaido miso ramen, bite off a thick, crisp, crunchy Ebi Sando, or savour any of its classic comfort food offerings.
Go for the Signature Handmade Ebi Tartar Sando. This Japanese-inspired sandwich features a hearty ebi katsu, made from chunky pieces of lightly-breaded deep-fried prawns.
Two grilled slices Hokkaido milk bread keep the thick and juicy patty in place, accompanied with crunchy coleslaw to balance the textures. Enjoy this signature dish with a side of house greens and crisp shoestring potato fries.
French-Japanese Café Miam Miam (which means yum yum) located at both Bugis Junction and Westgate, is known for its offerings of pasta, baked rice, pancake, soufflé, matcha latte, and hand-dripped iced coffee.
Signatures include Curry Mushroom Soufflé Rice ($16.90) of cheese baked rice with shimeiji and button mushrooms, topped with fluffy baked soufflé; Riz Noir Squid Ink Rice ($17.50) with assorted seafood, black rice, premium anchovies and omu egg; and Miam Miam Spaghetti ($17.20) sautéed with frankfurters, tomatoes, baby spinach and bacon.
“Nesuto” means “Nest” in Japanese. The interior is painted in pastel pink and white, giving a sense of comfort and minimalism which could be a pull-factor for the tai-tais and OLs for an afternoon respite.
Signaure cakes include the Yuzu Raspberry, Konichiawa Hojicha, Japanese Matcha Azuki, Japanese Goma, and C3 Cheesecake.
I couldn’t keep my eyes off the ‘attention-seeking’ Yuzu Raspberry Cake ($9), coated with a bright pink whipped ganache.
While the portion of the cake might seem bigger than the rest, the Japanese sponge was extremely light and fluffy, perhaps like biting through cotton.
Made with yuzu meringue mousse and chunks of fresh raspberries, the citrusy and tanginess of the fruits cut through entire combination, making the cake light and refreshing. Nesuto (Tras Street)
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Pancake Cafe Belle-Ville
Bugis Junction #01-01B, Towers 230 Victoria Street Singapore 188024 (Bugis MRT Exit C, facing Victoria Street, under the giant TV screen)
Tel: +65 6255 5456
Opening Hours: 11am – 8pm (Mon – Sun)
Suddenly Japanese pancakes are getting back in trend in Singapore. Pancake Cafe Belle-Ville has three outlets, located at Bugis Junction, 100AM Mall, and Novena Square2.
Pancake Cafe Belle-Ville originated from Osaka Japan, with its popular flagship store located at Umeda Whity.
The pancake café is known for its meringue made-to-order millefeuille (French for “thousand layers”) pancakes, included with homemade whipped Hokkaido cream, stacked from 2 to 8 layers.
Priced from $11.90 to $16.20, varieties include Strawberry and Mixed Berry Pancake, Mango Pancake, Grilled Apple with Homemade Caramel Pancake, Matcha with Rice Ball and Red Bean Pancake, and Chocolate with Grilled Banana Pancake. Belle-Ville (Bugis Junction)
Perhaps you may remember “Hattendo”, the once-trending Japanese cream buns which had long queues outside its café at Tanjong Pagar Centre.
That café may have closed, but they have returned with a brand new “PIPES by Hattendo” concept at Dorsett Residences, very near Outram MRT Station.
During the day there is a Japanese-fusion menu along with the signature cream buns; while night time customers can expect chef’s speciality dishes.
The lunch time menu includes a variety of items such as Tamago Sand ($13) of egg mayo sandwich with sausage and green salad, Teriyaki Pork Chop Don ($14), Roast Bee Don ($18), Una Don ($25), Roast Beef Sourdough Toast ($14), to Spanish Pork Belly Burger ($8). PIPES by Hattendo (Dorsett Residences)
Maccha House specialises in traditional Maccha beverages and desserts created from this fine green tea powder, all sourced from Kyoto Japan.
While they also serve hot food items, most are really here for their desserts, such as the Maccha Soft Serve Anmitsu with Rice-flour Dumplings, and Maccha Parfaits which come with rice flour, chocolate or soy milk pudding.
While the palm-sized Maccha Tiramisu ($7.99) seems ordinary, it contained a layer of premium Kyoto’s “Morihan” matcha powder with more than 170 years of history, carefully dusted on top.
They serve the Hot Maccha drink the traditional way – whisked with a bamboo chasen out of a bowl. Their Maccha Latte is considerately not as bitter, so some may like this version? Maccha House (Orchard Central)
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Nana’s Green Tea Café
The Atrium @ Orchard, Plaza Singapura 68 Orchard Road #03-80/82 Singapore 238839 (Dhoby Ghaut MRT) Tel: +65 6684 4312
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)
With more than 30 branches in Japan, Nana Green Tea is sometimes termed as the “Japanese Starbucks”.
Although Nana’s Green Tea is known to be a café, it also sells several main courses such as dons, udons and sushi rolls, with a more localised menu quite unlike the ones in Japan.
Desserts such as its Matcha Anmitsu ($8.80), are definitely its strength. It may not blow you away but makes a decent afternoon tea-time treat, with its azuki red bean paste smooth and satisfying.
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Omotesando Koffee
6A Shenton Way #04-01, The Work Project, Downtown Gallery, Singapore 068815
Opening Hours: 8am – 6pm (Mon – Fri), Closed Sat, Sun
This a take away store tucked away in a corner of Level 4 of Downtown Gallery as part of office space “The Work Project”, but that did not hider coffee fans from finding their way to this secluded part of building.
Over here, the menu is kept simple with Hot or Iced selections.
Hot coffee include espresso based Omotesando Koffee Hot (Regular $4, Large $5), Hand Drip Koffee ($6) Latte and Cappuccino (Regular $4.80, Large $6).
The popular choice is the signature Iced Cappuccino (Single $7.50, Double $8.50) capped with layer of bubble foam and topped with cocoa powder. Omotesando Koffee (Downtown Gallery)
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Pronto Singapore
Capital Square #01-02/08, 23 Church Street Singapore S049481
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Fri), 3pm – 10pm (Sat), Closed Sun
You may have walked past one of these Caffe Pronto in Japan, but may not have paid special attention.
Pronto has opened in Singapore, within Capital Square along Church Street.
It is located within a Japanese-themed gourmet space called GOCHI – which houses six different Japanese food concepts. These include Chojiro (sushi), Unaemon (unagi), Suage Express (soup curry), Morozoff (cheesecakes and chocolates), and Paletas (popsicle).
It changes its menu and service style according to the time of the day. This is where you can enjoy Italian-style coffee and bread in the morning, then a plate of pasta for lunch and dinner.
Pasta choices include the classic Bolognese ($11), Porcini Cream Sauce with Truffle Oil ($15), Scallop & Bottarga Aglio Olio ($13), Crab & Broccoli Arrabiata ($18), and Mozzarella Tomato Sauce ($15). Pronto (Capital Square)
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Rilakkuma – The Relax Café
Kumoya @ Orchard Central #04-08, 181 Orchard Road, Singapore 238896
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm, Last Order 30 minutes before closing (Mon – Sun)
Rilakkuma Pop-Up Café In Singapore At Orchard Central
While many character cafes in Singapore have short life spans, Kumoya known for its numerous pop-up cafes has opened a new outlet at Orchard Central #04-08.
This Kumoya @ Orchard Central is bigger at 2000 sq ft (more space for social distancing), brighter, overlooking Singapore’s Orchard Road.
This pop-up “Rilakkuma -The Relax Café” will be the first semi-permanent San-X characters pop-up café in South East Asia, as it will be a year-long collaboration with various San-X characters making their appearance.
Items available include Relaxy Rilakkuma Chicken Cordon Bleu ($29.90), Rest & Relax Rilakkuma Chicken Stew Rice ($25.90), Chill-out Rilakkuma Yuzu Carbonara Pasta ($23.90) and Rilakkuma Chill-out Tendon Rice Set ($27.90). Rilakkuma Café (Orchard Central)
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St. Marc Bakery & Bar
Parkland Green @ ECP 920, East Coast Parkway #01-09/10, Singapore 449875
Tel: +65 6342 1786
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm (Mon – Thurs), 12pm – 11pm (Fri), 9am – 11pm (Sat), 9am – 10pm (Sun)
Japanese dessert Café Saint Marc has a few star items – Choro Cro pastry, Little Fuji and Geisha Waffle Cone. No doubt, I am a fan.
Few would know they opened a restaurant concept with much larger space at Parkland Green, East Coast Parkway.
Dining at a Japanese café by the beach sounds like a great weekend activity. However, while The East Coast St. Marc may provide a fuller menu, the experience at other branches felt better. (Read: St Marc Bakery & Bar Parkland Green)
Pullman Bakery, famous for their Hokkaido curry buns and other Danish pastries, is a name that Japanese bread lovers should recognise.
Do you know that it first started off as “Tachihara Bakery” way back in 1978 in Hokkaido Japan?
I noticed that there is matcha in EVERY section of the menu, and ordered the Matcha Cream Toast ($3), Ice Matcha Latte ($4.50), and Matcha Cup Dessert ($3).
The Ice Matcha Latte ($4.50) was relatively sweet, overpowering everything else. As a matcha lover, I would have preferred more distinct notes of green tea. Tachihara Coffee (Millenia Walk
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Tsujiri
6 Eu Tong Sen St, Clarke Quay Central #01-74, Singapore 059817
Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm (Mon – Sun)
Probably one of the most known Japanese green tea café in Singapore. Tsujiri is said to be a 155-year-old traditional Japanese tea brand serving the highest quality Matcha with a contemporary twist.
However, do not confuse them with Japan’s Gion or Saryo Tsujri – which the Japanese are more familiar with.
The O-Matcha Latte ($5.60, $6.20) is a customer favourite, made using matcha harvested from Tsujiri’s own plantation in Uji, Kyoto.
I found the latte slightly sweeter than the usual Japanese style, but was still a smooth, refreshing drink.
They used to have more outlets in Singapore, but the one left now is at Clarke Quay Central.
In a blink of an eye, we have reached the very last NEW café compilation of 2020.
And yes, we have visited over 150 NEW Cafes this year – went to each and every one and more; and that is despite having a 2.5 month break due to the “Circuit Breaker”.
In line with the cooler weather of December, half of this guide is occupied by ice cream cafes, so you can take your pick to sweeten up the day.
As an additional note, some of the cafes can be quite popular and overwhelmed (still getting a hang of operations), so do exercise some patience or visit during off-peak hours if possible. Also check the operational hours on their social media in case they decide to take a break.
Enjoy the very last month of 2020 – shall be good!
Gelato Bar at Lau Pa Sat With Local Flavoured Bandung And Milo Cones
There is a revamped section known as “Food Folks” that features local F&Bs and retail products, including 10 F&B brands focusing on Hawker, Street and Mod-Sin menus.
Located right opposite Runes is the takeaway Gelato bar – Creme & Cone, serving 16 different and unique gelato flavours with local flavours such as Butter Kopi, Pulut Hitam, Milo Cookie, Root Beer Float and Sour Plum.
Both the Bandung and Milo cones were considered unique in Singapore’s context. Both are nostalgic flavours as they are ‘childhood’ drinks.
I preferred the former as it was more floral and refreshing, which would probably complement well with gelato flavours such as Blueberry Lavender and Lychee Raspberry. Cream and Cone (Lau Pa Sat)
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I See Cream
Thomson V2, 11 Sin Ming Road, #01-14, Singapore 575629
Opening Hours: 2pm – 11pm (Tue – Thu), 11am – 2am (Fri – Sat), 11am – 11pm (Sun), Closed Mon
Ice Cream Cafe With Herb & Spice Belgian Waffle At Thomson
The newest addition to Thomson V Two at Upper Thomson, the humble-looking cafe literally pronounced as “ice cream” when you read it quickly.
There were 12 gelato flavours available when I visited, such as premium flavours ($5 per scoop, $20 per pint) of Pistachio, Valrhona Dark Chocolate, Lychee Raspberry, Coconut, Yuzu, and Biscoff.
Other special flavours ($4 per scoop, $16 per pint) included Mango, White Peach Yogurt, Soursop, Blueberry, Rock Melon and Chocolate Chip.
I noticed that 8 out of 12 flavours were all fruit-based, all in the form of gelatos without sorbets for the lactose-intolerant.
The single scoop of Biscoff Gelato ($5) was served with Herb & Spice infused Belgian Waffle ($3.50) and edible Gold flakes were added as a nice finishing touch.
Made using bits of Lotus Biscoff biscuits, it added a firmer bite to the smooth, creamy and sticky texture of the gelato, adding some malty sweetness to the overall taste. I See Cream (Thomson)
Ice Cream Cafe With Yubari Rock Melon Flavour At Bedok Reservoir
From midnight supper spot at Bedok 85 Fengshan Food Centre to the new gelato bar Hay Gelato that opens till 2am, it seems that Bedok is indeed very ‘happening’ at night.
The 20-seater space has a different feel at night, illuminated by blue neon lights that gives off a chill and relax vibe.
The Waffles ($7.90) come in 3 different flavours: Red Velvet, Charcoal and Buttermilk with a set option ($12) that includes a single scoop of ice cream with a soft drink.
Only the Charcoal Waffle was available at the time of my visit and it was promptly served within 10 minutes in a stacked fashion. I thought that resembled Oblong’s version at Serangoon Garden.
Both the Red Velvet and Charcoal waffles came with a layer of cream cheese in between the two waffles layers, while Nutella was used for the Buttermilk waffles to make the batter more moist and flavourful. Haute And Cauld (Bedok Reservoir)
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Hay Gelato
136 Bedok North Ave 3, #01-148, Singapore 460136
Opening Hours: 1pm – 2am (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon
Late Night Waffles & Gelato Cafe At Bedok Opens Till 2AM
By the folks behind Brine Restaurant at North Bridge Road is their new 18-seaters (10 indoors, 8 outdoors) gelato cafe at Bedok.
This is just 2 doors away from Percolate Coffee and one street away from crowd-favourite FatCat Ice Cream Bar that serves artisanal ice cream flavours.
A total of 12 flavours will be available at any one time, with interesting flavours such as Balsamic Strawberry, Truffle, Meyer Lemon, Yuzu Ginger and Smoked Hay.
I didn’t expect myself to “eat grass” when I ordered the Smoked Hay ($5.20 for premium flavour), supposedly their signature flavour at Brine Restaurant.
Made by smoking real hay (plants or grass dried and stored as animal fodder or food) and infusing into their milk-based gelato, the Smoked Hay gelato was dented in the centre with cocoa nibs on top. Hay Gelato (Bedok)
Artisan Gelato Cafe With Unique Flavours at West Coast
Those who resides in the West would be thrilled to hear about this new artisan gelato spot which has opened at West Coast, Faber Drive.
For those who haven’t heard of Gelato Labo, their first outlet is a hole-in-a-wall takeaway ice cream store which is located at Jalan Besar, featuring an assortment of handmade artisan gelato with unique exotic flavours.
Some of the newer flavours which previously didn’t came across at Jalan Besar were such as Watermelon Mint & Chia Seeds, Naval Orange & Chrysanthemum, Colombian Cold Brew & Cookie Butter Bits, Caribbean Rum & Charred Pineapple and Yamanashi Peach & Lemongrass.
I was rather intrigued by the Sakura Smoke, Artichoke & Pear Compote, which has a paring of fruity with mild nutty undertones, followed by a light smoky after taste.
Flavours are on seasonal rotating basis and single scoop from Premium range goes for $5 and Gourmet range for $6. Gelato Labo (Faber Drive)
Tarts Specialty Shop Opens At Ngee Ann City
Drips Bakery Café has been in the Tiong Bahru estate since 2010 or so, and I wrote about the café sometime in 2012. It is a slight surprise to find them opened in the heart of Orchard Road at Ngee Ann City.
Rotating tarts you can expect to find there include Baked Almond Tart, Matcha Yuzu Tart, Cinnamon Egg Tart, Choc Truffle Tart, Baked Crumble Tart, Fresh Avocado Tart, Fresh Yuzu Tart, Lemon Meringue Tart, Baked Lemon Tart, Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart, and more.
The average consumer may be concerned about the price, with each 4-inch tart costing about $9.90 and Seasonal Fresh Fruit Tart at $12.90.
The one item that has remained as a best seller over the decade is the Seasonal Fresh Fruit Tart ($12.90).
They use a secret recipe to create a French butter tart shell paired with freshly made in-house custard infused with Madagascar vanilla beans. Drips Bakery Café (Ngee Ann City)
Familiar Name Makes A Return Next Door With A NEW Brunch Menu
Strangers’ Reunion is now found at 37 Kampong Bahru Road, next door from its original space (Another café Kream & Kensho has taken over the previous location.)
The brunch menu remains lean for now, with updates of previous favourites and a couple of new dishes.
What you can expect include an Ancient Grain Salad ($14.90), Roasted Cauliflower Salad ($14.90), Avocado on Sourdough ($16.90), and Roast Beef Melt ($18.90)
A popular favourite is the Strange Breakfast ($16.90) with poached eggs with homemade puff pastry, hollandaise and seasonal green.
The Father’s Favourite Sandwich ($16.90) should be well-liked by mums as well, coming looking like a sandwich made of croissant.
The Ritual
383 Bukit Timah Road, Alocassia Apartment, Singapore 259727
Opening Hours: 8am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)
Brunch Cafe With Truffle Scrambled Eggs And Cosy Space At Bukit Timah
The Ritual is a new café at Bukit Timah Road below Alocassia Apartment, but has nothing to do with Ritual Gym for 30 minutes exercises.
Brunch items available from 8am to 5pm include The Ritual Big Breakfast ($25) with sourdough or croissant with eggs, sausage and mixed greens, Signature Avo Toast ($18), Ritual Protein Bowl ($25). Slightly on the pricey side.
I had the Truffle Scrambled Eggs and Smoked Salmon Toast ($23), made more luxurious-looking with black caviar and smoked salmon accompanied with sourdough toast.
It was a decent fare, as I thought the eggs could have been creamier and truffle oil aroma more apparent, but the caviar helped to add briny notes to the blander tasting eggs.
For something sweet, offerings include Belgium Chocolate & Berries Waffles ($15), Earl Grey & Speculoos Waffles ($15), Banana Split ($13) and Assorted Cakes ($8).
Pastel Pink And Blue Cafe With Oat Cold Brew At Fusionopolis
Tiong Hoe has opened a 3rd outlet located at Fusionopolis, sharing the same space as Super Simple that focuses on protein and salad bowls.
The 40-seaters space is beautifully decked in pretty pastel pink and blue tone with a botanical theme and a small coffee counter that can only accommodate 2 persons.
Their menu here includes items of Double Espresso ($3.50), Long Black ($4.50), Piccolo Latte ($4.50), Cappuccino ($5), Latte ($5), Flat White ($5) and Mocha Latte ($5.50) with add-on such as Ice (+$0.50), Espresso shot (+$1.20) and Oatmilk (+$1).
Their house blend is the same across all 3 outlets, a 2 beans-blend of 50% Colombia and 50% Guatemala roasted in house.
I am a fan of their Cold Brew that comes in 4 different flavours: Amber Black ($7), Pollen White ($7), Mocha ($7.50) and the new Oat Zero ($8).
Instead the 330ml glass beer bottles used previously, the cold brew bottles were redesigned with a cap for easy storage instead of consuming the entire bottle at one go. Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee (Fusionopolis)
Hidden Japanese Kakigori Café at Beach Road
Located on the 2nd floor of City Gate, Fuwa Fuwa is a 25-seater Japanese Kakigori-specialty cafe with a simple interior, decked in white and wooden elements.
Japanese Kakigori typically uses ice blocks shavings that are light and fluffy. After which, flavoured syrup is drizzled over since the base is bland.
A total of 4 fixed flavours are available at Fuwa Fuwa, namely Ichigo ($12.50) which is strawberry, Uji Kinotoki that is matcha ($13.50), Mango ($13.50) and Chocolate Brownie ($13.50).
The iced shavings of the Uji Kinotoki Kakigori ($13.50) were so “fuwa fuwa” and indeed cotton-candy-like, almost felt like a guilt-free treat.
The Hokkaido Tokachi Azuki was a nice touch, adding some sweetness and texture to the combination, making it sweeter and chewier. Fuwa Fuwa (Beach Road)
The Chir Cafe & Bar
Holland Village, 26A Lor Mambong, Singapore 277685
Opening Hours: 9:30am – 10:30pm (Mon – Sun)
Brunch menu: 9.30am – 4pm; Dinner menu: 4pm – 10.30pm
1st Korean Cafe Concept By Famous Fried Chicken Brand
Korean food lovers will be familiar with Korean fried chicken brand Chir Chir (pronounced “chi-ruh chi-ruh”) – the famous fried chicken chain originating from Seoul, South Korea.
And yes, this is its first café concept in the world.
Expect brunch items designed by a team of Korean chefs available from 9:30am (till 4pm), all-day pasta, and a night menu of hearty Korean fare – think Chir Fried Chicken, Spicy Seafood Tteokbokki, Bacon Kimchi Dubu, to even Coke Ribs with Fries.
The recommended is the Bulgogi Tartine ($22.00), an open-faced sandwich with a thick slice of brioche for its base, slathered with a creamy spinach mascarpone spread, then topped with juicy bulgogi beef.
Another favourite is the Chir Chicken Waffles> ($17.50), the all-in-one meal featuring a crispy fried chicken thigh accompanied with a couple of soft and fluffy waffles, or technically “Croffle”. The Chir Café & Bar (Holland Village)
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Porcelain Cafe By Gratefood Co
290 Orchard Rd, #04-48 The Paragon, Singapore 238859
Opening Hours: 11am – 6pm (Mon – Fri), 10am – 6pm (Sat – Sun), Closed PH
Magical-Looking Smoothie Bowls From Plant-Based Café
This is one café you may have completely missed out as you are doing your shopping at Orchard Road, a plant-based wellness cafe nestled within Porcelain Origins at The Paragon.
Other than smoothie bowls, they also serve up Singapore’s first mushroom & adaptogen specialty coffee, açaí, chia & coconut yoghurt bowls and thick smoothies, revolving around plant-based wellness.
I had the Beach Paradise ($24), and it was almost a perk-me-up upon seeing it for real – especially when you only see ‘instagrammable’ photos around and wonder what a normal customer would get.
A blueberry, blue spirulina powder and coconut yoghurt blend form the base; while maple granola, organic raw cacao nibs, feuilletine and sprinkles make up the ‘sand’. Porcelain Cafe by Gratefood Co. (Paragon)
Pretty Bakery Cafe Opened By Daughter Of Hong Kong TVB Actor Benz Hui
Don’t be surprised if you ever spot Hong Kong veteran actor Benz Hui 许绍雄 at Cafe Bakeaholic in Springleaf. This is because the shop is owned by his daughter, Charmaine Hui.
Spanning across 2 units with tall ceilings, the first unit has a fun and vibrant pink layout, with a ribbon-like waveform bespoke lighting, colourful chairs with terrazzo tabletops and a gold-trimmed glass display shelf showcasing the bakes of the day.
The menu at Cafe Bakeaholic is pretty extensive with both savoury and sweet items, ranging from Salad ($8 – $12) to Pizza ($13 – $15), All Day Breakfast ($10.90 – $14) and their rotating selection of Pastries ($3.50 – $7.50) and Desserts ($3 – $8).
2 flavours were also available for their Donuts, the Sugar ($2.80) and Cinnamon ($3), both a soft and fluffy with a chewy texture that was light and refreshing. Cafe Bakeaholic (Springleaf)
New Café Concept With Cakes, Thai, Indonesian, Filipino Food
Culture Spoon is a new co-sharing kitchen concept along River Valley Road, with a 40 seaters space (30 indoors and 10 outdoors) featuring different chefs and cuisines on different days of the week.
You get Thai, Western, Indonesian, Filipino Food, along with pastries and cakes – offered at different hours of the day.
Thai food is prepared by Wok with Man, Chef Wyman Wong who has prior experience at two-Michelin-starred Waku Ghin, and is available daily for lunch (11.30am – 2.30pm) and dinner (after 5.30pm).
Dessert is sourced from Cultured Bakeyard from 7.30am, whereas coffee is supplied by Quarter Life Coffee Roasters and Tea by The Tea Affair.
A co-sharing kitchen offering different cuisines in one space is definitely welcoming to the diners since they are given more options. Culture Spoon (River Valley)
Winnie The Pooh Inspired Ice Cream Cafe Opens Till 12AM Daily
As to why “Hundred Acre Creamery”, the 25 seaters space is named after the fictional place in the book “Winnie-The-Pooh by A. A. Milne”.
As fans of the fictional story, the owners would like to share happiness, love and the value of companionship through their favourite childhood treats – ice cream and dessert.
Apart from the usual offerings such as Ice Cream (Single $3.80, Double $7, Premium +$1, Gourmet +$1.50), Rosemary Cone (+$1) and Waffle ($6), interesting desserts such as Life of a Coconut ($7), Coco Affogato ($8), Dalat ($9) and Coco Pandan Waffle ($10) can be found here too.
Unique flavours here include Peach Basil, Sea Salt Butter Caramel, Lilac Taro, Soursop Mint, Thai Tea Lychee, Ocean Blue (Nori with white chocolate) and Honey Chrysanthemum & Cacao Nibs.
The Peach Basil was my favourite – citrusy and fruity with distinctive aroma. The taste of fresh basil also balances well with the overall flavours. Hundred Acre Creamery (Sunset Way)
Gelato And Waffle Cafe Opens 7AM Till 12AM Daily
Burnt Cones is the newest addition to Sunset Way, located right opposite Olla Specialty Coffee (also serves coffee, ice cream and waffles), with the famous old-school Balmoral Bakery in the vicinity.
As their name implies, Burnt Cones focuses mainly on their range of 12 gelato flavours (Regular Single $4, Double $7/ Premium Single $5, Double $9), Waffles ($6), Cones ($1) with a small menu of drinks such as Coffee (Black $4, White $5, Affogato ($10) and Tea ($4).
The choices are pretty common and on the safer side, with 4 regular flavours (Single $4, Double $7) namely Black Sesame, Fior De Latte (Milk), Earl Grey and Butterscotch.
The remaining 8 Premium flavours (Single $5, Double $9) consist of 85% Dark Chocolate, Tiramisu, Stracciamenta (Mint, Chocolate), Bacio (Hazelnut Chocolate), Pistachio, Scamorza (Smoked cheese) and 2 Sorbets: Mango Passion and Strawberry Basil. Burnt Cones (Sunset Way)
Minimalist MUJI-Style Coffee + Gelato Cafe At Boon Keng
With another new addition to the cafe scene, Slickshots (not Slingshots) has opened in the heartlands at Boon Keng offering gelato, waffles and coffee.
Stepping inside, the 20-seater space is decked in a simplistic, minimalist MUJI-style that incorporates white, grey and wooden elements together.
Four seats are available at the coffee bar counter for the serious coffee drinkers, who will like to interact with the barista over their cup of coffee.
Using the Throwback Blend from PPP Coffee, a 2-beans-blend of Brazil Rio Brilhante and Guatemala Sitio De Maria, their coffee menu offers a selection of Black, White, Brown aka Mocha for their espresso-based drinks, Oat Cold Brew and Filtered Coffee.
For the non-coffee drinkers, Cascara (Coffee cherry, the part that is enveloping the coffee beans which are the seeds), Chocolate, Pulpy Orange, Candied Apple and Sunset Lemonade are available. SlickShocks (Boon Keng)
East Coast Ice Cream Bar Opens Till 12AM During Weekends
Taking over the space previously occupied by 818 Durians & Pastries at Kurau Court, the 34-seater space has a simple interior with 12 indoors seats and 22 alfresco seats in their mini “courtyard”.
The menu is straightforward, offering Ice Cream (Single Classic $3.90, Double Classic $7, Single Premium $4.90, Double Premium $9), Cone (+$1.50) and Buttermilk Waffles ($4.90).
16 flavours are available each time, with classic flavours such as Black Sesame Street, Coco Lychee, Honeycomb, Coco Mint, Stracciatella (milk with chocolate shavings), Salty Caramel, Hazel’s Nut, Hazel’s Coco and Crema Mama (condensed milk).
Premium flavours include Honey Nougat, Fifty Shades of Earl Grey, Avocado Fellow, Hazel’s Kopi, Gingerbread Cookies, Caramelised Banana and Butterscotch.
Hidden Cafe With Gorgeous Garden Space Near Outram The Glasshouse at CHIJMES has earned quite a following for serving artisanal coffee in a pretty glasshouse-like setting and garden-esque décor.
Not many may know that they have started a “Anther” concept.
You can find the concept in collaboration with Angie’s Oyster Bar at Level 2 of Tan Boon Liat Building – which is quite known for the numerous furniture and home accessories shop.
The pastries offered include Classic Croissant ($5), Ham & Cheese Croissant ($8), Pain Au Chocolat ($6), Cinnamon Roll ($6), Assorted Loaf Cakes ($6), and Sea Salt Chocolate Sable ($3.50).
Skateboard & Snowboarding Themed Coffee Space At Somerset
Halfpipe is the newest cafe in town at Triple One Somerset Orchard Road, opened by the folks behind The Ride Side, a Snowboarding Company in Singapore.
A retail and drinks concept that incorporates coffee, craft beers, snowboarding and skateboarding, Halfpipe wants to create a space for the board sports community to gather together.
A 2-beans-blend of Brazil and Colombia roasted by Penny University is used for their espresso-based drinks such as Black ($4) and White ($5) with additional top-up of $1 for Iced, Espresso shot or Otis Oat Milk.
Diners also can choose to bring home their houseblend (200g for $18, 1kg for $55) decked in bright red and loud colours. Halfpipe Skate Bar (Somerset)
While dining-in has resumed for pairs of two, many new restaurant and cafes are still affected due to lack of awareness, visibility and publicity. (Of course, they are a couple that gone quite viral, but those below to the few.)
Melbourne-Inspired Cafe With Delicious Brunch, Bicycle Parking Space
Melbourne-inspired Little Rogue Coffee looks set to be the next bright star in the Katong area.
Having worked in many restaurants before, including short stints in Copenhagen at Noma and Restaurant Stud!o, Chef Aaron Leow wanted to change the misconception of cafe food being “usual and boring” in Singapore.
All-Day Breakfast items served from 9am onwards include Breakfast Toast ($12), LRC Breakfast Patatas Bravas ($14), Sourdough Cheese Toastie ($16), Acai Bowl ($12) and House-made Granola Bowl ($12).
There are also vegan options for the last 3 items. Coffee is sourced from Proud Mary by Ballad Of Anna May, if you have cravings for your Australian-style coffee.
I couldn’t miss not having a Soft Scrambled Eggs with Truffle Cream & Ikura ($14), which turned out to be as promising as it sounded.
Compared to some truffle eggs in which the aroma will hit you at the nose, this was more mellow.
With smooth-creamy and luxurious texture, mixing in the truffle cream elevated the richness of the eggs with a faint truffle ‘fragrant’ that lasted for quite a well. Little Rogue Coffee (Tanjong Katong)
Botanical-Themed Cafe By Ex-Head Pastry Chef Of Michelin-Starred Restaurant
Tigerlily Patisserie has finally shifted from an online bakery to a brick-and-mortar dine-in shop at Joo Chiat.
This joins the hot #EastCoastPlan with a number of new cafes opened in this area.
More than just a patisserie, diners can look forward to Breakfast and Brunch items such as Monsieur Kim ($15), a grilled cheese Croque Monsieur with brie, comte, emmental, chorizo and Kimchi, Salmon Tzatziki ($14) with house-cured salmon gravlax and Build You Own Big Brekkie ($18).
Their uniqueness is the various herbs infused within their pastries such as Chitose Strawberry & Elderflower Tart ($11), Lemon Thai Basil Tart ($8), The Beehive ($11) infused with lemon thyme and Pink Guava & pear ($10) made of elderflower mousse.
The Forest Berry Taco ($9) came with crushed hazelnuts at the base, topped with strawberries, blueberries and piped with chocolate cream and chocolate mousse sandwiched between 2 pieces of chocolate taco shells. Tigerlily Patisserie (Joo Chiat)
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Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Around – Tampines
The Alps Residences, 115 Tampines Street 86, #01-51, Singapore 528537
Opening Hours: 12pm – 2am (Mon – Sun)
Gorgeous Glasshouse Ice Cream Cafe At Tampines Opens Till 2AM Daily
As a stand-alone building at The Alps Residence in Tampines, this is Around’s 2nd outlet, opened shortly after their first outlet in Ang Mo Kio.
With a total of 8 tables indoors, the ice cream cafe offers 16 flavours at any one time, ranging from interesting and outlet exclusive ones such as Yakult Oreo, Peanut Butter & Blueberries and Cereal Milk.
Other classic flavours include Pistachio, Speculoos, Strawberry Cheesecake, Peppermint, Salted Caramel, Durian, Matcha and Nutella.
Their Waffle ($7.90) was the highlight, thick and crispy with a choice of Nutella or maple syrup drizzle. It had a golden-brown hue on the inside with a crispy texture, fluffy and cake-like on the inside. Around (Tampines)
Sweet Cheeks Gelato first started in 2019 at Potong Pasir by 3 SMU graduates together with an Italy-trained chef handcrafting fresh gelato daily.
To be better in the art of gelato-making, their co-founder travelled to Bologna, Italy to train for a month. This is their 3rd outlet – the first two at Potong Pasir and Ang Mo Kio.
18 gelato flavours are available at any one time, priced at $4 for single scoop, $7.50 for double scoops, additional $1 for premium flavour and additional $2 for gourmet flavours.
Gelato flavours were inspired by their co-founder’s overseas travels. For example, Ricotta with Pistachio & Lemoncurd with Speculoos by travels to Italy, Cinnamon Brown Bread from the streets of Ireland and Coconut Mango, and Mango Sticky rice in Thailand.
Two new flavours were launched in conjunction with the opening of this outlet: Balsamic Strawberry with Chia Seeds and Biscoff Cookie Crunch.
The Balsamic Strawberry with Chia Seeds was a refreshing treat, citrusy and tangy with a refreshing twist. Sweet Cheeks Gelato (Jalan Besar)
Instagrammable 2D Black & White Café With Brunch & Ice Cream
After similar 2D café concepts have appeared in Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Malaysia, it is Singapore’s turn with Café Monochrome at 216 Syed Alwi Road.
While this isn’t exactly a fresh concept, you can tell that the team behind Café Monochrome did spend significant amount of time doing up the painting works, while paying attention to details.
In terms of food, mains offered include Truffle Cream Pasta ($16), Monochrome’s Angel Hair ($14), Mentaiko Pasta ($13), Spicy Baked Fish ($12), Garlic Pepper Fish ($12), and Monochrome’s Brunch ($15).
There are also a couple of donburi bowls such as Wagyu Donburi ($18), Smoked Duck Donburi ($12), Smoked Bacon Donburi ($12), and Yakitori Donburi ($12).
I had the Monochrome’s Brunch ($15) which was considered okay-priced as many similar big-breakfast-plates are edging towards or have gone beyond the $20 price tag. Café Monochrome (Jalan Besar)
Minimalist Lifestyle Cafe With Delicious Brunch And Tiramisu At Farrer Park
The idea of SYIP came about as the owners (who are two sisters) wanted to create a minimalistic lifestyle concept cafe for people to syip (sip!) and dine during these unprecedented times.
The sisters first started with Soft Peaks Bakery, a home-based bakery focusing on tiramisu, and gradually gained experience and confidence in starting out a café with physical space.
Apart from serving an all-day brunch menu, they offer their own in-house desserts, specialty coffee and other signature drinks.
There are five main brunch items – SYIP Big Breakfast ($18), Burrata French Toast ($22), Avocado on Toast ($14), Creamy Chicken Scrambled Egg Croissant ($16), and Steak on Eggs ($26).
Also available are two rice bowls topped with Mentaiko Chicken ($15) and Wagyu Beef ($20); along with pasta dishes of Ikura Kombu Capellini ($16) and Seafood Rose Linguine ($19).
I must say this café is off to a positive start as the Creamy Chicken Scrambled Egg Croissant ($16) created with a flow-down effect with croissant covered with creamy chicken and scrambled egg, was pretty appetising.
Of course the house-made cream sauce helped gave that buttery mouthfeel, and the accompanying mushrooms were also soft. SYIP (Owen Road)
Specialty Coffee Bar At Ubi With Latte At $3
Good news to those working at Ubi, Parched by coffee roaster Parchmen & Co. has set up a permanent coffee bar at the lobby of Aspial One.
Opened by the same folks behind pet-friendly Sun Ray Cafe at Serangoon Garden, Parched offers probably one of the most affordable specialty coffee in Singapore.
Customers can choose between 2 options for their espresso-based drinks, a single origin Ethiopia or a 2-beans-blend from Peru and Honduras.
The Ethiopia beans is more suitable for Black ($3 for 5oz, $5 for 10oz) with a more concentrated citrus flavour and sweeter body with notes of ginger flowers, raspberry and lime.
One can find Matcha and Hojicha Swiss roll ($7.50 each), Sour Cream Cheese Cake ($6), Fig Pie ($6), Strawberry Shortcake ($6) and Dark Chocolate ($6) on the display shelf.
While most places serve their Swiss roll by slices, the Matcha and Hojicha Swiss roll here are served in bigger portions. Parched (Ubi)
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Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
The New And Old Café
10 Anson Road, International Plaza 01-11, Singapore 079903 (along Choon Guan Street)
Tel: +65 8797 7775
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 7pm (Mon – Fri), 10:30am – 7:30pm (Sat), Closed Sun
Hidden Cafe At Tanjong Pagar Selling Bolo Bun And HK Milk Tea
Dry Mee Siam, Bolo Bun, Okonomiyaki, Croissant, Waffles, Kueh Salat, Baileys Tiramisu… the menu items at The New And Old Café are as diverse as it gets.
In terms of mains, there are items of Special Beef Multigrain Rice ($12.90), Luncheon Meat Noodles ($6.90), Dry Laksa ($9.90, available Wed), Dried Fried Mee Siam ($9.90, available Thurs), and Okonomiyaki ($8.90) filled with tuna, chicken or prawn (additional $1 – $1.50).
There are lighter snacks of Crispy Bun with Condensed Milk ($3.50), Luncheon Meat and Scrambled Egg Sandwich ($5.50), Kaya Butter Toast ($2.20) and Peanut Butter Toast ($2.20).
The owner has R&D for almost half a year to achieve the silky and smooth texture of the HK Style Milk Tea, and I enjoyed the lingering bitterness without being overpowering or siap siap.
Also, both were silky renditions with delicate tea aroma, with the chilled version coming in a bottle submerged in ice cubes (so that it does not get diluted yet cold) and lightly sweetened. The New and Old Café (Tanjong Pagar)
White & Pink Minimalist Specialty Coffee Bar At Bishan
Covet Coffee is a specialty coffee place located near Bishan Ang Mo Kio Park, serving Espresso-based drinks.
The interior is painted both white and pink (because the owner loves pink) with a long coffee bar counter on one side and 5 tables on the other side for dine-in purposes.
Coffee items over at Covet Coffee include Espresso-based drinks ($5.50 – $6), Filter Coffee ($7 – $12), Tea Latte ($6) and Chocolate ($6.50 – $7.50).
2 types of coffee beans are available, a single origin of Costa Rica ($6) and a 3-beans-blend ($5.50) of Colombia, Costa Rica and Ethiopia roasted by Tad Coffee Company.
My cup of Flat White ($5.50) using the Anna Blend (Colombia, Costa Rica and Ethiopia) was well-balanced and had a smooth and medium body.
The flavours were robust with dark chocolates and cherries taste, coupled with bright, citrus blueberries notes in the finishing. Covet Coffee (Bishan)
Japanese Mont Blanc Specialty Cafe Offers Chestnut Parfaits, Tarts, Cakes And Lattes
Cafe Kuriko is the new Japanese Mont Blanc specialty cafe that offers both Waguri (Japanese chestnut variety 和栗) and Purple Sweet Potato Mont Blanc ($13.90).
Coming with a choice of chestnut or cheese base, each Mont Blanc is freshly made ala minute upon order.
You get freshly churned out from a metal canister that contains the pureed chestnut or purple sweet potato cream within seconds.
I had the Purple Sweet Potato Mont Blanc with chestnut base ($13.90), sprinkled with icing sugar and topped with chestnut bits as a finishing touch.
The purple sweet potato cream was lightly sweetened with a smooth and creamy texture, consistent every mouthful.
The chestnut bits added a chewy texture to the overall, giving it a delightful contrast against the creamy purple sweet potato strands. Cafe Kuriko (Funan)
Friends asked if I am still writing this “new cafes guide” for August.
In which I answered “of course”.
Wait. “Are there STILL new cafes opening in Singapore?” “This period?” “Who will go?”
Reasonable questions. I guess all the more they need some sort of publicity so that people can grab a coffee or two and food if it is near them (yet they do not know); or bookmark till it is legal and to dine out again.
Here are 10 NEW Cafes In Singapore August 2021: (Quick note that many F&B establishments has amended operational timings during P2HA period, so do check out their social media for updates.)
Rooftop Cafe At Hillview With Beautiful Burgundy & White Interior
Coexist Coffee Co. is found on Level 8 of the industrial Hillview Building – a walk from Bukit Batok Nature Park, but has gotten some social media attention among Instagram influencers.
It ticked some of the right boxes at the start – some form of hidden find to Singaporeans craving for a ‘travel’ adventure, highly instagrammable factor, and promising menu with brunch, mains and pastries.
Converted from a former canteen, the interior is split half into a photogenic white and burgundy-red, with the middle suspended long table being the highlight.
Wait till 10am, and All-Day Breakfast items available include Bao Benedict ($14) of poached eggs in mantou ($14), Avocado Toast ($14), Smoked Salmon Toast ($16), Breakfast Burrito ($18), and Kaya French Toast ($16).
Mains offered had some Asian and local elements, featuring Rendang Wagyu Beef Burger ($22), Sambal Fish & Chips ($20), Seafood Coconut Broth ($18), Chicken Waffles ($18), Steak & Eggs ($26), and Squid Ink Fried Rice ($26). Quite promising food as well. Coexist Coffee Co. (Hillview)
Instagrammable Doughnut & Croissant Shop Opened By MasterChef Singapore Runner-Up
Sourbombe has finally shifted from an online business to a brick-and-mortar shop on the 2nd level of UBS Singapore Business Hub at 9 Penang Road.
Genevieve Lee, runner-up of MasterChef Singapore’s first season, first started her online business Sourbombe in August 2020, focusing on sourdough Bomboloni, an Italian doughnuts piped with various fillings.
Using homegrown sourdough starters for all her bakes, customers can look forward to Sourdough Bomboloni aka Sourbombe (Plain $3.60, Standard $4.80, Premium $5.60), and Sourdough Loaf Cakes ($8.90).
Their flavours are artisanal with six signature ones permanently on the menu, namely the original Cinnabombe ($3.60), Lavender-Lime Mascarpone ($4.80), Hojicha Caramel Crunch ($4.80), Passionfruit & Caramelised Banana ($5.60), Blueberry & Lemon Thyme ($4.80) and Basque Burnt Cheesecake ($5.60).
For the original experience, the Cinnabombe ($3.60) was such a delightful treat, simple but so soft, fluffy and chewy yet airy at the same time, just lightly flavoured with cinnamon and sugar. Sourbombe (Penang Road)
French Pastry Cafe Near Outram With Instagrammable Cakes and Pastries
Nuage, pronounced as “nu-age”, means “cloud” in French and is a representation of the owners ideology in being carefree without restrictions in their bakes and pastries.
Classic French pastries can be found here, namely Croissant ($4), Pain Au Chocolate ($4.50), Ham & Cheese Croissant ($6.90), Kouign Amann ($5.50), Plain Bagel ($3.50) and Bacon Onion Cheese Focaccia ($8.90).
Their cakes menu is on a rotating basis and there were Pistachio Strawberry ($9.20), Strawberry Popcorn ($9.80), Brown Sugar Boba ($9.60), Blueberry Cheesecake ($8.50) and Elmo/ Cookie Monster Cupcake ($6.50).
My favourite was the Brown Sugar Boba ($9.60) with a brown sugar Swiss roll sandwiched between 2 butter cookies.
Remove the butter cookies to reveal the soft and fluffy brown sugar sponge, generously piped with brown sugar Chantilly and brown sugar boba that gives it a nice contrast in textures. Nuage Patisserie & Boulangerie (Kampong Bahru)
Hidden Ice Cream & Waffles Cafe At Somerset With $4.50 Wafflewich
Play Gelato is a gelato and waffles café hidden within Midpoint Orchard, painted in striking turquoise and white.
It is founded by a married couple with the intention to offer memorable and flavourful gelato.
Interestingly, they are focused on single flavour profiles that are rich and creamy, as contrasted to mix of fanciful flavours which are quite popular in recent openings.
Available choices when I visited include Peanut Butter, Dark Chocolate, Rum & Raisin, Chocolate Mint, Pistachio, Matcha, Cookies & Cream, Hazelnut, Raspberry Sorbet, Double Belgian and Strawberry Marshmallow.
A scoop goes for $5 for classic, $6 for premium flavours.
Their recommended are the Double Belgian ($6) with chocolate brownie cookies to enhance the texture and taste; and Rum & Raisin ($6) in which the raisins were in soaked in rum for at least 24 hours before the gelato is produced. Play Gelato (Orchard)
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Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Up in Smoke
NEWest, 1 West Coast Drive, #01-67, Singapore 128020
Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm (Mon – Fri), 9am – 11pm (Sat – Sun)
Smoked Waffles Offered By Hidden Gelato Cafe At West Coast
Up In Smoke is opened by sister cafe Burnt Cones at Sunset Way.
Most of the gelato flavours are are similar across the two outlets, with 14 artisanal hand-crafted gelato flavours (Single $5, Double $9, Signature +$1, Supremo +$2) on display.
Customers can look forward to Bacio (Hazelnut chocolate), Fior de Latte (Milk), Oreo, Madagascar Vanilla, Earl Grey, Ube (Purple Yam), Scamorza (Smoked cheese), Black Sesame, Butterscotch, 85% Dark Chocolate, Pistachio, Thai Coconut Lychee and Strawberry Basil.
As their name implies, Up in Smoke focuses on smoked items on their menu, namely the Smoked Buttermilk Waffle ($10) and their Scamorza (Smoked cheese) gelato.
Hmm, from the name and the $10 price tag, the Smoked Buttermilk Waffle does burn a hole in the wallet (pun intended).
With a fragrant and smokey aroma, the smoked buttermilk waffle had a savoury, almost bacon-like taste to it, adding some complexity to the usual dessert. Up in Smoke (West Coast)
Kovan’s New Ice Cream Cafe Opens Till 2AM Everyday
Cheeky name aside, Naked Ice Cream is opened till 2AM every day for supper goers, and the plain waffles is priced at $3.80 – considered more affordable than many new cafes.
On its menu are classic ($3.80) and premium flavours ($4.80) such as Speculoos Cookies Butter, Mint Cookie Chip, Hojicha Green Tea, Strawberry Cheese Cake, Earl Grey Tea, Milo Dinosaur, Cookie Monster, Lychee Lime, and Hokkaido Milk.
So I went for the more interesting sounding Yubari Rock Melon with a delightful fruity sweetness, though I wished it was either creamier or more ‘sorbet-y’ while this was somewhere in middle.
Generally, the ice cream could be less sweet.
The waffle which was served in options of plain ($3.80) or ($4.80), came in two easy-to-manage pieces with light crispiness, buttery-ness and fluffy texture in between. Naked Ice Cream (Upper Serangoon Road)
Instagrammable Garden Theme & Bicycle-Friendly Café
Opened by the folks behind 6 Letters Coffee at Tanjong Katong, 6 Letters Brunch is the newest kid to join the #EastCoastPlan at Siglap.
Located along Frankel Avenue (where Dutch Colony Coffee Co. is), 6 Letter Brunch is pretty spacious with a total of 16 tables indoors and a front porch area that accommodates another 4 tables and 4 bicycle racks.
Serving an extensive menu with over 100 items, there are All Day Brunch items ($7 – $25), Salad ($11), Soup ($6), Meats/ Fish ($16 – $25), Burger ($16 – $28), Pasta ($15 – $21), Sides ($6 – $26), Kid’s Meal ($9 – $12), Smoothie Bowl ($12 – $13), Waffle $8 – $16), Gelato (Single $4, Double $6) and Desserts ($8 – $12).
12 new dishes are exclusive to 6 Letter Brunch, namely Sweet Potato Rosti ($16), Salmon Rosti ($18), Crabcake Sweet Potato Rosti ($18), Chilli Crab Pasta ($18), Salmon Aglio Olio ($18), Mr Frank Toast ($11), Pulled Pork Tacos ($12), Brunch Tacos ($12), Smoked Duck Pancakes ($12), Pancake Wonderland ($16), Creme Brûlée ($8) and Fudge Brownies ($12).
The Smoked Duck Pancakes ($12) came with savoury toppings such as a dollop of sour cream, and smoked duck, drizzled with blueberry jam that added a good balance and some complexity to the dish. 6 Letter Brunch (Frankel Avenue)
Japanese-Style Cakes Cafe With Botanical Theme
Easties rejoice as the #EastCoastPlan is getting more exciting with the opening of FLOR Patisserie at Upper East Coast Road.
Using mainly fresh fruits which are lighter in flavour than conventional French pastries, locally-grown brand FLOR Patisserie doesn’t use artificial colourings or chemical agents in their cakes.
Signature pastries include the Sophie ($9.50), Passion Donut ($9), Matcha sponge Paris Vert ($8.90), Tarts ($12.50) and Swiss roll ($7.48).
The Paris Vert ($8.90) comes with matcha cream and Azuki cream, encased within a match meringue and matcha sponge.
Probably one of the prettiest cafes you can find in this part of Singapore, the view outside was magnificent surrounded by lush greeneries that evoked a sense of tranquility.
Using a single origin from Myanmar, espresso-based drinks include White (Regular $4, Large $5), Black ($3) and Batch ($2.50) with add-on such as Oat Milk (+$0.50), Espresso Shot (+$0.50) and Iced (+$0.50).
My cup of White ($4) was well balanced with a smooth, medium bodied and darker roast, definitely what the CBD peeps will need on a hectic day.
Apart from coffee, there will also be food served such as Pastries, Sandwiches ($6 – $8), Salad ($5.50), Rosti ($7) and Protein Bowls. Runes Café (Biopolis)
Pink Whimsical Dessert Cafe With Than 70 Items
Sweetish Dessert 有点甜 is yet another pretty-in-pink dessert café in Singapore, conveniently located at Parklane Shopping Mall at Selegie.
Talk about instagrammable dessert places in Singapore, and Smile Dessert 酒窝甜品 (Bugis) and Sweet Hut 甜秘密 (Geylang) may come to mind, offering an ideal spot for cafe hoppers to take the perfect #OOTD.
With over 70 items on their menu, diners can look forward to hipster desserts such as Souffle Pancakes ($15.90), Milk Tea “Hot” Pot and Mian Mian Ice ($6 – $6.50). The former two were unfortunately not available during my visit.
Other traditional desserts include Chendol ($3.80 – $4.50), Durian desserts ($5.50 – $6), Double Skin Milk Series ($3 – $3.80), Taro Ball Series ($4.30 – $4.80), Sago Series ($4.80 – $5.50) and Shaved Ice Series ($5.50).
The Strawberry Mian Mian Ice ($6) came with soft and fluffy Taiwanese ice shavings, drizzled with strawberry syrup, a scoop of strawberry ice cream, strawberry popping pearls and fresh strawberries. Sweetish Dessert 有点甜 (Parklane Shopping Mall)
This month we chose to spotlight those new cafes at more hidden spots in Singapore – in Kallang, within a community centre, at Bukit Batok West, and within a fitness club at Tanjong Pagar.
Floral-Themed Café in Kallang Serves Up Asian-inspired Pastas & Burgers
Sprouting up at Kallang is Knock Knock Café with floral-theme aesthetics and fusion cuisine., a spin-off of the Knock Knock livestream app.
Free high-speed WiFi and modular rooms make Knock Knock ideal for remote work and business meetings.
Make it a meal and have their Asian-inspired pastas and burgers like “Lup Cheong” Carbonara, Just Like Grandma’s ‘Hae Bee Hiam’ Pasta, and Umami ‘Laksa’ Seafood Pasta.
Try this Asian-inspired Just Like Grandma’s ‘Hae Bee Hiam’ Pasta ($17) and get comforting feels with its familiar local ingredients. If you love the mix of aglio olio and prawns, this is for you. Bouncy Tiger prawns get a delicious slick of flavoured oil in between the strands of al dente spaghetti.
But unlike a regular aglio olio prawn pasta, this rendition is just like Grandma’s for the hae bee hiam tossed into it. These spicy dried tiny shrimps pack a punch of savoury-spicy flavours.
1-for-1 Pastas Promotion:
From 1 to 30 September, enjoy 1-for-1 pastas all day at Knock Knock Café. The promotion is valid for both dine-in and takeaway.
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Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Dewgather
The Star Vista, 1 Vista Exchange Green, #01-46, Singapore 138617
Opening Hours: 8am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Buona Vista Cafe With Candy Floss French Toast And Chicken Waffles
Dewgather, pronounced as “together” has opened at The Star Vista alongside with other new indie cafes such as The Headless Baker & Sons 無頭師 .
Featuring a spacious 20-seater space indoors and 40 seats outdoors in an elongated layout, Dewgather has a contemporary look decked in dusty pink with industrial flooring.
Their mains menu features a selection of brunch dishes that are pretty similar to many cafes, priced about $2 – $3 higher.
These include Dewgather Breakfast ($22), Salmon Avocado ($20), Hummus in the Pan ($15), Waffle & Fried Chicken ($20), French Toast ($18), Linguine Puttanesca ($17) and Barramundi Fish Burger ($25).
Chef’s recommendation includes the Dew Harvest Bowl ($22) and Dew Swordfish Pasta ($24). Worthy to mention is that there is a relatively high proportion of vegetarian options.
The French Toast ($18) looked “instagrammable” with a scoop of Crème anglaise ice cream, topped with brown sugar crumble, crushed pistachio, berry compote, purple candy floss with edible flowers on top of the thick sliced brioche toast.
What I liked most is the brioche toast, slightly crispy on the edges with a fluffy and chewy texture on the inside which becomes moist after soaking in the cream foam and melted ice cream. Dewgather (The Star Vista)
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Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Pacto 忆缘 by Parchmen
Jalan Besar Community Centre, 69 Jellicoe Road #01-05, Singapore 208737
Tel: +65 9833 0858
Opening Hours: 9am – 9pm (Mon – Sun)
Cafe Hidden Within Jalan Besar CC With $2 Espresso
Just as I thought that Jalan Besar cannot get any more crowded with new cafes, there are a few that popped up just this month.
The one thing to note is their coffee is more on the wallet-friendly side, with an espresso priced at $2. A Long Black is at $3.50, with no additional charges for an iced version.
There was a small selection of cakes available, from Sourcream Cheesecake ($6), Hazelnut Royaltine ($7), Green Tea Azuki ($6), Matcha Swiss Roll ($4.50) and Houjicha Swiss Roll ($4.50). Pacto 忆缘 by Parchmen (Jalan Besar)
Gorgeous French-Style Double-Storey Cafe With Crepes, Pancakes And All-Day Breakfast
Named after co-owner Suzette Simon, Chez Suzette is the brainchild of the husband-and-wife team, who first met while working at 3 Michelin Stars restaurant, Joël Robuchon.
Occupying 2 storeys with both 8 seats indoors and 16 seats in the alfresco dining area, French elements are incorporated in the interior design.
My favourite corner is their alfresco dining space, the patio which is the paved outdoor area with tall ceilings, hanging fans, huge plants and ample sunlight shining through in the morning that create the lush space.
Their menu starts from 8.30am with All-Day Breakfast such as Egg Mayo Croissant ($8), Avocado Toast ($14), Eggs Benedict with Parma Ham or Salmon ($16), Croque Monsieur ($14), Beetroot Burrata Salad (2 pax $32), Dippy Eggs with Toast Soldiers ($7), Pancakes with Berries ($16) and Homemade Granola Bowls with Yogurt ($13).
I particularly enjoyed the Eggs Benedict ($16) that comes with a choice of Parma Ham or Salmon, which is considered a staple in most brunch places.
While most places served their poached eggs on a huge slice of brioche or sourdough, the version here is served on mini brioche with a fluffy texture almost like a muffin. Chez Suzette (Teck Lim Road)
Pet-Friendly Botanical Theme Cafe With All-Day-Brunch
Acoustics Coffee Bar, previously known as Acoustic Cafe at Ang Mo Kio , has shifted to Neil Road (right opposite Apiary).
This has expanded to a 40-seater here at Neil Road, using materials to create a neutral sound environment with a better acoustics (thus the name).
Other music elements include the wooden waveform structures seen hanging on the walls and two huge speakers to create the ambience.
Using fresh produce for all their dishes, expect All-Day-Brunch With Breakfast At Acoustics ($24), Acoustics’ Fluffy Pancakes ($12), Brie & Mushroom Croissant ($13), and Egg in A Hole ($14).
The Breakfast At Acoustics ($24) comes with a choice of Egg (Ramen Egg/ Scrambled/ Sunny Side Up), Cheese Sausage, Slow Baked Tomato, Maple Glaze Bacon, Roasted mushroom, Kale salad on a slice of sourdough.
The components are generally well-executed with the scrambled egg stealing the limelight with its moist and creamy texture.
The slow baked tomatoes were a mention, soft and tangy, adding a refreshing citrus punch to the combination. Acoustics Coffee Bar (Neil Road)
Instagrammable Brunch Cafe At Joo Chiat With Sand Dunes-Inspired Décor
The Joo Chiat area is becoming so exciting with many new cafe additions of late.
The interior draws inspiration from sand dunes with waves that mimic the uneven surface of the sand as seen on the ceiling, walls, and bespoke lighting in the main dining hall.
Something different from the usual minimalist, industrial or botanical designs that are commonly seen in local cafes.
With an All-Day Breakfast that starts from 8.30am daily, signatures include 7S Avod ($18), 7S Brekky ($26) and Cheese Toast with Ham ($11).
The Mains are served from 11am with a selection of Bangers – Mash ($22), Gyu Burger ($26), Land/ Sea Protein ($21), Spicy Chicken Burger ($18), Truffle Mac ($18), What The Fish ($23) and Pasta ($18 – $23). Sevens Cafe (Joo Chiat)
Ice Cream Cafe By Just Because Creamery Opens At Serangoon
Fans of Just Because Creamery in Sembawang will be thrilled to know that the brand has opened a second outlet in Serangoon right beside NEX.
With a rebranding to The Better Scoop, their new outlet at Serangoon is more spacious and can accommodate up to 32 pax.
Compared to first outlet in Sembawang, diners can look forward to a more extensive menu with more (18 versus 14) ice cream flavours (Single $4.20, Double $8, Premium +$0.50), unique Waffles ($6.50 – $6.80), Signature drinks ($5 – $6.50), Coffee ($3.50 – $5) and Tea ($4.50).
Interesting flavours include Orh Nee (Yam), Black Sesame Soy Milk, Luo Han Guo (Monk fruit) Longan, Tie Guan Yin, Chrysanthemum Goji Berries and Osmanthus Oolong.
Among the 3 seasonal waffles, the Tie Guan Yin Waffle ($6.50) and Nian Gao Waffle ($6.80) come with a traditional twist. The Better Scoop (Serangoon Central)
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The Community Coffee
14 Upper Cross Street, Singapore 058330
Opening Hours: 9:30am – 6:30pm (Fri – Wed), Closed Thurs
Chinatown Cafe With In-House Coffee Roastery
Those who frequent the Orchard area may be familiar with The Community Coffee which first started in 2017, serving $4 at Far East Plaza.
Over here at their new space, the 19 seater space is more spacious and has a “MUJI-like” touch, mainly decked in white and wooden elements with bar counter seats, sofa and a long banquette bench lining against the wall.
2 single origins are offered on their menu for their espresso-based drinks, namely Peru and Colombia.
Prices start from $5.50 for a cup of Double Espresso and $5 for a 5oz espresso with Milk.
My cup of Flat White ($5) using single origin beans from Colombia was medium-bodied, smooth with a medium roast, with hints of yuzu and plum with a sweet finish.
Unlike the usually taste profile of Colombia coffee beans, Caturra trees were grown by the Colombian producer, which undergoes a classic fully-washed process thereafter. The Community Coffee (Upper Cross Street)
Botanical-Themed Glasshouse Café Outlet At Bukit Gombak
Whisk & Paddle is no stranger to residents staying in Punggol, a popular riverside cafe since 2014 along the Sungei Serangoon Park Connector that leads to Coney Island.
True enough, I wasn’t surprised when Whisk & Paddle decided to open a second outlet along another Park Connector (Choa Chu Kang PC).
Surrounded by lush greeneries from the Bukit Gombak Park, diners can momentarily experience dining in the woods with an extensive menu.
Food choices range from Starters ($9.80 – $14.80) to Brunch ($14.80 – $20.80), Mains ($25.80 – $32.80), Pasta ($14.80 – $20.80), Bar Bites ($11.80 – $13.80) and 10-inch Pizza ($18.80 – $24.80).
While most of the menu is similar to their sister outlet at Punggol, some of the new outlet exclusive items include the Tom Yum Pizza ($24.80), Pumpkin Pizza ($19.80) and Mushroom Bacon Risotto ($17.80).
My favourite was the Tom Yum Pizza ($24.80) came with slices of prawns, mushrooms and onions, drizzled with chilli oil and lime juice for the citrus punch on top of a thin crust pizza. Whisk & Paddle (Bukit Gombak)
Hidden Cool Cafe Within Fitness Wellness Club At Tanjong Pagar
The 4-storey Trapeze Rec. Club is a membership-based wellness club found at Tanjong Pagar, and features a curation of services.
There is an in-house café called the “Canteen” hidden within which members of the public can access to.
Canteen by Trapeze Rec. Club features a limited menu of toasts, coffee, and smoothies made with healthy and organically sourced ingredients.
The menu also includes an array of sweet and savoury Ayurvedic yoghurt bowls, along with bakes from local partners such as Pickle Bakery.
There is also an interesting-sounding Spicy Dan Dan Yoghurt Bowl ($14.80) which is a savoury yoghurt bowl with sous vide egg, chilli oil, sesame, peanut butter and more. This has been their bestseller. Canteen by Trapeze Rec. Club (Tanjong Pagar)
(one more…)
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Kraft Kitchen
820 Tampines Street 81, #01-526, Singapore 520820 (in Tampines Polyview)
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Hidden Tampines Cafe With Baked Mac & Cheese At $10 Nett
Kraft Kitchen often described as a “hidden café gem”, is an award-winning Halal-certified speciality café serving specials like Seafood Pot, Pot Pie, stews, pasta, coffee and desserts.
Located along Tampines Street 81 (near Tampines West Community Club), this no GST and no service charge café offers Western dishes with a touch of local flavours, and Japanese donburi bowls and salads (under the branding Mama Don).
Good to know that the tasty offerings are all priced wallet-friendly, with popular items such as Chicken Alfredo Pasta, Sauteed Mushrooms Ciabiatta, Chicken Cutlet, Gratin Cheese Cream Bake Rice, Mac & Cheese, Creamy Chicken Stew, and Sriracha Chicken & Fries all priced at $10 nett.
Get the delectable Baked Mac & Cheese or Baked Raisin Rice ($10) paired with your choice of the meat.
Try it with a Crispy Fish Fillet and let the savoury notes contrast with the dual type of sweet raisins in the rice. The fish which was more like battered fish & chips, came with generous portion of 3 pieces.
Bugis Junction Outlet With Toretama Fried Egg Breakfast Pancakes
If you love your fluffy pancakes, get ready as well-loved Japanese pancake cafe FLIPPER’S has opened at Bugis Junction.
The Bugis outlet has a glasshouse-liked decor which allows natural-daylight to shine in during daytime.
On the side is the show kitchen in which customers can watch their pancakes being made on the spot behind the window.
Note that as the soufflé pancakes are cooked to order at precise temperatures, the estimated waiting time is about 20 to 30 minutes.
There are three choices of savouries, and diners can also top up $6 to complete the meal with a soup of the day and a choice of drink (latte, honey lemon tea, citron tea or Americano).
This savoury breakfast plate of Kiseki Pancake Maple Bacon and Fried Egg ($22.80) was very satisfyingly delicious due to the inclusion of fried Toretama egg – a type of premium egg from Oita, Japan, produced by free range farming.
You would find the colour of the yolk more orangey, and much creamier and richer in taste.
I also like the turkey bacon which was surprisingly soft, and the crispy house-made rosti. Served with sides of salad with sesame yuzu dressing and maple syrup. FLIPPER’S (Bugis Junction)
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Found
Takashimaya S.C., Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Road, #B1-16 to #B1-24, Singapore 238872
Opening Hours: 10am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)
Stylish ‘Korean-Style’ Minimalist Café At Orchard Ngee Ann City
A modern-day market for unique fashion, The Editor’s Market has opened their flagship outlet at Orchard Road within Ngee Ann City.
And within this fashion and lifestyle boutique, shoppers will be able to find this own gourmet cafe brand: Found.
The 16-seater space has a sleek, white and minimalist touch, equipped with Korean cafe elements such as the use of raw materials with a muted tone and an unfinished look.
A good mix of savoury and sweet pastries are all displayed on the counter, sourced from various cafes on a weekly rotational basis.
Savouries include Black Truffle Pie ($9.50), Spam & Potato Sourdough ($6), Black Garlic Sourdough ($5.50), Cheese Kurt ($6), Coffee Knot ($3.50) and Tomato Forcaccia ($5.50).
My new FOUND love was their Layered Cake ($8) like a tiramisu, in flavours of Banoffee and Matcha.
The latter comes with alternating layers of matcha ganache, cream cheese and matcha sponge topped with a layer of matcha powder and a layer of macadamia crust at the bottom. Found Café (Ngee Ann City)
Baby-Pink Floral Cafe With Red Ruby Pancakes And Bunwich
Opened by the same team behind Greyhound Cafe Singapore, Black Society, Masa by Black Society, BreadStory and Central 中環, Q Classified is the latest brainchild at Ngee Ann City.
Their striking pink floral fantasy theme can be easily spotted, with a borderless design without the use of walls and glass doors.
This creates an open-concept space that looks visually bigger.
The cushioned couches are pretty comfy in shades of baby pink, and there are two private rooms conducive for small business meetings or gatherings.
Their menu is quite comprehensive, with a variety of Mains ($18 – $28), Sandwich ($14 – $28), Sides ($9 – $18), Salad ($12 – $26), Dutch Baby Pancakes ($9 – $15), Freakshakes ($14), Coffee ($7), Tea ($8) and Smoothies ($12).
There are Asian influences in the dishes served such as Bulgogi Beef Wagyuwich ($26), Tamagotchi Egg Uni Sandwich ($26), Seafood Laksa Toast ($16), Trio Xin Tian Di Chinese Bunwich ($16). Q Classified (Orchard Road)
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You Are My Sunshine
Ngee Ann City, 391B Orchard Rd, #05-05A, Singapore 238874
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Korean Brunch & Desserts Cafe With Botanical Interior Opens At Ngee Ann City
Newly opened Korean-inspired brunch and dessert café You Are My Sunshine recently opened at Ngee Ann City.
If you find the name sounding familiar, they have a sister outlet Walking on Sunshine located at Orchard Central.
Both outlets are Korean duo-concept store with both cafe and salon under one roof, with the same iconic lush greeneries and plants in their compound.
The entire space can be easily spotted from far, an entire green wall totally surrounded by potted plants and climbers just like a mini forest.
For now, their menu is exactly the same as their outlet at Orchard Central, with Korean elements added into the dishes.
It is categorised into Salad ($27), Brunch ($20 – $27), Mains ($24 – $33), Sides ($14 – $16), Sweets ($18 – $25), Coffee, Tea and Shakes, with prices on the higher side than most cafes.
Diners can look forward to Korean dishes such as Classic Bulgogi Salad ($27), Crispy Korean Fried Chicken with Yangnyeom Sauce ($28), Hake & Chips with Kimchi Tartare ($32), Popcorn Chicken with Yangnyeom ($16) and Kroffle ($18), a cross between croissant and waffle. You Are My Sunshine (Ngee Ann City)
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Guerilla Coffee
Suntec City Tower 2, #01-506/507, Singapore 038989
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 8pm (Mon – Sun), Last order 7pm
Minimalist, Zen Cafe With Coffee Desserts And Croissants At Suntec City
Located at the drop off point of Suntec City Tower 2, Guerilla Coffee is an easy-to-spot cafe after entering the mall.
Taking up 2 units space, Guerilla Coffee is opened by the folks behind Caffeine Solutions, a wholesale coffee solutions company.
They also provide coffee beans & training, retailing coffee machines, equipment and maintenance tools with the necessary technical support & expertise.
2 house blends roasted in-house are available on the menu namely Guerilla Coffee No.1 (Brazil, Ethiopia) and Guerilla Coffee No.2 (Brazil, Yunnan, Congo) with a 3rd single origin from Indonesia for their espresso-based drinks.
Coffee starts from $4 for a cup of Espresso, Americano ($5), Latte ($6), Mocha ($6.80) and Mint Mocha ($7.20).
Smooth and medium bodied with a distinctive chocolatey taste, the flavours are robust with hints of stone fruit and light acidity for a good balance. Guerilla Coffee (Suntec City)
Spacious Pets-Friendly Cafe With Brunch And French Toast
Well, it seems that the Redhill and Bukit Merah areas are getting more “hipster” these days.
This is opened by the owners behind kids dance studio Rhythm in Me, located just a few doors away in the same block.
As such, Bailey & Whiskey is created with kids in mind, a warm and cosy Safari-theme, equipped with wooden furniture, potted plants, grass lawn and lots of animal plushies that can probably keep the kids occupied.
The cafe is spacious, with 20 tables indoors and a pets-friendly outdoor area that can accommodate another 4 tables.
Diners can look forward to either toasts such as Whiskey’s French Toast ($16), Honey Drizzled Mascarpone Toast ($14), Nutty Butt ($14), Egg Mushroom Toast ($16), Avocado Salmon Toast ($18), or bowls – Super Smoothie Bowl ($14) and Dino Oat Bowl ($12) on their All Day Breakfast menu. Bailey & Whiskey (Depot Road)
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Flourish Bakehouse
318 Tanglin Road, Phoenix Park Block A, Singapore 247979
Opening Hours: 8am – 2pm (Mon – Sun)
Hidden Bakery Cafe At Tanglin With Tasty Bakes And Pets-Friendly Space
Flourish Bakehouse is a brand-new bakery café located at Block 318-A of Phoenix Park, next to gym The Guild Fitness and the GUILD International College.
Customers who wish to dine in can sit at the grass area (it is pets friendly on the outside), or at the small café space – but note that it is non-air conditioned and the whole feel really depends on the weather. Great if there is both sun and breeze.
Bakes are sold at $12 for a box of 3 pieces, or $12 for box of 5. Note that the items are served in boxes, and can be easily packed away.
Savoury bakes included Sundried Tomato, Basil & Feta Muffin, Mozzarella Potato Rosemary Galette, Brown Butter Pumpkin & Sage Quiche, and Ham Leek & Parmesan Scone.
On the sweet side, there was Raspberry & Pistachio Friand, Coffee & Cardamon Walnut Cake, and gluten-free Lemon Polenta Cake.
Between the two categories, I found the sweets bakes generally more impressionable. Flourish Bakehouse (Tanglin)
Cheesecake Specialty Cafe With Cheesecake Macaron Near Chinatown
Known for their Basque-style burnt cheesecake and starting the trend in Singapore way back in 2019, Olivia Restaurant & Lounge at Keong Saik is no strangers to many people.
After 2 years, the team behind Olivia Restaurant & Lounge has finally opened a standalone shop for their signature cheesecake, QUIEC, just one street away from their sister outlet at Keong Saik.
Their signature Olivia Burnt Cheesecake can be found here at QUEIC in various sizes: 4” ($15), 6” ($48) and 9” ($78).
I remembered vividly how distinctive and remarkable Olivia’s version is, using Valdeon cheese (a Spanish blue cheese made from a blend of goat and cow milk) that give it a savoury note, on top of an almond sable base that is firm and crisp, before scorching the top layer to add a caramelised touch.
More like a pie instead of the cake due to the almond sable base, the result is a semi-molten cheesecake at room temperature, creating a myriad of textures from the oozy cheese to the crazy caramelised layer and the crunchy almond sable base.
There is a nice balance of sweet and savoury notes due to the Valdeon cheese used, intense but not overpowering, slightly salty and pungent, with a complex combination of flavours. QUEIC (Kreta Ayer)
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Breakfast Club – Holland Village
17a Lor Liput, Singapore 277731
Opening Hours: 10:15am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Retro American Diner With Fried Chicken & Waffle And Rosti
From neon lights to stripes, black and white checkered floor tiles and old school jukebox, Breakfast Club at Kovan Serangoon has opened their newest branch at Holland Village.
You find the vibes similar to Joji’s Diner – the brand is known for their American diner vibe, introducing a piece of America in the 50s and 60s in Singapore with affordable dishes.
The menu is largely similar at both outlets, serving American grub such as Fried Chicken & Waffle ($11.90), Burgers ($12.90), Fries ($8.90) and Milkshakes ($9.90 – $12.90).
Exclusive to this outlet are Country Fried Chicken & Mash ($12.90), Chicken Chop ($9.90) and Jane Hopper ($10.90).
Other signature items on the menu includes the All-Star Platter ($12.90), Farmer’s Plate ($21.90) and Rosti (Plain $6.90, Egg Sausage $9.90).
The Jane Hopper ($10.90) comes with a hearty portion of half a waffle topped with a sunny side up, scrambled eggs, baked potatoes, 2 bacon strips, 2 beef patties.
My favourite was the smooth, silky, and creamy scrambled egg with a creamy and buttery taste.
Hidden Cafe With Generous Portions And Inexpensive Pricing
While not exactly “new”, Craze Kitchen has recently revamped their menu with more choices, offering large servings at not-so-large prices.
The outlets can be found at Yishun Junction 9 and 201D Tampines Street 21.
With no GST and no service charge, you get to pocket those extra savings. For example, a Chicken or Fish Fillet pasta is priced at $10 nett. Good portion too.
Here you can find mostly Western dishes from Italian pastas, burgers, mussels, Spanish paella rice, to family platters and everything comforting in between.
You can spot a few fusion creations, blending in the flavours of the East to add a local touch, such as Laksa Mussels, Prawn Laksa Pasta, and Sambal Fish Paella.
Here’s how the Italian pasta section works. There are choices including Aglio Olio, Cream Carbonara, Arriabiata, Neapolitan starting with $10, and seasonal choices of Lobster Bisque (+$2) and Salted Egg Infused Pasta.
With 10 choices of meat available, from chicken, fish fillet, lamb chop, beef, prawn, seafood, salmon, ribeye, to even lobster & clams (additional cost applies for more premium seafood and meats), feel free to customise your pasta to your liking.
For pasta, the best-selling Chicken Aglio Olio ($10) is a must-try with its juicy portion of grilled chicken steak. Craze Kitchen (Yishun)
