Many cafés in Singapore deliver in terms of aesthetics but we dare say that finding one that boasts marvellous interiors and brilliantly fuses the best of two very different cuisines is on a whole different level.
Helmed by the team behind Birds Of A Feather over at Amoy Street, Halcyon & Crane is a new café that recently opened up in The Paragon, Singapore, whose menu focuses on Modern-European dishes with a touch of Sichuan flavours. Most of their dishes feature a myriad of Szechuan spices and while rich, aromatic and authentic in flavour, Halcyon & Crane keep their dishes fairly healthy with the use of wholesome grains and fresh fruits.
Hankering for a memorable brunch in the heart of town? Here’s why you should make sure to pay Halcyon & Crane a visit the next time you are in the area.
Situated on the third storey of Orchard Paragon, Halcyon & Crane is decked out in minimalist furnishings with modern industrial touches that are both picture-perfect and cosy.
The area is separated into two—one is an open space with cosy seats that can seat approximately 50 people while the other features bar seats.
Coffee is serious business here at Halcyon & Crane. Their coffee beans are specially selected before going through the process of blending and roasting, resulting in coffee that is smooth, rich and fragrant.
We opted for a cup of Flat White (S$6)—a classic if you are looking for a drink to sip on while getting some work done.
One of the dishes in their all-day menu would be the Pistachio & Apple Birches Muesli (S$17). Essentially fresh fruits, pistachio and red quinoa serves atop a blend made using overnight oats, yoghurt and apple, we thought it was extremely well-executed.
For something heartier and more substantial, the H&C Big Breakfast (S$24) would go highly recommended. Served with Sichuan-style pancake, sautéed mushrooms, a side of bamboo shoot salad, potatoes, pork sausages and crisp bacon, there is indeed a lot going on in a single dish but boy we aren’t complaining.
Every element was carried out with much thought put into it such that we simply cannot choose a favourite.
Coated with a piquant seasoning made using Sichuan peppercorn and chilli oil, the potatoes had a distinct ma la flavour—while it didn’t have the mouth-numbing kick, the authenticity of the Sichuanese flavours was nonetheless impressive.
Another item on the menu you can look forward to would be the Cured Sausage Shakshuka (S$20). Typically, shakshuka dishes are made using poached eggs in a sauce comprising tomatoes, chilli, peppers and onions but Halcyon & Crane’s rendition has boldly infused Sichuan flavours into it.
Dig in to find pieces of spicy cured sausages and mix it together with the sauce, which is imbued with a strong Sichuan peppercorn kick.
Boasting a neat and aesthetically-pleasing interior, amazing service and delectable grub that is a notch above the rest, Halcyon & Crane is a café in town that we’d see ourselves returning to and one that you must try especially if you happen to be in the area.
Halcyon & Crane
The Paragon #03-09
290 Orchard Road
Singapore 238859
Tel: +65 9727 5121
Daily: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard MRT