Popular homegrown bakery Elijah Pies is opening its first-ever dining concept with its new cafe at Tanjong Pagar Plaza.

Established in 2014 as a takeaway shop, Elijah Pies is a specialty pie shop that is known for their famous nutella pie as well as an array of gorgeous pies. They opened a baking studio at 803 King George’s Ave in Lavender in 2021.

The new Elijah Pies cafe will be officially opening to the public on 6 May 2023. They will be giving a free box of Mini Pies (S$26.90) for the first 50 customers (who spend a minimum of S$20) on their opening day on 6 May 2023.

The design of Elijah Pies’ new cafe is intended to imitate the cozy ambiance of a residential home and has been thoughtfully created to accommodate 20 guests across 5 sections – the porch, living room, dining table, fireplace and daybed.

The central feature of Elijah Pies’ new location is a 4-meter long island table situated within an open kitchen, where founder-baker Elijah Tan and his team of bakers will serve a thoughtfully selected menu of pies that are crafted by hand and offer comforting and familiar flavors.

The menu will include popular sweet and savoury pies such as the Nutella Pie, Yuzu Meringue Pie , as well as new creations like the Seaweed Chicken Pot Pie and Mac N’ Cheese Pie.

Fans of Elijah Pies will know that they serve some of the best tarts in Singapore and they taste just as good as they look.

Get a table at the counter and catch a glimpse of founder-baker Elijah Tan and his team assembling and preparing the final touches at the open kitchen.

There are three new savoury pies which are available exclusively at the new cafe:

• Mac N’ Cheese Pie (S$12.90)
• Tomato Prawn Bisque Pie (S$14.90)
• Seaweed Chicken Pot Pie (S$13.90)

We had the chance to try all the savoury pies which are generously filled with lots of ingredients and our top picks are the Black Truffle Mash Pie, Mac N’ Cheese Pie and Scallop Chowder Pie. The savoury pies are great as a light snack during lunch for those who are working in the Central Business District.

In addition to the pies, there is also a range of beverages available that have been created using baking methods. These include the Vanilla Pistachio drink that is blended with genuine nut butter, and the Grapefruit Elderflower soda that is infused with locally farmed organic flowers.

You can also grab a cup of coffee to go along with your favourite tarts.

Elijah Pies
7 Tanjong Pagar Plaza
#01-102 Singapore 081007
Tel: +65 9855 9480
Monday to Wednesday: 10am – 6pm
Thursday to Sunday: 10am – 10pm

Tucked in the corner of Teck Lim Road next to Keong Siak Road is Chez Suzette, a beautiful French cafe which specialises in hearty French food, crêpes, freshly baked pastries, artisanal coffee as well as a range of specially curated French wine.

From the French-style decor and furniture to the plates and utensils, Chez Suzette totally nailed it.

Prices range from S$19 for a Croque Monsieur, to S$36 for a main of Braised Beef Cheeks. There are also other classic French dishes including Escargots (S$16), Traditional French Onion Soup (S$16), and Duck Leg Confit (S$29).

We had the Duck Leg Confit (S$29) which was served with ratatouille. While the skin wasn’t as crisp as we’d like, we enjoyed every bit of the Duck Leg Confit.

Another dish that we ordered was the hearty Rolled Turkey with Mushroom Stuffing (S$22) and it came with mashed potato, baby carrot and a turkey sauce. The Rolled Turkey wasn’t dry at all and it was, in fact, quite tender.

To end off your meal, the signature Crêpes Suzette (S$15)—with a homemade sauce made of caramelised sugar and butter, orange juice, and zest—is a must-order dessert. Top it off with Grand Marnier Flambé (additional S$5 supplement) and watch the staff flambéed the Crêpes Suzette table-side. Get your camera ready!

There is also a retail and workshop space at Chez Suzette which features curated items from local artists and craftsmen.

Drop by Chez Suzette and enjoy a leisure lunch of French classics and wines with your friends.

Chez Suzette
5 Teck Lim Rd, #01-01, Singapore 088383
Tel: 8690 4810

Knots Café and Living—a garden-themed cafe in Tai Seng—is opening its second outlet in the South of Singapore.

The new space is located at 102E Pasir Panjang Road, near to the former space vacated by the now-defunct Habitat by honestbee.

For those of you who haven’t been to Knots Café and Living before, it is an unassuming floral café opened by Xpressflower.com which is located amidst the bustling area of Tai Seng.

At first glance, you’d think Knots Cafe & Living is just a well-furbished furniture store. And, you wouldn’t be wrong. But, what do you know—they serve decent cafe food as well! Behind their mystical garden theme and woody aesthetic, their hidden kitchen dishes up classic brunch and Western fare.

Opt for a waffle twist to your usual brunch affair with the Knots Waffle Brekkie, which comes with smoked beef sausage, sautéed mushrooms and scrambled eggs. The Fish & Chips is a recommended dish as well which sees thick dory fillets breaded and fried to a golden crisp.

Have a cup of coffee, read a book or catch up with work while you are there.

The new Knots Café and Living outlet at Pasir Panjang Road is expected to open by mid Oct 2021 and it will feature a similar food menu but with more refined options.

There will also be a wider selection of wines available. They have plans to have an outdoor al fresco dining area, but it is still pending approval from the building’s management.

Kindly note that the photos are taken from Knots Café and Living’s current outlet at 160 Paya Lebar Road.

Knots Café and Living
102E Pasir Panjang Road
Singapore 118529

Located just a few steps from Apartment Coffee, Glacier is a new minimalist botanical-themed cafe in Lavender.

The Lavender neighbourhood is home to many wonderful cafes and several new cafes have opened in the area recently including of Habitat Coffee, and Pacto by Parchmen.

Opened by the team behind Onalu—a bagel specialist at SMU—Glacier is an all-white cafe which offers the standard cafe fare, coffee and desserts.

Glacier’s menu is small and concise, with prices ranging from S$16 to S$24 for a main course. Some of the dishes that you can look forward to are:

• Glacier’s French Toast (S$16)
• Smoked Salmon & Avocado Toast (S$19)
• Salmon Mentaiko Truffle Grain Bowl (S$20)
• Pandan Mochi Waffle with Gula Melaka & Coconut (from S$12)
• Glacier Big Breakfast (S$24)
• Seafood Vongole Pasta (S$23)

The Glacier’s Big Breakfast comes with perfectly-cooked scrambled eggs that are runny, bacon strips, German pork bratwurst, roasted truffle baby potatoes, mushrooms, salad and brioche toast.

The Seafood Vongole Pasta features pan-seared scallops and a pretty generous serving of clams and crab meat.

There are also 12 gelato flavours available and some of the more interesting flavours include Shizuoka Genmaicha, Bluepea Lemongrass Pandan, and Smoked Milk.

Glacier opens till 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, you can have desserts and supper with your friends until late.

Glacier
161 Lavender Street #01-09
Singapore 338750
Sun to Thu: 10am to 10pm
Fri & Sat:10am to 1am

We haven’t been this excited about a new cafe in a while, until Simplicité by Fresh Fruits Lab came along. This new Parisian-style cafe in the East of Singapore was previously Fresh Fruits Lab, and recently underwent a major revamp.

Staying at the top of their game and always slaying, the owner—who is our good friend—strives to bring diners value-for-money quality fare in a relaxing atmosphere. Its menu offers a range of modern European favourites, with a good selection of mocktails and cocktails too. Fans of Fresh Fruits Lab will also be happy to know that they have retained several popular dishes on the menu.

Let’s just say they are a Parisian-style cafe in the day, and a laid-back neighbourhood bar at night. Simplicité by Fresh Fruits Lab is definitely our of our new favourite cafes in the East of Singapore.

Simplicité’s spanking new space is decked in monochrome colours and is very Instagram-worthy; every corner is a possible photo spot. French rattan chairs line the outdoors and that’s where you can enjoy a nice meal with your furkids at this pet-friendly cafe.

What we love about Simplicité by Fresh Fruits Lab:

• Chic Parisian-style cafe in the East of Singapore
• Pet-friendly cafe where you can bring your furkids along for a meal
• Affordable beer and cocktails—S$10 Asashi draft
• Amazing French-style Duck Confit which is perfectly-executed
• S$10 Angel Hair Pasta

The food is impressive! You know how some cafes only look good “on the outside”, but their food is mediocre, and you’d never return after taking your OOTDs? This won’t be the case at Simplicite, we can guarantee that.

Highlights include Angel Hair Pasta (S$10), Crabmeat Aglio Olio (S$19), Duck Confit (S$28), Salmon Meunière, French Bone-in Pork Loin with Garlic Butter Herb (S$20), Smashed Avocado on Brioche with Poached Eggs (S$16).

There is a S$10 Angel Hair Pasta under the appetizer menu that you have to try, too. Adorned with edible flowers, this elegant dish looks too pretty to be eaten.

On its menu, our favourite is the Duck Confit (S$28). In one glance, it may look pricey for a cafe, but actually, you really have to order this. What you would get is a perfectly-executed French-style Duck Confit.

Featuring a big and fat drumstick, the Duck Confit is so close to what you would get in France—crispy and salty skin, fork tender meat, accompanied with creamy mash and grilled vegetables. Parfait!

Simplicité by Fresh Fruits Lab serves brunch until 3pm daily and they are affordably priced between S$14 to S$18. The brunch options include Messy Breakfast (S$18), Eggs Benedict (S$15), and Brioche French Toast (S$15).

Smashed Avo (S$16) may be a common brunch dish, but Simplicité’s rendition is definitely not common. Served with a poached egg and mint sauce atop a thick slice of brioche, this dish is a clear winner. The toasted brioche was so buttery and good, we were tempted to ask for an extra slice!

Anyone remembers the super popular FFL Burger? If you’ve missed it, or haven’t tried it, Simplicité has refined this bestselling dish and it is now simply known as the Double Cheeseburger (S$20). It is better and bigger than before, with two juicy patties now!

Simplicité also has a wide array of drinks—from coffee, mocktails to cocktails, everything was a sight to behold. The Rose Latte won our hearts with its aesthetics and flavour.

You can also get a pint of Asahi draft at only S$10, while cocktails start from S$14. Be sure to order the signature La Simplicite (S$16) cocktail which comes with quite a show. We won’t spoil it for you, just get ready to take more photos and videos of the beautiful gin & tonic.

If you are just looking for a space for a simple midday perk-me-up, get yourself a basket of assorted Simplicite Bakes (S$10.5)—which includes Pain Au Chocolat, Croissant, Orange Snail, Raspberry Claw, Blueberry Braid, Apple Braid—a cup of latte, and pretend you are in Paris.

Simplicité by Fresh Fruits Lab
351 Changi Rd, Singapore 419818
Tel: +65 6677 6741

Cake lovers, rejoice! A new parlour has opened. Located in the heart of Toa Payoh, The Twisted Trio is currently in its soft launch stage, but it is set for a grand opening this Sunday. It is a 5 to 10-minute walk from the MRT.

This new, modern cafe is founded by 3 pastry chefs (with 3 different personalities, thus the name!) who initially worked together before deciding to open their own dessert shop with cakes that cater to all tastebuds.

The chilled desserts include the Watermelon Rose ($8) and Burnt Cheesecake ($7). As the founders wish to accommodate to the tastebuds of the local elderly in the neighbourhood, the cakes are not too overwhelmingly rich and sweet, with lesser cream. So you don’t have to feel sinful while enjoying the treats here.

We definitely recommend the Watermelon Rose due to its unique floral taste. The pastry cream is fluffy and not too rich. The fruits on top and the watermelon layer add a refreshing bite to the cake. Put these two together, and you have a modern, novel take to the usual cake.

However, we feel that the Burnt Cheesecake could have been more charred. Nevertheless, it was still light, spongy, and not extremely sweet. Perfect for a not-so-heavy dessert after a hearty dinner.

As for the desserts that were displayed out in room temperature, we tried the Dark & Milk Choc Brownie ($4). The brownie was crumbly and delicious, with a special blend of both dark and milk chocolate. This definitely goes on our best brownie spots in Singapore list.

We spotted a variety of room-temperature desserts, including Pound Cakes ($12) with flavours such as Earl Grey, Banana, and Matcha. Banana Muffins ($2.50), Scones ($3), and Orange Yogurt cakes ($4) are also displayed. This cafe really leaves you spoiled for choice. And if that isn’t enough, you can also place an order for your very own customized cakes in this cafe.

Feast your eyes and tastebuds on the various desserts offered at this mini parlour, and you will not be disappointed. Pair your dessert of choice with a coffee, and your sweet tooth cravings will definitely be satisfied.

The Twisted Trio
Blk 85C Lorong 4 Toa Payoh #01-384
Singapore 313085
Mon – Fri: 10.30am – 6.30pm
Sat – Sun: 9.30am – 6.30pm
Nearest MRT: Toa Payoh

There’s nothing too groundbreaking about an Australian-style cafe in Singapore. We mean, Singapore is basically filled to the brim with them. But, one that jazzes up into a swanky Asian bar by night? Now, that’s a head-turner.

S l a t e . is the latest addition to Purvis Street, a small hip district that foodies flock to for a dignified brunch or laidback evening hangout. Opened by the team behind Miam Miam, this cafe-bar prides itself on its evolving menu which goes from hearty brunches to modern Asian tapas.

The founding team had lived in Melbourne for about a year before moving back to Singapore, bringing back with them Aussie-inspired brunches and secrets to a great cuppa.

We dropped by during lunchtime and were warmly received by the very friendly owners.

Their spacious interior is a blend of clean and classy vibes, finished with pops of blue to lend a touch of serenity.

One of the first few things that’ll catch your eye is the hulking luminous shelf of spirits and wines that takes center-stage in the bar area. Their coffee machine sits quietly at the side, whirring away as it churns out flat whites and long blacks.

Their lunch menu features small bites such as Seafood Fritters and Thunder Fries while their mains saw a mix of Asian and Western dishes.

Our first dish was the Oxtail Ragout Rigatoni (S$16). Visually, it looked super appetising — a generous amount of rigatoni soaking in a jacuzzi of 8-hour-braised oxtail tomato stew and finished with a grating of Asiago cheese.

Thankfully, it tasted as good as it looked. The rigatoni was perfectly al dente and had melded gorgeously with the sauce, which was well-seasoned and lightly spiced. The oxtail was really tender and had completely soaked up the essence of the stew.

Sadly, the S L A T E . Chicken Rice ($13) didn’t fare as well. It wasn’t a bad dish, that’s for sure — succulent grilled chicken thigh, runny sunny side up and perfectly cooked rice. But, the whole dish didn’t seem to gel very well as a whole and felt slightly dull.

We would have preferred if more flavour was infused into the rice and for a complementing sauce to tie the whole dish together.

Although there were hits and misses, we thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience S l a t e. With their warm service, soulful food and great ambience, this establishment is just bursting with potential.

We’re sure that with the right tweaks and improvements, they’ll soon be on their way to becoming one of Bugis‘ most flocked-to dining spots.

S L A T E .
24 Purvis St, #01-00, Singapore 188601
Mon to Thu: 10.30am – 10.30pm
Fri: 10.30am – 11.30pm
Sat: 9am – 11.30pm
Sun: 9am – 4pm
Nearest Station: City Hall / Esplanade

Jiggly, airy and soft, soufflé pancakes are one of the most legendary hybrids in the history of desserts. It doesn’t matter if you can barely stand after your meal — you’ll always have space for this lightweight indulgence.

Singapore has seen many cafes serving up these cloud-soft pancakes. People just can’t seem to get enough of them. But, just when you thought you’ve seen them all, another cafe strikes again. 19 Tea, a popular chain in South Korea known for its soufflé pancakes and tea has opened at Our Tampines Hub.

Their souffle pancakes are some of the most wallet-friendly ones we’ve seen — any one of them will set you back at less than $5!

19 Tea is a dainty little cafe offering a range of soufflé pancakes and milk tea drinks. Their interior is dressed in vibrant pinks and minimalistic touches, providing customers with a youthful, bright atmosphere.

We tried the signature Soufflé Pancakes in three flavours — Original (S$3.90), Matcha (S$4.20) and Tiramisu (S$4.20).

The Original Pancake was slathered in thick, milky cream and finished with a strawberry garnish that could have been a little bigger. The pancake itself was light and airy, but the cream sauce was a little too sweet for us.

Their matcha rendition was underwhelming, with the only thing setting it apart from the Original being a sprinkle of matcha powder atop. It would have been even better if the matcha powder was incorporated into the pancake batter itself.

As for their Tiramisu Pancake, there was nothing distinctively “tiramisu” about it, apart from the cocoa powder dusting. Nevertheless, it was still pretty delicious.

Of course, we couldn’t leave without getting one of their milk teas. We ordered their Signature Milk Tea (S$5.10), a classic brown sugar boba milk tea. Sadly, it missed the mark. The milk tea was too thin and the pearls were too dense.

Overall, we can’t see ourselves making a trip to Tampines just for 19Tea. But, if you’re looking for an aesthetic backdrop for an Instagrammable photo, this is the place to hit up.

1 Tampines Walk, Tampines Hub, #01-82
Singapore 528523
Sun – Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat: 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tampines

Are you on the hunt for aesthetic cafes with picturesque spots to spice up your boring Instagram feed? Or are you simply a hungry boyfriend looking to fill your growling tummy while your girlfriend badgers you for “IG-worthy date spots”?

Fret not, as you get the best of both worlds at Knots Café and Living —  a gorgeous garden café located in Tai Seng!

This unassuming café is located amidst the bustling area of Tai Seng. Boasting floral décor, plushies and wooden furniture, Knots is a multi-concept store selling both furniture and a menu of typical café fare.

If you forgot to buy bae a present, this place will be your saving grace. Home to cute trinkets, there are lots of perfect last-minute gifts you can surprise your partner with. From their various blooms and interesting knick-knacks to the table you will be dining at, everything is for sale!

We decided to try their iconic savoury waffle platter: Knots Waffle Brekkie (S$18.90). This is the perfect dish to share with your partner. It was served in a hulking mountain of ingredients sitting atop a giant bed of fluffy buttermilk waffle.

The waffle was soft with an airy middle, and the strong buttermilk flavour was evident. Having been drizzled with syrup, it also had a sweet aftertaste.

The scrambled eggs were our favourite — the eggs were runny with an ultra-creamy texture that melted in our mouths. It complemented the pillowy waffle well, elevating its savouriness. The sautéed mushrooms also had a strong charred flavour, tantalising our tastebuds, while still allowing its natural sweetness to come through. 

Though crisp on the outside, the bacon was surprisingly soft and tender, tearing apart easily. It also had a distinct cinnamon-like taste that kept us hankering for more.

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We also opted for their Fish and Chips (S$13.90). Served with a generous portion of french fries, the deep-fried breaded dory fillet was incredibly crunchy. Paired together with the piquant, salty tartar sauce, the dressing added to the fish’s savouriness.

It wasn’t overwhelming greasy either and we liked how it had a thick meat to skin ratio. The meat was tender as well; add a pinch of lemon to add zesty flavour to the fish!

Albeit on the pricier side, Knots Café and Living is a great date spot for those looking to dine at an idyllic café. Step in and be enthralled by its garden wonderland! If you happen to be in the area, do pop by and give them a try.

#01-07 160 Paya Lebar Road
Singapore 409022
Tel: +65 6817 0383
(Closed on Mondays)
Tue to Thu & Sun: 9am – 9pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng/ MacPherson