The Tastemaker Store is like a mix of new and old. Sitting within the old estate of Bukit Ho Swee, it is a clean space that is well-utilised and furnished with a very understated flare. Long lamps and potted plants hanging from the ceiling spell the character of the cafe, and light retro tracks fill the lovely space with a comforting touch of the 70s.
The Provision Shop at the charming Everton Park neighbourhood is a casual eatery that is opened bt Cocotte’s head chef, with hotelier Loh Lik Peng taking a consulting role in the project. We love the vibe of the cafe, and we love that it serves simple yet delicious meals at affordable prices.
Everton Park is quickly becoming the latest it neighbourhood. Some call it the new Tiong Bahru, and it is not difficult to see why. Since Nylon Coffee Roasters and Grin Affair started here in 2012, this quiet HDB neighbourhood has been drawing foodies to explore the area.
Today, there are eight cafes in this enclave, and we won’t be surprised if more cafes and shops choose to open here in the future. You know that Everton Park is officially cool when hotelier Loh Lik Peng – who is behind many boutique hotels and restaurants in off-the-radar neighbourhoods – has also helped to set up a cafe here.
Here is our guide to the Everton Park neighbourhood.
The Upper Thomson neighbourhood is experiencing a revival, with new cafes like November 8 and One Man Coffee opening in the area. Among them, you should swing by One Man Coffee for great coffee and delicious light bites like its ‘Toad in the Hole’ and the much-lauded French toast.
One of the newer additions to the cafe scene is Maple & Market Bakery Cafe at Cassia Crescent, just a few blocks behind Old Airport Road Food Market. Greeted by the smell of freshly baked cakes and the aroma of coffee brewing upon stepping in to the small space, it had us at hello.
The cafe scene in Singapore is thriving with many new cafes opening every month. However, there are many places that do not last long because they lack real substance to build a following. Oftentimes, new cafes are more style than substance, and serves mediocre food with lacklustre service.
Habitat Coffee at Upper Thomson Road deserves a mention for the great work that it has been doing. The bistro has been around for a few years, and despite the tough competition, it shines and remains a favourite for many. Habitat Coffee is worth visiting because it serves good coffee and well-cooked dishes at sensible prices.
We recently checked out Assembly Coffee, a 3-month old cafe located at Evans Lodge where you can also find Mr Prata and Hatched. The coffee is excellent, the food offerings are simple and easy on the pocket, and the space is small, but buzzing with energy.
It took us a while to visit The Bravery Cafe because we have heard mixed reviews about it. Some people mentioned that the seats are uncomfortable (which is true to an extent), while others commented that there is nothing outstanding and it is just another new cafe.
However, after our first visit to this cafe in the Lavender neighbourhood, we find ourselves returning whenever we are in the vicinity and in need of a caffeine boast.