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

If there is one thing in the world which Singaporeans will always be loyal to, that would be the amazing creation that is food. Though we often struggle with balancing our wish to save some money and the desire to savour a sumptuous meal, we hate to admit it; the latter usually wins.

In Singapore, we are fortunate that there are tons of fantastic brunch spots around the country. And most of the time, we would settle on a cafe in the CBD for convenience sake.

To assist you in your brunch journey, we have sussed out 35 Brunch Spots In Singapore’s CBD to start your day right. They range from light brunch menus to slightly more indulgent ones so do read on to discover which brunch spot you have to try next!

Photo Credit: 6oz Espresso Bar

6OZ ESPRESSO BAR

Nothing gets our engine running better than a fine cup of coffee and freshly baked pastry. With various branches around the CBD, 6oz Espresso Bar is a sleek and contemporary cafe that serves up fragrant coffee alongside crispy and buttery croissants.

6oz Espresso Bar
20 McCallum Street, #01-K1,
Singapore 069046
Tel: +65 6509 6602
Mon to Fri: 7am – 5.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: 63 Espresso

63 ESPRESSO

A cafe brought to you by the successful coffee program at 63Celsius, 63 Espresso brews rich coffees from beans roasted by Antipodean coffee roaster Allpress Espresso. Pick up some of their interesting creations such as the Chilli Mocha and Chilli Chocolate.

63 Espresso 
12 Marina View, #01-03,
Singapore 018961
Tel: +65 6100 6363
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Downtown

CAKE SPADE

For those working in the Tanjong Pagar area, how about starting your day right with a slice of fluffy and freshly baked cake? Bringing to you daily cakes, warm baked desserts coupled with gourmet coffee and tea, Cake Spade is a one-stop dessert store that will definitely light up your day.

Cake Spade
83 Tanjong Pagar Road,
Singapore 088504
Tel: +65 6444 3868
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 9.30pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: Chong Wen Ge Cafe

CHONG WEN GE CAFE

Chong Wen Ge Cafe is a hidden gem that is located right next to the Thian Hock Keng Chinese temple. This Peranakan-style cafe seeks to ensure that culture and heritage are imbued in every aspect of their menu and cafe setting.

Albeit a different type of brunch setting most would be used to, this is a unique brunch experience that would be worth the time.

Chong Wen Ge Cafe
168 Telok Ayer Street,
Singapore 068619
Tel: +65 9129 1625
Daily: 11am – 5.30pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

CLUB MEATBALLS

A vibrant open restaurant with a cocktail and wine bar, Club Meatballs would be a great place to grab some brunch in the Chinatown area.

From Monday to Friday, pick up some Eggs Benedict (S$14.50) or get creative with their Club House DIY Breakfast. If not, we’d say that their Club Signature Breakfast (S$17.50) sounds pretty good too.

Club Meatballs
20 Cross Street, #01-34/35/36 China Square Central,
Singapore 048422
Tel: +65 6222 8660
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 12am
Sat: 10am – 12am
Nearest Station: Chinatown/Telok Ayer

DAPPER COFFEE

Aside from bringing to you the popular Unicorn Tears, Dapper Coffee is a swanky coffeehouse along Amoy Street which is recognised for its outstanding coffees. They too, have an all-day grub menu that is suitable for those searching for brunch options in the CBD. This includes the Dapper Granola (S$8), Green & Lean (S$16) and #Gains ($16).

Dapper Coffee
73 Amoy Street, Level 2,
Singapore 069892
Tel: +65 8742 8908
Mon to Fri: 8am – 5pm 
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

DEAN & DELUCA

Dean & DeLuca—New York food institution—is more than just an upscale grocery shop; it is also one of our favourite cafes which offers gourmet food and a wide range of pastries and coffee.

Dean & Deluca
47 Pekin Street, #01-01
Singapore 048777
Tel: +65 6536 2460
Mon to Fri: 7am – 8pm
Sat: 7am – 5pm
Sun: 7am – 12pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer / Raffles Place

Photo Credit: Doutor Coffee

DOUTOR COFFEE

With history tracing all the way back to 1980 in Harajuku, Japan, Doutor Coffee has more than 1200 outlets worldwide today.

After 11am, diners can enjoy Doutor Coffee’s Ham & Cheese Waffles (S$8.80), Shrimp & Avocado Waffles (S$8.80) and Smoked Salmon Waffles (S$8.80). Not filling enough? Opt for the Hayashi Baked Rice (S$9.90) and Japanese Curry Baked Rice (S$9.90) which is also available after11am instead. 

Doutor Coffee
12 Marina Boulevard
#01-05 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3
Singapore 018982
Tel: +65 6604 6082
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 9.30pm
Sat & Sun: 8.30am – 4.30pm
Nearest Station: Downtown

DRURY LANE

A perennial favourite of ours, Drury Lane is a quaint and inviting cafe that is perfect for a quiet and intimate brunch over the weekends. Some brunch items that you can expect include Savoury French Toasts and Smoked Salmon Baked Eggs.

Drury Lane
94 Tanjong Pagar Road,
Singapore 088515
Tel: +65 6222 6698
Mon, Wed to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 6pm
Tue: Closed
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: Free The Robot

FREE THE ROBOT

How could we ever say no to brunch in a cute robot-themed cafe? Free The Robot is a cosy cafe which will remind diners of an old-school industrial setting and their all-day brunch menu is just as enticing.

Diners can anticipate the Free the Robot Burger (S$12) and Avocado Pesto Toastie (S$8).

Free The Robot
118 Telok Ayer Street,
Singapore 068587
Tel: +65 6438 1836
Tue to Fri: 8.30am – 4.30pm
Sat: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Mon & Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Photo Credit: Gemmills

GEMMILLS

Brought to you by the folks behind Mediterranean restaurant Maggie Joan’s, Gemmills is a hidden cafe located in an alleyway off Gemmill Lane that you need to drop by for brunch.

Comfort food and great coffee await and coffee enthusiasts may be keen on knowing that the cafe now offers Allpress Espresso.

Gemmills
110 Amoy Street, #01-02,
Singapore 068579
Tel: +65 9390 3825
Mon to Thu: 10am – 10pm
Fri: 10am – 11pm
Sat: 4pm – 11am
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

GRAIN TRADERS

Instead of going for a typical Aussie-style brunch, it will definitely be a refreshing and rewarding experience to eat clean and healthy once in a while. At Grain Traders, you can build your very own bowl of goodness for S$16 which includes 1 grain, 1 protein, 2 vegetables, 1 side and 1 topping.

Grain Traders
138 Market Street
#01-01 CapitaGreen
Singapore 048946
Mon to Fri: 8am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

GROUP THERAPY

Find yourself some fresh, hearty and appetising brunch at Group Therapy, a quaint cafe situated on the second storey of a restored shophouse along Duxton Road.

Group Therapy’s menu has all-day breakfast items that range from pasta, stew, soups and pies. This includes the Sesame Bagel & Scrambled Eggs (S$16), Poached Eggs (S$16) and Skinny Eggs Ben (S$17).

Group Therapy
49 Duxton Road, #02-01,
Singapore 089513
Tel: +65 6222 2554
Tue to Thu: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: Japan Rail Cafe

JAPAN RAIL CAFE

A travel-themed cafe managed by the Singapore Office of East Japan Railway Company, the main mission of Japan Rail Cafe is to foster a space and community for people who love Japan.

For brunch, you can enjoy the Twin Flavoured Crispy Chicken Don, Kaisen Avocado Don and of course, The Ultimate A.B.C Hamburger.

Japan Rail Cafe
5 Wallich Street, #01-20 Tanjong Pagar Centre,
Singapore 078883
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

JEWEL COFFEE

Jewel Coffee is widely known for being one of Singapore’s best coffee joints because of its quality brews but if you thought that coffee is all you can get there, then that is where you are wrong. The cafe also has a simple food menu where you can get salads, pastas and burgers.  

Jewel Coffee
1 Shenton Way, #01-07,
Singapore 068803
Tel: +65 6636 9452
Mon to Fri: 7am – 7pm
Sat: 8am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Downtown

Photo Credit: Kitchen By Food Rebel

KITCHEN BY FOOD REBEL

At Kitchen By Food Rebel, dig into their rendition of healthy, real food that is just as imaginative, delightful and tasty. This includes the Zoodle Bolognese (S$18), The Rebel Chicken Burger (S$21) and The Rebel Pie (S$18). Absolutely delish!

Kitchen By Food Rebel
28 Stanley Street,
Singapore 068737
Tel: +65 6224 7088
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat: 9am – 3pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

LUNAR COFFEE BREWERS

Lunar Coffee Brewers—a cafe behind the team at Atlas Coffeehouse and Columbus Coffee— is a charming minimalist cafe at Downtown Gallery that would be a marvellous place for brunch.

During your visit, you can consider trying the Lu Rou Belly Don (S$14.50). Otherwise, the Hot Cappuccino (S$4.50) and Milky Wave Soft Serve (S$5.90) will hit the spot.

Lunar Coffee Brewers
6 Shenton Way, #01-49 Downtown Gallery,
Singapore 068815
Tel: +65 6224 4500
Mon to Fri: 8am – 7pm
Sat: 9am – 3pm
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: My Awesome Cafe

MY AWESOME CAFE

A dining concept by a group of entrepreneurial friends from different backgrounds and countries of origin, My Awesome Cafe is a popular cosy cafe which aims to be a second home for all its diners.

Not only is their food nourishing, this cafe has taken steps to ensure that their food is also fun. They serve up a brilliant Bacon Platter (S$25), Perigourdine Salad (S$21) and Smoked Salmon, Avocado and Mesclun (S$14).

My Awesome Cafe
202 Telok Ayer,
Singapore 068639
Tel: +65 6222 2007
Daily: 9am – 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Photo Credit: Ninja Bowl

NINJA BOWL

At Ninja Bowl—a dining concept owned and operated by The Astronauts Group—get your hands on their Japanese-inspired dishes that will have you crooning over how gorgeous they look.

Brunch is ongoing throughout the day and this includes dishes such as the Mentaiko Scrambled (S$19), Steak & Udon (S$22) and Ebisu (S$18). Alternatively, you can try their Ninja Bowls which includes the Noka (S$14), Kamo (S$18) and Torinosu (S$18).

Ninja Bowl
15 Duxton Road,
Singapore 089481
Tel: +65 6222 8055
Mon to Fri: 9.30am – 9.30pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park / Tanjong Pagar

PANTLER

Fancy a light brunch and sweet desserts?

Situated along Telok Ayer Street, Pantler is well-received for its top-notch pastries, cakes, coffees and service. Baked goods that you can look forward to include the Almond Croissant (S$4), Chaussons aux Pommes (S$4.50) and Fig Tart (S$6.80).

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Pantler
198 Telok Ayer Street,
Singapore 068637
Tel: +65 6221 6223
Mon to Fri: 8.30am – 7.30pm
Sat: 10.30am – 5.30pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer / Downtown

Photo Credit: PatisserieG

PATISSERIEG

A bakery cafe which serves up a spectacular range of platters, galettes, burgers, sandwiches and more, PatisserieG’s brunch menu is available from Mondays through Fridays at their Downtown Gallery outlet.

Brunch items include Ham & Cheese Croissant (S$6), G Breakfast Platter (S$16.90) and Corned Beef (S$13).

PatisserieG
6A Shenton Way
#01-30 Downtown Gallery
Singapore 068815
Tel: +65 6222 0390
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 7pm
Sat: 11.30am – 3pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar / Downtown

PS CAFE

Arguably one of the cafes that Singaporeans usually flock to for a stellar brunch, PS. Cafe has been charming its diners with its tantalising food and warm cafe atmosphere since 1999.

A hidden gem in the midst of two traditional heritage shophouses, PS. Cafe’s Ann Siang Hill outlet has a wonderful brunch spread which includes the PS. Fluffy Pancakes, the PS. Classic Benedict and Crab Tart.

PS. Cafe 
45 Ann Siang Road, #02-02,
Singapore 069719
Tel: +65 9797 0648
Mon to Wed: 11.30am – 11pm
Thu: 11.30am – 12am
Fri: 11.30am – 1am
Sat: 9.30am – 1am
Sun: 9.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Photo Credit: Royz Et Vous

ROYZ ET VOUS

A halal-certified French restaurant, Royz et Vous exudes a cosy and warm ambience that goes in harmony with their speciality coffee and western delights.

For brunch, dig into the Eggs Benedict (S$18.90), Salmon Slide (S$24.90) or Beef Asparagus (S$21.90). Either way, be prepared to feast like a king!

Royz et Vous
137 Telok Ayer Street, #01-01,
Singapore 068602
Tel: +65 6293 0270
Mon to Thu: 11am – 4pm, 5pm – 10pm
Fri: 11am – 4pm, 5pm – 11pm
Sat: 12pm – 4pm, 5pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 4pm, 5pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

SARNIES

Dishing out freshly prepared gourmet sandwiches, soups, salads and homemade bakery goods, Sarnies is the cafe to visit for satisfying brunch.

Their weekday lunch menu runs from 11am to 3pm and comprises sandwiches such as the Chicken Schnitzel (S$14.80), Kurobuta Ham (S$15.80) and Grass Fed Steak (S$16.80). Over the weekend, Sarnies has an all-day breakfast menu which features dishes such as the Eggs Benedict (S$21) and Breakfast Burger (S$19).

Sarnies
136 Telok Ayer Street,
Singapore 068601
Mon & Tue: 7.30am – 10.30pm
Wed to Fri: 7.30am – 12am
Sat & Sun: 8.30am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Photo Credit: Segafredo Zanetti Espresso

SEGAFREDO ZANETTI ESPRESSO

A cafe cum bar originating from Bologna, Italy, Segafredo Zanetti Espresso is where you should visit for quality Italian coffee accompanied by a good range of classic Italian fare.

During your visit, consider ordering the Aglio E Olio (S$15), Alla Marinara (S$19) and Campagnola (S$17).

Segafredo Zanetti Espresso
51 Telok Ayer, #01-06 China Square Food Market,
Singapore 048441
Tel: +65 6222 6629
Mon to Fri: 7am – 9.30pm
Sat: 10am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Photo Credit: Blog Snatch

SOCKS & PANS

Throw all stereotypes out of the window because Socks & Pans is going to blow your mind with their pairing of traditional full-bodied local kopi with homemade pizza and pasta.

Unique creations that you can tuck into include the Asian Pulled Pork pizza (S$29 for a large 13″ pizza) and the Hebi Hiam pizza (S$29 for a large 13″ pizza). Otherwise, the Mac & Cheese (S$9.90) is a must-try.

Socks & Pans
&7 Tanjong Pagar Plaza, #01-108,
Singapore 081007
Tel: +65 6536 3310
Mon to Thu: 11am – 9pm
Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

SPRMRKT

Started with a goal to inspire daily life, SPRMRKT at McCallum Street is where you can embrace retail, art and good food in a single space.

Albeit their ever-changing menu, some brunch staples on SPRMRKT’s All Day Breakfast menu include the SPRMRKT Breakfast (S$30), Classic Eggs Benedict (S$16) and Avocado On Toast (S$13). Do note that this menu is available daily from 8am to 7.30pm.

SPRMKRT
2 McCallum Street,
Singapore 069043
Tel: +65 6221 2105
Mon to Fri: 8am – 9.30pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Downtown

THE AUTOBUS

Themed-cafes just have this certain charm and if you and your dining partner are fans of the outdoors, head on down to The Autobus, a bicycle-themed cafe where you can find healthy salad bowls, good coffee and tea.

If you are intending to visit during the weekdays for brunch, treat yourself to nutritious rice bowls ranging from S$12 to S$16. Otherwise, the weekend brunch menu has options such as the Full Breakfast (S$18), Eggs Ben (S$11) and Wagyu Burger (S$24).

The Autobus
6A Shenton Way, #01-01 Downtown Gallery,
Singapore 068815
Tel: +65 6909 3406
Mon to Fri: 8am – 9pm
Sat: 7am – 3pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

THE DARK GALLERY

If you do not mind forgoing savoury dishes for lunch, an ideal place to fuel your desire for sweet nothings is The Dark Gallery at Millenia Walk. Originating from Malaysia, there is a nice array of chocolate desserts you can indulge in.

We would recommend the Ice Cream Waffle (S$14) that comes with 2 ice cream flavours of your choice and the hot Signature Chocolate (S$7) for a complete meal.

The Dark Gallery
9 Raffles Boulevard, #01-K5 Millenia Walk,
Singapore 039596
Tel: +65 6255 0368
Daily: 11am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Promenade

THE LOKAL

Craving some Aussie brunch? Head down to The LoKal, a cafe cum restaurant cum bar that is the brainchild of Australian Chef Darren Farr. Their brunch menu is available until 3.30pm on a daily basis and features splendid dishes that includes Buttermilk Pancakes (weekdays only) and French Toast (weekends only).

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The LoKal
136 Neil Road,
Singapore 088865
Tel: +65 6423 9918
Mon & Tue: 8am – 4pm
Wed to Fri: 8am – 10pm
Sat: 9am – 10pm
Sun: 9am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park / Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: The Marmalade Pantry

THE MARMALADE PANTRY

A modern bistro which presents comfort food made from the freshest ingredients, The Marmalade Pantry never fails to stun its regulars with their wonderful array of dishes.

Brunch at The Marmalade Pantry is only available on weekends and public holidays until 6pm and some of their highlights include the Classic Benedict (S$18), Smoked Salmon Hash (S$22) and French Toast (S$18).

The Marmalade Pantry
100 Peck Siah Street
#01-01 Oasia Hotel Downtown
Singapore 079333
Tel: +65 6385 0741
Mon to Sun: 6.30am – 10.30am, 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

THE POPULUS COFFEE & FOOD CO

Begin your day on the right note (and with the right coffee and food) at The Populus Coffee & Food Co., a cosy and Instagram-worthy cafe located along Neil Road.

All-day brunch items that you should try include the Avocado Superfood Green Platter (S$20), Spring Pancake & Fried Chicken (S$21) and the Buckwheat Pancakes (S$19.50).

The Populus Coffee & Food Co.
146 Neil Road,
Singapore 088875
Tel: +65 6635 8420
Mon: 9am – 7pm
Tue: 9am – 4pm
Wed to Fri: 9am – 10.30pm
Sat: 9.30am – 10.30pm
Sun: 9.30am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park / Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: The Providore

THE PROVIDORE

The latest outlet of The Providore lands at OUE Downtown Gallery is one stunning dining establishment you need to check out.

Their breakfast menu is served from 8am – 10.30am on weekdays and 9am – 6pm on weekends and public holidays. This includes items such as the Eggs Benedict (S$19.50), Ricotta Pancakes (S$17.50) and Breakfast Board (S$23.50).

The Providore
6A Shenton Way, #B1-07 Downtown Gallery,
Singapore 068815
Tel: +65 6431 7600
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 10.30pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

URBAN FAIRWAYS

As the only boutique golf club, cafe and bar in the city, Urban Fairways serves up a mean breakfast from dawn till after dark. Their menu draws influence from international diners and you can have some satisfying legendary arabica coffee from Sarnies too!

Some items on their all-day breakfast menu include the Breakfast Set (S$13), Avo Good Day (S$11) and Aussie Golfer (S$5).

Urban Fairways
168 Robinson Road, #01-07,
Singapore 068912
Tel: +65 6327 8045
Mon to Fri: 8am – 11pm
Sat: 2pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Downtown / Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: Workspace Espresso

WORKSPACE ESPRESSO

The Workspace Espresso in Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3 is a place where you can get some respite from the atrocities of working life. Their single origin, seasonal signature roast matches their Asian and Middle Eastern fusion dishes flawlessly.

Grain bowls you can look forward to are the Builders Gain and Bellow Awesome!

Workspace Espresso
12 Marina Boulevard
#01-08 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3
Singapore 018982
Tel: +65 6538 0848
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Downtown

For more recommendations, read our guide on 32 Best Brunch Spots in Singapore.

Located at the Singapore Art Museum, it was love at first sight with the comforting atmosphere of 7Kickstart Cafe. The walls are nicely decorated with coffee sacks, plenty of natural lighting streaming in, and you know your photos are gonna turn out awesome.

We knew exactly what we came here for; the Salted Egg Yolk Liu Sha French Toast (S$13). Honestly, S$13 for a French toast is slightly over-priced! But, totally worth it.

The cafe also specialises in coffee, and the locally-inspired flavoured coffee such as Kaya Pandan Latte (S$6) are pretty popular, too.

Now, back to the main star – the Liu Sha French Toast. The generous portion of salted egg yolk sauce was divine; creamy and savoury, with that slight hint of sweetness.

Our only gripe is the odd serving of salad at the side, which definitely did not complement the dish. Nevertheless, if you are a big fan of Salted Egg Yolk, this Liu Sha French Toast is a winner.

We also had other mains such as the Assam Nyonya Curry with Fish & Rice (S$11.90) and Tandoori Chicken Wrap (S$11.90), but unfortunately, they were far from the best we’ve had. So we say, stay away from their mains and just stick to the French toast and their drinks.

7Kickstart
71 Bras Basah Road
Singapore 189555
Tel: +65 8389 7877
Mon & Tue: 8am – 8pm
Wed to Fri: 8am – 10pm
Sat: 10am – 8pm
Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Bras Basah

For more recommendations, read our guide on the best salted egg yolk dishes in Singapore.

Stepping into Ninethirty by awfullychocolate in East Coast Road is like visiting a long lost friend at his/her home. An immediate sense of comfort welcomes you, and your senses will be drawn to the aromatic smells wafting from the kitchen.

Ninethirty also doubles up as the flagship Awfully Chocolate store, and it is the only concept of its kind in Singapore.

It is a casual bistro that is suitable for a night out with a group of friends, or a date with your partner. It is nothing too fancy, just a simple and unpretentious space that serves a reasonably-priced menu of comforting Western food with Asian touches, chocolate cocktails as well as the most amazing chocolate desserts.

ONE EGG SOUP

This should be no stranger to those who frequent Everything With Fries at Holland Village, as it was one of the most popular starters there. The One Egg Soup (S$11) is a comforting bowl of soup that is, well you guessed it, prepared with one egg. Topped with a delicious egg white soufflé, it is so simple a dish, but so so good.

Flavourful when served warm, with the addition of truffle oil, the One Egg Soup is what we’d like to think of as unadulterated joy. The warmth and taste of this soup really reflects humble comfort food, elevated with the use of truffle oil.

BRAISED BEEF KARUBI

The Braised Beef Karubi (S$23) was extremely tender and well seasoned. And even though the beef was the star of the show, we couldn’t stop munching on the roasted garlic fries served on the side. This rustic dish is certainly calling out to all you beef lovers out there!

CHARGRILLED PORK CHOP

Look at that glistening beauty! We were blown away just looking at Ninethirty’s stunning Chargrilled Pork Chop (S$21). You see, pork chops can easily be overcooked, but thankfully, when we cut through our piece, the meat inside was still moist and tender.

The browned butter and garlic sauce, generally drizzled on top with more on the side, was what sealed it for us. Oh, we sure enjoyed the caramelised onion relish on the side too. And yes, more fries, please!

LAKSA TAGLIATELLE

With the famous Katong Laksa stalls in the vicinity, we were close to writing this out. We can be skeptical at times, but we were speechless when we sunk our teeth into the al dente tagliatelle with the laksa sauce. Damn, the Laksa Tagliatelle (S$20) is the perfect marriage of European and Asian styles and flavours, and boy was it amazing!

The mussels were fresh and generously offered with the pasta. The addition of crisp okra really delighted us as it added a nice bite when eaten all together. Now, we should have known better than to be too quick to judge and write things off. This Laksa Tagliatelle, you have to try.

MAC & CHEESE

We can’t be the only ones who get all excited when we see Mac & Cheese on the menu, yes?

This Mac & Cheese (S$18) here at Ninethirty sure had us jumping in joy; we are not even kidding. Rigatoni pasta is used for a more substantial texture, and the chunky pasta does its job in absorbing the cheeses. You would want to eat this warm to enjoy its best flavours.

MUSSELS & FRIES

Yup, you heard us right. Mussels & Fries (S$20) are a thing and they are here to stay. But this is not your usual Western mussels, guys. The distinct taste of lemongrass and spices used for the mussel broth had us reminded of Thai green curry. Comforting like that.

We were delighted to find a generous serving of mussels used and also a mountain of fries on the side. And you know what is the best way to enjoy the fries? Dunk them into the mussel broth, guys!

PINK SALMON

Nothing screams comfort food like a tomato-based spaghetti dish. The Pink Salmon (S$20) is a sophisticated take on the traditional Bolognese. The seared salmon perched on top of the pasta features a massive portion cooked to perfection – still slightly dark pink on the side and extremely moist on the inside.

The tomato-based spaghetti really felt like something an Italian grandmother would dish out – rustic, hearty and oh-so-addictive. It is something that we wouldn’t mind coming back again for more and more. Some things stay gold like that.

BRIOCHE FRENCH TOAST

This dish is so delicious, we wish it wasn’t only served on weekends and public holidays (from 10am to 10pm). A creamy peanut butter spread (yes!!!) is slathered generously in between in-house baked brioche toast. The bun itself is soft on the inside and lightly toasted outside.

Look out for the almond streusel tossed all around for the crisp texture really complimented the intense flavours well. It is official – we are addicted to Ninethirty’s Brioche French Toast (S$16).

MARTINIS & DRINKS

If you are a huge fan of awfullychocolate’s decadent Rum & Cherry whole cake, you will be happy to know that they now have a Chocolate Rum & Cherry (S$8) drink that is out to satisfy you just as much. Can’t finish the whole cake yourself? No biggie because this drink is a great alternative to curb your cravings.

And yes to local spin on milkshakes. The Gula Melaka Jackfruit Shake (S$8) is a sweet milk shake with rich gula melaka notes. You can taste the perfect weave of coconut ice cream, jackfruit, gula melaka and coconut milk altogether in one unassuming cup. Extremely refreshing!

Now, if you can’t decide between having a cocktail or a dessert, the Dark Chocolate Martini (S$15) is a perfect after-dinner drink. Have the best of both worlds this way, we say! Rich chocolatey goodness and alcohol sounds like a match made in heaven.

AWFULLY CHOCOLATE SIGNATURE DESSERTS

Any meal at Ninethirty wouldn’t be complete without a single scoop of the iconic Hei Ice Cream, traditionally served in an adorable takeaway box. However, here at Ninethirty, you can have it on a tall metal glass when you dine in. Rich and extremely concentrated in chocolate flavours, we dare say you can’t find a decent dupe of this ice cream anywhere else.

Apart from Hei ice cream, don’t forget to try the cake that started it all – the Awfully Chocolate All Chocolate Cake (6” at $34). Also available in 2 other flavours – Chocolate Banana Cake ($36) and Chocolate Rum & Cherry Cake ($38).

Ninethirty by awfullychocolate
131 East Coast Rd
Singapore 428816
Tel: +65 6345 2190
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 11pm
Fri: 12pm – 1am
Sat: 9.30am – 1am
Sun: 9.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Dakota

This post is brought to you by Ninethirty by awfullychocolate.

For so long now, Hoshino Coffee at Plaza Singapura has been a favourite among shoppers and executives in the area. The queues are always long, and their popularity is no surprise. But if you do not want to join the queue, then venture further to the new Capitol Piazza as Hoshino Coffee has recently opened an outlet there.

Tucked away in a secluded area of Capitol Piazza’s Basement 2, Hoshino Coffee remains under the radar and is a serene place to enjoy a meal and to catch up with friends. The Japanese establishment is famous for their coffee and desserts, but what remains relatively unknown to most people is that they do serve a delectable variety of wholesome savoury dishes at very affordable prices.

Here is our take on the 13 items that you must try at Hoshino Coffee’s new flagship outlet at Capitol Piazza, and we are pretty certain you will fall in love too.

#1 FUWA FUWA HOSHINO SOUFFLÉ

Probably one we will return for, the Fuwa Fuwa Hoshino Soufflé (S$15.80) is famed for its wobbly golden hue puffy top. Dig through the eggy fluff and a bed of rice infused with cheese, mushroom slices, chunks of bacon, and tomato sauce awaits. The portion of this baked dish is huge and we think it is best to be share it with someone.

#2 PIE PIZZA

Pie Pizza is, well, a hybrid of a pie and pizza. Made with mainly flaky and buttery puff pastry, these fusion creations are significantly less dense than the traditional pizza. Each Pie Pizza (S$15) comes with a side salad, minestrone soup and wedges. There are only two flavours at the moment – mushroom & chicken and mixed flavours. But they are good enough, trust us. These Pie Pizzas are also exclusive to Capitol Piazza’s outlet.

#3 TONKATSU TOAST

Last but certainly not the least, Hoshino Coffee did an exceptional job with their mouthwatering Tonkatsu Toast (S$11.80). The delightful deep-fried breaded pork and shredded vegetables were sandwiched between two toasted breads, and each each bite reminded us of the ones we had in Japan.

#4 SALMON SPAGHETTI

Hoshino Coffee’s menu also boasts a variety of spaghetti options and a perennial customers’ favourite is the Salmon with Wasabi Cream Sauce (S$16). Served on a white oval dish, the Japanese cream-based pasta is prepared with shiitake mushrooms, shredded seaweed, salmon chunks, bits of spicy wasabi and a dash of sesame seeds. Lots of flavours in one dish, indeed!

#5 POT-BAKED CURRY RICE

Hoshino Coffee’s Pot-Baked Curry Rice (S$15) is served piping hot on a sizzling hot pan. The robust dish of baked Japanese cheesy curry rice served with generous chunks of sausages, broccoli and a semi-molten egg, is actually a memorable highlight that we will gladly return regularly for. It is one of those amazing wonders-all-in-one-bowl dish.

#6 PANCAKE SOUFFLÉ

Pancake Soufflés are Hoshino Coffee’s best-selling desserts. Ironically, they are neither a soufflé nor a pancake, but are actually a cross-breed between these two classic dishes. Enjoy a single slice of soufflé-style pancake (S$9.80) or a double portion (S$12) with a choice of honey or maple syrup. You can also choose to have them with chocolate and banana or homemade whipped cream (single – S$13.50, double – S$16.80).

From time to time, limited edition selections are available and the current menu recommends Pancake Soufflé Style with Peach (single – S$14.50, double – S$17.80). By the way, we totally dig how they are so damn photogenic.

#7 ICE MATCHA LATTE WITH SOFTEE

Hoshino Coffee has an ultimate combo perfect for green tea lovers. The Ice Matcha Latte with Green Tea Flavoured Softee (S$9.30) is a delightful drink-cum-dessert. Why have just an element of green tea when you can have two? Do note that the cold beverage becomes milkier as the soft serve ice cream melts. Warning: this is an addictive treat.

#8 MATCHA / VANILLA SOUFFLÉ

The pot-baked soufflé (S$10.80) is available in either matcha or vanilla flavour. Each soufflé is baked upon order, so do be prepared to wait for at least 20 minutes before the dessert is presented to you fresh from the oven. Watch in awe as the soufflé’s jiggly pillow-like top eventually collapses into the ceramic dish containing it. If you have ordered the vanilla soufflé, you can choose from viscous chocolate or thick custard sauce as condiments. We suggest the former, because chocolate is always more decadent and satisfying, yes?

#9 FRENCH TOAST

The soft and fluffy lukewarm brioche French Toast with Caramel Nuts (S$10.80) is drizzled with caramel sauce and topped with sliced bananas, sifted icing sugar, pan-roasted almond slices. The large scoop of ‘ice-cream’ is actually a generous portion of chilled homemade whipped cream. A simpler variation of the French Toast (S$9.90) is available, where it is simply topped with sugar and cream.

#10 MILLE-FEUILLE

The Mille-Feuille is a flaky French-inspired dessert made with layers of incredibly thin and light puff pastry. We particularly enjoyed the Strawberry Mille-Feuille (S$15) where it was filled with vast amounts of piped cream, juicy strawberries, strawberry ice cream and jam.

If you were wondering, the strawberry ice cream and jam are actually hidden by the cream. Should strawberries not appeal to you, you can choose to have the Tiramisu Mille-Feuille (S$15)  instead. Both Mille-Feuilles are exclusive to Capitol Piazza’s outlet so do make a special trip down to sample these sugary treats.

#11 HOSHINO HAND-DRIPPED COFFEE

The highest quality Arabica coffee beans have been selected by Hoshino’s in-house coffee blend specialist Master Kano, and are roasted over open fire. The piquant hot coffee (S$5.80) flavours leaves a pleasant acidic aftertaste and is best consumed within 15 minutes. You can choose to refill your coffee at 50% off for Hoshino Blend Coffee, Americano, and Iced Coffee – this is amazing news!

#12 HOT FRUIT TEA

If you are more of a tea person, you must not miss out on a fragrant pot of Hot Fruit Tea (S$9.90). This is our favourite drink! The refreshing fruity tea comes with an interesting mixture of freshly sliced apples, oranges, kiwis and blueberries. We were hopelessly addicted to the sweet tea and completely unsurprised when told that it at times sells out by afternoon.

#13 SAKURA LATTE

Contrary to popular belief, the gorgeous-looking pink coloured Sakura Latte is actually free from caffeine and colourings. You can choose to have it hot (S$9) or iced with softee (S$9.30). The milk-based beverage infused with cherry blossoms is actually very light and has an aromatic floral scent.

For the latest updates, go to www.hoshinocoffee.com.sg, and like Hoshino Coffee on Facebook.

Hoshino Coffee
Capitol Piazza #B2-55
15 Stamford Road
Singapore 178906
Tel: +65 6384 5131
Daily: 10.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

This post is brought to you by Hoshino Coffee.

“Always tasty, always homemade. With love.”

That’s Little Diner for you.

The humble eatery that sits amidst the lush greenery of Bukit Timah, away from the humdrum of city life and stress – cosy and unpretentious. It is a no-frills place; just earnest comfort food in generous portions. Lunch, dinner, weekend brunch… whenever you need to please that tummy of yours, Little Diner will take care of that.

Nothing here costs an arm and a leg – most of the dishes on the menu are reasonably priced below S$20 – and all that we’ve sampled and had were delightfully yummy to say the least. Some classics are as good as gold, some creations took us by surprise and left us lingering for more. Little Diner has also just launched its new 2-course weekday set lunch at S$22.50++.

Today, we share 10 Must-Try Dishes at Little Diner and we urge you to drop by for a meal that you will not have regrets for.

There are three various “feeding times”, and the menu differ for each.

Lunch hours on weekdays (11:30am to 3pm, Tuesdays to Fridays) call for value-for-money 2-course set lunches at S$22.50++, including one coffee or tea. Portions are of the original size no less, and there are several starters and main courses to pick from, of which we will be sharing some of our favourites in this list.

We’d love to think of the set lunches as casual affordable options when we want to avoid the lunch crowd in town and major restaurants. From now till 31 May 2015, quote “ladyironchef” and get a free dessert of the day with every set lunch ordered.

Then, there is a comprehensive menu when it comes to dinner. We promise you’ll be so spoilt for choice, but more than that, we’d love for you to spend your night with great comfort food and drinks. It is like dining at a home outside of your home.

Weekend brunches are not confined to cafes. A local eatery off the beaten track sounds lovely too, yes? Especially so when they’ve got some really impressive items. Trust us on this – you’ll be hooked to the first dish that we are going to share.

#1 STUFFED SUPER CEREAL-CRUSTED FRENCH TOAST (BRUNCH ONLY)

Nutella, Nutella and more Nutella in Little Diner‘s version of stuffed French Toast which is served during weekend brunch. At S$16.50, this is a notch above your usual French Toast. Thick brioche with a crunchy cereal crust, lavishly stuffed with everyone’s favourite hazelnut spread, topped with fried bananas and drenched with chocolate sauce. What’s a better word than ‘heavenly’?

Now, you’d be pretty darn sure you need this for your weekend.

#2 ROSARIO’S FRIED RISOTTO BALLS (LUNCH AND DINNER ONLY)

With a melty mozzarella center, tomato coulis, basil pesto and parmesan cheese, the Rosario’s Fried Risotto Balls (S$9.50) is a rustic appetiser that is good for sharing, but we’d prefer to have them to ourselves. It might sound foreign, but they are really just crispy balls with a warm filling of cheesy rice grains, tangy tomato and herbs. 

For weekday set lunches, this option is also included as a starter, and it is certainly our favourite thing to order.

#3 CROQUE MADAME (BRUNCH ONLY)

Pretty much like your ham and cheese sandwich, except that Little Diner’s Croque Madame (S$14.50) – only on weekend brunch hours – is like a gigantic deconstructed version.

What seemed like a messy pile actually turned out to be a delightful surprise of toasted brioche, a thick slice of ham and lots of melted cheese, with a copious amount of truffle scented bechamel sauce. Topped with a gorgeous fried egg and some greens, the Croque Madame was wolfed down by our party within minutes.

#4 VERSION 2.0 BAKED MAC & CHEESE ROYALE

Damn, this is one hell of a Mac & Cheese! We are always lamenting about the lack of a good mac & cheese in Singapore, but no more complaints – we’ve found the best. The Version 2.0 Baked Mac & Cheese Royale (S$20.50) is a divine portion that comes with wild enoki and shimeji mushrooms, complete with truffle oil. Let’s just say the fragrance is unparalleled, and unlike most overly cheesy and sick mac & cheese, this rendition is lighter and works as a main on its own.

Not a fan of truffle? Sure. Go for the Old School Baked Mac & Cheese (S$16.50).

#5 THE XXX BACONATOR

Every man needs a badass burger. It is food for the soul! The XXX Baconator (S$21.50) is a fascinating tower of thick and juicy beef patty, melted Swiss cheese, and, behold – crispy bacon strips, espresso bacon jam and bacon aioli. Definitely not for the faint-hearted, but… the more badass the burger, the more we love it.

And by the way, Little Diner has an Empire Burger Challenge. To begin, the Empire Burger (S$50) is a massive burger that is good for 3-4 persons, unless you are incredibly hungry. And if you are, then challenge yourself to finish the Empire Burger plus fries. Do that all in twenty minutes and your burger is free!

#6 PAN ROASTED FILET OF SEA BASS

Something lighter is the Pan Roasted Filet of Sea Bass (S$25). Simple white fish that is lightly pan roasted, and served with seasonal greens and whipped potatoes. The ladies will love this.

Also available as a main in the weekday 2-course lunch sets (S$18.50++), this dish is ideal for those who do not want something overly filling lest you snooze when you get back to the office.

#7 THE “KRUSTY KRAB” BENEDICT (BRUNCH ONLY)

Want to try something different from your usual egg Benedict? Then go for The “Krusty Krab” Benedict (S$19.50) that is available on Little Diner’s weekend brunch menu. Golden crab cake pillow sits atop toasted brioche, accompanied by crispy bacon, grilled asparagus, poached egg, and two sauces – Hollandaise and a hint of chipotle aioli. You know what this means? Explosion of flavours with every bite.

#8 THE BBQ PIGWICH

The BBQ Pigwich (S$18.50) features juicy spiced pulled pork cocooned in a thin wrap with smoky BBQ sauce and fresh pickled onions. Served with a side of homemade coleslaw, this option is also available as a main course in the weekday lunch sets, and the robust flavours of the dish sure work as a perk-me-up.

#9 SMOKED DUCK BREAST SALAD

The salad lovers will enjoy the Smoked Duck Breast Salad (S$13.50). With many slices of smoked duck breast, shaved poached pears, tangy dried cranberries and honey glazed walnuts atop mixed greens, this salad is tossed in a light citrus vinaigrette. Also available as a starter for the weekday lunch sets.

#10 ALL AMERICAN BUTTERMILK FRIED CHICKEN (LUNCH AND DINNER ONLY)

We have nothing but praises for the All American Buttermilk Fried Chicken (S$18.50). It has a preparation time of 20 minutes, but thou shalt always wait patiently for indulgent fried chicken.

Little Diner’s golden fried perfection is indeed a perfect treat for dinner, and guess what? It comes drizzled with maple syrup for more oomph! Served with handcut fries and homemade coleslaw, this is an all-time favourite that we will return to Little Diner again and again for.

Besides the set lunches deals, Little Diner also has several ongoing weekday promotions. On Tuesday, it is burger day at Little Diner. Enjoy all burgers (except the Empire Burger) at S$15++ all day. On Wednesday, one dines for free with three paying diners. On Thursday, get a jug of beer at S$19.50++, a bottle of housepour wine at S$40++, or a bottle of premium wine at S$60++

For the latest updates, go to littlediner.sg and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Little Diner
789 Bukit Timah Road
Tel: +65 6466 4088
Tue to Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village/Botanic Gardens

This post is brought to you by Little Diner.

Au Chocolat, opened by the folks behind Ku De Ta and Catalunya, occupies a huge space at a corner of Marina Bay Sands. It is divided into two sections: a retail confectionery store where you can find all sorts of delicious snacks – such as slice cakes, cupcakes, gelato, truffle – and fun merchandise. The other half is the bistro which has an all-day dining menu.

We have been to Au Chocolat many times, and tried quite a few items from the bistro and confectionery. Here are some of the highlights.

The menu is huge, running from handmade crepes ($16-20), to breakfast food ($15-22), finger food and snacks ($12-18), soup and salad ($11-20), burgers and sandwiches ($16-25), pasta ($23-25), entrees ($22-32) and desserts ($16-18).

We started with their Truffle Fries ($15), a generous serving of crispy fries drizzled with fragrant white truffle oil and seasoned with truffle sea salt. The Mushroom Bite ($14), next to arrive on the table, was rather run-of-the-mill. For the price, we would rather get another portion of the truffle fries.

We have heard a lot about Au Chocolat’s Ultimate Benedict ($22), so we knew we had to give it a try. Pancakes formed the base of the dish, and it was topped with spinach, tomatoes, crispy bacon, roasted ribeye steak, roasted chicken and two poached eggs. It has a generous drizzling of red wine and dark chocolate infused hollandaise sauce.

Each of the ingredient was good on its own, but when you put everything together, it became too overwhelming. Simply put, we were not too impressed.

Our favourite entree is the crispy Duck Confit ($27), which comes with potato mash, white wine poached pear and topped off with a tangy chocolate orange sauce. It was one of the best duck confits that I have had in recent times. Definitely one of the must-order dishes when you are dining at Au Chocolat.

A commendable dish is the Steak Frites ($35). I was not expecting much of the pan-seared ribeye steak, if only because many places tend to serve mediocre steaks, so I was pleasantly to find that this was really good. It was a perfectly cooked steak which was juicy, tender and well seasoned. Plus, it was accompanied by tasty truffle fries and red wine sauce on the side.

Other enticing options on the entrees menu include a delicious corn-fed Roasted Chicken ($24) and the rich and flavourful Boeuf Bourguignon ($26).

We also had their Stuffed French Toast ($18). Two slices of brioche bread filled with berries and mascarpone cheese. There is nothing wrong with this dish, but other than the pretty appearance, there is little about it that stands out.

Dessert lovers will surely go crazy at Au Chocolat here. Among the six options under the dessert section, we had the Au Chocolat Tower Cake ($18), a huge six layers of moist chocolate cake served with a vanilla gelato; and the Caramel Apple Skillet ($17) – which was a baked caramel pecan cake drizzled with salted caramel sauce. If you have been on a hunt to find the best chocolate cake in Singapore, you must try Au Chocolat’s rendition.

Besides that, we have also tried many different desserts from Au Chocolat’s pastry counter over several visits. The noteworthy ones include the Chocolate Tart, Red Velvet Cheesecake, Kalamansi Cake and Peanut Butter Cheesecake.

What makes Au Chocolat a place you can return to again and again is that its all-day menu provides plenty of options for everyone. Furthermore, it opens till late everyday, making it a great venue for dinner, or to hangout for desserts with a group of friends.

Au Chocolat
2 Bayfront Avenue
#01-03 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
Tel: +65 6688 7227
Sun to Thu: 10am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 10am – 12 midnight
Note: This was an invited media tasting.

Words by Sarah Lim, photos by ladyironchef.

Open Door Policy at the uber-hip Yong Siak Street has certainly managed to draw in the brunch-loving crowd with their creative weekend offerings. Groups of patrons, mostly expatriate families, started streaming in once doors flung open at 11am and half an hour later the restaurant was fully packed.

Being under the Spa Esprit group (which also manages Forty Hands Cafe), we’d expected no less of the décor, and ODP certainly delivers as far as ambience is concerned. Despite the collision of rustic wooden shelves, metallic elements lining the ceiling and stools looking as if they came out from a 1960s classroom, everything blended together to create the perfect Manhattan-chic vibe for a weekend brunch.

And that was precisely what we were here for on a Sunday morning. It didn’t matter that the brunch menu had fewer than 10 items; we immediately homed in on the pancakes, French toast and smoked salmon with scrambled eggs.

If you thought the decoration was stunning, prepared to be awed by the beauty (literally) of the dishes. Our almost too-pretty-to-eat French toast with roasted berries and vanilla ice cream ($18+) was a testament to the emphasis ODP places on food presentation.

Four hunky blocks of buttery, almost cake-like brioche perfectly seared to achieve a crusty caramelized surface came dusted with icing sugar. The juicy compote of berries and creamy vanilla ice were the perfect accompaniment to the French toast. The marriage of flavours and textures was indeed a treat for the palate.

The smoked salmon and scrambled eggs on toasted ciabatta with spinach and fresh herbs ($19+) was a less exciting option. Parting the slices of smoked salmon that blanketed the dish revealed a generous portion of gorgeously creamy scrambled eggs, which we felt could have been perfect with a little more seasoning. Having been soaked through by the moist eggs, the ciabatta was also less crusty than we’d have hoped for.

Amongst the three dishes, we were least impressed by the ODP pancakes with black berry and chocolate ($17+). These turned out too thick and dry for us since we’ve been so spoilt by fluffier varieties elsewhere, and were struggling to finish despite sharing. Fortunately, the sticky and decadent chocolate sauce, balanced by the tart blackberries was a welcomed redemption for the dish.

Service was efficient despite running on full house, so applaud ODP for doing away with the 10% service charge despite their right to do so. While prices here still push the boundaries for brunch, what you get in exchange is a wonderful dining experience amidst beautiful surroundings – as long as you pick the right dishes.

Open Door Policy
9 Yong Siak Street
Tel: +65 6221 9307
Mon to Sun: 12pm – 3.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
Weekend brunch: 11am – 4pm
Closed on Tue

For more recommendations, please read my list of best cafes in Singapore

When our dear friend Kenny was in Singapore for work recently, we were having a headache where to bring him for dinner — until someone suggested Cafe De Hong Kong at Balestier.

It’s always good to have a friend in town as it provides us with the perfect excuse to pig-out. It’s also a not-so-regular dinner outing for a group of lazy food bloggers.

Cafe De Hong Kong’s Nan Yu Roasted Crispy Chicken ($17 half chicken, pre-order required) is very different from the usual ones. For one, it wasn’t exceptionally crispy, nor was it extremely tender. But it stood out with the use of fermented bean curd to marinate the chicken, giving it a very different twist. While I didn’t like this dish, the rest of the folks enjoyed it tremendously.

The Pumpkin Paste & Salted Egg Golden Prawns ($22) was excellent. Each of us had a huge prawn that was coated with the rich salted egg yolk sauce. It was succulent, meaty and there was a subtle spiciness hidden within the robust sauce.

I felt that the Braised Lamb Brisket ($20) had a strong gamey taste, but the rest thought that it was acceptable and they went on to finish the whole pot!

The only vegetable that we ordered for dinner was the Braised Long Beans ($10) and it was much better than I expected.

The Fragrant Fish Roe Fried Rice ($10) was listed as one of Cafe De Hong Kong’s signature dishes and I was wondering what’s the big fuss about it. I mean, fried rice is just fried rice, how good can it be?

The porportion of grain – fish roe was evenly matched, and every mouthful of the fried rice was accompanied by the flavorful and crunchy red roe. This is definitely worth a try!

Dear God, or whoever in charge of wishes, I know I haven’t been very faithful when it comes to praying, and it isn’t nice for me to come to you only when I need something. But please, let the Sweet & Sour Pork ($10) be good.

There was a strong vinegar smell lingering in the air when the waitress brought the plate to our table, the appearance of the Sweet & Sour pork looked promising. Everyone stared at me to see my reaction as I was the one who insisted on ordering this dish. I took a piece with the chopsticks and placed it carefully into my mouth.

The first impression was not too bad, but after taking a few more bites, I concluded that it wasn’t what I was looking for.  According to the others, they found the Sweet & Sour Pork too sweet, which wasn’t an issue with me. But it wasn’t crispy nor crunchy enough. Sometimes, I can’t help but wonder if I am seeking something that does not exist.

I almost fainted when the two French Toast came to our table. It was huge, and sinful! For a second, I was wondering if I should eat it. But I finally succumbed to temptation under peer-pressure. It was very good – definitely one of the best French Toast in Singapore!

Cafe De Hong Kong is somewhat like an upmarket zi-char stall in a Chinese restaurant setting. The restaurant was almost full when we were there on a weekday night, so you can guess how popular they are. While I am not totally convinced with all the raves that they are getting, Cafe De Hong Kong is probably an option to consider for dinner if you are in the Balestier area.

Restaurant Review
Cafe De Hong Kong
586 Balestier Road #01-01 Eastpac Building Singapore
Tel: +65 6255 3865