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 at The Yards (the former site of the old Telok Kurau Primary School) in Joo Chiat Place, The Brewing Ground is a pet-friendly cafe that offers all-day brunch and drinks.

Playing on the various definitions of the word ‘brew’, The Brewing Ground offers not only good coffee and beer, but it is also a space for the community to gather.

What we like about The Brewing Ground:

• A hidden gem in Joo Chiat
• Delicious brunch fare
• Ample parking lots at The Yards, Joo Chiat Place
• Pretty garden-themed interior
• Pet-friendly alfresco area
• All-day brunch from 11am – 4pm

The Brewing Ground is a pet-friendly cafe in the east of Singapore that allows dogs in the outdoor area.

On the menu, you can find a selection of all-day brunch and mains from 11am to 4pm and the more popular dishes include the Breakfast Burger (S$20), Crab & Signature Scrambled Eggs on Toast (S$25), and The Brewers Breakfast (S$26)—the full breakfast works with eggs, bacon, cheese sausage, hash brown, sauteed mushrooms and toast.

The Brewing Ground uses single-origin Bespresso beans from Brazil roasted by 2º North Coffee Co.

The Crab & Signature Scrambled Eggs on Toast (S$25) features The Brewing Ground’s signature scrambled eggs, sautéed crabmeat, ikura, and roasted cherry tomatoes on a sourdough toast. The combination of flavours can be a bit too exotic for those who have a lighter palate.

We also had the Avocado & Ricotta Tartine (S$17)—a beautiful assembly of avocado, roasted cherry tomatoes and ricotta on sourdough which came with a side of Mesclun salad. Classic, and will always make us happy. You can also choose to add scrambled eggs (S$5) or maple bacon (S$5) to the toast.

The Brewing Ground
406 Joo Chiat Place, #01-24 The Yards
Tel: +65 8313 6092

]]> https://www.ladyironchef.com/2021/04/the-brewing-ground/feed/ 0 https://www.ladyironchef.com/2021/02/fennel-cafe-afternoon-tea/ https://www.ladyironchef.com/2021/02/fennel-cafe-afternoon-tea/#comments Tue, 23 Feb 2021 03:08:26 +0000 ladyironchef https://www.ladyironchef.com/?p=207833 Continue reading →]]>

Fennel Cafe is a garden-themed cafe at Flower Dome within Gardens By The Bay which offers panoramic views of Marina Bay and Singapore Flyer. It is easily one of the prettiest places to have afternoon tea in Singapore.

The Afternoon Tea Set is priced at S$45++/pax (deposit is required for reservations).

Here’s what you can expect from Fennel Cafe’s Afternoon Tea Menu.

Savoury

• Egg salad sandwich with tomato chutney
• Chicken liver parfait cherry
• Salmon rillettes and cucumber sandwich
• Gruyere cheese gougeres
• Buttered leek and cheddar quiche

Sweet

• Mandarin choux
• Peanut butter and jelly macaron
• Salted caramel and pine nut tart
• Mango cream doughnut
• Whole wheat shortbread with chocolate and marshmallow

Devonshire

• Homemade scones with clotted cream & berry jam

Coffee/Tea Selection

• English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Green Tea, Chamomile, Peppermint, Rooibos Vanilla
• Espresso, Macchiato, Long Black, Cappuccino, Latte, Flat White, Mocha

At S$45++/pax, we were perhaps expecting more from the afternoon tea set, but it wasn’t the most impressive spread. The sandwiches, scones and doughnuts were great, but everything else wasn’t that memorable.

It is also worth mentioning that Fennel Cafe offers free-flow coffee/tea for the Afternoon Tea set (one beverage per person to be served at a time).

Having said that, we would still return to Fennel Cafe for the afternoon tea for the ambience and the complimentary access to the Flower Dome. It’s a lovely place to enjoy a leisure afternoon tea and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Do take note of the following if you are planning to go to Fennel Cafe for the afternoon tea.

There is a free buggy service from Gardens by the Bay’s arrival plaza to the Flower Dome and the service runs every five minutes from 11.30 am onwards.

You can also get complimentary access to the Flower Dome without paying the entrance fee which saves you S$12/adult. Make sure to take a stroll in the Flower Dome after having your afternoon tea at Fennel Cafe.

Fennel Cafe
S$45++/pax
3pm – 5pm (last seating at 4pm)

A charming, beautiful dining spot that’s a surefire way to impress a date, POLLEN Terrace astounds with its lush botanical surroundings, stellar service and delicious French-Mediterranean food that presents itself in the most vibrant of colours.

POLLEN Terrace takes up a large space in the Flower Dome at Gardens By The Bay and you can get there by hopping onto a personalised buggy ride at the arrival plaza—how fun is that?!

All POLLEN’s guests are also given complimentary access to the flower dome so you really do get so much more out of your meal there!

While the main draw of POLLEN is the restaurant at level one that offers multi-course dining, the terrace bar on level two is equally worth visiting too. Unlike many open bars in Singapore where you will have to bear with the midday heat, the temperatures at POLLEN will always remain at a cool 20 degrees Celsius.

It is always a great time to have a tipple at POLLEN; the curated beverage menu comprises their signature cocktails, wines and beers from both international and local brands.

Have a starter to whet your appetite. POLLEN’s couscous, duck ham, date and pomegranate salad (S$19++) is a visual feast that is refreshing and palatable on the taste buds as well.

One of our favourites on the menu, the Saffron risotto with beef cheek (S$34++) came with a chunk of juicy beef cheek placed on a bed of creamy saffron risotto that reminds us of the Spanish paella. We would, however, recommend this only for the light eaters or for sharing with other mains as the serving size is not substantial.

POLLEN’s 1,000 Guineas Shorthorn Beef (Striploin – S$38++, Ribeye – S$48++) is a treat for the senses.

From the perfectly seared edges to the medium pinkish interior, this one is for all the meat lovers. Accompanied on the side is a serving of fluffy, buttery mashed potato and a grilled portobello mushroom.

Pollen Terrace
18 Marina Gardens Drive
#02-09 Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay
Singapore 018953
Tel: +65 6604 9988
Daily: 9.30am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront

From breath-taking lush interiors to nature-inspired food, you may be surprised to know our sunny island is peppered with many garden-themed cafes if you have not been on a lookout. Decked in botanicals, dining at such cafes can provides a quick escape from Singapore’s concrete jungle.

Whether it is a hearty brunch with the family or a quiet spot to chill over good books and coffee, here are 10 Garden-Themed Cafes You can Find In Singapore for the avid café hoppers, nature lovers and those who wish to get away from the bustling city.

#1 BEE’S KNEES

Nestled within Singapore Botanic Gardens, Bee’s Knees at The Garage is a hideout away from the city that allows you to dine within lush greenery.

The pet-friendly cafe serves a range of western dishes and specialises in pizza, pasta, sandwiches and desserts. Drivers should go by Cluny Park Road for direct access to Bee’s Knees.

Bee’s Knees
50 Cluny Park Road
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Singapore 257488
Tel: +65 9831 1106
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens

#2 BOUFE CAFE

Situated in Phoenix Park, Boufe Cafe features a minimalistic cafe section (that is split to indoor and al fresco areas) and a mini boutique where popular online brand Ohvola is stocked at.

Whether it is decadent cakes or brunch classics, you can be sure to enjoy excellent food away from the buzz of the city.

Boufe Café
308 Tanglin Road
#01-01 Phoenix Park
Singapore 247974
Tel: +65 6734 7656
Mon to Fri: 8am – 7pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Queenstown

#3 CANOPY GARDEN DINING & BAR

If you are looking for a place to chill out while enjoying some late-night drinks while taking in the fresh air of the outdoors, then this would be it.

Do try out their Lobster Pomodoro (S$20) – the pasta is tossed with lobster and roasted tomato pomodoro before it is topped off with corianders and spring onions.

Canopy Garden Dining & Bar
1382 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1
Singapore 569931
Tel: +65 9113 4666
Mon to Thu: 9am – 10.30pm
Fri and Eve of PH: 9am – 11pm
Sat and Sun: 8am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bishan

Photo Credit: Epiphyte

#4 EPIPHYTE

Decked in plants and terrariums, Epiphyte is a cafe and bar where diners can feast on an array of Western and Asian cuisine infused with elements of art and nature. The signature Pink Risotto (S$22) features roasted beetroot which adds an eye-catching pink hue to the dish.

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn 2 miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

Epiphyte
47 Neil Rd Singapore 088827
Tel: +65 6610 6271
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Closed on Sundays.
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: Knots Café And Living Facebook

#5 KNOTS CAFÉ AND LIVING

Knots Café and Living is your one-stop furniture showroom café where you can browse and shop at the retail area or indulge in various brunch classics and sweet treats. This is an ideal destination for those seeking a simple and peaceful spot to unwind.

Knots Café And Living
160 Paya Lebar Rd #01-07
Singapore 409022
Tel: +65 6817 0383
Mon: 10am – 6pm
Tue to Thu & Sun: 9am – 9pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Macpherson

Photo Credit: Picnic Urban Food Park

#6 PICNIC URBAN FOOD PARK

The Picnic Urban Food Park is an idyllic garden-themed food hall nestled in Wisma Atria. With 13 different trucks and stalls offering a range of cuisines from Japanese, Taiwanese, Korean-Mexican, French to Italian, there is something for everyone to indulge in.

Picnic Urban Food Park
435 Orchard Road
#03-15 Wisma Atria
Singapore 238877
Tel: +65 6734 8352
Daily: 10am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

#7 PS CAFE HARDING ROAD

Strategically located next to the Dempsey greenery—with both indoor and al fresco seating options—PS. Cafe at Harding Road is a popular brunch spot on the weekends amongst families and friends.

Besides savoury café classics and indulgent treats, the café’s famous truffle shoestring fries is a must-order.

PS Cafe Harding Road
28B Harding Rd
Singapore 249549
Tel: +65 9070 8782
Sun to Thurs: 8am – 11pm
Fri and Sat: 8am – 1am
Nearest Station: Orchard

#8 RIDERS CAFE

Always lively and bustling with people, Riders Cafe at Bukit Timah Saddle Club is one that needs no further introduction. It is a splendid place surrounded by greenery for anyone that needs a quick escape from the humdrum of the city. And yes, food is pretty decent too.

Riders Café
51 Fairways Drive
Bukit Timah Saddle Club
Singapore 286965
Tel: +65 6466 9819
Sun to Thurs: 8am – 9pm
Fri and Sat: 8am – 10pm
Closed on Mondays
Nearest Station: Sixth Avenue

Photo Credit: Botanist Singapore Facebook

#9 THE BOTANIST

Opened by the folks behind Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters and Alchemist, The Botanist boasts a relaxing ambience with both outdoor and indoor seating arrangements.

The popular Who Spill The Jam (S$19) is an Instagram-worthy French toast which features Brioche French toast, summer berries, berries compote and vanilla ice cream.

The Botanist
74 Neil Road
Singapore 088839
Tel: +65 9362 9948
Tue to Sun: 9am – 6pm
Closed on Mondays
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

#10 WILDSEED CAFÉ & BAR

Located on the ground floor of The Summerhouse Dining Room, Wildseed Café whips up hearty lunch and brunch dishes during the day and transforms into a casual bar with a delectable grill selection in the evening.

The picturesque café’s bestseller, Wagyu Beef Burger (S$19) is filled with robust flavours that will satisfy your burger cravings.

Wildseed Café & Bar
3 Park Lane
Singapore 798387
Tel: +65 6262 1063
Daily: 9am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Punggol

Read: 19 Romantic Al Fresco Restaurants In Singapore To Bring Bae To

The Oval at Seletar Aerospace Park is often dubbed as the “Dempsey in the North”. Located in the far-flung area of Singapore, this lifestyle dining enclave is home to several eateries housed in refurbished colonial bungalows.

The rustic vibes from these grand colonial buildings exude a tranquil English countryside charm where visitors are able to enjoy some quiet time away from the mayhem of the city.

Whether you are looking for an adventure to discover new OOTD spots or a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle, here is what you can find at The Oval At Seletar Aerospace Park.

WILDSEED CAFE & BAR

Searching for a place to avoid the crowd? Wildseed Café & Bar would be your best bet. Tucked away in Seletar Aerospace Park, this idyllic garden themed café whips up hearty meals during the day and transforms into a casual bar with a delectable grill selection in the evening.

From a wide selection of mains and desserts in their menu to an even larger assortment of alcoholic beverages, there is something for everyone to indulge in at Wildseed Café. On Fridays through Sundays, there’s even live acoustic music in the evening where you can sing along as you sip on some garden-inspired cocktails.

Wildseed Cafe and Bar
3 Park Lane
Singapore 798387
Tel: +65 6262 1063
Wildseed Café
Daily: 9am – 5pm
Wildseed Bar
Sun to Thurs: 5pm – 11pm
Fri, Sat and Eve of PH: 5pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Punggol or Yishun

THE SUMMERHOUSE DINING ROOM AND BALCONY BAR

Situated on the second floor of one of a colonial building, The Summerhouse Dining Room is a one-of-a-kind dining destination. Offering blooming views and best ingredients from their humble garden and farming collective, this exquisite restaurant prides itself for its “nature-inspired” cuisine which focuses on local and seasonal produce.

With its farm-to-table concept that supports local and regional farmers, the restaurant provides not only the freshest ingredients, but also healthy and sustainable dishes. However, do note that the restaurant only serves dinner and weekend brunches.

The Summerhouse Dining Room and Balcony Bar
3 Park Lane
Singapore 798387
Tel: +65 6262 1063
Wed to Sun, Eve of PH and PH: 6pm – 10pm (Dinner)
Sat, Sun & PH: 12pm – 3pm (Brunch)
Mon & Tue: Closed
Nearest Station: Punggol/Yishun

WHEELER’S ESTATE

Brought to you by the same folks behind Wheeler’s Yard, Wheeler’s Estate is a 2-acre wide former British military airbase-turned heritage building.

Set against lush greenery, Alfresco Café by The Lawn on the first floor is where you can sip on refreshing beverages or have your fill of Australian pizzas at the Grill House. Diners can also feast on European cuisine at The Verandah.

Wheeler’s Estate
2 Park Lane Singapore
Singapore 798386
Tel: +65 6262 0001
Alfresco Cafe By The Lawn
Tue to Thurs: 3pm – 11pm
Fri: 3pm – 12am
Sat: 9am – 12am
Sun: 9am – 11pm
The Verandah
Tue to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Mon: Closed
Nearest Station: Punggol/Yishun

YOUNGS BAR AND RESTAURANT

With its interior decked out with luxuriously padded walls and marble flooring, this 130-seater bar and restaurant exudes a modern vibe with a hint of old-world charm. Diners can tuck into an array of modern European fare such as the Duck Confit with Mashed Potatoes (S$24), Bacon and Eggs Pizza (S$16), and Vanilla Bourbon Crème Brulee (S$10).

This laid-back restaurant also features a speciality bar that is perfect for post-work drinks on weekdays with your colleagues or hanging out with friends for a late-night gathering during the weekends.

YOUNGS Bar and Restaurant
3 Hyde Park Gate
Singapore 799531
Tel: +65 6734 2850
Mon to Thurs: 11.30am – 1am
Fri: 11.30am – 2am
Sat: 8.30am – 2am
Sun: 8.30am – 1am
Nearest Station: Punggol /Yishun

DI WEI TEOCHEW RESTAURANT

For a traditional Teochew option, visit Di Wei Teochew Restaurant to feast on Teochew dishes such as their Teochew Cold Crab (seasonal prices), Pork Rib Yam Ring (S$25) and Teochew Liver Roll (S$12 per roll).

Helmed by owner and Head Chef Khoo Tai Guan who has over 50 years of culinary experience under his belt, you can expect scrumptious dishes with light flavours that are a reflection of Teochew flavours in Singapore.

Di Wei Teochew Restaurant
1 The Oval
Singapore 797859
Tel: +65 6262 5946
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Punggol/Yishun

Nestled in Seletar Aerospace Park, Wildseed Café & Bar is a picturesque venue where you can break out of the city’s hustle and bustle. Located on the ground floor of The Summerhouse Dining Room, this farm-to-table concept café serves hearty lunch and brunch during the day and transforms into a casual bar with a delectable grill selection in the evening.

From a wide selection of mains and sweet treats in their daytime menu to an even larger range of alcoholic drinks on their bar menu, there is something for everyone to indulge in at Wildseed Café. From Fridays to Sundays, there is live acoustic music in the evening.

Here is what you can expect from this idyllic garden themed café at Seletar Aerospace Park.

Featuring an Industrial-Scandinavian interior decked with lots of potted plants, Wildseed Café emits a soothing ambience where you can dine indoors amidst lush greenery and vibrant fresh flowers provided by Poppy Flora & Nature Studio.

The café’s Wagyu Beef Burger (S$19) comprises 125g mouth-watering wagyu beef, cheddar cheese, smoked abalone mushroom, slathered with light truffle mayo and sandwiched between toasted sesame bread. It comes with a side of crispy curly fries.

This amazing burger was oozing with delicious goodness and robust flavours that will satisfy any burger cravings.

You can never go wrong with their popular Avocado Shake (S$7.50). What makes this drink so special is the gula melaka added to the blended avocado. The slight sweetness cuts through the creaminess of the avocado which makes the entire flavour less intense and a lot more enjoyable.

The Highland Pancakes (S$9) is unlike your usual Instagram-worthy stack of pancakes.

From the crunchy roasted sweet corn to the fluffy pancakes with house-made butter, the combination of these simple ingredients made it the perfect stack of pancakes for brunch!

Diners can also look forward to other options such as salads, pizzas, pasta and many more mains from their brunch and all-day menu. Coffee lovers can also drop by to enjoy some aromatic coffee proudly roasted by Nomad The Gallant coffee roasters.

With the tranquil greenery and cosy environment, Wildseed Café is a great respite to unwind after a hectic work week over some good food. The location is slightly inconvenient but this is one of those places that would work great for those seeking some quiet alone time.

Wildseed Café & Bar
3 Park Lane
Singapore 798387
Sun to Thurs: 9am – 11pm
Fri, Sat and Eve of PH: 9am – 1am
Nearest station: Punggol MRT Station

Bee’s Knees at The Garage, nestled within Singapore Botanic Gardens, is a hideout away from the hustle and bustle of the city that allows you to dine within lush greenery, which makes it a perfect spot for weekend brunch.

The pet-friendly cafe serves a range of western dishes and specialises in pizza, pasta, sandwiches and desserts. Drivers should go by Cluny Park Road for direct access to Bee’s Knees.

Walk up a small pathway to a historical building which is home to two dining establishments—Bee’s Knees on the ground level and Botanico at the Garage right above.

Running a semi-self service concept, visitors have to make their orders at the counter and pick up the food at the collection point. No service charge is included in your bill.

You can choose to sit in the alfresco area during fine weather with your fur kids or head indoors to dine in an air-conditioned room.

We enjoyed the buttery Tiger Prawns (S$18+) pasta, which was full flavoured and came with plenty of juicy prawns and cherry tomatoes.

Waffles at Bee’s Knees are extremely photogenic and we decided to go for the Caramelised Apples, Greek Yoghurt and Cranberries waffle. Those who prefer soft Belgium waffles as opposed to crispy ones will enjoy this.

Good for sharing, and you can expect a combination of sweet and sour tones from the fruits and greek yoghurt.

Other dishes on the menu include Carnivore Pizza (S$25+), Truffle Carbonara Pasta (S$18+) and Beef Cheek Bolognese (S$16+). Dessert options include cake, churros and a variety of ice cream flavours.

Bee’s Knees (Level 1, The Garage)
50 Cluny Park Road
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Singapore 257488
Tel: +65 6264 7978
Tue to Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens

Julee is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She is an advocate of travel and hopes to visit Iceland someday. She enjoys having a good conversation over tea and a slice of cake. There are two things in the world she cannot live without—food and humour.

]]> https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/02/bees-knees-singapore/feed/ 0 https://www.ladyironchef.com/2016/11/character-themed-cafes-singapore/ https://www.ladyironchef.com/2016/11/character-themed-cafes-singapore/#comments Mon, 21 Nov 2016 03:00:10 +0000 Julee Ooi http://www.ladyironchef.com/?p=113532 Continue reading →]]>

Character themed cafes are not new in Singapore but each time a new one comes up, everyone gets all excited to find out what is in store. While they are not known to serve delicious grub, many still love character themed cafes for its atmosphere and creatively designed food and beverages.

It really comes down to individual preferences to decide if it is worth the splurge as dishes sold in these character-themed cafes usually do not come cheap. However, they make the most Instagram-worthy pictures. What’s your take?

Here are 7 Character Themed Cafes To Check Out In Singapore.

#1 CHARACTERS CAFE

Characters Cafe is a small and cosy eatery you can find in Dhoby Xchange. The cafe first started out in a 3D Rilakkuma theme that had everyone going crazy about.

Expect to visit the cafe every now and then as the theme changes on a monthly basis. Meal coupons have to be purchased at http://www.worldsnackday.com.

Dhoby Xchange B1-36
Singapore 238826
Sun to Thu: 11am – 9pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

Photo Credit: Charlie Brown Cafe Singapore

#2 CHARLIE BROWN CAFE

There are two Charlie Brown Cafes in Singapore that feature the main cartoon character in the comic strip, Peanuts. The main outlet is at Cathay Cineleisure Orchard, a hang-out spot that is popular among the youths.

Charlie Brown Cafe’s extensive menu includes All-Day Breakfast, Charlie Brown Chicken Rice, pasta, pizzas, desserts and flavoured drinks.Here is the good news for our Muslim friends: Charlie Brown Cafes are Halal-certified!

Here is the good news for our Muslim friends: Charlie Brown Cafes are Halal-certified!

8 Grange Road
#04-01, Cathay Cineleisure Orchard
Singapore 239695
Tel: +65 6737 5979
Sun to Thu: 11.30am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 2am
Nearest Station: Somerset

#3 DC COMICS SUPERHEROES CAFE

Our island’s first DC Comics Super Heroes Cafe opened its doors to public last year. Elaborately decorated with superhero murals and life-sized figurines, this is the place for all DC superhero fans.

The cafe dishes out desserts and drinks that will remind you of your favourite superheroes such as The Flash and Wonder Woman. Their menu happens to be one of the most expensive among the lot, though.

2 Bayfront Avenue, L1-03/04/05 Bay Level
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
Singapore 018972
Tel: +65 6688 7610
Sun to Thu: 10.30am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 10.30am – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront

#4 GUDETAMA CAFE

We are eagerly counting down the number of days before the Gudetama Cafe is set to open in Suntec City Mall. Fans of Sanrio’s lazy egg character must be delighted that the hype has brought the cafe to Singapore’s shores too.

From what we know, the cafe will be serving an array of Gudetama-themed food and drinks such as breakfast in pan, waffles, soft-serve, pizza and coffee.

3 Temasek Boulevard
Suntec City Mall #01-361
Nearest Station: Promenade

Photo Credit: Hello Kitty Cafe Singapore

#5 HELLO KITTY ORCHID GARDEN

Our long wait for a Hello Kitty Cafe to open in Singapore is finally over! The 24-hour cafe is nestled in Singapore Changi Airport and reflects a slice of our Garden City by showcasing lush greenery and opulent blooms.

Hello Kitty Orchid Garden’s menu comprises all-day breakfast fare and desserts, but be warned—the standards of their food have been frowned upon by many.

Arrival Hall Central #01-22
Terminal 3, Singapore Changi Airport
Tel: +65 6241 6127
Daily: 24 Hours
Nearest Station: Changi Airport

Photo Credit: Hungry Heroes

#6 HUNGRY HEROES CAFE

Residing in a two-storey shophouse, Hungry Heroes Cafe is for those who are fans of the Marvel series. You will be impressed by the huge amount of effort put in to fill the cafe up with posters and life-size figurines of the iconic superheroes.

Signature dishes to mention are the Hungry Heroes Platter, Mega Steak-Out Burger and pork ribs.

33 Tessensohn Road
Singapore 217656
Tel: +65 6295 5401
Tue to Fri: 4pm – 11pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

#7 POKÉMON CAFE

The second edition of Pokémon cafe will be launching in Bugis Junction again! So if you missed it the first time, here is your chance to take photos with Pokémon themed dishes.

One interesting item to look out for on the menu is the Alola Region’s Fish n’ Fries as the ketchup and mayonnaise sauces will form the iconic Pokéball design. Also, we are excited about the Alola Region Volcano as the Pokéball lid will uncover a dessert in the shape of a volcano made of chocolate ice cream cone.

What’s more, there will also be a Pokémon Sun & Moon themed 3D photobooth! Catch all these from 24 Nov 2016 to 19 Feb 2017 at the Pokémon cafe.

Singapore F&B scene has been very exciting over the past few years. There is always a new place opening almost every week. There are so many new and cool restaurants that I find it hard to keep up. While I love checking out the latest hip place in town – it is, after all, my job to do that – sometimes, I just like to go somewhere familiar. One of my favourite restaurants in Singapore is House at Dempsey Hill.

House may already be very popular, but it is a shame that it remains as one of the most under-rated restaurants around. It is not easy to create a cosy ambience with vibes so chic. Yet, House managed to do it so effortlessly. Mismatched furnitures, spacious layout with low ceilings and sporadic partitions, dim lights complementing the sun rays that stream in from the ceiling-to-floor glass panels, soft jazz and lounge music looping while the coffee machine brews and the wine glasses clink intermittently; there is this unassuming comfort that makes sitting here all too indulging.

The folks at House have recently launched a new menu – its first major overhaul in six years. The food is still very much the same – simple comfort fare that you can eat on a regular basis. And now, we are in for more new additions.

We started with the Asparagus, Serrano Ham and Crumbed Egg $22. This classic combination never fails to please.

In addition to the legendary truffle fries ($11), Barracks Café has also introduced some new variations in the form of Pumpkin hazelnut fries ($12) – shoestring pumpkin fries with crunchy hazelnut, paprika and chilli powder; Truffle Taro Fries ($7) – straw cut yam fries with aromatic truffle oil; Curry Mustard Fries ($9) – shoestring fries topped with paprika, curry and a sprinkle of sea-salt; and Carrot Fennel Fries ($9) – straw cut sweet carrot fries with a sprinkle of fennel.

An old favourite that has its place standing firm on the menu is the Asian Sliders, also known as Kong Ba Bao. House’s rendition is easily one of the best around. Braised lean pork belly tucked in steaming hot buns, and complimented with crispy taro fries. In a word: perfection.

The Hanger Steak ($27) with croquettes and wild mushrooms was also a crowd-pleaser that afternoon. A perfectly seared steak so affordable, I would go back to House just for this.

If you are like me, a fan of risotto, you have to try the new Pumpkin Risotto with brown butter reduction and toasted pumpkin seeds.

The Roasted Chilean Cod Fish, with a refreshing apple and celery salad, was extremely fresh, but we did not fancy the sweet date sauce that came along with it. If you still have room, you should go for the Pork Ribs with Caramelised Pineapple ($27). While the meat was not off-the-fork-tender, it was still very flavourful and delicious.

House did not make any changes to the desserts menu, so you can still find the popular favourites such as their Warm Strawberry Shortcake ($9.50), Carrot Cake ($7), and Warm Chocolate Toffee Cake ($9.50).

The Bitter Chocolate Tart ($7.50) was amazing. Now, I hardly use the word ‘amazing’ to describe desserts, but House’s version completely won me over. It was bitter, sweet and done just right.

The Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake ($7.80) impressed, too, with its creamy and cheesy flavour, and the addictive biscuit base. The only dessert that I did not enjoy was the Warm Banana Salted Caramel Cake ($7). While the use of popcorn in a dessert was interesting, the cake was somewhat lacking in flavour and depth.

House
8D Dempsey Road
Tel: +65 6475 7787
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 6pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 4pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Note: This was an invited media tasting.

There are some places we go to because of one specific dish. The ones that make you crave for it all the time. The ones you will visit even if the place is located in an inaccessible area. One of them, for me, is the Death by Chocolate Cake ($12) at Rider’s Cafe.

Rider’s Cafe at Bukit Timah Saddle Club needs no introduction. It is one of the most popular brunch spots in Singapore and everyone knows about them. If you have never been there before, you must go there for brunch this weekend. And if it has been a while since you last went, it is definitely time to go back again.

The food in general is good. For breakfast (8am – 11am on weekdays), the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes ($14) and Blackstone Benedict ($15) are very popular. They offer quite a few options under the appetisers and main courses for lunch and dinner. The Riders Burger ($17) is very good. Nothing too fanciful, just a solid burger with nicely seasoned fries. The Spaghetti Aglio Olio ($24) is decent, but not the best. You might also want to go for their Steak Frites ($35) or Roast Chicken ($27).

Riders Cafe
51 Fairways Drive
Bukit Timah Saddle Club
Tel: +65 6466 9819
Sun to Thu: 8am – 9pm
Fri & Sat: 8am – 10pm
Closed on Mon

Antoinette is a Parisian style tea salon, helmed by chef Pang Kok Keong, who is arguably one of the most talented pastry chefs in Singapore. His fourth outlet at Palais Renaissance, Le Jardin d’Antoinette, is modelled after Versailles’s expansive outdoor garden. It is the perfect place to go with your girlfriends to enjoy a quiet afternoon.

I’ve tried the whole collection at Antoinette’s, and below is a complete guide to their cakes.

Let me eat cake.

From front to back: Violette, Versailles, Charlotte.

Violette ($8.50)

Our cake party started with the Violette, which consists of violet buttercream, violet flower cake and homemade raspberry marmalade. Dense yet not too heavy, it’s a very cake-y cake. I love the smell of the violette extract which perfumes the cake sponge, akin to rose with a tinge of raspberry.

Versailles ($9.0)

We also had the Versailles, a simple flourless chocolate sponge with 58% dark chocolate. While the flavour was intense, we liked the fact that it was not too overwhelming.

Charlotte ($8.50)

Named after Chef Pang’s older daughter, Charlotte — as its name suggests — is a princess-y cake made up of finger sponge soaked with strawberry syrup, strawberry jelly, and a plain vanilla cake base.

Le Royale ($8.0)

Le Royale, one of the most popular cakes at Antoinette, is also something not to be missed. If you like chocolate and hazelnut, this is definitely a winner.

Saint Honore L’amour ($8.50)

Easily the prettiest cake on Antoinette’s dessert menu, Saint Honore L’amour is a choux pastry filled with rose petal cream, and accompanied by strawberry compote, fresh raspberry, and adorned with fresh rose petals. Light, smooth and easy on the palate.

Antoinette ($9.0)

The namesake creation, an earl grey tea chocolate cake, is one of my favourite desserts. Trust me on this, it is that good. If this is your first time trying their cakes, you cannot leave the French patisserie without having it.

Strawberry Baba ($8.0)

One of the few desserts that I do not enjoy is the Strawberry Baba – which comprise strawberry baba baba pastry, citrus rum syrup, vanilla crème chantilly – as I find it to be an acquired taste.

From bottom clockwise: Kyoto, Chloe, Framboisier.

Kyoto ($9.0)

A very Japanese-esque cake. I liked that the chestnut cremeux was very light, and it added a nice finish to the green tea mascarpone mousse,

Chloe ($9.0)

One of the newest additions to Antoinette’s repertoire, Chloe is the latest crowd pleaser. After trying the cake, it is easy to understand why. The combination of yuzu cremeux, white chocolate vanilla mousse, light sponge cake and almond sable was brilliant. The Chloe is definitely one of the must-try cakes at Antoinette.

Framboisier ($8.50)

Antoinette’s take on cheesecake. The graham cracker crust is usually at the base of the cheesecake, but in this instance, Chef Pang has opted to place the crumble cubes on top cream cheese vanilla mousse cake. All in all, it is a very pleasant rendition – you can’t go wrong with it.

Mont blanc ($8.50)

If you like chestnut, you should go for the Mont Blanc. For me, it is decent, but with so many other choices, I would probably not opt for this. That said, I am not a big fan of the chestnut dessert, so don’t take my word for it.

From front to back: Religieuse Café Caramel, Tarte exotique.

Religieuse Café Caramel ($8.00)

This is the profiterole version of chocolate éclair. Essentially, it is a fluffy and light choux pastry filled with coffee cream. A chocolate dome filled with caramel sits atop on the choux pastry, and it provides a good balance to the bitter coffee taste.

Tarte exotique ($8.50)

If I were to simply describe the tarte exotique, it would be: Mediterranean with a local twist. This tart has many interesting and contrasting flavours like almond tart, gula Melaka cremeux, finger sponge with gula melaka, coconut mousse, exotique coulis – which managed to come together very harmoniously.

Strawberry shortcake ($8.0)

Fans of Japanese strawberry shortcake will be happy to see it on Antoinette’s menu. That said, while I have included it in my list of the best strawberry shortcakes in Singapore, I think it is good, but not extraordinary.

Forbidden fruit ($9.0)

The forbidden fruit is unanimously our favourite pick of the lot. This is a reconstructed apple tart in the form of a cake. Built with a financier cake base, green apple mousse, maple cremeux, vanilla caramel apple slices and green apply jelly; it tastes as good (or even better) than it looks.

Antoinette
390 Orchard Road
#B1-08/09/10C Palais Renaissance
Tel: +65 6735 6392
Daily: 11am to 10pm
Note: This was an invited media tasting.