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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What we love about Simplicité by Fresh Fruits Lab:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the super fast-paced rat race in Singapore, it’s getting increasingly difficult to have more alone-time. It’s super hard just to get a few hours to ourselves, yet even then, we might have other priorities outside of work, school and all.

Here’s a list of cafes you can visit if you want to take a short breather from life. They’re quiet and perfect for being alone while sipping on a hot drink, watching as life passes you by even just for an hour or two.

AMBER EMBER

This cosy cafe is relatively new but has already made a name for themselves, not just for their quirky food options and delicious coffee but also their wonderfully decorated exterior and interior. A cup of their freshly-brewed coffee is the perfect accompaniment for a book or just to watch a show on your smartphone.

Amber Ember
730 Upper Serangoon Road, #01-01
Singapore 534613
Tue to Fri: 10am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 6pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Serangoon

Photo Credit: Instagram

COOK & TRAS SOCIAL LIBRARY

This elegant cafe doubles as a hidden book cafe. Just stepping into the space makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a library lounge in old London. Decorated with warm amber lights and beautiful wooden furnishing, all you need to do is grab a book, some cocktails or their all-day dining dishes, and you’ll be set for a few hours of me-time.

Cook & Tras Social Library
2 Cook Street
Singapore 078857
Daily: 6.30am – 12am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

GATHER THE MISFITS

Taking over the now-defunct CPlus+ is the extremely Instagrammable cafe – Gather The Misfits. They bring interesting toastie flavours to the table, along with a myriad of coffee selections, drink choices and pastries.

Their space is cosy, homely and comfortable. It’s perfect for catching up on some studying, work or just to relax and rewind after a stressful week.

Gather The Misfits
217 Rangoon Road
Singapore 218457
Tel: +65 9298 7291
Mon, Wed to Sun: 10am – 6pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Nearest Station: Farrer Park/Boon Keng

GLYPH SUPPLY CO

This minimalist cafe in the heart of Orchard Road is clean, quiet and serves great coffee. They’ve even added some house-fermented Kombucha to their list of handcrafted beverages! If you’re looking to spend the afternoon people-watching, reading or even just chatting with a pal, head over to Glyph Supply Co.

Glyph Supply Co
111 Somerset Road, #01-06
Singapore 238164
Mon to Fri: 8.30am – 7.30pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 7.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

HVALA

What says “zen” better than a Japanese matcha cafe? Hvala’s newer outlet at TripleOne Somerset boasts a pristine layout, resembling a zen Japanese garden. It’s a great place to read, scroll through social media or just relax while sipping on a matcha or hojicha latte. They also have a great range of Japanese-inspired desserts to munch on while you rewind.

Hvala
111 Somerset Road
TripleOne Somerset
Singapore 238164
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

JING SI BOOKS & CAFE

A cafe dedicated to Shih Cheng Yen, a nun, who also goes by the name “Jing Si”. The name means “silent contemplation”, and her books and works aim to inspire goodness and kindness in whoever reads them. The cafe has a quiet, warm and zen vibe where you can read and sip on a drink in peace.

Jing Si Books & Cafe
134 Geylang East Avenue 1
Singapore 380134
Tue to Sun: 11am – 7pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Aljunied/Paya Lebar

Photo Credit: Instagram

KATASUMI KOOHII

This Taiwanese and Japanese-inspired cafe is a quaint little hidden gem nestled in Bukit Pasoh. They serve a variety of chiffon cakes, bakes and coffee. They provide a nice cosy space for patrons to just sit and relax, maybe even with a book in hand as the day passes.

Katasumi Koohii
25 Bukit Pasoh Road
Singapore 089839
Mon, Wed to Sun: 12pm – 8pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Nearest Station: Outram Park

KURASU

Hailing from Kyoto, this quiet cafe is tucked away in Odeon Towers. They don a minimalistic setting and serve fragrant coffee and a great matcha latte. Surrounded by glass walls, you can watch as cars and people zoom by as you enjoy your cuppa. Whether you’re there alone or you bring a friend, it’s a wonderful place for some quiet time.

Kurasu Singapore
331 North Bridge Road
#02-01, Odeon Towers
Singapore 188720
Mon to Fri: 8am – 5pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

Photo Credit: Instagram

MELLOWER COFFEE

This Shanghai-originated cafe has grown in popularity in Singapore, with its first Global Flagship store located in Bugis, an area known to be a cafe hotspot. It has a spacious wood-themed layout but yet maintains a calming, quiet ambience. We recommend their cold brews to accompany you for the afternoon.

Mellower Coffee
108 Middle Road, #01-01
Singapore 188967
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

THE BOOK CAFE

It is a great chill-out place where you can sit down, have a cup of coffee, read a book, and watch the world go by. The food there is pretty affordable too! Besides having a wide selection of magazines and newspapers, the cafe also has plenty of power-points for folks who are on their laptops.

The Book Cafe
20 Martin Road
Tel: +65 6887 5430
Sun to Thu: 8.30am – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 8.30am – 12 midnight

Previously known as the brand that brought the Instagram-worthy Hong-Kong style egglet waffles to Singapore in 2015, Hvala since has rebranded as an all-matcha lifestyle cafe. They have recently opened their second outlet at TripleOne Somerset, boasting the same chic, zen vibe as their outlet at CHIJMES.

Serving all-things Matcha, think Matcha Lattes, Whisked Matcha, Matcha cakes and Matcha Ice Cream, Hvala is an oasis for true matcha fans in Singapore.

Walking into Hvala at TripleOne Somerset was like walking into a modern Japanese Garden. Its Japanese-style minimalist interior was extremely calming and it provided the perfect backdrop to relax and enjoy the food and drinks.

It would be a great place to spend an afternoon catching up with friends over tea or just having some nice alone-time.

We first had to try the Matcha Latte (S$5.80) and we were not disappointed. The Matcha was freshly whisked and gently poured over milk to create a beautiful gradient. Sipping it down, the bitter taste of the matcha is contrasted by the milk and a little sweetness from the sugar syrup.

The Matcha was wonderfully smooth and flavourful with a floral note to it. It was pretty much one of the best Matcha Lattes we have had in Singapore.

To pair with our Matcha Latte, we ordered a slice of Hvala’s Hojicha Cake (S$7.80). Light and airy Hojicha-infused sponge is layered with fresh cream, adzuki beans and a generous drizzle of thick Hojicha sauce.

We loved how the smoky aroma of Hojicha was amplified by the bitter Hojicha sauce but we felt that the cake did not hold as much Hojicha flavour as we had hoped. We did like the nice contrast in texture that the adzuki beans provided, though!

Overall, we were pretty pleased with our experience at Hvala and we would love to come back again and spend the day here, sipping on a Matcha Latte and perhaps enjoy a book while doing so.

111 Somerset Road
TripleOne Somerset
Singapore 238164
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

Located just opposite King Albert Park MRT in the cozy neighbourhood of Bukit Timah sits the newly opened Kong Cafe that has been styled in a minimalist concept which highlights its commitment to modern aesthetics.

Upon entry into the cafe, we were greeted by the clean-cut bright white walls of the cafe, which offered a calm and comfortable ambience that could potentially turn this new kid on the block into the next hip social hangout in the west of Singapore.

On our visit, we ordered the Ham & Cheese Toastie (S$10), Korean-style Beef & Cheese Toastie (S$12) and the Iced Latte (S$7).

Both toasties came hot off the press, grilled to a light brown and divided into fours for easy eating or to share amongst friends. For the Ham & Cheese Toastie, we were pleasantly surprised by the additional ingredient which made for a more savoury dish as a whole.

The addition of the tomato paste gave the toastie an extra kick of flavour which tasted almost similar to a calzone. So, if you are looking for a snack size version of a pizza, this would be your pick.

On the other hand, the Korean-style Beef & Cheese Toastie was a refreshing Korean-inspired dish which melded the western sandwich with the beloved Beef Bulgogi. Though we were not really big fans of onions, the presence of the beef, spinach and melted cheese was a perfect mask which made the taste of the onion unnoticeable.

Compared to the Ham & Cheese Toastie, we were definitely bigger fans of the beef toastie.

Using the 22 Martin Blend from Common Man Roasters, the cafe’s Iced Latte was a great caffeine pick-me-up that encompassed the classic coffee flavours which went well with the toasties and the array of pastries available.

As the cafe is still in the stage of their soft launch, the current menu only carries a limited range of items. However, you can expect a full menu when this up-and-coming cafe officially opens on 1 October!

Kong Cafe
896 Dunearn Road
#01-11
Singapore 589472
Mon: 9am – 5pm
Tue to Fri and Sun: 8am – 10pm
Sat: 9am – 10pm

Nearest Station: King Albert Park

Coffee shops and cafes are truly abundant in Singapore these days and new ones pop up so often too! Newly opened at the Loft @ Nathan, Grace Espresso specialises in some impeccable latte art alongside some yummy brunch foods!

If you’re craving some good nosh at a cosy cafe, Grace Espresso might just be your new favourite haunt. It’s definitely one of the hidden coffee shops you have to hunt down due to the location, but it might just be well worth your while.

Decked in dark indigo walls, white counters and wooden decor, Grace Espresso has a cosy yet minimalistic setting. The smell of coffee that wafts the moment you approach the cafe is absolutely enticing. They have a few wooden stools and tables should you want to dine in!

We had a Hot Latte (S$5.50) and the moment it was served, we were thoroughly impressed by the intricate latte art we were presented.

The coffee itself had a wonderful roasted aroma and a nutty – almost chocolatey – finish. It was such a smooth and pleasant cup of coffee that had little to no acidity.

As for something savoury to go with our latte, we tried the Salmon Avocado Toast (S$12), of which was swapped out with a croissant as the staff had graciously informed us that their sourdough bread wasn’t ready. Tasting the buttery, flaky croissant, we definitely didn’t mind the change!

The croissant came with a generous slathering of mashed avocado, a poached egg, smoked salmon and a few slices of fresh cucumber. The croissant’s rich flavour was the perfect accompaniment to the freshness of the avocado and cucumber, contrasted with the savoury smoked salmon. Dip it in the poached egg for a richer taste!

If you’re ever in the River Valley area looking for a place to chill out with friends over coffee, Grace Espresso should be on your list of destinations!

Grace Espresso
428 River Valley Road
#01-14 Loft@Nathan
Singapore 248327
Tel: +65 9337 1976
Mon to Wed, Fri to Sun: 7.30am – 5.30pm
(Closed on Thursdays)
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru
Nearest Bus Stop: Opp Valley Point/Stellar RV

Walking down Orchard Road, there are plenty of famous malls that line the streets but one of the lesser-known ones is TripleOne Somerset even though it’s right outside the MRT Station. Recently renovated, this mall now has several attractive food options – from lunch to coffee and pastries.

One cafe, in particular, could be your new favourite cafe in town – Glyph Supply Co. It’s a minimalist’s dream, decked in white walls and simple decor. They serve up some delicious coffee and pastries so you could spend your entire morning sipping away watching as bustling crowds pass by the roads of Orchard Road.

We first ordered a Hot White (S$5.50) from their selection of coffee. We thought that the coffee was very smooth and did not have any unpleasant bitterness that lingered on our tastebuds. It was slightly acidic, though.

We also had the iced Matcha Latte (S$7). They hand-whisk ceremonial grade matcha powder in the latte resulting in a smooth matcha flavour with grassy yet floral tasting notes.

To go along with our drinks, we chose to have Glyph Supply Co’s Lemon Drizzle Loaf (S$5). Though it was rather petite in size, it packed a big punch of flavour. This is the kind of cake that will instantly lift your spirits, perfuming your tastebuds with the vibrant flavour of lemon. Sweet, tangy and addictive – hallmarks of a wonderful lemon cake.

This minimalist cafe is definitely a gem tucked away in the heart of Orchard road. Give them a try when you’re in town – their friendly staff will be more than happy to cater to your coffee cravings!

Glyph Supply Co
111 Somerset Road, #01-06
Singapore 238164
Mon to Fri: 8.30am – 7.30pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 7.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

Strolling along Chip Bee Gardens, perhaps Sunday Folks and the Daily Scoop would cross your mind, but we have found another place to add to the list of cafes in the Holland Village enclave – Our Second Home.

Hidden away in the sustainable clothing store, Our Second Nature, is their cafe serving up coffee and some sweet treats. Decked in rustic wooden decor, the beautiful store boasts a comforting vibe – perfect for a midday respite.

Walking into the space, the aroma of coffee was so enticing, we definitely had to order a cup to try so we opted for a hot Latte (S$5). The coffee was smooth and had nutty notes, while having a slightly acidic tang.

To go along with our coffee, we had to try some of their baked goods. We first sampled their Harbour Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookie (S$3). The cookie is speckled generously with chocolate chunks and a small pinch of sea salt on the top.

The classic combo of sea salt and chocolate truly shone in the cookie and even us chewy cookie lovers enjoyed this rather buttery, crunchy treat.

Last but not least, we tried their Lemon Drizzle Butter Cake (S$5.50). A thick slice of lemon infused sponge is coated in a tangy lemon icing glaze. The moment it was set down on the table, the scent of the lemon was immediately apparent.

The cake was moist and perfumed with lemon zest, making for a wonderful afternoon treat. The glaze was tangy and was the perfect topping to the sponge. Paired with the coffee, it was absolutely delectable!

Just a short walk from Holland Village MRT station, this cafe might replace your usual haunts in the area with their minimalistic yet rustic interior. You could also scan through their sustainable clothing pieces that are not just beautiful, but great for the environment too.

Our Second Home
43 Jln Merah Saga, #01-66
Singapore 278115
Mon to Thu: 10am – 6pm
Fri to Sun: 10am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village

Hidden away in the cafe-filled streets of Telok Ayer is Platform., a new minimalist modern cafe & bar serving cocktails, mocktails, filter coffee and some light bites. It is quite a refreshing concept, backed by a beautifully decorated interior.

If you’re a thirsty tippler searching for some drinks, or if you want to spend a few hours relaxing while sipping on a good cuppa, Platform. might be up your alley.

Decked in white walls and adorned with rustic dried flowers, Platform. gives you an instant mood boost the moment you walk in. It oozes a rustic charm that eases you into your seat, allowing you to relax as you scan through their curated menu.

We decided to have a taste of their Iced Matcha Latte (S$7) and were extremely satisfied. The drink was creamier than your typical matcha latte and had a smooth finish. The matcha had a slight floral aftertaste and left a pleasant aroma after drinking it. It was slightly pricey but it was very delicious.

To go along with our matcha latte, we chose to have a bowl of their Bibimbap Noodles (S$8). It was a rather refreshing option – the cold buckwheat noodles are tossed in a gochujang sauce (Korean red pepper paste) and topped with a medley of pickled cucumbers, zucchini, carrots, sesame seeds and crunchy seaweed.

It would be perfect for a quick lunch and it pairs perfectly with the creamy matcha latte as well! It was mildly spicy and we appreciated the slight kick of spice. Other than their selection of mains, they also have some pastries to go with their drinks!

The next time you’re in the Telok Ayer area, be sure to mark this down on your list of must-visits. Just a stone’s throw away from the MRT station, this cosy little space is perfect for you to spend an entire afternoon sipping on their curated cocktails, perhaps with a pastry in hand.

Platform.
#01-01 Amoy Street
Singapore 069854
Tel: +65 8280 0292
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 12am
Sat: 4pm – 12am
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Armed with flavourful coffee, delectable pastries a mission to spread more awareness and empower the differently-abled in Singapore, Foreword Coffee takes on Singapore’s coffee-loving crowd. Opening their third outlet at Temasek Shophouse, they’re taking bold steps forward to make Singapore a more inclusive society.

Foreword Coffee serves a myriad of coffee drinks and a few signature concoctions. In addition to these cuppas, they also offer indulgent pastries and cakes made by home-bakers or other projects with similar missions to empower.

One of Foreword Coffee’s signature drinks is the Timeless Yuan Yang (S$6.50). A ristretto shot of their Yunnan Ouyang coffee blend with an Earl Grey tea ice ball blends perfectly with milk.

The first sip brought out the bright flavour of the Earl Grey instantly and as it faded on your tastebuds, the fruity yet bitter note of the Yunnan Ouyang Coffee could be tasted. It was an excellent modern rendition of the traditional Yuan Yang.

Using Dark Chocolate from the Rehoboth Estate in the Philippines and milk, Foreword Coffee’s next signature drink, the 70% Dark Chocolate (S$6.50), was a delight to drink. This would be perfect for those who enjoy a milkier hot chocolate drink but want that rich chocolate aroma.

Foreword Coffee also supports passionate home-bakers and offer their baked goods at the cafe. We tried the Chocolate Cloud Cake (S$5) and were extremely satisfied. The cake was chocked full of cocoa flavour yet it maintained a crumbly and somewhat airy texture. It was such a simple slice but it was oh-so-satisfying.

We were truly humbled after our trip to Foreword Coffee. It is easy to get lost in the fast pace and rat race in modern Singapore; it also is easy to grow more unaware of society around us too. However, visiting Foreword Coffee, we had the chance to see more of what we usually do not in Singapore – empowerment of those that are differently-abled.

Everyone comes in different shapes and sizes, and this includes those who have impairments and are uniquely-abled. Let us all learn to appreciate every single person and all the different personalities we have in our society, just like Foreword Coffee does.

28 Orchard Road
Temasek Shophouse
Singapore 238832
Mon to Fri: 8.30am – 6.30pm
Sat & Sun: 11.15pm – 4.15pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Gaut

Foreword Coffee has several outlets. Check out the full list here.

Newly opened in Tanjong Katong is quaint little cafe, 6 Letter Coffee. The cosy cafe occupies a storefront near Tanjong Katong Girls’ School—a stone’s throw away from Dakota MRT Station. They even have a nail salon at the back of the cafe if you’re wanting a manicure after indulging in some food and coffee.

Serving up a variety of all-day breakfast and brunch menu items, along with other mains and desserts, this new cafe might just be your new favourite spot to relax and unwind. Here’s what we tried and our take on this new coffee stop!

The cafe had a nice calming ambience and the aroma of coffee hit us the moment we opened their doors.

We had their Cappuccino (S$5) first and were delighted at how flavourful the coffee was. The coffee had a hint of bitterness, but it wasn’t too overpowering. The lingering note was that of dark chocolate with little to no acidity. It was a very pleasant cup of coffee and we didn’t even need to ask for sugar!

Next up at the table was their Avocado & Egg Toast (S$7), featuring an onsen egg and avocado mash on sourdough. The egg was runny and gooey, providing the toast with a rich layer of yolk.

We also managed to sample their Arabiki Sausage and Pancakes (S$12). We were left a tad disappointed because while the pancakes didn’t lack in flavour, they were dense and we needed a little extra maple syrup to boost the taste. The sausages were actually pretty flavourful too, but we felt the proportion of sausages to pancakes were quite imbalanced.

Seeing as how 6 Letter Coffee is still freshly opened, we could understand them still getting used to working around the kitchen. We did like their coffee very much and we hope they could improve their mains while still in their opening phase.

6 Letter Coffee
259 Tanjong Katong Road
Singapore 437047
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dakota

Conveniently located right opposite Pasir Panjang MRT at the Bijou is another new cafe, The Kins’ Specialty Coffee. Serving up an array of coffee, all-day brunch and other mains, they could be your new spot for a mid-day cuppa during lunch. They are currently in their soft launch phase, so all their food items are 20% off until mid-June!

In addition to their menu of hot food, they serve up a unique treat that isn’t normally found in dessert menus around Singapore: Burnt Cheesecake. Trust us when we say it’s worth the trip down for that alone.

First up for us was the petite White (S$4 for 3oz, single shot). The coffee had a floral note and a very smooth mouthfeel. It didn’t leave a lingering bitterness on the tongue; a very pleasant start to the morning.

Kins’ Scrambled Egg on Croissant with Smoked Duck Shavings (S$14) is one of the items on their all-day brunch menu selection. The croissant was perfectly buttery and flaky, complementing the fluffy scramble sitting on it. The smoked duck was an interesting savoury addition to the croissant.

We also ordered the Beer Battered Fish & Chips (S$16) from their mains selection. They had sold out of their salad that normally accompanies their Fish & Chips, so we were offered wedges in replacement.

The highlight of the dish was the creamy tartar sauce that went very well with the various fried foods on our plate. Though, one gripe we had was that the fish to batter ratio was skewed towards the batter side.

Saving the best for last, we tasted Kins’ Specialty Coffee’s signature dessert, the Burnt Cheesecake (S$7.50). It was served with a little sweet cream on the side, but it didn’t really need the cream at all.

The cheesecake was rich, creamy and oh-so-satisfying. It was the perfect way to end the meal. The middle of the cake was almost custard-like, while the edges of the cake being more firm like a traditional baked cheesecake.

The burnt cheesecake resembled something like a cross between a no-bake and a baked cake – surely something new to Singapore’s cafe scene.

The Kins’ Specialty Coffee dons a minimalist set-up, giving us slight beach vibes with their wooden interior and decor. Their cosy space has both outdoor and indoor seating.

Overall, we feel that while the mains were tasty, they could be improved. However, the Burnt Cheesecake is one that’s definitely worth the calories!

The Kins’ Specialty Coffee
2 Jalan Mat Jambol
The Bijou, #01-08/9
Singapore 119554
Daily: 11am -9pm
(Closed on Wednesdays)

Lee’s Confectionery, the newest gem in the West of Singapore, is tucked away in a quiet neighbourhood of Jurong East. Near the entrance of an HDB carpark, it’s a sight that would intrigue many. Its glass walls display a stark white interior that plays up its minimalist decor as well as a glass display filled with an assortment of gorgeous haute pastries.

Lee’s Confectionery is not just a pretty rarity in the West of Singapore. It’s an exhibition of passion and a work of heart and soul, fuelled with a sense of nostalgia.

Stepping past the doors of Lee’s Confectionery, you’ll see a young man hunched behind the counter constructing pastries like a sculptor. Lee Yin Quan has been running a one-man show here since he opened the classy café last December and he sells elegant patisseries that are made to order.

Instead of trays of the day’s bakes, Lee’s Confectionery has a long glass case of seven exquisitely designed pastries on display. They not only add to the aesthetic look of uncluttered and clean simplicity but are also a testament to Lee’s attention to quality.

His insistence on making each piece upon order is to ensure that the original texture of each pastry isn’t lost to sitting in its moisture and to keep it from the subtle staleness from baking in batches.

Jiao (S$8), named after the Chinese translation of banana, is a very experiential dessert. A thin film of white chocolate was sprayed on, making a shell that cracks with a crisp as your teeth sink into a moist and fluffy banana sponge cake.

Jiao is injected with banana compote and creamy mascarpone. As Lee confirmed, it’s essentially like a traditional banana cake upgraded to haute pastry. The sponge was light and mildly flavoured. Slices of banana were sprinkled with caramelised brown sugar but the overall sweetness of Jiao was balanced by its tart compote and its base of cinnamon oat crumble.

Tart (S$8) was the best part of our trip. The base of its crisp tart shell was lined with almonds and layered with cream that had a citrus flavour without any artificial taste. Its tanginess, nuttiness, and baked cookie flavour was a very pleasant combination.

Lee’s attempt at finding kaya another partner other than toast is Puff (S$7) which is earl grey-infused kaya clasped between pastry puffs. Kaya is cooked with earl grey leaves to create a spread that has the fragrance of earl grey but with the essence of coconut and pandan of kaya. Take in its generous centre—thick, sweet, and very smooth—together with the hint of bitterness of flaky feuilletines that have a sugary glaze and crispy croissant-like crunch. 

The current selection also includes Beri (S$8) which is Lee’s favourite but, as he sighs while saying, also the most complicated to create. It’s a chou filled with tea-infused cream cheese and mascarpone then topped with a shortbread cookie and strawberry jam-filled dome.

The owner Lee Yin Quan spent two years in Paris learning under the award-winning chef patissier Nina Métayer in the two Michelin starred-Restaurant Jean-François Piège, and famed chef patissier François Perret in Ritz Paris. He returned to reunite with family and embarked on this first solo venture in the heartlands of the West to give back to where he grew up in.

Lee’s Confectionery
343 Jurong East Street 31, #01-59
Singapore 600343
Tel: +65 9183 8447
Wed to Mon: 12pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 10pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Nearest Station: Chinese Garden