Hardly anyone enjoys the idea of returning to work on Monday after an entire weekend of pure relaxation and fun. But such is life, isn’t it?

Thankfully, there are more ways than one to alleviate said Monday blues and one of the best ways we know how is to treat ourselves to a solid cafe meal. Taking into consideration the full-works, from artisanal coffees, teas to a plethora of over-the-top cafe grub, if there was ever a way to cheer us up on a dull workday, those would surely help.

Here is our guide to 20 cafes in Singapore that open on Mondays for you to treat yourself on a dreadful, soul-crushing Monday.

% ARABICA

While % Arabica is known for its stellar cups of coffee, the brand’s venture at Chip Bee Gardens has introduced a food section to their menu so you can enjoy some scrumptious nosh that pairs perfectly with their soothing cups of coffee. This is also the only % Arabica outlet in the world to have a food menu.

44 Jalan Merah Saga, #01-58
Singapore 278116
Tel: +65 6261 4516
Sun to Thu: 8am – 6pm
Fri & Sat: 8am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village

CLINTON STREET BAKING COMPANY

Hailing all the way from New York City, Clinton Street Baking Co. is where you can look forward to a range of classic New York-style brunch fare including the esteemed Chicken & Waffles (S$21++) which features huge pieces of crisp-skinned, tender chicken nestled atop a fluffy buttermilk waffle.

Should you be looking for a sweeter treat to conclude your meal, the Pancakes with Warm Maple Butter (S$19++) is another signature dish of their that you ought to try.

31 Purvis Street
Singapore 188608
Mon to Thu: 8.30am – 6pm
Fri & Sat: 8am – 9pm
Sun: 8am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Bugis/Bras Basah

EARLYBIRD CAFE

Earlybird Cafe is one of the newest additions to the slew of cafes that Jalan Pinang is home to. Minimalist exterior and aesthetically-pleasing bird-themed interior aside, Earlybird Cafe serves quality grub that is worth forgoing your diet for.

Their Chicken and Pancakes (S$19) may just be enough to have you ditch chicken and waffles altogether—this dish really hits all the right chords in terms of flavour! Get their adorable Flower Pot Tiramisu (S$8.50) to end of your meal on a sweet note.

17 Jalan Pinang
Singapore 199149
Mon to Thu: 8am – 9pm
Fri: 8am – 9.30pm
Sat: 9am – 9.30pm
Sun: 9am – 8pm
Tel: +65 9788 6858
Nearest Station: Bugis

FIVE OARS COFFEE ROASTERS

Boasting an aesthetically-pleasing botanical interior, impeccable service, amazing coffee and plenteous food offerings, Five Oars Coffee Roasters is definitely a new café in Singapore worth checking out.

Five Oars offers a tantalizing range of brunch fare—from interesting spins such as the Mentaiko Royale (S$21) to sweeter options such as the Valrhona Chocolate Pancakes (S$19.50). Coffee-goers will not regret getting a cuppa coffee as an accompaniment to their meal as they source their coffee beans from Ethiopia and Brazil.

39 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088462
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

KEONG SAIK BAKERY

This is where you can find traditional, nostalgic yet contemporary bakes all under a single roof. The walls of Keong Saik Bakery are covered in a wallpaper that speaks about the heritage of the Keong Saik area which might just sweep you over with a sense of nostalgia.

Their menu mainly comprises a range of crusty croissants, bread and fluffy cakes. The Sor Hei—a black and white Danish pastry—would go highly recommended if you are looking for a light bite. Otherwise, opt for their all-day breakfast set which comes with a cup of coffee or tea, 2 soft-boiled eggs and a bun of your choice.

41 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089146
Tel: +65 6909 3199
Daily: 8am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park

KURASU

Kurasu is a hidden gem located within Odeon Towers that serves speciality coffee from selected roasters around Japan. Originally starting out as an online homeware store, the brand shifted its focus to coffee and opened its first physical store in Kyoto in 2016.

Their Singapore outlet serves the same lineup of coffee as their branch in Kyoto, so you get to taste their superbly aromatic brews in our sunny shores. Matcha lovers must get a cup of their Matcha Latte, which promises to satisfy even the most discerning of taste buds.

331 North Bridge Road
#02-01, Odeon Towers
Singapore 188720
Mon to Fri: 9am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 6pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

POPPY POPS

This café situated on the rooftop of JEM in Jurong East will bewitch you with its charms. Furnished with modern elements including gorgeously lit bulbs and entwining vines, the cafe exudes a tranquil outdoor vibe perfect for a chill night out with your girlfriends.

Poppy Pops allows you to get creative and make your own DIY popsicles, where you can choose a topping and coating of your choice.

#06-03 JEM
52 Jurong Gateway Road
Singapore 608549
Tel: +65 6262 0339
Mon to Thu, Sun: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Jurong East

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TWENTY EIGHT CAFE

Decked with minimal white walls and whitewashed window grilles, this spacious and modern industrial-themed cafe is a hidden-gem situated within the folds of Wilkie Road away from the bustling city.

Fully equipped with plenty of charging ports around, we reckon that Twenty Eight Cafe is an ideal spot for one to get some work done while sipping on a cup of coffee. Their menu is rather simple, albeit limited, offering several brunch items that will definitely fill you up.

28 Wilkie Road
Singapore 228051
Tel: +65 9720 2828
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: 8.30am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

DRIPS BAKERY CAFE

Drips Bakery Cafe has been around for years and it is one of the usual go-to spots people who love sweet, freshly baked tarts and bread.

No one leaves Drips Bakery Cafe without getting a taste of their speciality tarts. Their signatures include avocado tarts, berry tarts and salted caramel tarts. If you are looking for a heavier meal that is more filling, fret not as Drips Bakery Cafe also serves a range of brunch fare.

#01-05, 82 Tiong Poh Road
Singapore 160082
Tel: +65 6222 0400
Mon to Thu, Sun: 11am – 9.30pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

THE BRAVERY CAFE

This Muslim-owned cafe situated just a stone’s throw away from Lavender MRT station is one that will impress you with their warm and intimate ambience coupled with tasty food. It is also one of the cafes in Singapore that provides a laptop-friendly environment for students and workers.

Their menu offers an extensive array of savoury treats, including all-day breakfast items such as the Bagel Set (S$14.50) and heartier mains such as steak and pasta dishes that are not overly expensive.

66 Horne Road
Singapore 209073
Tel: +65 9388 2973
Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun: 9am – 6pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 10pm
Closed on Tuesdays
Nearest Station: Lavender/ Bendemeer

THE LOKAL

The LoKal is an Australian Restaurant-Bar that aims to serve comfort house-made Aussie food to their guests. The kitchen is helmed by Aussie Chef Darren Farr, the mastermind behind the healthy and hearty brunches such as the Smashed Avocado with Ricotta and Steak & Eggs.

You can also look forward to a myriad of Australian wines, monthly beer specials and easy drinking cocktails at The LoKal’s bar.

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn 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.

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: Tanjong Pagar/ Outram Park

TOBY’S ESTATE

Toby’s Estate Signature Café & Roastery at Rodyk Street is founder Toby Smith’s first venture outside of Australia, where a team of world-class coffee experts is dedicated to creating and serving remarkable coffee every day.

At Toby’s Estate, you can enjoy some of the best coffees from all over the world and explore the amazing tastes and aromas of their coffee through different brewing methods. The aroma of coffee simply draws you in!

8 Rodyk Street
Singapore 238216
Tel: +65 6636 7629
Daily: 7.30am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Fort Canning

DAPPER COFFEE

The swanky interior of Dapper Coffee at Amoy Street resembles a cool British pub. The coffee aroma that filled the air was alluring and we were thankful for the good range of different coffee to choose from.

73A Amoy Street
Second floor
Singapore 069892
Tel: +65 9005 4790
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 8am – 5pm
Sat: 8am – 3pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

FLAVOUR FLINGS

Nestled in Hougang, just a short 5-minute walk from Kovan’s McDonald’s, this humble cafe is the birthplace of Singapore’s nationwide salted egg yolk phenomenon. Their menu focuses primarily on brunch fare with eggs being the centrepiece of most of their dishes.

If you’re keen on melty, decadent cheese, then do try their Beef Steak with Cheese Raclette.

Blk 121 Hougang Avenue 1
#01-1348
Singapore 530121
Tel: +65 6286 0051
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Mon, Thu to Sun: 11.30am – 4pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Wed: 11am – 4pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Hougang/Kovan

KITH CAFE

Perhaps one of the most popular home-grown cafes in Singapore is Kith Cafe. Having expanded to several parts of the island, you can find them everywhere now and for good reason.

Their menu offerings are stellar and their coffee is simply solid. Whether you hankering for pizza, pasta or a full-on breakfast platter, there’s bound to be something to tickle your fancy.

6 Raffles Boulevard
Marina Square #02-49
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6352 4393
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade

ONE MAN COFFEE

One Man Coffee is a speciality coffee concept that focuses on the art of extracting great coffee from fine coffee beans. We kid you not, their coffee is one of the best around.

But as stunning as their humble brews and latte art let us not forget about their sensational lineup of food as well. Their Gashaus Eggs and Berries French Toast come highly recommended and are perfect to have during brunch.

215R Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574349
Tel: +65 9658 1685
Mon, Wed to Sun: 9am – 5pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Nearest Station: Marymount

Photo credit: SPRMRKT

SPRMRKT (CLUNY COURT)

Founded less than a decade ago at McCallum Street, homegrown brand SPRMRKT can now be found at Cluny Court right next to the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Diners can expect a menu of simple all-day-brunch delights as well as a myriad of fancier offerings.

We simply adore their Oven-Baked Eggs and various pasta offerings, but if you’re looking for something a healthier, you can consider one of their many wholesome SPRGRN Bowls too.

501 Bukit Timah Road,
02-13 Cluny Court,
Singapore 259760
Tel: +65 9736 4170
Mon to Thu: 8am – 8pm
Fri to Sun: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens

THE POPULUS COFFEE & FOOD CO.

Opened by the folks behind Two Degrees North Coffee Co. and the now-defunct Department of Caffeine, The Populus Coffee & Food Co. is a hot favourite among Singaporeans for their good coffee and better food.

You see, The Populus Coffee & Food Co. is everything a good cafe should be—a neat decor with plants and natural sunlight, comprehensive food menu with wholesome meals and homemade desserts, and a brilliant cuppa.

146 Neil Road
Singapore 088875
Tel: +65 6635 8420
Mon to 9am – 7pm
Tue: 9am – 4pm
Wed to Fri: 9am – 10.30pm
Sat: 9.30am – 10.30pm
Sun: 9.30am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park

THE TIRAMISU HERO

Aptly named, The Tiramisu Hero is a cute yet heartwarming cafe tucked along the stretch of Tyrwhitt Road. Everything about this cafe screams cute and sweet, and this goes likewise for the amazing spread of savoury and sweets on their menu.

They serve one of the best Tiramisu in Singapore.

121 Tyrwhitt Road
Tel: +65 6292 5271
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Lavender

TWO BAKERS

Two Bakers is one of the few cafes that does its savoury dishes and desserts really well. The two chefs here are Le Cordon Bleu Paris-trained so you can be sure that their food here is of a pretty high standard.

88 Horne Road
Tel: +65 6293 0329
Mon to Thu: 8am – 6pm
Fri to Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Lavender

Tucked away at Upper Serangoon Road next to the old Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre is newly-opened, Amber Ember.

Exuding a simple yet charming vibe, the interior is decked out in marble and wooden furnishings that are neatly decorated with potted plants and paintings, making it a nice place to retreat to and a great place for photos too.

Here, they sell a variety of brunch-style fare such as jaffles (a type of toastie that bears no similarity to a waffle), scrambled eggs on toast and coffee, but with an added twist that differs slightly to your average cafe food.

Starting our cafe trip off on a proper note, we ordered ourselves the White (S$5)—which is essentially a flat white. Amber Ember uses coffee beans from Cata coffee, which are freshly roasted daily and pack a robust, chocolatey note that is both incredibly aromatic and well-balanced.

Having heard so much about their fried chicken, we decided to order up the Amber’s Fried Chicken (AFC) (S$10). The chicken was decently crispy, however, the meat lacked a certain succulence to it and the drums were not as meaty as we would’ve liked. The saving grace, however, was their house-made blue cheese sauce and sriracha.

We also tried their Asian ‘Risotto’ (S$10), which was pretty much a fancy bowl of Chinese porridge that had been embellished with a variety of ingredients. We really enjoyed this dish and found it really comforting and satisfying.

The risotto had bits of braised pulled pork, fried shallots, garlic and a runny egg. We were a tad bit disappointed with the runny egg, which did not turn out as runny as described on the menu.

When we heard that they had a dish called Fu Yong Eggs (S$11), we were expecting a  modern rendition of the popular zi char dish. However, to our surprise, it was simply scrambled eggs and sauteéd mushrooms on a piece of sourdough.

Finally, we had the main thing that we came here for—Jaffles!

Out of the many options they had, we opted for their K-Pork Jaffles (S$10). The pork in the jaffles was slightly tangy due to the gochujang sauce used, but what surprised us was the purple sweet potato mash that came with it that was both sweet and deliciously creamy.

Amber Ember
730 Upper Serangoon Road, #01-01
Singapore 534613
Mon, Wed & Fri: 8am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 6pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Nearest Station: Serangoon

Five Oars Coffee Roasters is a Melbourne-style café which opened just a week ago in Tanjong Pagar. This newest addition to the slew of cafés around the area makes for an excellent choice for coffee-goers as they get their coffee beans sourced from Ethiopia and Brazil.

Their extensive menu features value-for-money brunch fare and substantial meals at night—from sumptuous rice bowls in the day to hearty mains for a filling dinner, Five Oars Coffee Roasters surely has something for everyone. They also serve craft beers on tap, including Stone & Wood Pacific Ale and Tuatara Helluva Helles Lager.

Besides their stunning instagrammable interior, here is why Five Oars is be somewhere café-hoppers should be adding to their list of brunch spots for the next hang out.

This brand new addition to the café scene in Tanjong Pagar strikes all the right chords in terms of aesthetics. The coffee shop is divided into two areas—an air-conditioned indoor area and an outdoor space with beautiful flora adorning the walls.

For our White Coffee (S$5 for 5oz), we opted for the blend roasted from a mix of Brazilian and Ethiopian beans. The result? A nutty, bittersweet and fragrant roast that will be enough to win over the discerning coffee-goers who frequent the district.

Otherwise, Five Oars Coffee Roasters also serves juices (S$5.5) and Craft Sodas (S$6.50) for non-caffeinated beverages. Should you be looking for some booze to have with your meal, they also offer craft beers on tap!

Five Oars offers a wide myriad of brunch fare ranging from interesting spins such as the Mentaiko Royale (S$21) and Valrhona Chocolate Pancakes (S$19.5) if you are craving for sweeter treats.

We opted for the Five Oars Breakfast (S$24), which indubitably is their signature breakfast item. Mixed salad, a sausage, a slice of thick cut bacon, portobello mushrooms, grilled tomato and half an avocado sits beside a piece of crispy hashbrown nestled atop a thick slice of sourdough toast.

Even with so many things going on in a single dish, every element on the plate was executed nicely—we would recommend getting this dish if you are looking for a substantial brunch affair.

Next up, we had the Spaghetti Granchio (S$18.50), which is essentially crabmeat pasta tossed in a tomato sauce. It is indeed a fairly simple dish, but it impressed us entirely nevertheless.

The pasta was cooked al dente and had a pleasant bite to it—but the star of the show goes to the generous helpings of crabmeat that topped the pasta which we were glad the café did not skimp on. 

Boasting an aesthetically-pleasing botanical interior, impeccable service, amazing coffee and plenteous food offerings, Five Oars Coffee Roasters is definitely a new café in Singapore worth checking out.

Five Oars Coffee Roasters
39 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088462
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Sunday brunches have a very special place in our hearts because it is the most important meals over the weekend; bigger than breakfast and more enticing than lunch, there is really nothing not to love about a good Sunday brunch.

Nestled in Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, Melt Café is one of the best choices if you are in the Marina Bay area. Their Sunday Champagne Brunch is simply out of the world—we are talking about endless gourmet food, including bubbles and fun in-house entertainment for everyone in the family.

From fresh oysters of different varieties, premium sashimi from the Japanese counter, a carving station that will satisfy the carnivores to their ever popular Indian cuisine and an outdoor barbecue grill, this is one champagne brunch that is deserving of an encore.

CRAZY CHEESE SELECTION

Brunch is made better when there is an amazing cheese selection and the one at Melt Café will definitely impress you.

Pair your wines with any cheese of your preference that are sourced from countries such as Italy, France and United Kingdom.

FRESH SEAFOOD ON ICE

The seafood counter is a dream come true for all oyster fans. The restaurant sources for oysters from different parts of the world and depending on seasonality, you get to slurp up varieties such as Taylor Pacific, Fine de Claire and Creuses de Bretagne.

Crustaceans such as Alaska King Crabs and Boston Lobsters also stood out among the clams, mussels and prawns at the counter.

JAPANESE DELIGHTS

Tucked away at a corner beside the desserts, the Japanese food station takes on the form of an L-shaped counter which showcases a scrumptious range of both hot and cold Japanese delights.

When you are there, keep a lookout for a large wooden basin which is filled with five types of sashimi including the likes of salmon, tuna, octopus and more. Other tantalising options are the sushi, cold soba, and crispy deep-fried tempura with Japanese curry.

FOIE GRAS & CARVING STATION

Nothing gets better than a ‘live’ carving station at a buffet—until you add on a Foie Gras counter as well. The idea of endless rounds of foie gras is tempting, yes?

To make things even better, the carving station also boasts local and western delicacies such as char siew pork, roasted pork, roasted chicken, slow-roasted Australian prime rib beef and whole baked honey ham.

INDIAN COUNTER

With its over-the-top offerings, it may not occur to you that the Indian counter is actually one of the signatures at Melt Café and let us just say that no one should leave the buffet restaurant without a taste of their savoury curries and buttery naan.

Noteworthy Indian recipes you should not miss for anything in the world are the Tandoori Chicken, Butter Chicken, and more.

OUTDOOR BARBECUE GRILL STATION

Besides the indoor carving station, meat lovers can also head outside to the al fresco terrace where the BBQ grill section is. Take your pick among tantalising options such as the Suckling Pig, Beef Steak, Barbecue Chicken Wings, Pork Collar and Grilled Salmon.

You really have to save space for their Suckling Pig, which is roasted whole in the oven at the outdoor terrace. This method of roasting ensures that the juices are all locked in so the meat remains tender.

DESSERT ENCLAVE

Melt Café’s glorious dessert shrine is reason enough to get you out of bed on a Sunday morning. Featuring desserts from award-winning pastry chefs, this is where you will find all those with a sweet tooth going nuts for the stunning desserts.

The new Amaretto Sabayon—exclusive to Melt Café’s Sunday Champagne Brunch—is a real showstopper, as the dessert is doused with liquid nitrogen to create an enchanting theatrical effect before it is paired with red fruit compote and a topping of your choice.

Other sweet treats that are worth all the calories include the handmade waffles, handcrafted cakes, chocolate fondue, tiramisu in a chocolate cup and premium chocolates.

UNLIMITED CHAMPAGNE, WINES, COCKTAILS, BEERS AND MORE

Alongside world-class international cuisine, Melt Café also offers a neat range of alcoholic beverages because what is a champagne brunch without downing back a tipple or five?

For S$178++, you get to enjoy free-flow Ruinart “R” de Brut Champagne, wines, cocktails, beers, juices and soft drinks. But if you are looking for something more premium to spoil yourself with, there is also an upgraded option at S$218++ which entitles you to unlimited flow of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Champagne.

ENTERTAINMENT FOR EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY

When it comes to Sunday Champagne Brunch at Melt Café, everything is spot on and we are talking about more than just the food. To elevate your dining experience, diners also get to interact with a magician who will perform numerous magic tricks to entertain you and your guests.

Parents will also be delighted to know that they will be able to relax and enjoy their brunch and drinks while their little ones are kept entertained in the Little Fan Land. The interactive kids’ room is equipped with soft toys, finger snacks, desserts, a movie screening and colouring stations for your kiddos.

Sunday Champagne Brunch
Every Sunday
12pm – 3pm
Adult: S$218++ (includes free-flow Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Champagne, wines, cocktails and beers)
Adult: S$178++ (includes Ruinart “R” de Brut Champagne, wines, cocktails and beers)
Adult: S$118++ (includes free-flow chilled juices and soft drinks)

Melt Café
Mandarin Oriental, Singapore
5 Raffles Avenue, Marina Square
Singapore 039797
Tel: +65 6885 3500
Daily: 6.30am – 10.30am, 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Promenade

This post is brought to you by Melt Café.

Twenty Eight Cafe is a new F&B venture by Italian restaurant and bar 28Wilkie, which also sits along Wilkie Road. Opened two weeks ago, the cafe is still in soft launch and is looking to update their lunch menu to incorporate more options for their diners.

Focusing on speciality coffee and brunch items, Twenty Eight Cafe is an excellent choice for freelancers and students studying at the campuses nearby as the work-friendly cafe is equipped with many charging ports.

As of now, guests can expect to be satisfied with a decent range of breakfast, all-day brunch and some savoury pasta dishes—all sold at nett prices.

Twenty Eight Cafe is a delight to visit during the day when the whole space is filled with natural sunlight. Following the modern industrial theme, choose to sit at the communal high table or grab a seat at one of the many wooden tables around the cafe.

Coffee is serious business here at Twenty Eight Cafe; their coffee beans are sourced from Indonesia and roasted by an Australian company in Bali.

For those who are keen on getting white coffee, their Latte (S$5.90) is a milkier version of what you will usually find elsewhere. Otherwise, there’s also Macchiato (S$5) and Flat White (S$5.90).

Under the Breakfast section, diners are treated to the full works—ranging from all-day breakfast platters to pancakes and toasts that are served till 11am daily.

Our Berrilicious Pancakes (S$15.90) came with sliced strawberries, summer berries compote, honey greek yoghurt and toasted coconut flakes. While the pancakes were slightly dry on their own, the tangy compote and handmade whipped yoghurt more than compensated for that.

Comprising poached eggs with hollandaise sauce, fresh avocado slices and hash, the Eggs Benedict (S$18.50) was an aesthetically pleasing dish but it lacked a certain x-factor. Even so, the potato hash is not something you would normally find at other cafes and we liked that it was extra crispy.

The hearty eaters may prefer the pasta selection instead. We opted for the Seafood Aglio Olio (S$15.90) which was tossed in olive oil and garlic and served with prawns. The pasta was flavourful but we would have preferred if they included other seafood ingredients on top of just prawns.

Other pasta options on the menu include Cold Truffle Pasta (S$19.90) and Classic Carbonara (S$14.90).

Twenty Eight Cafe
28 Wilkie Road
Singapore 228051
Tel: +65 9720 2828
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: 8.30am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

Situated amidst the hustle and bustle of Upper Thomson Road is a brand new addition to Singapore’s cafe scene—Columbus Coffee Co.

Managed by the same people behind Atlas Coffeehouse and Lunar Coffee Brewers, Columbus Coffee Co. is a stylish new brunch concept that delivers a straightforward menu with exceptional yet not overly-pretentious dishes and a curated selection of coffee brews. Coffee aficionados may be interested to know that the coffee beans are roasted by Two Degrees North Coffee Co.

Served by a team of energetic young baristas and waitstaff, enjoy the warm and friendly hospitality at Columbus Coffee Co which officially starts its operations today. 

Taking over the now-defunct Wolfpack, Columbus Coffee Co. is designed with functionality in mind—making use of industrial decor, wooden furniture and greenery to create a comfortable and inviting environment that does not compromise on style.

The Cheese Burger and Curlies (S$19++)—one of the two burger options available on the menu—impressed us with the combination of textures and flavours that left us yearning for more after we were done.

What you will find sandwiched between two butter brioche buns is a juicy herbed beef patty, fried sherry onions, creamy slaw and the most addictive topping of all—sharp cheddar that melts in your mouth. The hearty dish comes with crispy curly fries as an accompaniment.

Their All-Day Brunch features a list of comforting mains and one that we would highly recommend is the Columbus Buttermilk Fried Chicken (S$14.50+), which is essentially buttermilk marinated chicken wings that are deep-fried to a perfect shade of golden brown.

We sank our teeth into what was possibly one of the juiciest buttermilk chicken wings we have tried in a long time. Diners can also opt for Hot Sauce (S$1) and beer (Half Pint – S$5, Full Pint – S$8.50) to fully complete the ultimate fried chicken experience.

As for desserts, Columbus Coffee Co. carries a range of Buttermilk Waffles in five different flavours. We decided to go for the Earl Grey Caramel Waffle (S$12.50++) which features a freshly made waffle, chopped strawberries, a scoop of earl grey-flavoured ice cream and generous caramel sauce drizzled over top.

Our recommendation is to tuck into the waffles immediately once it it served as it may turn slightly soggy once the ice cream melts over it.

Other options on their menu include Pastas such as Aglio Olio (S$16++), Mushroom Bacon Carbonara (S$19++) and light munchies with the likes of Shoe String Fries (S$8+) and Chili Beef Nachos (S$12++).

Choose your own espresso blend—Atlas or Nautica—and have it prepared in various ways such as a Long Black (Reg – S$4.50++, Large – S$5++), Cappuccino (Reg – S$5++, Large – S$5.50++), Latte (Reg – S$5++, Large – S$5.50++) and more.

As mentioned earlier, Columbus Coffee Co. gets their coffee beans from Two Degrees North Coffee Co., a renowned roaster that sources their single origin beans from coffee capitals of the world, Ethiopia, Colombia and Kenya.

Columbus Coffee Co.
220 Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574352
Tel: +65 6253 6024
Daily: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Marymount

Behind the same folks that brought you Fresh Fruits Lab comes Blue Willow, a thematic bar and bistro that derives its inspiration from one of our favourite science-fiction movies of 2009—to give you a clue, the alien characters in it are all blue.

Decked out in—you guessed it—blue with beautiful wall murals depicting scenes and characters from the movie, this cosy bistro in the West of Singapore is not your usual gimmicky themed cafe. Of hearty grub and inventive cocktails that are mostly blue in colour, the food standard is so good that you wouldn’t believe you are dining in a cafe!

You’d be pleased to know that the blue-coloured dishes and drinks are naturally coloured with butterfly pea; nothing tastes artificial nor tackily sweet. Blue dishes and desserts to look forward to include the Eywa Natural Blue Carbonara, Neytiri’s Blue Pancake Stack and Blue Velvet Cake. If you are out looking for a tipple, we are sure their stunning line-up of thematic cocktails will leave an impression as well.

From now until 04 Mar 2018 (excluding Valentine’s Day), our readers can quote ‘ladyironchef’ upon making your orders to enjoy 50% OFF the second main course (on the lower-priced item). This promotion is valid for lunch and dinner daily.

So get your appetites going and your cameras at the ready, because Blue Willow Bar & Bistro is an absolute must-visit.

Blue Willow Bar & Bistro is the latest venture by a young couple, who are also the owners of restaurants Fresh Fruits Lab and Platform 1094. Tucked away along a small row of shops, away from the bustling city scene and near to the NUS campus, Blue Willow offers students and regular patrons alike some much-needed respite from the stresses of everyday life—at a pretty affordable price point too!

The inspiration for the blue themed, alien-world cafe, which serves Western-fusion cuisine, comes from a tree in the cafe’s backyard, reminiscent of the iconic ‘Tree of Souls’ in the movie—don’t tell us you’re still guessing.

JAKE’S BREAKFAST

Only available on weekends before 3pm, their brunch menu offers a fine selection of hearty grub that will set the tone for your weekend perfectly. First on the list is Jake’s Breakfast (S$16++): a huge plate featuring all the works from scrambled eggs, toasted baked garlic, bacon, chicken cheese sausages, grilled mushrooms and a salad.

Modelled after a classic English breakfast, this colossal plate promises you everything you could ever want from greasy to creamy—the best way to kickstart any day in our opinion.

EGGS BENEDICT

Although similar in composition, the Eggs Benedict (S$13++) served here is presented and prepared a little differently. Instead of the conventional English muffin, what you get as your base is a toasted soft roll which is topped with bacon, chicken ham, two sous vide eggs and drizzled luxuriously with their homemade hollandaise sauce.

NEYTIRI’S BLUE PANCAKE STACK

Perhaps one of the most ‘Insta-worthy’ items on their brunch menu is the Neytiri’s Blue Pancake Stack (S$14++) that comprises three thick, blue pancakes topped with blueberry, maple sago, strawberries and cookie crumbles.

The pancakes left a deep impression upon first bite! Fluffy with a crispy exterior and brimming with vanilla aroma, complemented with fresh berries and maple syrup that beautifully bring the entire dish together. As with all of their blue coloured dishes, no artificial colouring is added. All of them derive their bluish hue naturally from butterfly peas.

EYWA NATURAL BLUE CARBONARA

For something a little more unusual that is bound to have your Instagram followers in total awe is the Eywa Natural Blue Carbonara (S$14++).

Boasting a blueish colour courtesy of the butterfly pea added into the pasta dough, this dish would surely have diners feeling a tad confused at first, but stick your fork in and swirl some into your mouth and you would be greeted wiith a delicious medley of flavours from the sautéed bacon, savoury cheesy cream sauce and the rich sou vide egg yolk. After the initial taste, we were hooked and were ready to scarf down the entire plate.

BLUE WILLOW’S BARRAMUNDI

Grilled to tender perfection, the Blue Willow’s Barramundi (S$20++) is a good alternative to order should you wish for something less rich. Our fish was tender and flaky and the skin had a glorious crisp.

Complementing the Barramundi is a blue pine nut mustard cream sauce, as well as a combination of fresh vegetables from tender beetroot, wilted baby spinach and pine nuts, sprinkled over top.

FFL DA BOMB BURGER

For the love of ginormous burgers that pack great flavour, the FFL Da Bomb Burger (S$19++) is something we highly recommend.

This monster of a burger features a 200gram medium-well beef batty, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, grilled sweet onion, bacon, egg and is finally topped with a blue cheddar cheese sauce that diners are free to pour over themselves should they wish.

ENCHANTING BEVERAGE CONCOCTIONS

Besides their array of toothsome food offerings, do pay attention to their stellar cocktail menu as well. Offering a variety of inventive cocktails that showcase various methods of culinary theatrics, they are just as tasty to sip on as they are aesthetically pleasing.

Some of their cocktails even require diners to get ‘hands-on’ so pimp away, because at Blue Willow, the experience is what you make of it.

For the wine connoisseur, you will be delighted to know that Blue Willow is the only bar and bistro in Singapore licensed to bring in and sell the world’s first blue-coloured wine, Gik. We already know so many parties to bring this to!

From now until 04 Mar 2018 (excluding Valentine’s Day), our readers can quote ‘ladyironchef’ upon making your orders to enjoy 50% OFF the second main course (on the lower-priced item). This promotion is valid for lunch and dinner daily.

Blue Willow Bar & Bistro
28 Clementi Road,
Singapore 129754
Tel: +65 6803 7472
(Closed on Mondays)
Tue to Fri: 12pm – 12am
Sat & Sun: 11am – 12am
Nearest Station: Kent Ridge / Haw Par Villa

This post was brought to you by Blue Willow Bar & Bistro.