Are you on the hunt for aesthetic cafes with picturesque spots to spice up your boring Instagram feed? Or are you simply a hungry boyfriend looking to fill your growling tummy while your girlfriend badgers you for “IG-worthy date spots”?

Fret not, as you get the best of both worlds at Knots Café and Living —  a gorgeous garden café located in Tai Seng!

This unassuming café is located amidst the bustling area of Tai Seng. Boasting floral décor, plushies and wooden furniture, Knots is a multi-concept store selling both furniture and a menu of typical café fare.

If you forgot to buy bae a present, this place will be your saving grace. Home to cute trinkets, there are lots of perfect last-minute gifts you can surprise your partner with. From their various blooms and interesting knick-knacks to the table you will be dining at, everything is for sale!

We decided to try their iconic savoury waffle platter: Knots Waffle Brekkie (S$18.90). This is the perfect dish to share with your partner. It was served in a hulking mountain of ingredients sitting atop a giant bed of fluffy buttermilk waffle.

The waffle was soft with an airy middle, and the strong buttermilk flavour was evident. Having been drizzled with syrup, it also had a sweet aftertaste.

The scrambled eggs were our favourite — the eggs were runny with an ultra-creamy texture that melted in our mouths. It complemented the pillowy waffle well, elevating its savouriness. The sautéed mushrooms also had a strong charred flavour, tantalising our tastebuds, while still allowing its natural sweetness to come through. 

Though crisp on the outside, the bacon was surprisingly soft and tender, tearing apart easily. It also had a distinct cinnamon-like taste that kept us hankering for more.

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We also opted for their Fish and Chips (S$13.90). Served with a generous portion of french fries, the deep-fried breaded dory fillet was incredibly crunchy. Paired together with the piquant, salty tartar sauce, the dressing added to the fish’s savouriness.

It wasn’t overwhelming greasy either and we liked how it had a thick meat to skin ratio. The meat was tender as well; add a pinch of lemon to add zesty flavour to the fish!

Albeit on the pricier side, Knots Café and Living is a great date spot for those looking to dine at an idyllic café. Step in and be enthralled by its garden wonderland! If you happen to be in the area, do pop by and give them a try.

#01-07 160 Paya Lebar Road
Singapore 409022
Tel: +65 6817 0383
(Closed on Mondays)
Tue to Thu & Sun: 9am – 9pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng/ MacPherson

Home to an enclave of mouth-watering cafes and restaurants, Serangoon Gardens is a foodie heaven second to none in Singapore. With new eateries popping up here so often, it is undoubtedly the perfect place to bring out the glutton in you!

The Larder Café first started in Toa Payoh in 2016 and they have recently opened another new outlet in Serangoon Gardens, taking over the premise of the now-defunct Arbite which closed down after 9 years.

Boasting a plethora of mains, brunch, big bites and desserts, you can expect to be torn between their delectable options. There’s even alcoholic drinks and a kids’ menu!

To start off our meal, we chose the Cheese Fries (S$8). The basket of straight cut fries came with a side of cheese dip; the fries were nicely fried without it being overly oily. The dip had a light buttery texture with just the right amount of thickness. Together, the pairing tasted sinful.

The Carbonara Spaghetti (S$13) was served next. We are not fans of carbonara as it usually tends to be overbearingly creamy, but the pasta here was done well! The cream sauce was rich in flavour without it being too cloying or thick. It also came with generous, juicy strips of bacon and button mushrooms.

Last but not least, we had the Bacon Eggs Benedict (S$15) — it was plated beautifully, with succulent bacon strips and large poached eggs atop fluffy brioche bread. This was the star of the show; the toast was crispy on the sides with a soft middle, while the creaminess of the egg yolk and sliced tomatoes gave the dish an extra sweetness.

If you’re looking for a café that offers quality mains and sweet treats at affordable prices, The Larder Café is the place to go. We will definitely be back the next time round to try out their other items.

The Larder Café
66A Serangoon Garden Way
Singapore 555962
Tel: +65 6253 8382
Tues to Sun: 11am – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Serangoon