Shop Wonderland Cafe Review

Shop Wonderland cafe is probably as whimsical as you can get for cafe. Located at Telok Ayer Street, it is the perfect place to hideaway during the weekend or a spot of coffee to beat the weekday blues if you need a break from work. It is also a place for book lovers, with pages ripped from books dressing part of the wall. Though they serve a good coffee, I think their food require a little more work or re-work. The cafe also tends to get warm, with just fans cooling the place. Unless you love the decor of the cafe, it is not a place that will bring me back again.

Shop Wonderland
134 Telok Ayer Street, 068600
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer

Forty Hands East Coast Review

To find out that Forty Hands has arrived at East Coast Road, also known as the Katong neighborhood, is to realize that the cafe scene is finally taking shape in this area. I couldn't be more glad to see cafes pop up here, as that would mean that the Easterners do not need to travel all the way to the city for brunch and a good cup of coffee.

The cafe prides itself in having overpriced coffee and food, and yes it does gear towards the pricey end, however, Forty Hands must have been one of the earlier cafes to start the coffee culture scene in Singapore, that maybe you won't mind just as much. Afterall, it is about good food and coffee!

I particularly like the cafe design, it feels much cleaner than the one located at Tiong Bahru, a spot that I would stay a little longer to enjoy the old-school ambience.

Forty Hands brew is always a little on the acidic end, but you know it is a good brew, and has such lovely thick microfoam that you get to enjoy the latte art a little longer. This time I tried the 40 Hands Falafel, which is something different from the usual brunch cafe fare. It consists pita bread with chickpea falafel and lettuce, very refreshing indeed.

It looks like this is one cafe that I would return often on a weekend just to chill out and enjoy a good cuppa.

Forty Hands East Coast
226 E Coast Rd,
Singapore 428923

Wakey Wakey Review

Wakey Wakey is perhaps one of the better cafes to hang out on a weekend in Singapore. Away from the crowds and in a very spacious space with a breezy outdoors, it is great for those who prefer a quiet and relaxing weekend in a cafe with a book or laptop.  This is my second time to Wakey Wakey, and this time they have added more food options in their menu.

The coffee is impeccable, coffee just a tad acidic in the first few sips. The cafe probably serves one of the better latte art in Singapore. As for meals, one can't fault them for trying something different from the usual cafe fare, though portion sizes are a little small, unless you opt for the grain bowls.

In my first trip to Wakey Wakey, I tried their westernized rendition of begedil (Malay potato patty) which was delicious but a small portion for the price I had to pay. And in my second trip, I had the chilli crab stew with bread, again another small portion, with bread a little on the hard end. It tastes just like shakshuka, but a localized version of it. My friend had the beef grain bowl, which was a better deal for the price of $15, but the beef did not look too exciting for me. We shared curry fries which was an interesting concept, though I would have preferred the fries to be thicker.

Wakey Wakey
302 Beach Rd
The Concourse
Singapore 199600
Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway

Hyde and Co Cafe

Visiting Hyde and Co. on a Sunday was a little out of norm for me, as my cafe prowling is usually done on Saturdays. Factored in with waiting for a seat in the blistering outdoors, it will make me think twice about coming back here again, especially if I do not have a prior reservation.

What I particularly like regarding this cafe is that it differentiates itself from bustling cafe scene of mostly industrial interior to a more British Colonial feel, even decorating the outside of the cafe with pretty potted plants. This is a brilliant move, given that is located in a shop house, disregarding the weather, I could almost imagine strolling by a shop just like this in UK.

A hot day called for ice cold latte instead of my usual hot flat white. However, by icing the potion, I was unable to tell the balance of the acidity in the coffee. We came here for the waffles, which I thought was pretty normal fare, though what sweetened the deal was a lovely dollop of vanilla bean ice cream. The popular pulled pork sliders was a hit, being a fusion of Chinese fried bun and sweet pulled pork. It is great that cafes like these invents its own menu of unique food fare, which could be a great return factor apart from the usual all day breakfast and coffee.

Hyde and Co.
785 North Bridge Rd
Singapore 198753
Tel: 6635 5785
Nearest MRT: Lavender/Bugis

Tolidos Espresso Nook

There are times you stumble into unusual cafe and Tolidos Espresso Nook was one of them. I was in need of finding a spot for a phone call, and this was the nearest, a really hip and industrial looking cafe planted in a HDB block and located between hardware stores. Thinking back, being located within a HDB block would definitely have its perks, as the cost of rental would be kept low, and residents could easily come down for a cup of coffee anytime.

Since I had not done any prior research regarding this place, I asked the counter staff and they recommended the Sea Salt Caramel Latte. I must say this is one the better coffees I have drunk in Singapore, where the acidity is not overpowering and perfectly balanced, the coffee having a frothy top, and a perfectly executed coffee art to finish off the drink. The sea salt and caramel is an accent to what was the main point of a good cup of coffee.

I was also looking for some snack, something light, and the counter staff recommended the Cereal Bacon Rolls. Though not a fan of bacon, this was well executed being juicy and crusty with the cereal sprinkled on the top. Indeed this was something unique and different not found in other cafes.

What I like about Tolidos Expresso Nook is that they make the attempt to do something different with the food menu, and with all the friendly smiles, the cozy industric chic atmosphere it is certainly one place that I would want to be back again.

Tolidos Espresso Nook 
462 Crawford Land
Unit 01-63
Singapore 190462
Tel: 6648 0178
Opening Hours:
Tue - Sun: 9:00am - 21:00pm
Nearest MRT: Lavender

Five and Dime River Valley Road Cafe

Five and Dime is a cute little cafe along the stretch of River Valley Road. From Somerset MRT walk up to Killiney Road and turn left on River Valley Road. It is one of those cute little cafes that reminds you of being in London, Melbourne, or Sydney, making you want to step in and explore. Since it is a small place, reservation is recommended and allowed, which is quite a rarity these days for cafes over the weekends.

It was a Saturday brunch for 5 of us, and we had quite a large spread of food that left our jaws dropping when we saw the bill. I continue being shocked at what costs $2 for 10 eggs in the market, but $15 for an egg breakfast. Five and Dime appears to serve up a combination of Western with Asian food. There is the usual full breakfast that one would expect, and more unusual egg concoctions like Spinach Tamago (which I believe is Japanese inspired). You could have the regular coffee or a unique order of Matcha Latte. We were there from the opening at 10am till about 1pm, and it was quite a din when the place was full, which happens around 11am. Would I come back again? With stiff competition from cafes at Robertson Quay, I would be quite indecisive, unless I am in the area, and want a very good and hearty Tamago, or require a reserved seating for a group of friends. However, just because of the prettiness of the place, I might just return. I think Five and Dime will be perfect for small functions as it is cozy and looks just like a little home by the street.

Five and Dime
297 River Valley Road
Singapore 238338
Tel: 9236 5002
Email: eat@fiveanddime.com.sg
Monday-Thursday: 12pm - 10pm
Friday: 12pm - 12am
Saturday: 10am - 12am
Sunday: 10am - 10pm
MRT: Somerset

Common Man Coffee Roasters - most delicious coffee and breakfast

Common Man Coffee Roasters probably has the best packaged breakfast and coffee in Singapore. Usually cafes in Singapore would be good in either coffee or breakfast. The breakfast selection is hearty and delicious, and coffee strong enough to give a bite, without it being completely acidic and a put off. Of all the cafes I have tried, Common Man Coffee Roasters probably has the most unique tasting coffee not found in other cafes.  However, in terms of location, it possibly is one of the most challenging cafes to go to, being a good 20 minute walk away from the nearest MRT at Fort Canning or Somerset. Plus not being able to make a reservation on a Saturday makes the trip to Martin Road highly unpredictable. Their key clientele is probably the fabulously rich staying around River Valley Road, making it one of the cafes that it is quite okay to gawk at another, a.k.a people watch. I would suggest if you are taking public transport to come on a cool day, so that the walk is much more enjoyable, alternatively, take a cab from Somerset.

As I had done a round of breakfast, by the time I met my friend at Common Man Coffee Roasters, I was incredibly full. So, while she had the Common Man Full Breakfast, I settled for the sides - which was the grilled Portobello mushrooms with Parmesan and pine nuts. I was surprised and delighted as the salad was indeed fine tasting! A perfect blend of juiciness from the mushrooms, and fine cheese shavings drizzled with olive oil.

This is the place to come back time and again for their fine tasting food and coffee, and if you are willing to wait in line with the many others.

Common Man Coffee Roasters
22 Martin Road
#01-00
Singapore 239058
Tel: 6836 4695
MRT: Fort Canning

Opening Hours:
Mon to Sun: 8:00am - 7:00pm

The Plain - simple yet excellent coffee at Craig Road, Tanjong Pagar

The Plain came recommended as one of the better brewed coffee sans acidic aftertaste in Tanjong Pagar. Initially, I had a little issue finding out where Craig Road is, after locating it on maps, it's really just a 8 minutes walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT. 

It is one of those simple cafes that have sprouted in Singapore that is without frills. The standard coffee is the espresso, then add it with milk. I have since been back 3 times and I can safely say the coffee still maintains its standards, without the acidic finish you find in some cafes and of the fewer cafes that does good coffee art. The simple sandwiches available is choc full of healthy ingredients, a perfect meal to start the day, or a post-gym workout refuel.

The Plain
50 Craig Road #01-01
Singapore 089688
MRT: Tanjong Pagar

Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri 7.30am - 5.30pm
Sat - Sun 7.30am - 7.30pm

St Marc Cafe - Japanese desserts in Singapore

You wonder how so many cafes can open in Singapore, such a tiny nation with a relatively small population. Given the prosperity of the nation, it is no wonder many global retail stores open up here. In fact, often Singapore is the test market, a gateway to the rest of Asia. If it can succeed here, it can succeed almost every where else. The latest cafe chain to enter Singapore is St Marc Cafe. Coming from Japan, it is essentially a Japanese dessert place, perfect for the after meal drinks and desserts, an alternative to Starbucks, but with a greater variety of desserts. They offer a wide selection of pastries, Japanese ice cream, and the usual coffee/tea. I have tried both Vivocity and Marina Square outlets, and I prefer the one at Marina Square for its cozy and comfortably luxurious ambiance with a better prepared dessert. The dessert tends to be a little sweet, so I would recommend choosing the ones without red bean. 

St Marc Café 
Marina Square #02-105
MRT: Esplanade MRT
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm

Tart Blanc Millenia Walk - of tarts, coffee, and custom salads and sandwiches

It was a Saturday afternoon, and after spending hours shopping in my heels, I needed a place to rest and endulge in a cuppa. I could have gone to the larger Marina Square however, this time I favored somewhere small where I would likely not bump into anyone. A friend told me about Tart Blanc earlier, that it was opened by a friend's friend. I decided to give some support and check out the coffee and cakes.

With the name Tart Blanc one would immediately think the place specializes and tarts and probably one would find a sour tart or two. When I stepped into this tiny little cafe that can sit no more than 10-15 persons I was impressed by the prettiness of the place. The whole place is lighted up with paper lanterns, making it a perfect place to take selfies. Music was mood music that made it perfect for reflection and writing a poem. This made it different from other cafes that often plays loud music and is dimly lighted with the industrial retro feel. 

I particularly like the lunch menu that had a base of meats, and one could switch around between a salad or bread with pricing that could rival the likes of a Salad Stop but with more options. A definite place I would try next time for lunch. I had a cup of coffee, which was okay but did not have pretty perfect foam or latte art which I have tried in other cafes. The lemon tart was not as sour as I would like it to be.

All in all, a lovely place for a quiet conversation where you are most unlikely to be spotted with decent enough food and coffee that warrants a return trip if you are around the area. I hope that they will come up with more interesting tart options both sweet and savory to have it stand out in the already crowded cafe scene. 

Tart Blanc Lime Passionfruit Tart

Tart Blanc Menu

Penny University a little gem at East Coast Road

Considering that Katong is well known for its wide selection of food, and many who reside there tend to be foodies, it is quite a surprise there isn't a whole chain of cafes sprouting out in the East. One of the better known cafes that has an endless stream of customers is Penny University. They don't have fancy coffee, just plain Eespresso with or without milk. However the froth is well done, and it does not have the strong acidic aftertaste as I have tasted in other coffee joints like Toby's Estate or Department of Caffeine.

Coffee is served with breakfast eggs or pick from a wide selection of cakes. What is a winner is the cakes that make choosing a tough choice.  We finally chose the zucchini and coconut cake as it sounded exotic and something not commonly found in other cafes.

I like the very relaxed air about Penny University even though the place has an endless stream of visitors, even a queue forming outside in the hot weather. The vibe is so different from the to-be-seen cafes like Common Man. I even saw cyclists decked in their gear with bikes coming in for a cuppa before continuing their ride. 

Personally I was not so impressed with the eggs, perhaps because I was too adventurous and tried the Turkish eggs which had some exotic sauce with eggs and yogurt. Prefer the breakfast fare at the Plain or Common Man any day!

I definitely think the East has still great potential for cafes and do hope to see more coming up soon.

Penny University
402 East Coast Road
Singapore 428997
Tel: 6765 4531

Opening Hours:
Tues-Thur 8.30am-6pm
Fri-Sat 8.30am-12am
Sun 8.30am-9pm

Penny University Coffee Expresso with Milk

Penny University Zucchini with Coconut cake