Nothing’s old with the Tiong Bahru estate nowadays, what with the sprouting of chic cafes and retail stores among the neighbourhood. Yong Siak Street is merely one of the many lanes of goodies. Here you can find unique bookstore Books Actually and cafes like Open Door Policy, PoTeaTo and Centre Ps.
Despite the sweltering heat, the queue was long on a Saturday for lunch and it’s amazing how it is getting so well-received with the people. The interiors are packed to the brim, with minimal space for moving about. It leads to another dining area which is open air at the back.
Coffee takes priority at 40 Hands. Head barista Mr. Grover believes in promoting specialty coffee in the coffee scene of Singapore and has never stopped to do so. Special house blends and single origin coffees are offered with quality.
We had a Jaffa Swirl ($3.50) to start off with as appetizer. Such pastries are available at the counter daily and definitely the best choice to go with the must-have java drinks here. Remember the extra soft red bean buns from Barracks Cafe? They originated at 40 Hands and it now makes a lot of sense that Tiong Bahru has the best paus.
We had a Latte ($5) and Iced Mocha ($8). Both I found especially caffeinated, hence a definite answer to coffee lovers out there.
Other than coffees, pastries and sandwiches which are made daily, a brunch menu is also available from Fridays to Sundays. (hooray!) However, I felt that the Eggs Benedict ($14) was nothing extraordinary other than the fact that it came in a bigger serving.
The Big Boy Breakfast ($18) was a feast. Choose from which of those to start first: the mushrooms, bacon, tomatoes, greens, eggs done the way you want it, sausages and toast.
Perhaps the brunch items did not deliver to my expectations, so the safest bet is to get their lighter sandwiches – the Jamaican being one of the favorites and a cup of coffee. If you don’t like crowds and noise it is probably the best option to be there on a weekday and enjoy some peace amongst the quiet estate.
I’ll be on my way to the many, many other new places opened recently, so which is your favorite?
Blk 78 Yong Siak Street
#01-12
Singapore 163078
Operates Tuesdays – Sundays 8am to 7pm
Fridays – Saturdays 8am – 10pm
Foodography: A Singapore Food Blog 