Foodography: A Singapore Food Blog

Meet new kid on the block of Tanjong Pagar, Drury Lane. No doubt that the cafe scene is so very happening these days. Even their names are becoming more attractive. I later found out that Drury Lane is a street in London, which explains my sense of attachment towards it.

The first level of the cafe features a miniature table and stools right next to the entrance along with a stretch of bar table and coffee-making counter running parallel to each other. Nothing too eye-catching, really. The second level, on the other hand, is impressionable. Think hippy with a touch of vintage. One side of the wall is plastered with a white textured wallpaper. Crates bearing potted plants are hung up along with each wooden table. I love the atmosphere there.

Brown Coffee ($5.50) is somewhat like a mocha except that the chocolate layers within are more distinct. For someone who loves both her hot chocolate and coffee, it is a fantastic ratio between caffeine and chocolate.

Visiting the cafe on a weekday, I was bummed that pancakes are only served on the weekend brunch menu because the range of pancakes offered here do seem fluffy to my liking (judging from instagram posts and comments). Nonetheless I ordered Salmon Baked Eggs ($12) from the weekday breakfast/brunch menu. It is definitely an appropriate getaway from the usual scrambled and poached eggs. Underneath the salmon slices on the white piping hot bowl is a goulash-like tomato stew of baked eggs together with beans. The heaviness of the dish may get you a little sick overtime though. I would also appreciate it if the 2 slices of toast could be softer.

Save some space for their pastries and desserts. They consist of muffins, cupcakes and tarts with new additions every once in a while. When asked, the guy at the counter recommended me the Chocolate Tart ($4), which at the display counter looks just like an ordinary chocolate tart you can expect to find in normal bakeries. When it was served to me, icing was already sprinkled all over it (at the display counter it wasn’t). First reaction – so pretty! Then, I realized the chocolate flows. A chocolate lava tart! (the chocolate filling looked solid before that) I think I’ve found my new favorite dessert. Of course, the chocolate, which is less thick than that of lava cakes, complemented the crisp of the tart very well.

I believe Drury Lane has great potential. If not for the constant racing against the new arrivals of cafes and restaurants I would probably pay a few more visits back here. It gets rather crowded and noisy here during the weekends though, so get a place early. 

94 Tanjong Pagar Road

Singapore 08851

Mondays, Wednesdays – Fridays 9am – 10pm

Saturdays & Sundays 10am – 6pm

I still remember the rather noisy night at Tanuki bar. Dining alfresco at Orchard Central in the night wasn’t that pleasant with the crazy chattering of birds but it sure did not stop the casual bar from going full house. It is easily one of the busiest, liveliest dining place in Orchard Central. There was supposedly a second visit to Tanuki but unfortunately I went a little late and the long queue seemed to be doing no justice to my grumbling tummy.

Decor-wise, you might notice that it is no usual Japanese restaurant or bar. Cement floor, red swanky chairs, and a hip modern bar counter – definitely more than the usual Japanese eatery.

I didn’t come knowing what’s offered on their menu (except that it’s Japanese food) so boy was I surprised to spot some truffle fries in the Trio of Fries ($8). Truffle fries have become quite a mandatory thing be it for myself or my dining partners so we didn’t miss out on it. This time it came in a small basket of 3 types of crisps – truffle fries, spam fries and lotus root. If only the portion could be bigger.

Sashimi Salad ($15)

The Godfather Don ($15) comes with a rice bowl, miso soup and salad but of course the spotlight would be on its chicken with pomodoro sauce and cheese. Having an Italian-based tomato sauce heavily drizzled over Japanese-styled chicken was something really new. And it seems to be working well for this don. Perhaps the seasoning of the pomodoro sauce could be further adjusted so that it would complement its counterpart better.

Moving on to Tanuki Rolls, which they claim (on the menu) to be sushi but not exactly sushi either…. the Little Pig ($10) was a refreshing dish, much thanks to the shredded green apple slices in the sushi’s core, together with some bacon. The succinct apple flavor was there, even outshining the bacon. What’s better still is the crispy covering which gave crisp to the roll altogether.

Next, meet the Caveman ($10) – sushi roll with minced raw Australian beef with wasabi mayo. I thought the beef was a tad too raw for my liking though.

Now, meet the recommended and all-time favorite Rockstar ($10) [pictured at the top of my post] – seared salmon enclosing a mozarella ball, topped with mentaiko sauce. When the salmon (seared very nicely) was eaten together with crispy, fried mozarella, the subtle crunch and combined textures were superb. Never thought I would find a gem here.

I don’t know about you, but I’m loving the concept at Tanuki. Incorporating western elements into the conventional sushi and don is interesting and certainly very likable for a person who loves her western food like me. However, I felt greatly disappointed by their service here. Unusually long waits to call for waiters were irritable.

PS I’m not too much of an oyster eater but I heard their oysters are good.

181 Orchard Road

#02-03 Orchard Central

11.30am – 10.30pm daily

This is truly a long overdue post of my trip to Chye Seng Huat Hardware (Thanks to a friend who brought me here). By now, if you still do not know about this hideout in Singapore, read on. If you know, good for you. Read on as well.

The cafe, set up by Papa Palheta as their flagship store, looks like anything but a hipster coffee joint from the outside. Don’t be fooled by uninviting hardware stores beside it, or the huge gate bordering its front. Once you step in it’s a different story.

I am hardly a coffee junkie. Neither have I tried many renditions from other cafes. But so far, the coffee here remains the best on my list. After a journey on foot to this ulu area from Boon Keng I felt I really needed their Cold Brew ($7). Check out the cool syrup bottle it’s served in. Their Homemade Lemonade ($5) also makes a good thirst-quencher.

On a side of the menu are what they call the tummy-fillers: expect about 10 dishes ranging from mains like Chicken Patties, Seared Dory and Sausage Platters to brunch items like Pancake Stack, French Toast, Sandwiches and Omelettes. Since coffee takes the main, center stage here, I wasn’t expecting too much from the food.

But alas, when I tried my Scrambled Eggs ($11) with bacon, toast, cherry tomatoes and greens I felt that it put food-centered cafes to shame. The scrambled eggs were substantially creamy to my liking and just smooth on my tastebuds. It’s a pity that poached eggs are not served here. I can imagine a kick-ass version. Meanwhile, the Seared Dory Fillet ($15) with lemon butter sauce, baby potatoes and greens make a pretty light and tasty meal.

Desserts come in the form of pastries, small cakes and muffins. Between the Chocolate Muffin and Almond Croissant I had, it seems impossible to pick out the better one. Both were equally sweet, and sweet in their own ways.

It has been a while since the hype but I believe this place has the potential for consistency. CSHH’s location may not be an easy feat for people out there. Nevertheless, the cafe hardly spares an empty table or seat on weekends – it is easily considered to be one of the noisiest cafes in Singapore. From the cool vibes the place emits to the quality coffee and food served up to you, I guess there’s nothing (other than the crowd and location) to not like it here. If not for the never-stop-growing number of cafes, I’d definitely envision myself here always.

150 Tyrwhitt Road

Tuesdays to Fridays 9am – 7pm

Saturdays & Sundays 9am – 10pm

As it’s name suggests, Artistry is a casual cafe which essentially promotes art. Each period of time features a different exhibition/gallery of art pieces from both local and international artists, on display. But let’s be honest here – I can never seem to appreciate artwork. Never an art person. The frames of work being hung up served merely as decor to me. Still, I love the little space here.

It’s a little further down the road from buzzing Bugis Street till you reach Artistry. The exterior of the cafe is most distinguishable from across the street with its bold purplish-grey painted walls with white windows placed in stark contrast with them. Indoors, it is certainly much more comfortable with cooling air and music playing from the speakers.

On a mid-morning of a Saturday I had managed to spend some quality quiet time with a friend here. The Red Velvet Cake here is no doubt one of the most photogenic ones I’ve ever seen. Thankfully, it tasted quite as well as it looked. The massive spam of coconut frosting sure helped a lot. Overall, not an overly sweet red velvet.

We also had the Lemon Poppy Seed Cake to take a break from its creamy, rich counterpart (red velvet). It was a little dense for a lemon cake but the poppy seeds gave some good texture to the cake. Oh yes, don’t forget to call for a cup of caffeine from the barista.

17 Jalan Pinang

Tuesdays to Sundays 10am – 7pm

One of the greatest grumbles in my life as a foodie so far is the lack of decent cafes in the heartlands where I live. Sure, cafes in heartland areas may never have been a common thing. So why not start the trend? When I first got to know about the opening of a patisserie in Hougang I was undeniably excited and anticipating for future visits. I may not exactly reside there but a group of close friends do which means another place nearby to chill.

Go grab some seats before it gets more popular. Ciel Patisserie has only 3 tables indoors (seating about 10 people) and 2 outdoors. The space here is conceptualized to be simple with white-washed walls, brown wooden tables and a bare cement flooring. Somehow it brings life to the otherwise monotonous row of clinics, provision shops and hardware shops downstairs a HDB block of flats.

On our first visit to Ciel we ordered 5 items just for the 2 of us since we were rather hungry. The Chocolate Caramel Tart ($4.20) may look as simple as can be but surprisingly it was one of our favorite items amongst all. I believe they’ve got the chocolate in this tart very right and suitable for my taste buds. The biscuit crust may be a tad hard but with the chocolate they became a pair.

A special rendition of the Brownie ($3) can be found here. Unlike normal brownies which are chocolate rich and thick, theirs was less rich and dense. What’s more, there are nuts and a subtle layer of what I believe to be salted caramel on the sides of the brownie, making it an instant hit. We later even went on to have another brownie, so that’s 6 items in total.

Bombe ($5.80) (which looks like a bomb) is a chocolate mousse with blueberries in it. Nothing spectacular though.

Next up, meet Scarlet ($5.60) – a raspberry, heart-shaped cheesecake. The cheesecake here is a lot less dense with cheese, somewhat akin to Japanese styles. With a layer of raspberry in the middle, it gives texture and a refreshing feel. By the way they do have teas, coffees and italian sodas on the menu as well.

I guess the only savory item they have here is the Quiche ($3.20) which comes with a nice crumbly crust.  It’s a good break from an overload of sugars, definitely.

From a second trip, we went easier on our stomachs this time. Satine ($4.80) is the normal cheesecake – it’s quite normal. The Opera ($5.80) on the other hand was much loved. It’s rich layers of coffee and chocolate makes it seem rather tiramisu-like, except that the layers are harder.

I also happened to see 3 different macaron flavors at the display (previously there was only the pink one) so I decided to grab all 3 of them. At 3 for $5, there are only 3 flavors currently: Rose, Pineapple Passionfruit and Chocolate Salted Caramel. With harder shells and less creamy ganaches, the macarons here sadly don’t hold a match to my favorites in Singapore. There are differing opinions on them though.

I’m now holding Ciel’s membership card which entitles me to a 10% discount on any visit and a 20% discount for a birthday month visit. The pastries here may not be the most photogenic; the environment here may not be the most extravagant. But, reasonable prices and their desserts being well-received overall makes it one of the many places that I’ll hold on to in my mind.

124 Hougang Avenue 1

#01-1444

Tel: 6383 0803

Tuesdays – Thursdays  11am to 8pm
Fridays – Saturdays 11am to 9pm
Sundays 3pm to 9pm

It’s funny how I’ve passed by this particular hideout once previously. I remember only having a glimpse through a restricted view of it – my curiosity got sparked. Yet I didn’t investigate further. Chapter closed. Then recently I was contacted by the owner (and also the barista) of this cafe, Florence, and without hesitation I decided to drop by. Chapter renewed.

So, I came to find out that the cafe is a springboard for a Gateway Boarding project in Chiang Mai to help youths there in terms of skills and training. Meanwhile, the cafe works with local organisations/schools to either bring in food or to provide them with the cafe space for various events. Essentially it’s great to know that even a cafe can do so much in reaching out to people.

What I found fascinating is that the cafe interiors livened up the monotony of an otherwise dull community centre. On one side of the cafe was a prominent blue wall which was painted after the cafe took over from a defunct snack stall. Dainty light bulbs were strung from the ceiling across the deep blue backdrop. The furniture there was a quirky mixture of wooden tables and chairs with plant decors all around. Clearly not the most typical food stall in your neighbourhood.

When I first asked Florence, “Why here?”, she had replied with a smile on her face, “Why not?” And then it led me to think of the puny significance of such areas in our heartlands today. Other than a place to loan badminton courts and for senior citizens to freshen up their lives, it’s really left with nothing much to mention about. Talk about getting food in the place: you have no choice but to make do with snack bars and vending machines.

If there is anything you must get here it is of course the coffees. Like a usual cafe, there are the usuals: cappuccino, mocha and I got the latte ($3.40) for myself. I’m hardly any coffee expert but I can say that I liked the blend here. Yup, they use a coffee machine to make their coffees too. Then the team at Shebrews served me their main of the day, Shepherd’s Pie ($6.90). Their version here is a rather healthy one and it comes with the feeling of eating comfort home-cooked food. A glass display of desserts at the counter may just be worthy of a second thought. From brownies (supplied from Bakery Hearts of a family service centre in Ang Mo Kio) to homemade waffles ($4.50) with ice cream and chocolate sauce, they do spoil you a little with the choices.

As a barista, Florence also conducts coffee workshops at the cafe itself with small groups of coffee amateurs.

Sure, Shebrews Cafe isn’t your most hipster cafe serving you food from an extensive all day brunch menu, but it is definitely the little corner to relax, cut off from connections and savour life. Ultimately, that’s the motto of this quiet and what they term themselves as a “slow food” cafe.

365 Commonwealth Avenue

Queenstown Community Centre

Mondays to Thursdays 11am – 6pm

Fridays to Sundays 11am – 7pm

Tel: 6474 1681

http://www.shebrews.org

Today, I went on my second trip to Quayside Isle at Sentosa Cove. I’m still keeping the faith that I’ll finish trying all of the cafes/restaurants at this area even though it’s highly impossible. It was definitely not easy trying to choose which eatery to enter on my first visit but I eventually got into Sabio (by the Sea).

I instantly fell in love with the decor. The main brown tones of the place was daringly matched with outbursts of colorful tables and stark red high chairs at the bar. Hanging from the high ceiling were nautical ropes and cool white structures holding light bulbs. My favorite would be the zebras and horses. I don’t know if that’s the case for most people but I find myself being intrigued by animal head decor pieces. Let’s move on to the food.

A small plate of Chorizo Picante ($9), or spicy paprika sausage, to feed hungry mouths while waiting for the highlight of the day…

I was ecstatic to see a page on the menu dedicated on the Weekend Brunch Set ($35) which they have. At $35 for a brunch set by Sentosa Cove I really felt that the price’s acceptable. The set starts off with a warm cup of cappuccino, and then the Sabio Basket of a couple of breakfast items to get your stomachs going: Croissant, chocolate croissant, yogurt and orange juice.

A selection of main courses is there to entice you and you may get spoilt for choice. They’re mostly brunch items of omelettes, toasts and cheese and an item which stood out: the 120g Grilled Ribeye. As a Singaporean I believe in going for the most value-for-money stuffs so it was a choice made in an instant. With chachouka, fried egg and grilled mushrooms to spice up flavors, the ribeye was not too beefy for brunch.

It would be perfect if the brunch set includes desserts as well but I understand how unprofitable that would be for the restaurant. Anyway, my meal ended on a high note with what could possibly be the best Churros ($11) in the country. Extremely crispy yet soft on the inside, these delectable sticks were sprinkled generously with sugar and cinnamon. Don’t forget to add the finishing touch – chocolate sauce.

The menu also claimed that the Sally Butter Caramel Lava Cake ($15) is popular so I went with it. The cake was more dense and of a harder crust compared to the usual lava cake but somehow I found it so apt to go with the thick, caramel lava flowing out of it. In fact it was certainly good but with the churros around it’s hard to get my attention of the churros.

As for now, this area is still pretty clean of people (perhaps due to its location). On one hand I really hope more would find the hidden gems here but on the other hand I’m always afraid of overrated-ness. The wonderful ambience while having quality food makes for my enjoyable meal here. So get here soon before pigeons do.

31 Ocean Way

Quayside Isle

#01-02

Weekend Brunch set from 12pm – 3.30pm on Saturdays

10.30am – 3.30pm on Sundays

If you’ve been following my blog, you might know that I have a love for the new wing of Plaza Singapura, what with 2 satisfying meals at Hoshino and Hifumi previously. Nana’s Green Tea is a newer-comer to the Japanese food scene in PS which I’ve been eyeing on so boy was I excited to finally have a good opportunity to taste their food.

Of course, what other more obvious way is there to start the tasting other than ordering their green teas? On the menu is a few pages featuring their extensive range of green teas. The drinks here come in “thin” and not-so-thin versions as well. Specially for the health-conscious, the “thin” lattes come without milk and sugar in them. Otherwise, you may also hop over to the next page of hojicha lattes which are slightly different from its matcha counterparts. (Pictured above is the matcha latte and hojicha latte. The former comes with red bean paste and mochi as toppings while the latter is topped with chocolate sauce on whipped cream.)

I’ve heard bloggers raving about the Salmon Carpaccio ($8.80) so I knew I had to get my teeth sinking into them. The tender slices of salmon are served as an appetizer which was a great start to our meal. Drizzled heavily with sesame sauce, it became an addictive plate of sashimi-like goodness.

I find it interesting that from green tea drinks and desserts to non-green tea food, Nana’s Green Tea serves them in quality and not just quantity. I find it even more pleasing that with such appetizing mains and sides they come with an affordable price tag.

The Salmon Udon with Cream Sauce ($14.80), unlike the usual udon, is one served in a creamy soup base, reminding me of the creamy carbonara. Yet, the cream sauce used here is thinner and healthier compared to the rich cream of spaghetti which can make us sick of it at times. Coupled with cooked salmon slices, corn and broccoli, the udon was rather light on the tastebuds and certainly not too thick to my liking. I’m even starting to prefer cream udons to plain ones.

Another well-liked dish we had that day would be the Chicken Cutlet Curry Don ($13.80). It’s thick, succulent slabs of chicken nicely breaded and fried, eaten together with thick Japanese curry was a warm comfort which had us going back to the bowl for more.

When it comes to green tea, I’ve slowly became a huge fan of their dessert versions. I’m happy to see the variety of desserts served here, from tall glasses of parfaits to small bowls of jelly with green tea. Of all, the parfaits appeared rather tempting to me so I went ahead with the  Matcha Shiratama Parfait ($11.80) and Banana Chocolate Parfait ($12.80). I liked how the scoop of green tea ice cream on the matcha parfait was not too sweet, considering that the layer of vanilla ice cream in the middle was sweet enough.

Furnished by wooden frames which separates one table from the next, an intimate, cosy corner is available for diners. You get to spend quality time with your family and friends and the food gets to be shared (since they are filling). Let’s not forget the fact that the food are at comfortable prices.

Special thanks to Nana’s Green Tea and Diana from Publicist PR for the invite.

The Atrium @ Orchard

60B Orchard Road

Plaza Singapura #03-80/82

Daily 11am – 10pm