Category Archives: Travel

Nov 01 2025
Leave a comment
Food, France, paris, Travel

Reviewing the 10 Cafes I Visited in Paris 2025

1. Candle Kids Coffee

673A9204

Candle Kids is situated in the charming neighbourhood of Belleville in the 20th arrondissement in Paris, which I explored for the first time. The constantly packed café boasts a minimalist, Japanese-inspired interior with tall floor to ceiling windows, exposed stone pillars and oak wood furniture paired with white lamps and linen curtains.

673A9217-2

I had a Cappuccino (EUR5, +0.5 for oat milk) brewed from the Brazil Stardust espresso blend – it featured a velvety taste profile with notes of ripe fruits.

To pair with my coffee, I ordered both the Orange Cake (EUR4.5) and Carrot Cake (EUR4.5) which were recommended by the barista as I was famished. Both were comparable but if I could only pick one to recommend, it would be the former which was a seasonal item, made with olive oil and cardamom.

All their pastries are homemade and freshly baked everyday in their kitchen at the back of the café.

673A9219

Be it a solo café date with a book, a coffee catch-up with a friend, or a work-from-café arrangement (no laptops on the weekend), the space has a simple and warm atmosphere suitable for all agendas.

107 Rue des Couronnes, 75020 Paris, France

Wed to Fri 8.30am – 5.30pm

Sat to Sun 10am – 6pm

2. Bokbar

673A9236-2

Just a 10 mins’ walk away from Candle Kids is Bokbar, which is prided as the only Nordic bookshop and café in Paris. Its concept is the marriage of all the things the founder loves – literature, pastries and wine. Specializing in books from Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Iceland and homemade Swedish pastries, the café also hosts monthly literary events.  

673A9240-2 673A9242-2

The coffee I had was just alright, instead the highlight for me was the Brioche du Jour (EUR6) aka Bread of the Day, displayed on the wooden bar counter which caught my eye. It was an upgraded version of the cardamom bun, with rhubarb jam in the middle. The tanginess of the jam balanced out the sweetness of the sugar-dusted cardamom bun, and the portion was huge.

673A9230

Not being able to read the foreign books did not stop me from indulging in a slow, relaxing afternoon in the cosy nook of the café.

673A9245

72 Rue Julien Lacroix, 75020 Paris, France

Tues to Fri 9.30am – 5.30pm

Sat 11am – 5pm, Sun 11am – 4pm

3. Recto Verso

673A9259

One of the hottest cafes in Paris among Instagrammers is Recto Verso, a small but chic space tucked in a quiet street in the Marais district. It is founded in 2023 by a creative couple with backgrounds in graphic design, set design and art direction – this was evident in all aspects of the café, from the rustic wooden aesthetics of the round tables, stools, coffee counter, to the playful illustrations pinned on different corners. The prime spot is the bay window seat where you can often find the owner taking a break when it’s less busy, though most of the time the café is buzzing with patrons, with many spilling out onto the curbside benches.

673A9268 673A9257

My Cortado (EUR4.5, +0.5 for oat milk) was excellent, made with a blend from Fuglen. Unfortunately, their signature logo-stamped chocolate biscuit which I had been eyeing was not available when I visited, so I had the soft lemon cookie instead.

673A9248

Note that the cafe has strict rules – no laptops, no outside food, no intense photography (especially those for sponsored content).

673A9271

6 Rue Portefoin, 75003 Paris, France

Tues to Sat 9am – 5pm

4. Fauna

673A9286

If you’re craving an authentic Scandinavian breakfast in Paris, Fauna is one of the cafes not to be skipped. Opened by a Swedish duo at the start of 2024, this breakfast spot has quickly risen as a perennial favourite among locals and tourists alike.

673A9288

With several café visits planned right after, I had a hard time deciding on just a couple of items. Ultimately, I had the classic Scandinavian Breakfast (EUR9) which was served with sourdough bread, slices of matured cheese, whipped butter and a soft boiled egg.

673A9302

As a cardamom bun lover, I could not resist the Cardamom Knot (EUR5) as well and I was thankful that I ordered it. Both the savoury breakfast plate and the fluffy cardamom bun were reminiscent of the Danish and Swedish breakfasts I had in Scandinavia last year, with high quality ingredients used.

Interestingly, the Matcha Latte (EUR5.5, +0.5 for oat milk) here seemed to be a regularly ordered item here, so I opted for it. It was rich and smooth, pairing surprisingly well with the Scandinavian fare.

673A9290

The coffee shop gets filled quickly right from the morning, so be there early for a quieter experience.

673A9305

12 Rue Oberkampf, 75011 Paris, France

Mon to Fri 8am – 5.30pm

Sat to Sun 10am – 6.30pm

5. Sevenly Heart

673A9336

A romantic haven for the Instagram girlies, Sevenly Heart has one of the loveliest café interiors. Cream coloured concrete and brick walls form the canvas of the café. Vintage furniture and objects such as a gramophone and mirrors lay in different corners of the rustic space, lit by soft light from both the front and back windows.

673A9318 673A9321

The café’s most distinctive trait has got to be its asymmetric heart, stamped on their takeaway cups and poured as latte art for their coffee and special drinks here.

673A9334-2

I ordered both the Red Velvet Latte (EUR7, +1 for oat milk) and Matcha Latte (EUR6.5, +1 for oat milk) for the visuals, and was pleasantly surprised that they were as good as they looked.

Apart from the drinks, there was a humble selection of pastries displayed – amongst the carrot cake, banana cake, velvet cake and assorted cookies, I had the Carrot Cake which was dense and moist.

673A9316

This was worth the hype.

55 Rue des Archives, 75003 Paris, France

Mon to Fri 9.30am – 8pm

Sat to Sun 10am – 8pm

6. Dreamin’ Man Roastery

673A9340

One of my favourite coffee shops in Paris is Dreamin’ Man, which I first visited 3 years ago. Fast forward, they now have a new roastery just a stroll away from the Louvre. This is a bigger space than its first location, with an expanded menu offering not just coffee and pastries but also breakfast items like granola and ricotta orange pancakes and homely Japanese fare such as tori bentos and tamago sando.

673A9354

The interior of the roastery-cafe was of a similar vibe to their café on Rue Amelot – wabi-sabi infused with grunge. And like its first café, there were several outdoor tables and seats where locals were basking in the morning sunlight.

673A9357

Coffee was just as good as I remembered it to be. My Cappuccino (EUR5, +1 for oat milk) was made with beans from April Coffee Roasters in Copenhagen which I had fond memories of.

673A9343

Meanwhile, the Seasonal Homemade Granola (EUR12) was hearty and delicious. It came with generous toppings of fromage blanc, strawberries and compote, served like a proper main course.

673A9355

If you prefer something lighter, you can opt for their pastries baked daily by the co-owner – scones, pear cake, coffee crumble, passion brownie and banana bread were some of the items available when I went.

31 Rue Coquillière, 75001 Paris, France

Mon to Sat 8.30am – 5pm

7. Noir – Coffee Shop & Torréfacteur

673A9360

With at least 20 outlets in Paris, Noir Coffee Shop is undoubtedly one of the fastest growing specialty coffee group I’ve ever heard of.

673A9358 673A9467

Within 4 days, I made 3 trips to Noir – twice at the Faubourg-Montmartre store and once at the Saint-Germain branch. I did my research and can conclude that the outlet at Faubourg-Montmartre has one of the most gorgeous interiors out of all the branches. The floor to ceiling arched window, vibrant colour palette and the spiral staircase leading to a small mezzanine were the main features.

673A9457

I tried both the Cappuccino (EUR5.8, + 0.6 for oat milk) and Matcha Latte (EUR6.2, +0.6 for oat milk) – their matcha was not bad, but the coffee outshined with its smooth and velvety texture and well-balanced notes.

673A9385

There were also some small pastries such as cookies, scones, and financier. We tried a scone but thought it was just alright.

673A9376

33 Rue Richer, 75009 Paris, France (Faubourg-Montmartre)

Mon to Fri 8am – 6pm

Sat to Sun 9am – 7pm

9 Rue de Luynes, 75007 Paris, France (Saint-Germain)

Mon to Fri 8am – 6pm

Sat to Sun 9am – 6pm

8. Clove Coffee Shop

673A9374

Clove is a multiroaster specialty coffee shop in Montmartre, just a stone’s throw away from the flight of stairs leading to the Sacre-Coeur. The interior is minimalist and features exposed brick walls, black machinery atop a white countertop, black round tables and wooden chairs and benches.Clove is a multiroaster specialty coffee shop in Montmartre, just a stone’s throw away from the flight of stairs leading to the Sacre-Coeur. The interior is minimalist and features exposed brick walls, black machinery atop a white countertop, black round tables and wooden chairs and benches.

673A9371

The pastry display case was already cleanly emptied out as I visited near closing hour at 4pm, so I had just a cup of coffee. On the menu were 2 types of espressos, both sourced from Dak Coffee Roasters based in Amsterdam, and 5 types of filter, sourced from Dak and The Picky Chemist based in Belgium. I chose the Espresso du Jour – Dak Coffee Roaster’s Magnolia for my Cappuccino (EUR5.25, +0.5 for plant milk). From Finca Voo in Costa Rica, this coffee won first place in the Cup of Excellence in the experimental category, I could tell why. The taste was unique and funky, bright and vibrant.

I also noticed the beautiful ceramic cups used here, each of them was specially crafted for the menu by the owner, who took up pottery during COVID.

Close to 4pm, the café was still packed to the brim and I had to wait for a table – this was a testament to their high-quality coffee.

14 Rue Chappe, 75018 Paris, France

Thurs to Mon 9am – 4pm

9. Saint Pearl

A charming breakfast spot nestled in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Saint Pearl offers all-day aesthetic brunch dishes with a blend of Western and Japanese cuisine. 

673A9391

Arriving on the dot at their opening hour, we got the coveted indoor round marble-topped table by the window. We chose a savoury and a sweet dish from the menu to try.

673A9396

The Vegan Avocado Toast (EUR13.5, +EUR2 for 1 poached egg) came topped with a medley of fresh fruits and vegetables – avocado, roasted tomatoes, roasted cauliflower, herb, roasted sweet potato, roasted baby corns – making a healthy and satisfying fare.

673A9403

We also loved the gluten free Flowery Pancakes (EUR14.5) – we were wowed by the generous topping of banana, oat, maple syrup, vanilla ice cream, fruits, roasted granola, herb, and caramel tuile. In addition, the pancakes had an interesting texture which felt like a cross between an unsweetened banana bread and the classic American pancake.

Over the years, they have expanded to establish 3 other outlets with some outlet-exclusive dishes which I would love to check out on my next Paris escapade.

673A9407

38 Rue des Saints-Pères, 75007 Paris, France

Mon to Fri 8am – 7pm

Sat to Sun 10am – 6pm

10. On Partage

673A9430

With a cozy and inviting warm atmosphere, On Partage is a Parisian café for simple brunch fare. We ordered 2 dishes to share, the Grilled Cheese Sandwich (EUR13 +EUR3 for salad), and Homemade Granola (EUR12). I thought the portions were pretty small. We had to pay an additional 3 euros for a salad for the grilled cheese sandwich, but only a few pieces of lettuce were added.

673A9423 673A9428

Meanwhile, the peanut butter granola came with fresh seasonal fruits and organic fromage blanc, homemade compote and syrup, and puffed rice for the added texture. I also had the Black Sesame Latte (EUR5.5,EUR0.5 for oat milk), which unfortunately did not have the richness and intensity of black sesame I was expecting.

137 bis Rue de Charonne, 75011 Paris, France

Mon to Fri 8.30am – 5pm

Sat to Sun 9am – 5pm

Jul 13 2025
Leave a comment
Cafe, Food, Netherlands, Rotterdam, Travel

Rotterdam Cafe Hop – 3 Cafes to Visit

673A9637

Within an hour away by train, Rotterdam is one of the most popular day trip destinations from Amsterdam. You can easily hop on a train from either one of the major train stations in Amsterdam (e.g. Amsterdam Centraal) just tapping your international credit or debit card without purchasing any ticket.

I arrived in Rotterdam Centraal in the morning, made cultural visits to the Huis Sonneveld and Nieuwe Instituut, then started my café-hopping adventure in the city.

1. Blend Artwork + Coffee

A combination of a café, art gallery, and design shop, Blend Artwork + Coffee was my first stop of the day. With an aesthetic round wooden communal table and art pieces decorating the interior and a tranquil garden with outdoor seating in the backyard, the café made a charming spot for breakfast and brunch. The staff were friendly to introduce the menu and recommend the labnehs.

673A9632

I was surprised to find a section of the menu dedicated to different types of labneh, a Middle Eastern dish, in a Dutch café. There were different flavours of the labneh such as crispy chilli, dukkah, and coffee honey. All their labneh was made with a combination of yogurt and goat yogurt strained every night in their fridges.

673A9626

Since I was feeling peckish, I ordered the Breakfast Platter (EUR 14.95, SGD 22.4) which came with a small classic labneh, croissant, jam, soft boiled egg, and sourdough bread on the side. The classic labneh, topped with olive oil, za’atar, sumac and blueberries, was fresh and creamy, pairing well with the sourdough.

I also had a regular sized Latte (EUR 4.25, SGD 6.4), made with coffee roasted by Manhattan Coffee Roasters in Rotterdam. There was a range of non-coffee drinks available as well.

673A9611

Thanks to the fresh and artisanal ingredients used, I had a hearty and satisfying brunch. The atmosphere was also cozy and peaceful, and I could imagine myself going regularly if I resided in the city.

673A9607

Nieuwe Binnenweg 305A, 3021 GH Rotterdam, Netherlands

Mon, Wed – Fri 8.30am – 5pm

Sat to Sun 9.30am – 5.30pm

2. Büro Bobo

Located in a secluded corner in the creative Delfshaven district, Büro Bobo, or Buero Bobo, was a café that one might easily miss. This small, 15 square meters space, was a concept store integrating interior design, espresso and filter coffee, and natural wine.

673A9654

As I chatted with the barista, I found out that the owner was an architectural designer who moved from Germany to Rotterdam, and who built the café interior – minimalist and warm at the same time.

673A9655-2

The coffee served here featured rotating selections from top European roasters such as Prolog Coffee from Copenhagen, Schot Coffee Roasters from Rotterdam, and Sprout Coffee Roasters from Eindhoven.

673A9648

I had an Espresso with Milk (EUR 4, SGD 6), which had a creamy mouthfeel and a slight acidity which I enjoyed. The best part of the experience was definitely the conversations I’ve had with the barista and other patrons who dropped by, made possible by the small and cozy gathering space.

673A9642

Coolhavenstraat 3, 3024 TD Rotterdam, Netherlands

Mon to Fri 8.15am – 3pm

3. âme cafe and concept store

As the last café stop before heading back to Amsterdam, I dropped by âme cafe and concept store, located within âme Hotel. The hotel was housed in a monumental building with an old yet charming structure and façade. The owners kept most of the old elements and designed the interior with Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics, with the use of natural materials and colours.

673A9668

In the café, there were displays of interior and lifestyle items for purchase along with communal and individual tables to have breakfast and drinks. Unfortunately, it was already late afternoon when I went so I could not try the dishes on the breakfast menu (available everyday till 1pm) – think eggs on toast, avocado toast, yogurt bowls.

673A9662

Instead, I had a Matcha Latte (EUR 5.8, + 0.3 for oat milk, SGD 8.7) and a Cardamom Bun (EUR 4.95, SGD 7.4) at the counter table. There were also some interesting options, such as their Special soda made with yuzu matcha and espresso yuzu tonic, and a Strawberry matcha, but I decided to play it safe and basic. Both the matcha and bun were above average, though not the best I’ve had in Europe.

673A9667

Eendrachtsweg 19, 3012 LB Rotterdam, Netherlands

9am – 5pm daily

Mar 01 2025
Leave a comment
Seoul, South Korea, Travel

3 Indoor Spots to Watch the Snow in Seoul

673A8199

On my most recent winter trip in Korea, I had planned to explore some indoor places to watch the snowfall if I got lucky. Fortunately (or unfortunately), Seoul experienced heavy snowfall during the last few days of January due to a cold wave, leading to an all-white Lunar New Year.

  1. 1in1jan Café (1인1잔)
673A8204

Eunpyeong Hanok Village (은평한옥마을)has been on my list of places to visit in Seoul for years and, NGL, I was in a dismay that it got extremely popular in the past couple of years with foreigners for its iconic café, 1in1jan. The café is probably the sole reason why most people are flocking to the hanok village nowadays, which is somewhat obscurely located in Seoul. Its 5-storey building, with a basement and rooftop, is situated advantageously with a view that overlooks the hanok village with Bukhansan in the backdrop.

673A8193

On the very day of heavy snowfall in Seoul, I was joined by many other locals and tourists in the queue for the 4th floor of the café, where you can order a full set meal.

673A8183

I had the Seasoned Chicken Leg Steak which was well-marinated with sriracha mayonnaise, with some sides of potato, roasted baby cabbage, paprika pickle, mini salad & bread. The set meal also came with a drink of my choice, which was the refreshing Omija ade.

673A8176

Despite the long wait and hustling with other patrons, the panoramic views were worth it.

673A8192

534 Yeonseo-ro, Jingwan-dong, Eunpyeong District, Seoul, South Korea 서울 은평구 연서로 534

Tues to Sun

  • Bakery & Coffee on 1st and 2nd Floor –  1인1잔(카페) – 10am – 9.30pm
  • Showroom and Café on 3rd Floor  – 1인 karimoku(쇼룸, 카페) – 10am – 8pm
  • Brunch Café on 4th and 5th Floor – 1인1상(한상차림) – 11am – 7.30pm
  • Rooftop Garden on 6th Floor – 10am – 9.30pm

2. The Forest Chosochaekbang (인왕산 더숲 초소책방)

    673A8215

    After my leisurely brunch at Eunpyeong Hanok Village, I made my way via 2 local buses to Buam-dong. From the nearest bus stop, I trekked about 20 minutes to a book café nestled at the base of Inwangsan. Amidst the heavy snow, the climbing the hilly slopes was not an easy feat and felt closer to a hike instead. Thankfully there were many other people heading to and fro the café which was encouraging, and just like 1in1jan, the book café was packed with both hikers who were taking a respite and café-goers who visited deliberately for the space/view/atmosphere.

    673A8207

    The book café features 2 storeys overlooking the city and has plenty of seats, both indoor and outdoor. Since it was the peak of winter, there were plastic globes in the outdoor section to keep the cold winds and snow away.   

    673A8223-2 673A8236

    A full-fledge bakery and bookstore were parked within the 1st floor of the café, from where I browsed the books, got caught in a dilemma over what to order and finally ordered and enjoyed a slice of Pumpkin cheesecake. I would love to visit again in fall, when the backdrop would be colorful.

    673A8227

    172 Inwangsan-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea 종로구 인왕산로 172, Seoul, Korea

    8am – 9pm daily

    3. Kangaroo Wine Bar (캥거루)

    673A8244

      As the snow started to subside, I made my way to lower ground in search of Kangaroo wine bar located in Seochon Hanok Village. Right as you step into the modern wine bar, you will see Bugaksan and the hanok village spread out under it. I highly recommend taking the high counter seats for the unobstructed view.

      673A8259

      The concept of the wine bar was very casual – you pick your drinks and snacks from this area which was designed like a mini-mart, and head over to the counter for payment. There was also a proper food menu at the counter from which you can order from, featuring staples such as pasta and meat pies. Since it was compulsory to order 1 drink per person, I had a bottle of alcohol-free Mojito, along with a Pineapple Granita. Perhaps not a very good choice since I was already freezing from the cold.

      673A8256

      3F 18-13, Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea 종로구 체부동 120-14 3F

      Tues to Sun 3pm – 11pm

      Jan 11 2025
      Leave a comment
      Chiang Mai, Thailand, Travel

      Khagee – Minimalist Café in Chiang Mai Known for Natural Yeast Bread

      673A7252

      Khagee had been on the top of my list of cafes to visit in Chiang Mai – thanks to the great reviews and aesthetic photos of its baked goods and interior I’ve come across. Getting to its location along may not be the most convenient without a bike/car, but I managed to do it on foot from the Old Town. You can expect to explore some hidden shophouses and cross the Ping River along the way.

      673A7306

      With its white brick walls, wooden counter and concrete floors, the café exuded minimalistic vibes. The café was also filled with natural light, with the sun casting long shadows as it got deeper into the afternoon.

      673A7273-2

      My first pick was their Carrot Cake (THB95, SGD3.75), which, unlike the conventional carrot cake, was cutely shaped as a cylinder. It was soft and moist, and I appreciated the fact that the portion was suitable for 1 pax.

      673A7302

      Apart from the carrot cake, their popular items also include the Canele (THB75, SGD2.96) and Custard Cream Bun (THB75, SGD2.96). The latter was already sold out when I went in the early afternoon.

      673A7260

      What complemented my carrot cake was my order of Flat White (THB95 (SGD3.75), +THB20 (SGD0.79) for oat milk), brewed using a Seasonal Espresso Blend from Samadool Coffee, a coffee shop and roastery in Bangkok. With tasting notes of caramel, chocolate, and juicy, and a light flavour with low acidity and bitterness, the coffee suited my preference.

      Filter coffee was also available on the menu, and for non-coffee drinkers, there were also options such as matcha latte, hot/iced chocolate, orange juice and herbal tea.

      673A7293

      Additionally, I also got the Berry Banana Bread (THB210, SGD8.29), featuring a thick slice of fluffy banana bread topped with banana slices, a layer of light cream, berries and nuts. The sweet notes of the banana and banana bread were well-balanced with the tartness of the berries, with neither overpowering the other. I loved how both carrot cake and banana bread I had were not overly sweet.

      673A7286

      I left extremely satisfied with the overall experience – ambiance, service, coffee, food. Save this café for your next trip to Chiang Mai if you have not.

      673A7307

      29 30 Chiang Mai-Lamphun Soi 1, ตำบล วัดเกตุ Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand

      9am – 5pm daily

      Dec 21 2024
      1 Comment
      Cafe, Food, Malmö, Sweden, Travel

      Atrium, Malmö – Brunch in an Aesthetic Cafe in Sweden

      673A4894

      For my day trip to Malmö (in Sweden) from Copenhagen, I researched and shortlisted a few cafes to visit. Atrium was the first café stop of the day for breakfast. Stepping into the cafe, I was greeted with cozy and relaxed vibes, akin to visiting a grandma’s cottage for comfort food.

      673A4884 673A4862

      There were plenty of seats in different corners to choose from – the outdoor terrace allows you to bask in laid-back vibes of a charming outdoor garden and is perfect in the spring and summer, the indoor communal tables allow for gatherings, while the smaller tables and countertop table allow for an intimate meal alone or with a plus one.

      673A4866

      What I also noticed and appreciated was the emphasis on greenery – apart from the plants in the outdoor garden, there were also many plants and even small trees thriving indoors thanks to the naturally, brightly lit interior.

      673A4883

      I started off with coffee and was delighted to find that the coffee quality was just as good as those from specialty coffee roasters I visited in Copenhagen.

      673A4861

      The café offers typical brunch fare, with both vegetarian and vegan options available on the menu. I had the Turkish Eggs (98 kr, SGD 12), which features 2 poached eggs in garlic yogurt topped with browned butter, chilli, fennel and pomegranate served with toasted sourdough. The spice level was mild, balanced with the savoury garlic yogurt which was the highlight for me.

      673A4900

      The Avocado Sandwich (125 kr, SGD 15.4) was the next dish I had. Nothing too fancy, it was a simple dish of a poached egg, tomatoes, avocado cream served on sourdough bread with cream cheese. I did wish that the portion could be bigger, e.g. serving 2 poached eggs and 2 slices of sourdough instead of 1 each.

      673A4899

      For a sweet (but not overly sweet) ending, I opted for the Roasted Banana Bread with White Chocolate Mascarpone (69 kr, SGD 8.5). Not sure if it was due to the roasting process, but I thought that the banana bread could be more moist inside.

      673A4870

      Compared to the cafes in Copenhagen, the atmosphere was less busy, and sitting here feels like getting a respite from city life, indulging in slow living. Furthermore, prices in Sweden were significantly lower than that in Denmark which is an additional plus point.

      673A4914

      Skvadronsgatan 13, 217 49 Malmö, Sweden

      8am – 5pm weekdays, 9am – 5pm weekends

      Dec 15 2024
      Leave a comment
      Copenhagen, Denmark, Food, Travel

      Andersen & Maillard – Delicious Pastries and Coffee in Copenhagen, Denmark

      673A4843

      Opened by former Noma pastry chef Milton Abel and barista Hans Kristian Andersen, Andersen & Maillard is a go-to spot in Copenhagen for delicious pastries and coffee. They opened their first location at Nørrebrogade in 2018 as a coffee roastery and bakery. I’ve passed by the outlet on several occasions and couldn’t help but notice that it was always bustling with patrons flowing in and out no matter the time of the day.

      673A4839 673A4842-2

      When I properly visited the first outlet one late afternoon, it was unfortunate that most of the pastries were already sold out. Among the remaining ones, I was recommended the Brunsviger (DKK30). This is their twist of the classic yeast-based coffee cake which originated from the Danish island of Funen (Fyn). It is made from croissant dough baked with extra sugar and cinnamon and best eaten by tearing it apart with your hands.

      673A4828

      I also had the Almond Croissant (DKK44, SGD8.3), filled with rich almond cream and topped with a generous amount of almond flakes. Since the portion is larger than a usual croissant, I highly recommend to share it between two.

      I was still very interested to try more of their signature pastries so I visited the other outlet at Nordhavn. The outlet was designed by a local architectural designer and I particularly loved the raw and minimal aesthetics, with an intertwine of vintage and modern pieces of furniture.

      673A5022 673A5007

      Here, I managed to get my hands on their viral, iconic Croissant Cube – I went for the Pistachio flavoured one (DKK40, SGD 7.6). Peeling the buttery, flaky layers open revealed a filling of creamy pistachio ganache.

      673A4985 673A5016

      On the other hand, the Chocolate Croissant (DKK48, SGD 9.1) is made by setting aside some portion of the croissant dough, mixing it with melted chocolate, and then reincorporating back into the lamination process, giving it the bi-colour look. Once baked and cooled, it is then piped with a silky-smooth dark chocolate ganache. This is a must for chocolate lovers.

      673A5020

      I also tried their coffee – both the Flat White (DKK42, SGD8) and Cappuccino (DKK44, SGD8.3) were well-balanced and very suitable to pair with the pastries.

      673A5023

      There may be several good artisan bakeries, and also high-quality specialty coffee shops in Copenhagen that I’ve visited, but if you’re short on time and want the best of both worlds, Andersen & Maillard is the place to be.   

      673A5024

      Locations visited:

      1. Coffee Shop & Roastery – Norrebrogade 62, 2200 Kovenhavn. Weekdays 7am – 6pm, Weekends & Holidays 8am – 6pm
      2. Bakery – Antwerpengade 10, 2150 Nordhavn. 7am – 6pm daily
      Dec 08 2024
      Leave a comment
      Aarhus, Food, Travel

      Exploring Aarhus in 3 Days 2 Nights

      673A5386-2

      After a week or so exploring Copenhagen, I ventured up north to the second largest city in Denmark, Aarhus. I knew about Aarhus as the birthplace of the first La Cabra roastery and café which I wanted to check out. Apart from world renowned coffee, I later found many other attractions – from historic sites, to museums, to new architecture, to the sea.

      How to Get There

      673A5514

      It took about three and a half hours by the DSB train, and tickets can be easily reserved and bought online prior to your trip, fuss-free. The ride was generally smooth and comfortable in clean carriages, except that you would be seating facing a stranger on the opposite side, and unfortunately I also picked the wrong side and had to ride backwards on my ride back to Copenhagen.

      Where to Stay

      673A5451

      Through AirBnB, I booked a beach house by the harbour front, which offered a direct view of the ocean from its floor to ceiling windows. It is situated in the Aarhus Docklands, or Aarhus Ø, which is a newer district in Aarhus.

      673A5456-2 673A5455

      What to See

      1. Aarhus Docklands
      673A5439-3

      The Aarhus Docklands is a combination of modern architecture and recreational activities, making it a dynamic neighbourhood. I had opportunities to stroll and run beside the waters and I couldn’t help but notice the uniquely designed buildings – one of it being the Isbjerget (Iceberg) which mimics the shape of an iceberg. There were also many locals indulging in water activities, and right by the harbour bath there was a bustling street lined with restaurants and bars.

      2. Den Gamle By – 10am – 5pm daily

      673A5487

      Den Gamle By is an open air town museum which showcases 400 years of Danish history through 4 neighbourhoods. Each neighbourhood represents a different period of time and it was an interesting experience to step into historic shops, gardens, houses and backyards.

      3. ARoS Aarhus Art Museum – Tue – Fri 10am – 9pm, Weekends 10am – 5pm

      673A5510-2 673A5492

      For an indoor cultural activity, I explored the ARoS art museum which had 10 levels worth of exhibits. The most memorable ones were the five-metre tall huge and hyper-realistic sculpture of a boy by Ron Mueck, and the permanent Your Rainbow Panorama created by Olaf Eliasson, a circular walkway in glass in all the colours of the spectrum.

      673A5511

      Where to Eat & Drink

      1. La Cabra
      673A5402

      Quite literally what I went to Aarhus for! Read my full review here.

      2. Monk – Bernhardt Jensens Blvd 75, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark, 7.30am to 5pm daily

      673A5472 673A5471

      Located in the Docklands is this cozy café that makes their own coffee while sourcing baked goods from Berta Bakery (yet another popular bakery in Aarhus).

      673A5476

      I had both the Matcha Latte and Espresso with Milk to pair with the Bolle Med Ost (BMO) – the breakfast of champions in Denmark, referring to bun and cheese, and a banana bread. Both coffee and matcha were equally good, and I also loved the nuttiness and crisp of the sesame bun.

      3. Jumbo Bakery at Ankersgade – Ankersgade 12, Aarhus, Denmark 8000. Weekdays 7.30am – 5pm, Weekends/Public Holidays 8am – 4pm

      673A5518 673A5520

      Jumbo Bakery at Ankersgade is the second location of Jumbo Bakery. Though slightly out of the way in a more secluded area, this outlet is also much bigger and more airy than the first, with relaxing vibes to laze away in the afternoon. Their bakes rotate on a seasonal basis depending on the local produce available.

      673A5522

      When I was there, I had the Buckwheat Croissant with Honey, Buckwheat and Sea Salt, which was in a round cylindrical shape unlike the usual croissant. It featured buttery and flaky layers and felt more like a kouign amann. The use of buckwheat was interesting.

      673A5534

      I also had the Almond Cake made with semolina and olive oil and served with a soft vanilla cream and freshly squeezed lime. The nuttiness of the almond came through nicely and neither the cake nor cream were overly sweet.

      673A5538
      Oct 13 2024
      1 Comment
      Cafe, Copenhagen, Denmark, Travel

      La Cabra Coffee Roasters in Aarhus, Denmark

      673A5424

      It had all begun in 2012, when La Cabra was founded as a modern coffee company. Shortly after, the first physical location of the café was born out of Aarhus, Denmark.

      Today, La Cabra is a widely recognized coffee roaster round the globe with a new roastery in Copenhagen and cafes in New York, Bangkok and Oman. To complement their coffee, La Cabra Bakeries were also set up near their café locations to serve sourdough bread and modern pastries.

      673A5390

      It was Saturday afternoon when I arrived. The café was lively, with most of the crowd basking in the spring sunlight in the alfresco dining area, and the rest taking refuge in the modern Scandinavian, wabi-sabi interior. Designed by their in-house team, the interior is decked in beige and wooden tones, with clean lines contributing to the overall theme.

      673A5389

      Grabbing a table outside was harder than expected so I settled for the indoor table by the window.

      673A5413

      From the drinks menu, I tried both the Espresso with Milk which comes in 3 sizes – Small 120ml (DKK40, SGD7.7), Medium 150ml (DKK45, SGD8.6) and Large 220ml (DKK50, SGD9.6), and the Matcha Latte (DKK55, SGD10.5). Both were high quality, though I would just head for the coffee if I had only one choice. There were 3 coffee selections when I was there, and the friendly baristas explained them and recommended me the most suitable one to go with oat milk.

      673A5420

      All of the bread and pastries on display are made by their own bakery. Since I was determined to try and rank cardamom buns from different bakeries in Denmark, I could not leave out the Cardamom Swirl Bun (DKK35, SGD6.7) here, which is one of their signatures. Their cardamom bun was probably the most visually aesthetic out of all that I’ve tried, with a crisp brown layer. It was also chewy and sufficiently spiced with cardamom.

      673A5409

      The Basque Cheesecake (DKK55, SGD10.5) with notes of lemon was alright, but didn’t have the creamy, borderline lava-like was centre which I liked.

      673A5550

      Lastly, I also had the Seasonal Bun (DKK45, SGD8.6), which was incredibly soft and generously filled with lemon and white chocolate cream. It was a good balance of tartness and sweetness, without one flavour overpowering the other.

      673A5565

      For my Singaporean readers who wish to experience their high quality coffee and bakes without taking the long haul flight, you may visit both their coffee shop and bakery in Bangkok.

      673A5577

      Graven 20, 8000 Aarhus Centrum, Denmark

      Mon to Sat 8am – 6pm

      Sun 9am – 5pm

      Sep 14 2024
      Leave a comment
      Copenhagen, Denmark, Food, Travel

      Apotek 57 – Seasonal Eatery and Bakery Within the Beautiful Frama Store in Copenhagen

      673A4657

      Nestled within the famed multi-disciplinary design brand and furniture FRAMA store in Copenhagen is the equally popular Apotek 57, a seasonal eatery and bakery. Design lovers would adore the café interiors which are adorned with FRAMA products, including the furniture, lighting, tableware and cutlery.

      673A4627

      They bake bread and pastries in their kitchen fresh every morning, using only ingredients sourced from organic farmers and suppliers that follow their values. The menu is vegetarian with vegan, gluten and lactose free options.

      673A4632

      Being the first one in for breakfast, I grabbed the prized spot by the window where I could catch the morning light and admire the historic Nyboder yellow houses across the street.

      673A4659

      From the all day breakfast and lunch menu, I had the Sweet Waffle (DKK145, SGD27.9) which was topped with a delicious rhubarb compote, whipped mascarpone, maple syrup and rose. Despite the hefty price tag for a small piece of waffle, I was thoroughly satisfied with the dish. The tartness of the rhubarb, savoury and creamy notes from the mascarpone and sweetness of the maple syrup stroke a good balance. The waffle was on the denser side and felt substantial enough for a hearty breakfast.

      There were also items such as the Breakfast Plate (with sourdough bun, whipped salted butter, Danish cheese, soft boiled egg, jam), Turkish Eggs, Grilled Cheese Sandwich and Kimchi Toast which were very tempting but which I skipped considering it was only my first café stop of the day.

      673A4636

      Amongst the available baked goods and pastries that day (cinnamon bun, cardamom bun, coffee bun, croissant), I had the Cinnamon Bun (DKK35, SGD6.7) which I felt could be fluffier to my liking.

      673A4643

      For coffee, only filter coffee was available so I went for the Matcha Iced Latte made on oat milk (DKK50, SGD9.6) instead, but it was unfortunately their interpretation was vastly different from my preferred matcha lattes I had tried in Asia.

      The FRAMA studio store is interconnected with the café so you could also do some (window) shopping before or after your meal.  

      673A4624

      Fredericiagade 57, 1310 Copenhagen, Denmark

      Mon to Fri 8am – 4pm

      Sat to Sun 9am – 4pm

      Aug 31 2024
      1 Comment
      Cafe, Copenhagen, Denmark, Food, Travel

      Kafeteria SMK – Aesthetic Museum Café Known for Pancakes and Pastries in Copenhagen

      673A4537

      Founded by Frederik Bille Brahe (who also owns Atelier September and Apollo Bar in Copenhagen), Kafeteria SMK is a café situated within the Statens Museum for Kunst in Copenhagen, Denmark. It was the first agenda on my itinerary after offloading my luggage at the hotel.

      673A4515

      With extremely high ceilings and large glass windows on one side overlooking the lush greenery of the museum’s main entrance, the space is bright, wide and airy. The aesthetics matched that of the art museum and was indeed very Scandinavian.

      673A4534

      After grabbing the window seat, I headed to the counter where I had a hard time choosing from the mains menu and especially from the display of pastries.

      673A4524

      As per my prior research, their pancakes were seemingly popular so I went for the Buttermilk Pancakes with Mascarpone and Maple Syrup (135 DKK, SGD26). These were on the thick and denser side, well-accompanied with a generous layer of maple syrup at the base and mascarpone and jam at the top. It can however get too heavy halfway through.

      673A4504-2

      From the selection of pastries, I had the Cardamom Bun (45 DKK, SGD8.7) which was fluffy and soft on the inside, and also the Chocolate Cake (45 DKK, SGD8.7) which was a tad dry but still gobbled up thanks to the smooth cream and nut butter on top.

      673A4528

      To balance the heavy amount of carb and sugar, I also got some greens – the Green Asparagus with Stracciatella, Rye, Mustard and Ramson (145 DKK, SGD28). It was surprisingly very tasty – the crisps were nutty and enhanced the texture of the dish, while the stracciatella cheese and mustard added flavour to the asparagus without overpowering it. The quality of the rye bread was also great.

      673A4535

      The café is accessible to all without the need for reservations or museum tickets, but I highly recommend exploring the museum before/after a meal at the café – as the largest art museum in Copenhagen, it houses a large collection of visual art from a time as old as the sixteenth century to modern times.

      673A4538

      Please do not be alarmed by the prices – they are on par with the cost of living in Denmark.

      Statens Museum for Kunst, 48-50, Sølvgade, 1350 København, Denmark

      Tues to Sun 10am – 6pm

      Tagged , ,
      ← Older posts