Cafe

The Bakehouse

Ham and cheese croissant

Salted caramel chocolate tart

What: A newly-opened whimsical cafe housed, somewhat unceremoniously, at the base of the Park Hotel and next to Ikea.

Pros: The staff are fantastic, the decor is charming and for the most part I really liked my food (coffee, ham and cheese croissant and the choc tart get full marks).

Cons: It’s small so it may be tough to get a seat and I didn’t really like their lemon tart – it was all curd and too light to pack a punch.

Verdict: Oh I loved it! I want to go back and eat ALL THE THINGS.

Details:
The Bakehouse by Carpenter and Cook
321 Alexandra Road #01-14
Singapore 159971
6250 0040

Jonathan’s

What: Gluten-free, super un-pretentious cafe, located in Little India, owned by the cutest couple in ALLTHELAND.

Pros: This is obviously a haven for all the gluten-intolerant (real and imagined) people in Singapore and their big breakfast (don’t actually remember the name) was delicious. And, AND they salt the eggs so that I don’t have to. What is it with unseasoned food in restaurants nowadays? It should be perfect on a plate, I shouldn’t have to do any work when I’m eating out.

Cons: Hard one to admit but though I visited Jonathan’s for their salted caramel brownie (my colleague had given me a regular brownie her niece aka the owner of Jonathan’s had baked and it was todiefor) – I didn’t like it that much. Their savory options win over the sweet.

Verdict: OMG visit them and eat and laugh and pretend to be healthy – you know you want to.

Disclaimer: My friend and colleague’s niece actually owns Jonathan’s BUT this review is unbiased. Even if I spent most of brunch chilling with the owners screaming, “I DON’T WANT TO SALT MY SHIT!”

Details:
Jonathan’s
17 Dalhousie Lane
Singapore 209685
+65 6291 3396

The Bravery

Yes, the eggs were as dry as they look — Yes, the eggs were dry as they look

What: A very hipster, very derelict (I’m using this the Zoolander way) industrial cafe that serves reasonably priced brunch options.

Pros: The wait-staff were quite polite and they let you sit forever. Like FOREVER.

Cons: Ok… well the food is very whatever. It’s really just like eggs and toast and you can probably make it better at home. And the coffee is also whatever. And their chairs have no backs. I must be getting old because stools are no longer acceptable forms of seating.

Verdict: No, NO. Go find another hipster cafe, there are so many more that do it so much better.

Details:
The Bravery
66 Horne Road
Singapore 209073

Aeiou

What: A kitschy, quirky, cafe in Jalan Besar that seems to attract visitors based on how photogenic their food and furnishings are.

Pros: Really, REALLY good avocado coffee. It’s basically an avocado smoothie-milkshake thing with one or two espresso shots, depending on how you’re feeling. Two espresso shots – because who are you kidding?

Cons: The food is extremely underwhelming. My duck confit salad was first of all – not a salad, because five green leaves do not, a salad make, while the duck was dry and tough. BLARGH.

Verdict: If you’re in the neighborhood and want a great dessert/drink, pop in, get the coffee and take some pictures. Otherwise no, just, no.

Details:
Aeiou
111 King George’s Ave
Singapore 208559
6291 2698

Croute

What:A lovely, lazy Western-ish brunch place in the middle of a not very beautiful mall.

Pros: The coffee is GREAT and their vibe, along with their very friendly and accommodating staff.

Cons: The food is actually a hit or miss, sometimes very good and sometimes very average. The sardou, pictured above, was a bit of both. As in amazing mushrooms/artichoke combo but kinda jelat spinach cream? But I’ve had better luck with their sandwiches and salads.

Verdict: Go alone and just get like a pastry/sandwich and a coffee and read one of the magazines they have laying around. It’s an amazing hangout place. But maybe bring your earphones. There are many children. MANY CHILDREN.

Details:
Croute
491 River Valley Road
#01-11/12
Valley Point Shopping Centre
Singapore 248371