Size S Coffee & Bakery @ Soi Ngam Du Phil [Bangkok]

Thanks to my Thai friend, Lita, she told that there was a cafe serving good coffee near the hotel I was staying. Hence I made my way to Size S Coffee & Bakery, just around the corner of my hotel. The cafe is really size S, as in small. It probably can only sit maximum 6 persons.

Latte 4.2/5

The cafe offers 2 blend of coffee beans. Single Origin Coffee from Colombia and their own Size S Blend Coffee consisting of Ethipia, Burundi and Thai. I had the later for my Latte which is nutty and full bodied.

Ice Latte 4/5

Thailand is known for its hot and humid weather. An Ice Latte would be a good choice to cool oneself from the heat.

Red Velvet 4/5

Size S Coffee and Bakery also offers a selection of mini bakes. During my visit, there were some mini macarons, tarts and cakes. We tried the mini Red Velvet ($55 Baht), which is moist and well balanced.

Coconut Cake 4.2/5

What I like most is actually the mini Coconut Cake ($55 Baht), which is light and moist. The crowning of the coconut cake is the shredded coconut cake that lifted the whole enjoyment.

The cafe owners are really serious in their coffee. Although the cafe is very small, it brews a cup of good coffee. I actually find the mini bakes rather cute in a way and it would not be too heavy to have for tea break or snack. What is more important, the cakes are delicious.


Size S Coffee & Bakery
5/25 Soi Ngam Du Phil,
Rama 4 Road,
Sathorn, Bangkok, Thailand 10120
Tel: +662 2866117
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Lumpini Station, Soi Ngamduplee Exit 1
[Map]

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat 730am - 6pm
(Closed every Sun)

Hvala Waffle Bar @ 313 Somerset

Hvala Waffle Bar at the basement of 313 Somerset which started with selling waffle stick with different types of topping, has changed its concept offering soft serve, waffle in a cup and cake in a cake.

Premium Soft Serve 4.5/5

When I was told that the Premium Soft Serve ($3.90) at Hvala Waffle Bar is one of the best in town, I was initially skeptical  about it until I tried it my self. The soft serve was thicker and creamy in texture compared to many. Furthermore it comes with real vanilla beans

Cake in a Cup with Toppings 3/5

The new concept at Hvala Waffle Bar is quite simple. First you decide on the base. Either cake or waffle. I decided to try the new creation, Cake in a Cup with Toppings  ($5.90/ 2 toppings, $6.90/ 3 toppings) whereby customers have a choice between the red velvet cake or chocolate truffle cake for the base. Second is to choose the toppings.

Cake in a Cup with Toppings and Soft Serve 3.5/5

Last but not least, customers can also choose to add the soft serve to the cake in a cup. I personally prefer the Cake in a Cup with Soft Serve and Toppings ($7.90). The soft serve provided an additional contrast in texture to the cake base. With the yummilicious soft serve, this lifted the whole enjoyment.


Hvala Waffle Bar
313 Somerset
313 Orchard Road
#B3-50
Singapore 238895
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters @ Upper Thomson Road

This is a backlog post which I sold how allows it to slip down the whole list of articles to be published. Probably because I decided there is no urgency to feature Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters at Upper Thomson Road since it has been reviewed numerous times and even to the extend that some claimed the cafe to be their best cafe of 2014.

Latte 4.2/5

Stepping into Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters, I can understand why so many cafe hoppers love this place. The cafe has the Aussie feel. Beautifully decorated in white with wooden furniture, I felt as if I am in Melbourne, sipping my cup of Latte ($4.50/$5/$5.5) which comes in three different sizes of 3oz, 5oz and 7oz.

Truffle Fries 4/5

I am not a big fan of Truffle Fries ($8) as I don't think it is worth the extra cost to pay for a few drops of essence. Nevertheless I still gone with the group and ordered this. The fries were deep fried to nice crisp but yet not overly oily.

Deep Fried Mid Wings 4/5

I remembered have a similar rendition of the Deep Fried Mid Wings ($8) at Sunday Market. However, the version with a more crispy exterior batter fares better while also retaining the juiciness. Once again this is not something I would usually order, I felt it is not value for money with the skinny wings for that price I need to pay.

Quinoa Salad 3.8/5

For a healthy brunch, one can go for the Quinoa Salad ($15) that comes with quinoa, edamame bean, pique pepper, baby spinach, sweet corn and pomegranate with lemon vinaigrette dressing. The colour combination is very pleasing in sight. If only the seasoning can be a bit bolder that will give the dish a much needed lift.

Red Velvet Pancakes 2/5

Food that looks pretty does not mean it will taste good. This is exactly how we felt with the Red Velvet Pancakes ($16) served with mascarpone and fresh berries. The pancake itself was rather bland and dry. In the fact the tastiest components on the plate are the berries.

Salted Caramel Banana French Toast 4.2/5

The Salted Caramel Banana French Toast ($16) was the opposite of the red velvet pancakes. It may look messy but it tasted so delicious. The soft brioche french toast was drizzled in a salted caramel sauce and topped with caramelized bananas and whipped cream.

Truffle Benedict 4.2/5

I really felt cafe food are over priced, just take for example the Truffle Benedict that costs $18. I am not saying the food is not good but I probably can't afford to eat it everyday. A breakfast dish is as expensive as a dinner main. Anyway back to the food itself. Two free range poached eggs with truffle hollandaise sauce sits on a bed of wilted spinach, smoked ham and brioche. A beautiful combination that brought sunshine to the plate.

Oven Baked 5 Cheese Macaroni 4.2/5

Last but not least another worthy dish to try is the Oven Baked 5 Cheese Macaroni ($18). The five cheese used are parmesan, feta, emmental, mild cheddar and mozzarella. The macaroni is also infused with honey ham and mushroom, finished with a dash of truffle oil. I love my cheeses and this has the cheesiness that I enjoyed while not too overpowering with a nice harmony. Being oven baked, the macaroni may turned dried but this is still well timed. By the way, I don't understand the need to display the types of cheeses used for the dish on the wooden plank.

Overall Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters is a nice cafe to check out. It has ticks all around (Ambience, Coffee, Food and Service.). No wonder it is one of the more popular cafes for cafe hopping in Singapore.


[CLOSED]
Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters
185 Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574333
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pacamarasg
Nearest MRT: Upper Thomson (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 9am - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Upper Thomson MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk down Upper Thomson Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Montana Brew Bar Cafe @ POMO

Is the cafe bubble in Singapore bursting? It seems not with yet another new cafe opening at POMO, selegie road. Montana Brew Bar Cafe is the latest new kid in the cafe scene specializing in coffee and waffles.

Latte 4/5

I ordered my usual Latte ($4.50) to kick start the day. The latte has a good body while not too acidity.

Pourover 4.2/5

In recently months, I also noticed a shift in the coffee culture with cafe that is serious with their coffee offering Pourover. With the maturing of the coffee culture, coffee drinkers have started to appreciate a good brew from the Pourover ($5.20) allowing one to appreciate the flavour of the coffee beans even more.

Truffle Mac & Cheese 4.2/5

Being a cafe that specialized in waffles, we ordered some of their popular waffles on the menu to try. First was the Truffle Mac & Cheese ($9.50) which perfumed the air upon served. Initially I was wondering where is the mac & cheese until I cut into the waffle.  It was actually sandwiched in between the fluffy waffle that comes with nice crispy edges. The combination surprisingly works and it got the thumbs of approval around the table. I recently heard it has released its version 2.0 which is more cheesy now.

Southern Fried Chicken Waffle Sandwich 4/5

Another savoury waffle on the menu is the Southern Fried Chicken Waffle Sandwich ($9.50) with wasabi slaw. I realised the waffle is crisper for the southern fried chicken. It tells a lot that the kitchen has given some thoughts into their waffles. The chicken was also perfectly cooked to a nice crisp but yet retaining its juiciness. I was told that the best way to enjoy this is to eat it with the hands just like a sandwich.

Matcha Strawberry Field Waffles 3.5/5

Working on to the sweet waffle, we started with the Match Strawberry Field Waffles ($9.50) which comes with green tea waffle, strawberry, mango passionfruit spheres and vanilla ice cream. The waffle actually lack the green tea flavour. While the exterior is crisp, we prefer the interior to be more cakey. However the burst of the mango passionfruit spheres will delight one with its fruity zest that complemented the waffle.

Red Velvet Waffle Stack 3.5/5

Having a similar texture to the match waffle is the Red Velvet Waffle Stack ($10.50) with vanilla ice cream, red velvet crumble and white chocolate rose sauce. Do note that this is limited per day. I enjoyed every components on the plate except the waffle which is lacking the red velvet flavour. Worthy note is the red velvet crumble that gives it a nice textural bite.

While many cafe concentrated on their coffee and neglected on their food, Montana Brew Bar Cafe has ensured customers have a good a bite while sipping a cup of aromatic coffee. The pricing is also very affordable with waffle that is less than ten dollar. I personally prefer their savoury waffles over their sweet waffles.


Montana Brew Bar Cafe
POMO
1 Selegie Road
#01-04
Singapore 188308
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/montanasingapore
Nearest MRT: Bras Basah (CC Line), Dhoby Ghuat (CC Line, NE Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit D or E. Walk down Bras Basah Road to the junction of Bras Basah Road and Prinsep Street. Cross the road and turn right onto Prinsep Street. Walk down Prinsep Street and continue onto Selegie Road. Continue walking down Selegie Road until destination. Journey time about 12 mins. [Map]

2) Alight at Dhoby Ghuat MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Orchard Road to the junction of Orchard Road and Prinsep Street. Turn left onto Prinsep Street. Walk down Prinsep Street and continue onto Selegie Road. Continue walking down Selegie Road until destination. Journey time about 12 mins. [Map]

Seasons Bistro @ Triple One Somerset

Seasonal eating is rare in Singapore, I would say. Living near the equator where there is only rain or shine, we are naturally not inspired by seasonal produces. That, however, is the philosophy behind Seasons Bistro.

Seasons Bistro set foot in Triple One Somerset in May 2014. The founders believe that eating by the season is not just about taking advantages of the seasonal produces - better flavours and lower cost, it also contributes to sustaining our Mother Earth. Inspired by Executive Chef Benjamin Fong's travels in America, the menu offers a range of dishes that speak the diverse characteristics of the different regions across the continent - from New England to Southwest. American craft beers from independent breweries in United States are also being brought in for an even more authentic experience.

Seared Yellowfin Tuna Taco 4.5/5

We began our journey across the continent with Seared Yellowfin Tuna Taco ($14). Marooned on a tortilla shell, the pinkish tuna was accompanied by Avocado mayonnaise, pickled onions, crispy shallots, cotija cheese, and cilantro jalapeno watercress salad. I love the way the chef played with different flavours and textures. The tortilla snapped readily as I bit onto the tender seared tuna, which was well flavoured by its accompaniments. Under the work of the creamy mayonnaise, all the different elements fused together and glided down my throat effortlessly. With the generous serving of tuna chunks, I certainly don't mind having a couple more as a main...

Grilled Portobello Salad 3.8/5

The Grilled Portobello Salad ($16) shared a similar treatment. With the whole Portobello in the centre, an array of ingredients were summoned- St Maure Terroir, tomatoes, beans, candied walnuts, pickled onions, and bacon crisp. The candied walnuts sweetened the bold St Maure Terroir with strength, creating a fine balance of flavours. However, I felt that the use of goat cheese was not an apt choice for this salad. Because of its distinctive flavour, it overpowered the Portobello. More candied walnuts could potentially be the saving grace.

Pan Seared Foie Gras 4.2/5

Pan Seared Foie Gras ($16) is what I would call a premium breakfast. Imagine a pain de mie with caramelised bananas spread and a piece of butter on top, spiked with granola crumbs and drizzled with chocolate ganache. But switch the butter with foie gras. That was what came to my mind when I took the first bite. The foie gras melted gracefully in my mouth. Coupled with the salty jab from the bacon jam, this dish is a must-try for the adventurous taste buds.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken 4/5

Coming to the second leg of our journey, we had 4 mains- buttermilk Fried Chicken, Surf & Turf Gumbo, Seared Albacore Tuna and Southend Summer Pasta.

The Buttermilk Fried Chicken ($22) met our expectations - crispy skin and tender meat. But what I thought was worth commenting is their dips. Nothing beats homemade. If you are ordering this dish, do try to appreciate the difference in their homemade ketchup. It leaves your tongue clean.

Seared Albacore Tuna 4.5/5

The dish that I really looked forward to is one of my all time favourites - Seared Albacore Tuna ($26). To preserve the taste of this delicate seafood, it is a kind of dish that I feel should be served as simply as possible. Tonight, this dish did not disappoint. Although I felt that the fish was slightly overdone, the avocado puree creamed the meat really well. At some point, the meat fell apart readily and seemingly melted in my mouth. I really like its fruity companions - Asian pear, jicama, watermelon with chipotle mojo and salsa verde. They were so refreshing, I believe this dish is a ladies' pleaser.

Southend Summer Pasta 4.2/5

A stir of the Tagliatelle immediately released the uplifting aroma of the fresh herbs and spices - fennel, basil and chili. When I do not usually associate pastas as a Summer dish, Chef Benjamin subverted my expectation by creating the Southend Summer Pasta ($18). Prepared using homemade tomato sauce with chunky sausages, this dish was appetising and moreish. It was balanced in almost every way. At my first bite, I could taste the natural tanginess and sweetness of the homemade tomato sauce. The pasta was done al dente and the sausage chunks was not overly seasoned like many others.

Surf& Turf Gumbo 4/5

Surf& Turf Gumbo ($27) comes with a grain by the name of "dirty rice". As unappetising as it may sound, it is actually quite a tasty Cajun dish. This dish was traditionally cooked with white rice mixed with small pieces of chicken liver or giblets, green bell pepper, celery, onion and spices cayenne and black pepper. That was how the rice obtained its 'dirty colour'. The dirty rice we had this evening was a much hearty version - cooked with Chunks of Shrimp, chicken, sausage, okra tomato stew, mixed evenly with pickled onion, cilantro, chow chow relish & french bean salad. The chow chow relish was extremely appetising. I wish there was more bite to the rice, rather than being 'soaked' with stew.

Red Velvet Cheesecake 2.8/5

Our journey came to an end with some of their popular desserts. Like Oreo, Red velvet seems to have acquired its own flavour. Here at Season's, one gets to try a Red Velvet Cheesecake ($10). Though it is said to be a popular choice among the diners, I find it too cloying.

Carrot Cake 3/5

Their Carrot Cake ($12) was a real pity. Although it was loaded with walnuts, the taste of nutmeg and cinnamon was seemingly absent.

Mojito Tart 2.8/5

If you like something rummy, you can try their Mojito Tart ($12), which was quite well liked by some diners that evening. It is a toasted coconut tart with mint lime curd & rum cream. But personally, it fell short of my expectations. I feel that the lime curd was sticky on the throat, and the taste did not go well with the rum either.

Season's Deconstructed Banana Split 4/5

That was when I realised; some classics will always remain as classics. What could go wrong when you pair fried bananas with ice cream? Especially when the ice cream is made with real vanilla pod. Season's Deconstructed Banana Split ($12), was my favourite among the rest. Together with granola nut crumbs, fresh strawberries, nutella & fresh cream... I just wanted to savour it with my eyes close...

I heard that the lunch menu here is also quite popular among the working crowd. There is also a deli-counter offering gourmet sandwiches, cheese and cold-cut platters for takeaways. Tonight, I really enjoy my maiden journey with Seasons Bistro, and I attribute a large part of it to their impeccable service. Located at a rather obscured corner of Somerset, the food really got to speak for itself. Judging at its crowd, yes, I believe it has done it.

Written By Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Seasons Bistro
Triple One Somerset
111 Somerset Road
#01-11/12
Singapore 238164
Tel: +65 68365841
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/seasonsbistrosg
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am - 12midnight
Fri: 11am - 2am
Sat: 10am - 2am
Sun: 10am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

The Bakery Chef @ Bukit Merah Central

The speed in the number of cafes opening in Singapore is kind of scary which is almost impossible to keep up. Singapore in a way is turning into a little Melbourne will cafes opening up at different corners of Singapore around the island. After my trip to Two Wings a couple of weeks back, I decided to make my way down The Bakery Chef at Bukit Merah Central nearby.

Caffe Latte 4/5

As usual, I had my cup of Caffe Latte ($4). For just four dollars, this is one of the cheapest among the cafes I have visited. Using coffee beans from Highlander, this cup of coffee was just right for my liking. It comes with a nice body, smooth and not too acidic.

Red Velvet Cheese Cake 4.5/5

Most of the cafes sourced their bakes from suppliers but you will be guaranteed fresh bakes from the open concept kitchen daily with a great view and smell of butter in the air. I have tried a couple of red velvet cakes but I have to say the Red Velvet Cheese Cake ($5.80) at The Bakery Chef has impressed me most. It was light, moist and balanced. One of those rare occasions that I would go back for more.

Rainbow Cake 4.2/5

The other popular cake at The Bakery Chef is their Rainbow Cake ($5.80). Actually this is my first time having a rainbow cake. I am glad that my first time is lost to something that was good and memorable. The rainbow cake here is really very soft and light.

Great coffee and great bakes with a nice cozy ambience, The Bakery Chef is definitely a worthy chill out place for a cup of coffee and some cakes.


The Bakery Chef
Blk 161 Bukit Merah Central
#01-3711
Singapore 150161
Tel: +65 62739211
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebakerychef
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru (EW Line), Outram Park (EW Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 10am - 7pm
Fri-Mon: 10am - 9pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at opposite Tiong Bahru Plaza (Stop ID 10161). Take bus number 5. Alight 3 stops later at Bukit Merah Central Bus Interchange. Take the overhead bridge across the road. Walk along Bukit Merah Central (opp mulit-storey carpark) towards the post office. At the junction at the post office, cross the right and turn right. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tiong Bahru MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at opposite Tiong Bahru Plaza (Stop ID 10161). Take bus number 16 and 851. Alight 4 stops later at Bukit Merah Central Bus Interchange. Walk along Bukit Merah Central (opp mulit-storey carpark) towards the post office. At the junction at the post office, cross the right and turn right. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Outram Park MRT Station. Take Exit H. Walk to bus stop at Outram Park MRT Station along New Bridge Road (Stop ID 05069). Take bus number 147 or 961. Alight 8 stops later. Continue walk along Jalan Bukit Merah towards Bukit Merah Public Library. Take a left at Bukit Merah Central and walk to destination. Journey time about 22 minutes. [Map]