Mama Bear Cafe @ Flemington [Melbourne] - Warehouse Style Cafe With Exposed Brick Walls & Whimsical Graffiti Mural

My second trip to Melbourne was nothing but a journey about brunches and coffee. The Coffee Expo was the reason why I was here which gave me the chance to explore the cafes hiding in the suburbs of Melbourne! Something which I have missed in my last visit a few years ago.

Mama Bear Cafe at Flemington is just a few minutes walk from my accommodation. Its menu is quite extensive, offering many of the locals' favourites. Most importantly, it serves great coffees to the entire neighbourhood!

Open Beef Brisket Sandwich 3.5/5

When our Open Beef Brisket Sandwich (AUD$17.50) came, we were rather shocked by the huge serving.At the same time, it did look sinfully indulgent with the mushroom, beef, overflowing cheese sliding off the toast underneath which was way too tiny for anything. Buried in between were caramelised onion and worcestershire pickled cucumber. The brisket was really tender and the field mushroom was just as meaty. Topped with not one but two fried eggs, this is definitely enough for 2 small eaters. Less sauce would have been better though, as the dish is a little too wet and soggy.

Sweet Corn Fritters 3.5/5

I realised that the locals has a thing for Sweet Corn Fritters (AUD$17.50) which is not so common back home. I like how the fritters were being stacked up high into a tower with a tangy avocados cream as the base and comes complete with a poached egg. The sweet corns gives a chewy texture to the fritters and the surrounding vegetables - heirloom tomatoes, ribbon of carrot & zucchini lightened up the dish.

Acai Bowl 4.2/5

This is where I had my very first Acai Bowl (AUD$13.90)! Wow, I must say I do love every bit of it and Mama Bear does it just the say it should be done. It has the crunch from the toasted muesli and chia seeds, the mellow aroma of the coconut, the balance in taste with the combination of the acai, the tart berries and freeze-dried orange.

Belgium Waffles 2.8/5

We also had one of their special - Belgium Waffles with ham, bacon, banana, ice cream, fresh berries dressed with honey. Again, the portion was generous. There was enough sweet and savoury component in every bite. The grilled banana was a little disappointing as it was just too shrivelled.

Tumeric Latte 3/5

Colourful lattes is one of their signatures, with variants such as beetroots, tumeric. Tumeric Latte is quite a popular spice here, perhaps of its healing properties. It comes in a 5oz cup. Taste is slightly too mild for me.

I love the feel of this place. Its friendly and unpretentious service, a small cafe with just about everything to provide what the community needs to get their daily fuel.

Words and photos 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.


Mama Bear Cafe
528/531 Racecourse Road
Flemington VIC 3031
Melbourne, Australia
[Map]
Tel: (03) 93760386
Facebook

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 7am  - 330pm
Sat-Sun: 8am - 330pm

Wildseed Cafe By The Summerhouse @ Seletar Airport - Take A Flight to The English Countryside

In recent months, the former Seletar Airbase or better known as Seletar Airport has been transformed into a F&B and lifestyle destination. The black and white colonial bungalows, together with the lush greenery, felt as if one is being transported to the English countryside. Occupying the former home of the Royal Air Force's Tech Wing Command, is the site of The Summerhouse.

The Summerhouse is an integrated multi-concept destination comprising The Summerhouse Dining Room and Balcony Bar located on the upper storey; and Wildseed, a cafe, patisserie and bar on the ground level.

Pork & Krauts 4/5

From the sandwich menu, we started with the Pork & Krauts ($15). It is a pulled pork sandwich with cabbage, cucumber salad, nuts, and yoghurt sauce. Initially I thought the sandwich may be too meaty but it turned out the cucumber and cabbage not only lend a crunchy touch, they give it a refreshing balance.

The Morocano 4/5

The other sandwich we tried is the The Morocano ($18). The braised beef brisket is paired with eggplant stew, feta cheese and sauteed pak choi, hummus and sesame. The combination of ingredients is rather refreshing, with the flavours coming together as one yummy sandwich.

Independent Uruguay 4.5/5

Among the three sandwiches we tried, the favourite is the Independent Uruguay ($15). It is a vegetarian sandwich with herbal falafel, carrot pesto, feta cheese, pickled beetroot, Kranji lettuce and yoghurt sauce. The star has to be the falafel which is perfumed by the different herbs and spices.

Super Thin Curly Fries 4/5

Mentioned earlier, Wildseed is not just a cafe, it also comes with a bar. Complementing the cocktails and drinks is the bar snack menu. A crowd favourite is the Super Thin Curly Fries ($11/$17) that comes with ketchup and/or soy sauce seaweed mayonnaise dip. These thin curly fries are very dangerous. Unknowingly, I probably have eaten half of it in a short time span.

Deep Fried Hollandaise Balls 4/5

Instead of cheese balls, the snack bar has these addictive Deep Fried Hollandaise Balls ($12/$18). It did not occur to me that you can actually transformed a sauce into a snack. The hollandaise sauce was given a gelatine coat and deep fried. It is crispy on the exterior and saucy inside.

Pancake 4/5

It is amazing that Chef Florian Rider makes his own butter which is used to pair with the Pancake. The fluffy pancake is drizzled with maple syrup and topped with grilled corn kernels. I like the addition of the corn kernels, giving it an extra crunch for a delightful finish.

Kaya Toast 4.8/5

The highlight at Wildseed Cafe has to be the Kaya Toast. The interpretation of the local breakfast is out of this world. Who would have thought of stuffing a 62.5 degrees sous vide egg into sour dough bread with kaya, butter, coconut and gula melaka. You need to try it yourself to understand how good this is.

Pea Flower Coconut Muffin 3.8/5

If you have a sweet tooth, then you will be delighted to know that the cakes at Wildseed Cafe are created by 1-Group Pastry Chef Jasmin Chew drawing inspiration from the edible cafe. The Pea Flower Coconut Muffin ($6.50) with its gula melaka coconut filling, reminded me of a giant ondeh ondeh but more cakey.

Honey Lemon Rosemary Tart 4.2/5

For me I adore the Honey Lemon Rosemary Tart ($6.50) more. The execution was well balanced with the scent of rosemary crowning the beautiful flavours.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wildseed Cafe 
The Summerhouse
Seletar Airport
3 Park Lane
Singapore 798387
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Punggol (NE Line), Yishun (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 10am - 7pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 7pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Punggol MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to Punggol Bus Interchange (Stop ID 65009). Take bus number 117. Alight 6 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 30 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Yishun MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Yishun Bus Interchange (Stop ID 59009). Take bus number 103. Alight 16 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 45 minutes. [Map]

Tai Cheong Bakery @ Holland Village - First Overseas Dine-In Concept

After a year of selling their famous Hong Kong egg tart at a food kiosk in Takasimaya, Tai Cheong Bakery has finally decided to open its first overseas dine-in concept at Holland Village, Singapore. Besides their popular egg tart, bakes and cakes, the 42 seater cafe also offers Hong Kong "Cha Chaan Teng" dishes.

Three Egg Macaroni Soup with Luncheon Meat 4.2/5

A comforting and hearty offering on the menu is the Three Egg Macaroni Soup with Luncheon Meat ($8.50). Yes you did not hear me wrong, there is a total of three sunnyside up eggs. What stood out is the rich tomato and chicken broth. This is goodness in a bowl and probably you can only have it here at Tai Cheong Bakery for the moment.

Scrambled Egg Toast Stack with Chicken Chop 4/5

Getting bored with waffle and chicken? How about having a change with the Scrambled Egg Toast Stack with Chicken Chop ($9.50). This is cheaper than your waffle and chicken. What is more important, it tasted as good or even better. The creamy three-egg scramble paired excellent with the buttered toasted. Not forgetting the juicy chip chop underneath that is resting on a bed of mushroom sauce.

French Toast 3.5/5

A quintessential Hong Kong cafe snack is the Homemade French Toast with Maple Syrup or Dulce De Leche ($6.50). Instead of deep fried, the toast coated in an egg wash with milk is pan fried instead. It is then topped with a slab of salted butter. This resulted in a fluffy interior with a contrasting crispy exterior. I would recommend not to spend too long taking photo or it can turn soaky pretty fast.

Three Coloured Silky Eggs with Rice 4.2/5

Making an impressive entrance is the Three Coloured Silky Eggs with Rice ($9.90). This is like the Hong Kong version of omurice. The steamed rice is covered with a three-egg omelette, kailan and a choice of two meats. I had the roasted pork and crispy pork belly. Dinner has a choice of either roasted pork and prawn or roasted pork and beef too. This is a dish which I will go back for.

Beef Brisket Curry Rice 3/5

Another rice dish on the menu is the Beef Brisket Curry Rice ($10.90). The curry is the sweet type with a creamy consistency, coming from the peanut sauce. It also comes with a dash of sesame oil for a aromatic finishing. The beef brisket was also cooked to a soft, fork tender texture. There is also an option of chicken if you don't eat beef.

Bolo Bun 3.5/5

A visit to Tai Cheong is not complete without trying out their signature bakes. Customers can expect to look forward to treats such as the Bolo Bun ($2.20), Coconut Tart ($2.50) and famous Egg Tart ($1.90). The unique butter cookie-like crust and smooth egg custard is what make the egg tart legendary.

Egg Tart 4.5/5, Coconut Tart 4/5, Durian & Cheese Tart 3.8/5

A special creation only available at Holland Village outlet is the Durian & Cheese Tart ($3.60). This exclusive tart is made using premium D24  durian plup and cream cheese encased in their famed crust. The creation can be quite heavy if you are not into the rich and heavy custard, and of course durian.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tai Cheong Bakery
31 Lorong Liput
Singapore 277742
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Pastries & Drinks
Mon-Fri: 10am - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 9am - 10pm
Mains
Daily: 11am - 230pm, 530pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to Lorong Liput. Walk towards to the junction of Lorong Liput and Lorong Mambong. Turn left onto Lorong Luput. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]