Showing posts with label Cafe Hopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cafe Hopping. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Merci Marcel @ Katong - All-day Dining of Comfort Food with a French Flair in Merci Marcel’s 4th Outlet in Singapore

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Merci Marcel's 4th outlet sits in the heart of Katong, their first venture into the East. Located in Santa Grand Hotel, the casual French restaurant is decked out in a fun new colonial and contemporary interior.

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Early birds will be happy to have another spot to enjoy as they open every day from 8am into the night. Diners can expect a French tapas menu alongside speciality coffee, curated cocktails and French wines.

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Drinks

A centrepiece of this new outlet is the snazzy bar offering unique and vibrant selections of cocktails.

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Salmon Crudo 4/5

To start, we had the Salmon Crudo ($20), which had salmon tartare on tangy pickled enoki with a dressing of cucumber gazpacho to be enjoyed with bread. I personally expected a bit more of this, but the clean flavour profile may suit if you're looking for something light.

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Roasted Feta 4/5

The Roasted Feta ($16) is a decent sharing plate, with the slab of cheese served on a bed of poached pear, with slices of fresh pair, rosemary and a drizzle of honey and rosemary.

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Ravioles de Royans 4.5/5

Merci Marcel's Ravioles de Royans ($20 for Small, $32 for Large) has been one of their most loved dishes since its opening. The adorable bites of French dumpling pasta are filled with Tête de Moine cheese, served with a creamy sauce and further topped with cheese florets.

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It may look unassuming, but it gets more addictive with each bite. We loved how flavourful it was with the unadulterated taste of cheese, without being overwhelming.

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French Mac & Cheese 4.5/5

Fans of mac & cheese got to try their rendition of French Mac & Cheese ($25). The creamy and lightly seasoned cheese macaroni is held within a buttery, flaky pastry, paired with ham chiffonnade and cheese crisps. Surprisingly, it wasn't as heavy as we thought, and we thoroughly enjoyed the variety of textures.

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Marcel’s Waffle Iron Style “Croiffle” 4/5

The Marcel's Waffle Iron Style "Croiffle" ($11) was recommended by our server as her favourite on the menu for desserts. There's caramel, bananas and a scoop of vanilla ice cream to accompany the croiffle. While the combination was likeable, I preferred the croiffle to be served more warmly.

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Chocolate & Whisky Pie 4.2/5

We ended our night with the Chocolate & Whisky Pie ($13). The crisp shortcrust pastry and mildly sweet yet rich chocolate filling will easily satisfy any chocolate lovers.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Merci Marcel
171 East Coast Road
Singapore 428877
Tel: +65 6015 0906
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Nearest MRT: Dakota MRT (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 8am - 12midnight
Sun-Mon: 8am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 10 or 32. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Le Matin Patisserie @ ION Orchard - Expanded Menu of French Fare with Crab Waffles, Brown Butter Artichoke Wedges, Soufflé Au Chocolat and More

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Le Matin Patisserie first unveiled its new permanent space in ION Orchard earlier in February this year and has now launched an expanded menu of French fare that is available every Wednesday to Sunday, for brunch from 11am to 2.30pm and dinner from 6pm to 9pm.

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The exciting new selections continue to tap on Chef-Owner Mohamed Al-Matin's vast expertise in fine pastries and French techniques, putting together options from entrées, mains, sides to desserts.

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Salade 4/5

For a light start, consider the Salade ($12). This dish features a combination of fresh baby spinach and arugula, along with roasted and fresh beets, mixed citrus, and pine nuts.

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Brown Butter Artichoke Wedges 4.2/5

Despite its unassuming appearance, the Brown Butter Artichoke Wedges ($16) proved to be addictive. Crafted with nutty confit Jerusalem artichoke, it comes with a refreshing dip of lemon thyme aioli.

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Bread & Butter 4.2/5

I absolutely adored the Bread & Butter ($9) dish, especially the earthy and rich fermented porcini butter served alongside two soft cubes of whole-wheat milk buns.

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Crab Waffles 4.5/5

Seafood enthusiasts should not miss the Crab Waffles ($20.90). The heart-shaped crunchy waffles are made with seafood butter and dusted with nori for an added layer of fragrance. Spread on the chilled crab tartare and smoked taramasalata dip for a luxurious bite that is rich in umami, creaminess, and herbaceous notes all at once.

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Fish & Chips 4.5/5

The Fish & Chips ($35.90) also left a lasting impression. Enjoy the entire battered Haddock fillet, which was not only fresh and substantial but also accompanied by an edamame mash, yuzu tartare, and thinly crusted fried potatoes. The edamame mash was a novel twist done well.

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Lemon Thyme Madeleines 4.2/5

These delightful Lemon Thyme Madeleines ($12.90) are baked to order, offering a fresh and petite-sized treat that pairs perfectly with your tea or coffee. Infused with the bright flavours of lemon and thyme, they make for a delightful sharing side, especially when dipped in the herby fir syrup cream.

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The texture may become denser as it cools. Hence, I recommend enjoying it warm for the best experience!

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Soufflé Au Chocolat 4.5/5

The 20-minute bake time for the Soufflé Au Chocolat ($18.90) was well worth the wait. Featuring a fluffy, soft dark chocolate soufflé, hazelnut praline, and reduced milk ice cream, it promises an indulgent treat.

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Mangosteen & Lychee Granita 4.5/5

For a more refreshing option, the delicately crafted Mangosteen & Lychee Granita ($14.90) is the one to go for. It features a unique and harmonious combination of mangosteen sorbet, lychee granita and lemongrass bubbles.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Le Matin Patisserie
ION Orchard
B2-49
2 Orchard Turn
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6509 8801
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, October 1, 2023

Baristart Coffee Singapore @ Wisma Atria - Hokkaido Cafe’s 3rd New Outlet in Town with Popular Hokkaido Cream Puffs, Coffee and Japanese Western Food

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Good news to those who work in town, as Baristart Coffee welcomes its newest outlet at Wisma Atria, located within the OCBC branch on the fourth floor. It may be tricky to find as the third outlet is nestled within the bank's largest integrated lifestyle and banking branch with a fun retail space featuring books and selected lifestyle brands.

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The brand is most known for its use of the creamy Hokkaido BIEI Jersey Milk, and it features it across several items on the menu, such as its beverages, cream puffs, and soft serves.

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Baristart Latte

If it is your first visit here and you’re thinking of grabbing coffee, go for their smooth and aromatic Baristart Latte ($6.70). It's available both hot and iced, and you can top up a dollar for add-on flavours of caramel, vanilla or honey.

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Mixed Berries Yoghurt Smoothie

The Mixed Berries Yoghurt Smoothie ($8.50) is one of the beverages under the non-caffeine list. However, it was a little too icy and muted than I was hoping for in its yoghurt flavour.

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Hokkaido Tontoro 3.8/5

The Hokkaido Toronto ($17.80) features a light garden salad mix with tangy-sweet raspberry pommery dressing, yuzu ponzu radish sauce, and slices of Hokkaido Snow Pork Jowl. Although the dressing was appetising, the dish was pretty average and pricey.

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Hokkaido Zangi 4.2/5

Drizzle lemon juice over the Hokkaido Zangi ($14.80) for that extra freshness to the crunchy bites. These well-marinated Hokkaido-style fried chicken chunks make an excellent sharing choice.

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Wafu Pasta 4.2/5

We sampled a couple of main dishes, the first being a classic Japanese fusion dish, the Wafu Pasta ($19.80). While it was a touch oily, the spaghetti was well coated in an umami butter and dashi sauce mix with a slight kick of spice and studded with several toppings - prawns, bacon strips, asparagus and nori.

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Obihiro Butadon 4/5

The Japanese rice-based Obihiro Butdaon ($19.80) is served with grilled pork belly dressed in a homemade teriyaki sweet sauce. A bowl of Shiro Miso soup also accompanies it.

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Tonkatsu 4/5

The Tonkatsu ($18.80) is one of the three sandos on the menu. A thick, deep-fried Hokkaido pork loin patty is sandwiched between two soft and crustless white breads. It's finished with cabbage, mustard butter and sweet tonkatsu sauce, which gives a delightful mix of sweet, savoury and tangy notes. It's best to enjoy this while it's still hot.

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Hokkaido Cream Puff 4.8/5

We definitely couldn't leave Baristart without having one of their well-loved Hokkaido Cream Puffs ($7). Baristart's rendition is one of my favourites. It is always generously piped with its signature BIEI Jersey Milk custard cream, so rich and luscious, paired with the irresistible crunchy crust.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Baristart Coffee Singapore
Wisma Atria
#04-01
435 Orchard Road
Singapore 238877
Tel: +65 9836 9113
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Tiong Bahru Bakery @ JEM - Well-loved Tiong Bahru Bakery Opens First Branch in the West

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Tiong Bahru Bakery (TBB) has been steadily growing and expanding since its founding in Tiong Bahru. Recently, they opened their 17th outlet and are making their debut in the West by spreading a new branch in JEM at Jurong East.

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The warmly decorated 60-seater space is conveniently located next to the mall's taxi stand and is a short walk from Jurong East MRT station. It operates from 7.30am to 10pm daily, making it fit for a drop-in any time of the day - whether you are looking for an early breakfast, a hearty brunch, or a dessert spot after dinner.

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It continues offering its classic bakes, pastries and desserts alongside freshly brewed coffee, tea and juices to complete the meal.

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Brie & Roasted Mushroom Croissant 4.5/5

We quickly demolished the savoury Brie & Roasted Mushroom Croissant ($12.60). The flaky croissant was filled with rocket leaves, earthy sautéed mushrooms, onions and generously portioned brie. I particularly appreciated how the base of the croissant remained delightfully crisp.

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Tartine Set 4.2/5

The Tartine Set is a returning favourite, and fans would be happy to hear that this is now officially available at all outlets. Comprising slices of TBB's signature sourdough served with Le Beurre Bordier butter, La Trinquelinette jam, and a beverage of choice. It makes for the perfect choice as a substantial snack or light meal.

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Chocolate Kouign Amann 4/5

Apart from the original Kouign Amann ($5.50), check out the Chocolate Kouign Amann ($6.70) studded with bits of chocolate within the swirls.

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Quiche Lorraine with Salad 3.8/5

We tried another item from the savoury menu, the Quiche Lorraine with Salad ($13.70). I appreciated how the palm-sized quiche was nicely served warm, but I didn't find it as value for money compared to the other items. The taste was average, and the quiche was eggy, with bits of bacon within.

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Hot Chocolate 4/5

There's an extensive choice of beverages, from coffees to teas, bottled juices, kombucha and non-caffeinated options. The Hot Chocolate ($6.80) was nice and not too sweet.

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Hojicha Latte 3.8/5

Similarly done less sweet, the Hojicha Latte ($8.50) leaned a lot more milky than I would prefer.

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Exotic Cheesecake 3.8/5

The Exotic Cheesecake ($9.50) was much lighter in its cheese notes than I expected. It had a coconut sponge paired with lime and vanilla cream cheese mousse, a mango, passion fruit and yuzu filling, topped with coconut and lime chantilly on a coconut crumble.

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Chocolate Tart 4.2/5

Try TBB's Chocolate Tart ($8.70) if you are here for a sweet treat. Although it has chocolate from top to bottom, it's layered nicely with drops of caramel to finish.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tiong Bahru Bakery
JEM
50 Jurong Gateway Road
#01-34/35
Singapore 608549
Tel: +65 6877 4812
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Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 730am - 10pm

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

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Poonsti @ Owen Road - Sister Brand of Old Hen Kitchen Offering a Specialised Rösti Menu Made Fresh Daily

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Situated on Owen Road, Poonsti is Old Hen Kitchen's brand new rösti concept, offering a full menu of rösti dishes that are crafted entirely from scratch. Each rösti is meticulously prepared, with potatoes freshly shredded and handmade in small quantities, ensuring the utmost quality. The menu boasts five delightful variations of rösti, including a classic rendition paired simply with sour cream. Exclusively available at the Owen Road outlet, these delectable offerings are available daily, starting at 9:30am until they are sold out.

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Rösti with Bacon 4.2/5

Each dish features a crispy and airy golden brown rösti base, served with different toppings. One of their signatures is the Rösti with House-cured Bacon and Fried Egg ($18) that comes with hot tomato jam, cream cheese and pickled radish. What sets Poonsti's house-cured bacon apart is its sumptuous and fatty texture, a result of a carefully crafted marination process. At the same time, the tomato jam contributes a fusion of sweetness and tanginess. This innovative combination creates a truly well-balanced dish that marries the satisfyingly fatty bacon with the nuanced flavours of the tomato jam.

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Rösti with Smashed Avo 4.5/5

The Rösti with Smashed Avo ($17) comes with mango salsa and fried shallot, topped with a jammy egg and paired with a dollop of basil pesto cream. While I love the contrast between the crunchiness of the rösti and the creaminess of the avocado, what elevates the dish is the refreshing and zesty mango salsa that adds a burst of tanginess and tropical flair, complemented by the savoury crunch of fried shallots. The addition of a jammy egg adds a rich and velvety touch to the dish, while a dollop of basil pesto cream infuses a herbaceous and aromatic note. The combination here is executed with finesse, resulting in a symphony of flavours that intertwine seamlessly on the palate.

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Rösti with House-cured Salmon 4/5

The Rösti with House-cured Salmon ($19) introduces an elevated take on a classic pairing. Unlike the conventional rösti with smoked salmon, Poonsti's rendition showcases their commitment to creativity and refinement. This dish presents a beautifully composed plate featuring a golden-brown rösti base topped with a generous portion of their house-cured salmon. The salmon's succulent and rich flavour is enhanced by adding creamy ricotta, which creates a luxurious contrast against the crispy texture of the rösti. Adding fried capers and pickled onion also contributes a sharp, vibrant note to the dish, turning this classic pairing into anything but ordinary.

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Overall, the rösti dishes at Poonsti showcase creativity and refinement, featuring unique pairings and meticulous preparation. From the Rösti with house-cured salmon adorned with ricotta, fried capers, pickled onion, and dill to the Rösti with smashed avo complemented by zesty mango salsa and fried shallots, each dish is a symphony of flavours and textures. Do note that their rosti is only available in limited amounts daily, so head down early to avoid disappointment!

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Poonsti
127 Owen Road
Singapore 218931
Tel:+65 6818 3333
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Nearest MRT: Farrer Park (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 930am - 3pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Farrer Park MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk down Race Course Road to Owen Road. Turn left onto Owen Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, July 16, 2023

Café Natsu @ Joo Chiat - Unveils New Menu Featuring Japanese Staples with Local Sensibilities

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Café Natsu is excited to launch its new menus at both its Joo Chiat and Orchard outlets, featuring a fusion of Japanese and local flavours. These menus offer a warm and comforting dining experience, with carefully crafted dishes incorporating traditional Japanese cuisine and familiar local touches. Furthermore, Café Natsu's commitment to exceptional quality extends to sourcing fresh ingredients and the finest produce from Japan.

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Kaarage 3.8/5

The Kaarage ($14) features a thin, crispy coating on the outside that gives way to a tender and juicy interior. What sets it apart is the unique coating of Dong Bei spices, which adds a delightful burst of flavour. The spices infuse the dish with a savoury and aromatic profile that perfectly complements the succulent chicken. While the Kaarage is a treat on its own, it is worth noting that the combination can be a tad salty for some palates when paired with the mayo on the side.

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Chawanmushi 4/5

The Chawanmushi ($8) consists of a savoury steamed egg custard that is elevated with a delightful combination of ingredients, including clams, snow fungus, and ikura. The clams impart a subtle brininess that mingles beautifully with the delicate flavours of the custard. In contrast, the ikura imparts a pleasant pop and a delightful saltiness that perfectly balances the dish's overall taste.

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Wagyu Hamburg Bowl Set 4.2/5

Café Natsu Joo Chiat introduces a hearty lunch set that will capture your hearts with its exquisite flavours and carefully curated ingredients. Diners can choose between the Wagyu Hamburg Bowl Set ($36), featuring a house-made Wagyu patty, or the Teishoku Set ($32). We opted for the Wagyu Hamburg Bowl Set ($36), which features a tender and succulent patty, refreshing oroshi and a yolk atop. To complement the wagyu hamburg, a side of sauce is provided, adding an additional layer of depth and richness. The meal is accompanied by appetisers and chestnut rice cooked with house-made dashi.

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Pork Katsu Sando 4/5

The Pork Katsu Sando ($26) features a generous portion of crispy and tender pork katsu, complemented by the delightful crunch of the tamanegi and the refreshing crispness of the lettuce, providing a delightful contrast to the succulent pork. What sets this sandwich apart is the doubanjiang aioli, a sauce that brings the flavours to a whole new level. The doubanjiang, a fermented chilli bean paste, infuses the aioli with an intensely umami-rich taste and a subtle sweet touch. The Pork Katsu Sando is also served with a side of Togarashi fries. These crispy fries, sprinkled with Togarashi seasoning, provide a delightful kick of heat and spice.

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Uji Matcha Kakigori 4.2/5

Moving on to the desserts, the Uji Matcha Kakigori ($14) features a slightly different ice texture, characterised by a rougher shaved ice consistency. The matcha-infused ice in the Uji Matcha Kakigori exudes a distinct and robust flavour profile. Accompanying the ice is a heavenly soft coconut foam that adds a creamy and luxurious touch to the dessert. It is adorned with a drizzle of gula melaka that adds a delightful hint of sweetness and depth, balancing the earthy bitterness of the Uji Matcha.

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Zenzai 4/5

The Zenzai ($12) features a velvety and comforting azuki red bean soup. The sweetness of the red bean soup is perfectly balanced, allowing the natural flavours of the azuki beans to shine through. I love the chewy and soft kiri mochi tangyuan embedded within the soup, which added a delightful textural element to the dessert. Overall, it is a traditional dessert that embodies the essence of Japanese culinary traditions and is perfect for those seeking a soothing and indulgent treat.

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In conclusion, my experience at Café Natsu was a positive one. The food offered at the café was undeniably good, with a range of dishes that delighted the taste buds. From the delightful Wagyu Hamburg Bowl Set to the delectable Pork Katsu Sando and the flavourful Chawanmushi, the menu showcased a fusion of Japanese and local flavours that left a lasting impression. The attention to detail in ingredient sourcing and the thoughtfulness of crafting each dish were evident, ensuring a satisfying and memorable dining experience. Café Natsu truly delivered on its commitment to providing exceptional quality and flavours that pleased the palate.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Café Natsu
283 Joo Chiat Road
Singapore 427537
Tel: +65 8886 4697
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Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 830am - 530pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk to bus stop at block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 33. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to Koon Seng Road. Turn right onto Koon Seng Road. Walk towards Joo Chiat Road. Turn right on Joo Chiat Road and walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk to bus stop at block 99 (Stop ID 81181). Take bus number 33. Alight 4 stops later. Walk down Joo Chiat Road towards Koon Seng Road direction. Walk down Joo Chiat Road and walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes.  [Map]