Hvala @ TripleOne Somerset - Celebrate 10th Anniversary with A refresh Look, and 1-For-1 Promo on 9 and 10 June 2025

Hvala at TripleOne Somerset officially reopens on 9 June 2025, unveiling a refreshed look to mark its 10th anniversary. The space now features a fun new colour palette, merging Hvala's iconic zen minimalism with modern touches.

Returning fans can look forward to a revamped menu of artisanal drinks and desserts. To celebrate, there's a 1-for-1 promo on their new hot flavoured lattes on 9 and 10 June, limited to the first 50 guests daily. Iced versions, extra toppings, and milk alternatives are available at additional cost.

Adding to the experience is Hvala's latest team member - Bob, a robotic arm dedicated to supporting whisking matcha.

The lineup of new handcrafted beverages is extensive, including both Flavoured Tea Lattes and Brewed Tea Lattes. Highlights include the Bluepea Matcha Latte, Floral Matcha Sakura Latte, and Pine Smoked Black Tea.

Matcha Kinako 4.5/5

We started with the Matcha Kinako ($7.80 hot, $8.80 iced), which impressed us with its nutty and earthy balance. It is a surprisingly harmonious blend.

Strawberry Matcha 4.2/5

Next was the Strawberry Matcha ($7.80 hot, $8.80 iced), which we had heard good things about even before our visit. This version stood out for its natural strawberry chunks and well-balanced flavour, though a tad sweet at the end. We'd gladly order it again with less sugar.

Matcha Mochi Harmony 3.5/5

A recent social media darling is the Matcha Mochi Harmony ($9.90). It combines a base of "liquid mochi" with kuromitsu and honey mochi cubes, Hvala's signature M1 matcha gelato and a fresh Tsuki matcha shot.

Texture-wise, the mochi cubes were more like slightly harder jellies, while the 'liquid mochi' was the oozy sort. While creative, the components didn't quite gel, and we found it overly sweet. If you're looking for a vegan option, inform the friendly servers, and they will swap the honey mochi cubes for the kuromitsu ones.

Matcha Petit 3.8/5

The Matcha Petit ($10.90) layered chantilly, nama chocolate, mousse, sponge, and pistachio feuilletine. We wished there was more of a crunch for that textural contrast and for the pistachio notes to come out stronger.

Matcha Hojicha Tart 4.2/5

Our favourite of the day, the Matcha Hojicha Tart ($10.90), featured a crisp shell filled with intense matcha-hojicha ganache and chewy mochi pieces. The mochi here was a much better fit, and its textures and sweetness were on point.

Hojicha Choux Puff 3.8/5

The Hojicha Choux Puff ($7.50) came with a hojicha mascarpone filling and a tea-infused shell. Though the filling was slightly lighter than expected, it was still enjoyable.

Shiro Matcha Yuzu Basque Cheesecake 4/5

We concluded with the Shiro Matcha Yuzu Basque Cheesecake ($10.90), which featured a rich matcha base accented by a zesty yuzu flavour. While I'd prefer a smoother texture to the cheesecake, it was a satisfying piece that was best for sharing.

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.


Hvala
TripleOne Somerset
111 Somerset Road
#01-10
Singapore 238164
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 930pm

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

Golden Moments Durian Cafe @ Bugis - Durian-themed Afternoon Tea at Its First Flagship Durian Cafe

Golden Moments, renowned for its fresh durian and durian-based desserts (such as its trending durian mooncakes and various durian cakes), has launched its first flagship durian cafe in Bugis, Golden Moments Durian Cafe. The cafe offers both vacuum-packed fresh durians and an expanded menu of durian and non-durian creations.

The Golden Durian Swirl 3.5/5

We began with the highlight, The Golden Durian Swirl ($62), which included four fresh durian pieces (Black Gold Mao Shan Wang and Black Thorn), two Golden Mao Shan Wang QQ, a slice of D24 Strudel, and two beverages.

We were served a Sour Plum Smoothie and Homemade Lemon Tea for our two beverages. We preferred the latter, which was less sweet and more refreshing to complement the sweets.

The fresh durians we had were indeed of good quality.

Between the Golden Mao Shan Wang QQ and D24 Strudel, we leaned towards the strudel, as we preferred a thinner skin on the QQs, though both durian fillings were satisfying.

Signature MSW Durian Bomb 4/5

Next, we sampled more durian desserts, starting with the Signature MSW Durian Bomb ($12 for 3). The crisp cookie-crust puffs were fresh and filled with durian puree, which we wished there was more of for a better ratio.

Pandan MSW Durian Cake 4.2/5

Our favourite durian treat of the day was the Pandan MSW Durian Cake, featuring soft pandan chiffon layered with durian-infused mousse. The mild sweetness and delicate balance stood out, while the crumble topping added a delightful texture.

Golden 3 Hours Crab Noodles 3.8/5

Moving to savoury options, we tried the Golden 3 Hours Crab Noodles ($16.80). The noodles came with prawns, crab balls, and half an egg in a rich crab broth. An extra side of crab meat was provided to enhance the dish, though the flavourful broth could feel heavy quite quickly.

Grilled Chicken Yakitori 3.5/5

For sides, we had the Grilled Chicken Yakitori ($10), which featured pretty tender chicken cubes glazed in a sweet-savoury sauce with mayonnaise.

Mentaiko Bonito Fries 3/5

The Mentaiko Bonito Fries ($10) were decently crisp and substantial, though we found the mentaiko mayonnaise lacking in intensity.

During our visit, we noticed the cafe was slightly understaffed, which caused some delays in order preparation — something to keep in mind if you're in a hurry.

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.


Golden Moments Durian Cafe
779 North Bridge Road
#01-01
Singapore 198747
Tel: +65 8818 8497
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Nearest MRT: Bugis MRT (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk straight down Victoria Street towards Jalan Kubor. Turn right onto Jalan Kubor. Walk straight down Jalan Kubor towards North Bridge Road. Turn left onto North Bridge Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Guerilla Coffee @ Kallang Riverside - Flagship Outlet With An All-Day Menu and An On-site Roastery

Guerilla Coffee, the homegrown speciality coffee concept, has unveiled its flagship outlet at Kallang Riverside, introducing an all-day dining menu. The space highlights the art of coffee, featuring globally sourced beans roasted in small batches onsite and a 'slow' coffee bar where curated filter brews are served. Beyond coffee, the outlet doubles as a hub for community engagement, hosting regular programs and events to enrich the coffee experience.

Guerilla Butterboard 4/5

Guerilla Seasonal Butterboard ($18) was an indulgent offering that showcased house-churned butter generously spread across a wooden board. It was accompanied by seasonal fruits, sourdough, and house-made coffee salt. So decadent was the butter that some diners couldn't resist scraping every bit off the board! However, for the amount of butter on the board, definitely more sides are needed.

Summer Chicken Salad 4.5/5

The Summer Chicken Salad ($18) was a refreshing and zesty dish. It combined a hearty amount of tender shredded chicken with crisp greens, juicy pomelo, and orange slices in a citrusy dressing.

Buttermilk Chicken Waffles with Espresso Maple 3.8/5

A cafe-essential dish but uniquely Guerilla's: Buttermilk Chicken Waffles and Espresso Maple ($20). The buttermilk-marinated chicken is coated in a cereal-style batter, resulting in a perfectly crispy exterior while remaining juicy inside. The accompanying house-made espresso maple syrup lent the dish a dark, complex note while tying it back to Guerilla's coffee expertise.

Tamarind Sea Bass 4/5

The Tamarind Sea Bass ($28) offers a locally sourced fillet. Both sides were well-seared and delighted with a tender and flaky texture. The accompanying tamarind broth was light yet flavourful, with herbaceous and tangy undertones from ginger flower and lime.

Grilled Pork Jowl 4.5/5

The Grilled Pork Jowl is a true crowd-pleaser. With an ideal fat-to-meat ratio, the pork was tender and flavourful with an enjoyable bite, elevated by a tangy Nam Jim Jaew sauce. The sauce cut through the richness of the meat, enhancing its flavours and making it even more appetising. For a more complete experience, house-made brioche is a highly recommended side. Its buttery sweetness provides a delightful contrast, complementing the pork's savoury notes and the sauce's acidity.

Guerilla G2 Tiramisu Deck 4/5

We tried 2 desserts: the Guerilla G2 Tiramisu Deck ($16) and the Walnut Dark Choc Banana Bread with Chantilly Cream ($12). The tiramisu was better executed, with bittersweet Savoiardi biscuits soaked in Guerilla No.2 espresso and Kahlua, achieving a perfectly balanced of sweetness. On the other hand, the banana bread fell short of expectations. Its cloying sweetness overpowered the chocolate and banana flavours, making it more reminiscent of a standard counter-style banana bread rather than an elevated dessert.

Walnut Dark Choc Banana Bread 2.5/5

Guerilla Coffee also avocates the 'slow coffee' movement, a philosophy that promotes mindfulness and a deliberate pace in both brewing and enjoying coffee. There is an on-site roastery to enable the team to source and roast small batches of premium coffee beans globally. In addition, you can even choose from a selection of beans to be roasted on the spot in just 15 minutes, allowing for a highly personalised experience. A 1-hour Auction Coffee Discovery Session ($148) is available for booking if you wish to take your experience up a notch.

Photos and words 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. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Guerilla Coffee
Kallang Riverside
51 Kampong Bugis
#01-03
Singapore 338986
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Nearest MRT: Lavender (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 10am - 5pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 5pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Crawford Street. Turn right onto Crawford Street and walk down Crawford Street. Cross the bridge at Kallang Riverside Park West across the canal. Turn left at Kampong Bugis. Walk down Kampong Bugis to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Momolato @ North Bridge Road - New Halal Dessert Cafe with Gelato, Kunafa Waffle and Savoury Options

Momolato, a halal-certified dessert cafe, has opened its second outlet on North Bridge Road following the success of its first location in Haji Lane. The cafe now offers an expanded menu featuring plated desserts, savoury options, and signature gelato.

The cosy 20-seater has a warm atmosphere and is adorably decorated.

Gelato 3.8/5

Diners will be spoilt for choice at their 24 rotating Gelato flavours display. Scoops start at $5.30, with premium selections available for an additional $1. Unique flavours such as Popcorn Butterscotch and Hibiscus Apple offer intriguing options, although all that we sampled leaned toward the sweeter side.

Warabi Mochi Coffee 3.5/5

From the beverage menu, the Warabi Mochi Coffee caught our eye. The Emerald Beast ($8.50) combines roasted Sicilian pistachio, pistachio milk, espresso, and warabi mochi, while the Shady & Nut ($7.90) features chocolate hazelnut milk, hazelnut bits, espresso, and warabi mochi. All warabi mochi used are homemade.

Sicilian Pistachio Kunafa 4.2/5

A highlight is the newly launched Sicilian Pistachio Kunafa ($21), a plated dessert that pairs a buttermilk waffle with crisp ricotta-mozzarella kuna fa, Sicilian pistachio cream, caramelised banana, torched fig, and pistachio gelato, offering delightful textural contrasts.

Fried Buttermilk Garlic Chicken Waffle 3.8/5

The savoury Fried Buttermilk Garlic Chicken Waffle ($16.90) features buttermilk chicken with truffle cheese sauce and maple honey, though the sauce could benefit from a thicker consistency.

Cheddar Cheese Coin 3/5

It was a pity that our Cheddar Cheese Coin ($6.50) seemed to have less cheese added, which led to the lack of an oozy cheese stretch we were hoping for. Otherwise, the batter itself was buttery and fragrant.

Yellow Fever 3.8/5

The Yellow Fever ($16) blends mango pudding, coconut cream, and mangoes in syrup, topped with coconut gelato, reminiscent of tropical desserts like mango sticky rice and mango sago.

Korean Strawberry Cheesecake 3/5

Fans of mochi can look out for their mochi-centred desserts, such as the Korean Strawberry Cheesecake ($12). It has deep-fried mochi wrapped around Korean strawberry cheesecake gelato and drizzled with strawberry sauce. While the chewy mochi was enjoyable, the drizzle felt overly sweet and slightly artificial. We would also have liked the cheesecake flavour to be more distinct.

Not Plain Jane 3.8/5

Finally, the Not Plain Jane ($12). This thin crepe is filled with fresh vanilla cream and topped with strawberries and French vanilla bean gelato. The sweetness here was well-balanced.

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.


Momolato
723 North Bridge Road
Singapore 198691
Tel: +65 9679 7268
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu, Sun: 11am - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 1am
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk straight down Victoria Street to Jalan Pinang. Turn right onto Jalan Pinang. Walk down Jalan Pinang to North Bridge Road. Turn left onto North Bridge Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]