Beach Road Kitchen @ JW Marriott Singapore South Beach - The Art Of Afternoon Tea in Collaboration with Nespresso

In celebration of Earth Day on 22 April 2022, Beach Road Kitchen at JW Marriott Singapore South Beach has collaborated with Nespresso to launch The Art of Afternoon Tea ($40++ per person). Guests will find Nespresso-centric savoury treats and coffee-infused sweets. The Afternoon Tea is available every Saturday and Sunday 3.30 pm-5.30 pm for April and May 2022.

Before diving right into the main course, enjoy their warm entree of Lobster Bisque and Quiche Lorraine, included in the afternoon tea set.

Indulge in coffee infusion treats such as the Chocolate "Origin Brazil" Duck Rillettes and Foie Gras "Origin Peru Organic" Tart for savouries.

The local favourite kaya toast inspires the Truffle Kaya "Guatemala" Toast. The coffee's elegant bitterness balances the sweetness from the kaya spread.

Another of my favourite is the Lobster Tartare with a crispy charcoal shell and the Salmon Tartare with pesto cone.

The sweets selection was both a visual and sensory pleasure. My favourites include the Vanilla "Origin Guatemala" Coffee Caramel Tart, Latte "Peru Organic" Gateau, and Origin Peru Organic Coffee Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse. The melt in the mouth Origin Peru Organic Coffee Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse stood out for its luscious creaminess, neither too sweet nor bitter.

Coffee-infused sweets include the Raspberry Coffee Praline, which is punchy and robust in its fruity aroma without overpowering the coffee's bittersweet notes.

Take a break from the caffeine loaded treats with the Pistachio Strawberry Swiss Roll and Lemon Almond Gateau, which are equally delicious.

Enjoy the quintessential Scones in plain and tomato flavours, served with clotted cream, lemon curd, and raspberry rose jam. However, we found the scones a tad dry and lacking in the buttery taste.

End the afternoon tea on an even sweeter note with their Softserve Ice Cream with berries. We had the yoghurt flavour, which is superbly creamy and has a nice tangy-sweet flavour.

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.


Beach Road Kitchen
JW Marriott Singapore South Beach
30 Beach Road
Singapore 189763
Tel: +65 68181913
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Esplanade (CC Line)

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

Baker X @ Orchard Central - A Platform For Budding Home-baking Entrepreneurs To Experience A Full-fledged Retail Business

Baker X is a new baking studio and cafe at Orchard Central mall by Far East Organization in Orchard Road. Baker X is unlike any other cafe. It features a line-up of home-based bakers who will take up two to six weeks of residency. It aims to support bakers who wish to explore opening their own full-fledged outlets. Besides savouring the delicious bakes by the different resident home bakers, customers can also have a cup of aromatic coffee by Foreword Coffee Roasters to go with the bakes.

Kicking off the project, the baking studio and cafe welcome White's Bakery as the first resident baker, operating from 20 December 2021 to 9 January 2022. Customers can look forward to having a taste of their signature creamy Basque Cheesecake (large slice from $10 / 6-inch 1kg whole cake from $38) and Korean Fat Macarons (any 6 for $30).

The basque cheesecakes by White's Bakery are rich in flavour yet light in sweetness. There are seven flavours - Original, Matcha, Hojicha, Earl Grey, Taro, Lotus Biscoff Cookie Butter. and Cookies & Cream. We tried a couple of them. The Hojicha is packed with intensive, and the Taro is a unique take of the traditional orh nee. However, my personal favourite is the Cookies & Cream, which is well balanced.

As for the Korean Fat Macarons, they come in a delicate crispy shell. We had the Pistachio, Taro and Cheese. My favourite is the cheese Korean fat macarons as I prefer savoury over sweet. During this festive season, the Korean fat macarons are available in special Christmas flavours, including Peppermint Mocha, Toffee Nut, and Hot Chocolate, inspired by the ever-popular festive drinks created by a famous coffee chain.

Complementing the different bakes from the various resident home bakers are coffee from Foreword Coffee Roasters. This social enterprise aims to provide an inclusive work environment for neurodiverse individuals.

The unique concept allows budding home-baking entrepreneurs a chance to run their operations at a physical outlet at no cost and to scale their production. On the other hand, Far East Organization aims to encourage the entry of new brands to the mall by providing customers with more choices, promoting greater diversity, and enhancing Singapore's retail ecosystem.


Baker X
Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road
#04-29
Singapore 238896
Tel: +65 62381051
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

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

Three Point Two @ Kampong Bahru - Introducing New Durian Delights, Gelato Bun And Craqueline Puffs

Three Point Two at Kampong Bahru is a gelato cafe that offers a range of specially crafted durian delights for durian aficionados. This cafe is the founders' second outlet, following their successful venture Pang Zi Durian at Jurong West. As durian sellers themselves, one can be assured of the quality of durians used in their ice cream and sweet treats.

First-timers visiting Three Point Two may go for Four Heavenly Kings ($16.80), showcasing two D24 Durian Puffs, two MSW Craquelin Puff, two Durian Mochi and one Durian Mousse. Their Durian Mousse ($5.50, additional D24 shot +$1) made quite an impression during my very first visit to Pang Zi Durian. I love the bittersweet dollop of D24 shot atop the mousse, and its sweetness level was quite on point.

The Durian Puffs are like choux pastry. The lightly crisp exterior that comes with an elevated buttery taste complemented the durian mousse. However, for the durian filling, I would prefer more flesh in it for better textural contrast.

The Mochi was all right. The highlight goes to the MSW Craquelin Puff that has a very indulgent buttery, sugary crust.

Waffle is also on the menu to pair with your gelatos. However, for a more interesting experience, or even a more delicious one, in my opinion, go for its Gelato Bun ($4). It is like a blown-up version of the Craquelin Puff that gives twice the pleasure of eating it. We had ours with Pistachio gelato, seemingly quite popular among its regulars.

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.


Three Point Two
85 Kampong Bahru Road
Singapore 169380
Tel: +65 83669952
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Outram Park (NE Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun: 12pm - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 2am

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 5. Walk to New Bridge Road. Left turn and walk down New Bridge Road. Continue onto Kampong Bahru Road. Walk to the row of shophouses along Kampong Bahru Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Blu Kouzina @ Siglap - Greek-style Breakfast In An Idyllic Setting

Blu Kouzina at Dempsey has been known for its authentic Greek cuisine for the past decade. Its latest outlet at Siglap now even includes a breakfast menu, allowing customers to enjoy a full-fledged Greek dining experience any time of the day. It opens as early as 730am on the weekend!

It is such a great place to be before the day begins with its idyllic island-inspired setting. I was lucky to visit on a weekday morning, where I got to enjoy its serenity before it got disturbed by the buzz of chatter from the afternoon crowd.

Greek Breakfast 4.5/5

The biggest drawn of its Breakfast Menu is its Greek Selection. We had the Greek Breakfast ($22) that comes with a choice of coffee or tea, alongside a Spinach Pie ($9.50) and Lamb Sausage Roll ($11.50). The Greek Breakfast was wholesome with a slab of feta cheese, two perfectly done hardboiled eggs with a slight oozy yolk, tomatoes, fried bread, olives, a generous portion of yoghurt, a handful of walnuts and a serving of honey.

I amped up my Greek Breakfast with a few Add ons - Crispy Kale ($2), Roasted Potatoes ($3), and Spinach ($2). The Roasted Potatoes is not your usual kind but are marinated with lemon before roasting to give it a touch of tanginess.

Spinach Pie 4.2/5

Rarely you will get a good Spinach Pie loaded with spinach and feta cheese filling. The pie is incredibly yummy with a thin, buttery and flaky crust made with phyllo pastry.

Lamb Sausage Roll 3.8/5

The highly recommended Lamb Sausage Roll ($11.50) comes with homemade sausage. The lamb sausage was tender and juicy, and the rich tomato sauce complemented it excellently.

Homemade Granola 4/5

Every place has its recipe for homemade granola. You will probably crave its Homemade Granola ($8) if it is your kind of breakfast. The granola wasn't too sweet, and the generous portion of yoghurt and honey dolloped over the granola was pleasingly satiable.

Lemon Verbena Tea

Greek Coffee

The regular coffees are great but do try the specialities such as the Greek Coffee and a range of tea imported from Greece.

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.


Blu Kouzina Siglap
907 East Coast Road
#01-01
Singapore 459107
Tel: +65 91010681/ 91010682
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed - Mon: 830am - 10pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to Bedok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 84009). Take bus number 16. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 25 minutes. [Map]

Suzuki Cafe and Roastery @ Chin Bee Ave (Boon Lay) - A Hidden Japanese-Style Wooden Teahouse Cafe In The West

Having stayed in the West for more than five years, I didn't even know the existence of Suzuki Cafe and Roastery at Chin Been Ave. The cafe is hidden in an industrial area at Boon Lay. It probably caught the attention of social media when it revamped the place, spotting a Japanese wooden teahouse interior. It seems to work, attracting and creating more awareness for the cafe. In fact, Suzuki Gourment Coffee has been around since 1979, and it is one of Singapore's oldest coffee roastery.

Unlike other cafes, Suzuki Cafe does not serve food. It only offers a variety of coffee, matcha latte and hojicha latte. It also uses Hokkaido milk for a creamier and more full-body finish. The coffee is rather pricey here, costing double what you get in other cafes, around $7-$8.

The drinks come in a wooden tray with a piece of Lotus Biscuit. Though I enjoyed my Flat White with Hokkaido Milk ($8), I was disappointed that the coffee comes in a plastic takeaway cup for the price I paid. 

While Suzuki Cafe is not easily accessible by public transport, I like the chill and relax vibe. It felt like being transported to a cafe in a small town in Japan. Time seems to pass slowly as I enjoy my cup of coffee in a cafe filled with the coffee's aroma.


Suzuki Cafe and Roastery
8 Chin Bee Ave
Singapore 619932
Tel: +65 62663933
Website
Nearest MRT: Boon Lay (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 10am - 5pm
Sat-Sun: 10am - 4pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction: 
1) Alight at Boon Lay MRT station. Take Exit C, D or E. Walk to Boon Lay Bus Interchange (Stop ID 22009). Take bus number 79. Alight 5 stops later. Walk to destination, Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

Coexist Coffee Co @ Hillview Terrace - New Hidden Cafe In The West On The Rooftop Of An Industrial Building

Who would ever guess someone will open a cafe located on the rooftop of an industrial building in the West of Singapore? Coexist Coffee Co is located at Hillview Terrace. Take the lift to the seventh floor and take the staircase to the eighth floor to reach the cafe.

DDeck in white and red tiles, the interior is quite bare and straightforward, giving the cafe a spacious feel. The eye-catching piece of furniture would be the suspending stone table extending out from the counter.

White with Oat Milk

At a glance at the cups for our White With Oat Milk ($6), you may think the cafe uses plastic cups for the coffee. I don't blame you; that was my initial impression until I lift the cup to sip my coffee. Oh, it is heavy. It is not plastic but porcelain.

Steak & Eggs 3/5

The menu at Coexist Coffee Co is quite extensive. We tried both the Steak & Eggs ($26) and Sambal Fish and Chips ($20) from the menu. Both dishes were served about half an hour apart, with many tables checking on their orders and staff going around apologising for the wait. The kitchen is slow in dishing out the food. Hopefully, they can sort out the operation as the delay is ready too long.

Back to the food, the Steak & Eggs is quite average. While it is cooked to the correct doneness, the meat is rather tough in texture. There are no sauces, lightly seasoned to enjoy the beef's natural flavour. While we manage to finish the steak, we didn't touch the salad because the dressing is too sour and acidic.

Sambal Fish and Chips 3.8/5

The same very sour and acidic dressing is used in the salad for the Sambal Fish and Chips ($20). The fish tasted much better than the steak. The batter is light and crispy. The fish itself is fresh, not those frozen types, complemented by the sambal, which is not spicy.

As the cafe is only on its second day during my visit, we have to excuse the operation. I think the concept has potential, but they need time to fine-tune and smooth out their operations.


Coexist Coffee Co
Hillview Building
48 Hillview Terrace
#08-00
Singapore 669269
Nearest MRT: Bukit Batok (NS Line), Hillview (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 9am - 7pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Hillview MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to the traffic junction of Hillview Road and Upper Bukit Timah Road. Cross the road. Walk to bus stop opposite Glendale Park Condominium (Stop ID 43279).Take bus number 176, 177, 653 or 963. Alight 5 stops later. Cross the road to Hillview Terrace. Walk down Hillview Terrace. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bukit Batok MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to Bukit Batok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 43009). Take bus number 177. Alight 3 stops later. Walk down Hillview Ave to Hillview Terrace. Turn right onto Hillview Terrace. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]