Eden Cafe @ Jurong Lake Garden (Chinese Garden) - A Beautiful Cafe Surround by Lush Greenery with Room for Improvement in its Food

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, I visited the Chinese Garden to soak in the festive atmosphere with the stunning lantern displays and the Cloud Pagoda light show. Amidst the scenic surroundings, I decided to check out the newly opened Eden Cafe, located just beside the Cloud Pagoda. The café, with its picturesque location, seemed like the perfect pit stop to unwind and escape the heat.

Ice White 4/5 and Matcha Latte 3.8/5

Given the sweltering afternoon heat, my companion and I opted to sit indoors in the air-conditioned section of the café, which was a welcomed relief from the sun. We ordered the Ice White ($7), which uses coffee beans from Dutch Colony, and a Matcha Latte ($7.50) for drinks. The coffee was smooth and balanced, with a satisfying hit of caffeine to refresh us for the rest of the day. Meanwhile, the matcha latte was decent, offering a slight bitterness from the matcha that contrasted nicely with the milk. However, it could have benefited from a richer, more robust matcha flavour.

Rendang Burger 3/5

For food, we started with the Rendang Burger ($20). The burger featured a juicy beef patty layered with rendang sauce, a fried egg, tomato, and arugula, all sandwiched between charcoal buns. The burger was served with a side of fries and achar, a nod to the local palate. Unfortunately, the rendang sauce didn't quite hit the mark for me. While the beef patty was cooked well, the rendang's flavour didn't complement it. The sauce lacked the rich, deep spiced profile typical of a good rendang, making the overall dish feel disjointed. Some tweaking could certainly improve the flavour harmony here.

Singaporean Har Cheong Gai Waffles 3/5

Next up was the Singaporean Har Cheong Gai Waffles ($22), which had potential but ultimately fell short. The Har Cheong Gai (prawn paste chicken) itself was excellent — juicy, flavourful, and fried to a crispy perfection. However, the waffles didn't hold up their end of the dish. They lacked the expected light, airy texture, and there was an absence of buttery flavour. A crisp exterior with a fluffy inside is what makes a great waffle, but here, they were somewhat flat and lacklustre, making it a disappointing pairing with the well-executed chicken.

While the ambience of Eden Cafe is undeniably beautiful, with its tranquil garden surroundings and cosy indoor setting, the food didn't quite live up to expectations. The Rendang Burger needed a more robust, more cohesive flavour profile, and the waffles in the Har Cheong Gai dish could benefit from a serious texture and flavour upgrade. That said, the drinks were refreshing and well-crafted, especially on a hot day.

Eden Cafe is still relatively new, and with some adjustments in the kitchen, it will have the potential to be a dining destination that matches the serene beauty of its location. For now, the café offers a nice respite for visitors exploring the Chinese Garden, but I hope to see some improvements in their menu to make it a spot truly worth visiting.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Eden Cafe
Jurong Lake Garden (Chinese Garden)
70B Yuan Ching Road
#01-04
Singapore 619629
Tel: +65 98630516
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Nearest MRT: Chinese Garden (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 8am - 8pm
Fri-Sat: 8am - 9pm

Direction:
1. Alight at Chinese Garden MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Lucine by LUNA @ Somerset - Popular Cafe With Intricate Entremets Now Serve Hot Savouries

Lucine by LUNA, the new cafe opened by the popular homegrown patisserie LUNA, has made its debut at 111 Somerset, offering an expanded menu that includes exclusive hot savouries and unique flavoured lattes.

Much like their flagship on Amoy Street, Lucine continues to serve the intricately crafted cakes and pastries that have made LUNA a favourite among dessert lovers and cafe-goers.

Tiramisu Latte 4.2/5

The Tiramisu Latte ($8.50) is a standout on the drink menu, which pleasantly surprised us with its balanced sweetness. Unlike many overly sweet-flavoured lattes, this one was creamy and came with a ladyfinger for dipping into the latte.

Black Sesame Latte 4/5

We also tried the Black Sesame Latte ($8.50) but felt that the black sesame flavour could have been more pronounced.

Eggplant Salad 4/5

On the savoury side, we started with the Eggplant Salad ($12.90). The highlight of this dish was the panko-crusted eggplant fritters, which were crunchy and well-seasoned. The base of mixed lettuce, baby spinach, hard-boiled egg, cherry tomatoes and onions was dressed with roasted red capsicum dressing.

All Day Breakfast 2.8/5

The All Day Breakfast (from $8.90) was a customisable option that started with scrambled eggs, toasted sourdough, and salad greens. Unfortunately, it didn't impress us as much as we had hoped, as the sourdough was thin, and the scrambled eggs lacked creaminess. We also had add-ons of Tater Tots ($2), Creamed Spinach ($3.90) and Sauteed Garlic Mushrooms ($3.90) as sides, but they fell short of expectations.

Spam & Cheese 4.2/5

We were more impressed by the Spam & Cheese Sandwich ($10.90), which featured thick-cut chicken spam and cheddar, served between toasted brioche. The crisp crust on the fried spam and a tangy sriracha mayo added just the right amount of tangy heat. Each sandwich is accompanied by a side of mixed greens.

Pistachio Roulade 4.5/5

Of course, LUNA's handcrafted entremets were the highlight of the visit. The Pistachio Roulade ($8.80) was a personal favourite, featuring a soft pistachio chiffon sponge layered with nutty pistachio cream and a tangy raspberry compote.

Blossom 4.2/5

The Blossom ($8.50) is an excellent choice for something more refreshing. This dessert offers subtle sweetness and a floral fragrance, combining strawberry elderflower yoghurt mousse, strawberry curd and compote, rose sponge, and feuilletine crunch.

Citrus Tart 4.2/5

If you're in the mood for a bright and tangy dessert, the Citrus Tart ($8.50) won't disappoint. With its tangy lime curd, orange confit, and vanilla sponge all nestled in a vanilla tart shell and topped with chantilly cream, it provided a well-balanced and zesty finish to our meal.

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.


Lucine by LUNA
TripleOne Somerset
111 Somerset Road
#01-06
Singapore 238164
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 9.30am - 6.30pm
Sat-Sun: 9.30am - 9pm
Sun: 9.30am - 7.30pm

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

Tims Signature @ Somerset - Iconic Canadian Coffee Chain Opens New Elevated Concept in Town

Tim Hortons, the iconic Canadian coffee chain, has quickly expanded its presence in Singapore. It now boasts six locations since its debut in November last year. Their latest venture, Tims Signature, introduces a unique and elevated coffee experience in the heart of town at 313@Somerset. This new concept store offers exclusive menu items and focuses on artisanal coffee brewing.

The store takes the space right across Garrett Popcorn and Marché Mövenpick on the mall’s first floor. You will see it once you enter the mall’s side entrance if you’re walking in from Orchard.

The store takes the space across Garrett Popcorn and Marché Mövenpick on the mall's first floor. You will see it once you enter the mall's side entrance if you're walking in from Orchard. Coffee enthusiasts can sit at their new Coffee Craft Bar and opt for three speciality brewing methods. It includes the V60 Pour Over ($7), Chemex Pour Over ($7) and Kyoto Drip ($7.50) cold brews. Skilled baristas will be around to take customers through the brewing process.

Maple Cinnamon Latte

In addition to these speciality brews, Tims Signature also offers the brand's classic beverages. The Maple Cinnamon Latte (from $7 for Small) is a signature made with Tims' signature espresso blend.

Maple French Vanilla Iced Capp

The Maple French Vanilla Iced Capp (from $7.50 for Small) is a popular choice for something sweeter. For all beverages under its Iced Capp series, diners can request complimentary plant-based whipped cream and a syrup drizzle to finish.

Maple Glazed Chicken Ham & Cheese 4/5

Aside from beverages, the menu also features a selection of food items, including the Sourdough Melts series. We tried the Maple Glazed Chicken Ham & Cheese ($9.90), which, while not particularly extraordinary, was a comforting and no-frills choice. I wished there was a more distinct sourdough tang, but the bread was soft with a chew.

Pesto & Mozzarella 3.5/5

The Pesto & Mozzarella ($9.90) sandwich was another option we had. I would have preferred a stronger pesto flavour to pair with the oozy cheese.

Truffle Chicken Carbonara 3.5/5

The range of Pasta Bakes is another exclusive to Tims Signature. We tried the Truffle Chicken Carbonara ($9.90), served sizzling hot with a generous amount of shredded chicken and melted cheese. Unfortunately, the macaroni was a bit dry.

Classic Aglio Olio 3.5/5

Go for the Classic Aglio Olio ($9.90) if you are looking for a vegetarian option. It was more savoury, without the expected spice of an aglio olio.

No visit to Tim Hortons is complete without indulging in their range of sweets. Tims Signature features a display counter filled with popular items like donuts, Timbits, tarts, and muffins.

Timbit

"Timbits" are bite-sized portions of Tim Hortons' donuts. They come in a variety of flavours but tend to be denser than their full-sized donuts. Personally, I'd recommend opting for the donuts over the Timbits.

Donuts here are generously glazed and filled, which also lean to be much sweeter. Two exclusive donut flavours are the Belgian Chocolate Cruller ($4.90) and Maple Crumble Apple Fritter ($4.90). Among those we tried, we preferred the latter and the Maple Salted Caramel donut.

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.


Tims Signature
313@Somerset
313 Orchard Road
#01-29
Singapore 238895
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Nearest MRT: Somerset MRT (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 9pm

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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]

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hojicha Latte 3.8/5

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

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.

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]