ToMo Cafe @ Upper Thomson - Popular Joo Chiat Cafe with Insta-Worthy Specialty Drinks Opens New Outlet in Upper Thomson

ToMo Cafe opened its third outlet at Upper Thomson on 8 October 2024, following its success in Joo Chiat and Neil Road with popular, Instagram-worthy drinks and hearty, Japanese-style food.

This new location will introduce outlet-exclusive dishes, including rice bowls and handcrafted burgers.

To celebrate its opening, the first 100 customers in October will receive a free cloud drink, with November offering free ‘chuffles’ to the first 100 diners. Both promotions are valid with any purchase made.

Iced Houjicha Goma Cloud Latte 4.2/5

From their list of speciality drinks, I was immediately attracted to the Iced Houjicha Goma Cloud Latte ($8), which combines a slightly nutty base of houjicha and a creamy, rich layer of black sesame cloud cream. I thoroughly enjoyed this combination, but it's best enjoyed quickly.

Iced Matcha Strawberry Cloud Latte 4/5

The Iced Matcha Strawberry Cloud Latte ($8) is another crowd favourite, combining matcha and a base of strawberry bits, topped with dairy-free strawberry cream. This was earthy and sweet. Other matcha options include the Iced Matcha Cloud Latte ($8) with sea salt dairy-free cream and the Kagoshima Matcha Latte ($7).

Yuzuri Apple Fresca 3.8/5

For a refreshing non-coffee option, try the sparkling Yuzuri Apple Fresca ($7), made with Aomori apple, yuzu, and cherry blossom extract.

Tako Karaage 4/5

Starting with the Tako Karaage ($12), we enjoyed crunchy, battered octopus chunks paired with a tangy yuzu kosho mayo. Though the chunks could be more evenly battered, we still found it pretty addictive. The substantial portion is also great for sharing.

Grilled Tiger Prawn Capellini 4/5

The cafe staff highly recommended the Grilled Tiger Prawn Capellini ($22). The hefty portion of capellini was tossed in a savoury mentaiko mayo sauce and topped with grilled prawns, ebiko and seaweed. I would recommend this as a sharing dish as the richness may get too heavy for one.

Fish and Chip Burger 3.5/5

The Fish and Chip Burger offered a crispy tempura dory fillet with sour cream tartar, lettuce, and tomato. Unfortunately, the shoestring fries were undercooked during our visit, but we understand it was an issue with the fryer, which will be quickly fixed.

Homemade Tiramisu 3.8/5

For sweets, we decided on ToMo's Homemade Tiramisu ($9), which has a jar of espresso-infused ladyfingers layered with homemade mascarpone cream. You can enhance it with a shot of Baileys or Kahlua for an extra $4.

We appreciated the openness of the kitchen staff to feedback and look forward to seeing improvements once the cafe officially opens its doors.

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.


ToMo Cafe
185 Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574333
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Nearest MRT: Upper Thomson (TE Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Upper Thomson MRT station. Take Exit 5. Turn left and walk down Upper Thomson Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Puzzle Coffee @ Dempsey Hill - Cafe from Melbourne Opens Flagship Outlet With An All-Day Menu

Puzzle Coffee at Dempsey Hill, the brand's flagship and second outlet in Singapore, introduces a new all-day menu showcasing a mix of local and international flavours.

Reuben Toastie 4/5

One of the standout dishes is the Reuben Toastie ($20), a substantial sandwich filled with house-prepared beef brisket, tangy sauerkraut, and rich Gruyère cheese, all held together with light rye sourdough. The spread of Dijon mustard adds a great balance to the richness, though some pieces of the beef were overly chewy, which detracted from the overall enjoyment.

Chia Seed Pudding 2.5/5

The Chia Seed Pudding ($17) impressed me with its presentation, reminiscent of what I have had in Melbourne. The pudding is made by infusing almond milk with chai tea leaves and blended with chia seeds and pitted dates. However, the almond milk, being quite thin, didn't allow the chia seeds to bloom into the desired pudding texture. There wasn't much taste or flavour coming through from the pudding other than a hint of sweetness. It would have benefited from a richer base, like coconut cream or yoghurt, to have a better pudding texture and a taste that complements the tropical dragonfruit sorbet and fresh fruit topping.

Buttermilk Pancakes 4.2/5

The Buttermilk Pancakes ($25) were well-executed, with a nicely brown exterior and fluffy interior. The layer of creamy and citrusy cheesecake mousse and whipped cream atop was a boast to the texture, made moreish with sweet and tart mixed berry compote spread between the pancakes.

Chilli Scramble Eggs 4.5/5

Amongst the various versions of Chilli Scramble Eggs I had tried this year, this Chilli Scrambled Eggs ($26) stood out with its in-house chilli jam spread. Gorgeously yellow scrambled eggs on grilled sourdough, the jam, crafted from fresh tomatoes, chilli peppers, and spices, provided a fruity and sweet contrast. The sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese added a creamy and savoury element, but the diced jalapeños were a bit too assertive for the dish.

Prawn Linguine 4.5/5

The Prawn Linguine ($30) was delicious, with perfectly cooked, succulent prawns that had an almost creamy texture. The al dente pasta was tossed in a sauce made from slow-cooked capers, chilli, dill, and cherry tomatoes, with a touch of white wine and butter to finish.

Thai Mango Salad 3.5/5

The Thai Mango Salad ($24), a milder version of the classic som tam, was tasty but lacked the punch one might expect, and at this price point, there are wiser options on the menu.

Brown Sugar Boba Cake 2/5, Matcha Lava Cake 2/5, Cold-Drip Tiramisu 4/5

For desserts, we tried the Brown Sugar Boba Cake ($21), Matcha Lava Cake ($22), and Cold-Drip Tiramisu ($21), and they were rather mediocre compared to the mains. The boba pearls for the cake were tough, and the matcha lava cake, while texturally good, was overwhelmingly sweet with occasional chocolatey notes. The tiramisu, with its layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, Kahlua, and Marsala wine, was the best of the trio, offering a good balance of bitterness and sweetness. Still, you might be better off opting for pancakes or pastries for desserts at these prices.

Strawberry Matcha

As for beverages, beyond their coffee offerings, the Strawberry Matcha (from $6.50) is worth trying if you're in the mood for something different.

To celebrate its opening, Puzzle Coffee at Dempsey Hill offers two promotions from 30 September to 13 October 2024.
1. Buy one-get-one free for all coffee and iced drinks
2. 10% off all food items

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.


Puzzle Coffee
Dempsey Hill
71 Loewen Road
#01-02
Singapore 248846
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Nearest MRT: Napier (TE Line)

Operating Hours:
Daily: 8am - 6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Napier MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to bus stop at Napier MRT station (Stop ID 13011). Take bus numbe 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123, and 174. Alight 2 stops later. Walk up the hill to block 26, and make your way to Harding Road. Continue on Harding Road and turn right onto Loewen Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

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]

Good Chai People @ East Coast Road - Singapore First Chai Specialty Cafe In Katong

Located in Katong, Good Chai People is Singapore's first Chai Cafe that puts a spotlight on handmade artisanal sticky chai, served along with hearty brunch and mains. The 60-seater cafe is tastefully designed to allow customers to enjoy a comforting cup of chai in a cosy and homely space.

Sticky Chai Latte 3.8/5, Hoji-Chai Latte 3.8/5

With a total of 11 iterations of chai, we were spoilt for choice. The Sticky Chai Latte ($8) features a soothing blend of Ceylon OPA leaves, oat milk, coconut sugar and cinnamon, while the Hoji-Chai Latte ($8) has subtle notes from the Japanese roasted tea, which paired well with the chai aroma. However, the chai flavour in both cups was not as intense as I would have liked and could be stronger. Oat milk and coconut sugar are used in the chai drinks to be more inclusive, vegan-friendly, and more considerate towards customers who are lactose-intolerant.

Burnt Brussels Sprouts 4.2/5

The Burnt Brussels Sprouts ($16) was an addictive side. The yuzu sesame drizzle provided a refreshing tanginess to the dish, which cut through the bitterness of the brussels sprouts. It is also topped with nori and sesame seeds for some added flavour.

Mommy's Spinach 4/5

The Mommy's Spinach ($12) is an elevated take on the creamed spinach. It comes in a comforting mix of Gruyère cheese, bechamel sauce, and brown butter, with fried eggs atop. You can also add $2 for additional sourdough toasts to dip in.

24-Hr Beef Brisket 4.5/5

One of our favourite dishes is the 24-Hr Beef Brisket ($20). The beef brisket is well-marinated and tender and comes with two perfectly oozy poached eggs, tangy toasted sourdough, confit baby potatoes, and hand-cut potato chips.

Prawn & Chorizo Aglio Olio 4.2/5

The Prawn & Chorizo Aglio Olio ($22) comprises perfectly al-dente pasta tossed in umami prawn head butter and paired with char-grilled tiger prawns and savoury chorizo strips. The dish comes with a strong fiery kick, suitable for those who like their aglio olio extra spicy.

French Toast 4/5

We enjoyed the gorgeous French Toast ($20), which tasted as good as it looked, featuring a thick Brioche French toast sandwiched in layers of tangy berry compote and peanut butter, topped with whipped cream cheese, and a maple thyme drizzle.

Words and photos 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.


[CLOSED]
Good Chai People
225 East Coast Road
Singapore 428922
Tel: +65 97835757
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Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 6pm

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

Ms Durian @ Jalan Besar - New Standalone Bakery And Cafe Specialising In All Things Durian

If you are a durian fan, Ms Durian is a bakery and cafe you will definitely want to look out for. The team started with a small shop at Potong Pasir in 2019 before expanding to this new space at Jalan Besar in February. Their new standalone space has indoor and outdoor seating and offers diners freshly made items of all things durian.

Apart from their signature sweets, Ms Durian has also launched a new variety of savoury dishes with mains such as Pan-seared Salmon ($29) and Smoked Duck Eggs Benny ($22), as well as sharing dishes like Fried Cheese ($18) and Grilled White Corn ($12).

Mao Shan Wang Durian High Tea Set

One of Ms Durian's signatures is their Mao Shan Wang Durian High Tea Set ($45/pax). Two high tea sessions are daily, at 1pm and 3pm. Each set has four desserts, three savoury items, and a tea pairing. Do note that it is mandatory for each person at the same table to order a set each. We sampled a few items from the set, starting from the top with the ones with the least durian intensity before the stronger ones after. First was the Fried Durian. This bite had a rich durian filling with coconut sauce to pair with it. Next was the Durian Craquelin, a mini version of one of their best-selling creations. We loved the crisp and light outer layer, paired with a sweet durian centre.

We then moved on to the Durian Macaron, which had a soft and chewy shell, before finishing with the Durian Cheese Mousse that came topped with brown butter crumble. I would have liked a stronger cheese mousse here for contrast; otherwise, it was a pleasant dessert.

Durian Ice Blended 4/5

The Durian Ice Blended ($10.50) is a new introduction to their beverage list. You can have it two ways - the first is as it is served, while the second is being paired with grounded white sesame. I thought it could be blended more smoothly, and the addition of white sesame was negligible, but we enjoyed how it was rich yet not overwhelmingly sweet. It works well in satisfying the durian craving and doesn't leave you feeling heaty after finishing the whole glass.

Durian Coffee 4.2/5

Each bottle of Durian Coffee ($12.50) is made to order, done with a combination of creamy latte and durian. The espresso notes hit strongly initially, while the durian notes come in at the end. The team worked on attaining a well-balanced ratio here.

Creme Brulee with Mao Shan Wang Durian Ice Cream 3/5

Ms Durian offers a couple of plated desserts, including the Creme Brulee with Mao Shan Wang Durian Ice Cream ($18.50). While we enjoyed the rich, creamy ice cream and crunchy macadamia nut brittle, we found the vanilla essence too strong in the custard and the torched sugar layer too thick. The team was very open to feedback, so we look forward to an improved version!

Mao Shan Wang Durian Tiramisu 4/5

Made with freshly pulled espresso and an additional touch of rum, Ms Durian's Mao Shan Wang Durian Tiramisu ($18.50) is intentionally kept more bitter. We liked the intensity of the coffee and its contrasting pairing with the thick and sweet durian mousse. The ladyfingers were of a harder texture, which would be better if they were soaked further for a softer texture.

Whisky Mao Shan Wang Durian Cake 4.5/5

The Whisky Mao Shan Wang Durian Cake ($14.50) features a triple-layered Mao Shan Wang durian between whisky-infused sponge cake, topped with meringue. The whisky leaves a subtle whiff, while the crisp meringue gives a complementary touch of sweetness. The durian was rich but not too sweet, which we greatly enjoyed.

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.


Ms Durian
11 Kelantan Road
Singapore 208604
Tel: +65 69620057
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Nearest MRT: Jalan Besar MRT (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Thu: 9am - 6pm
Fri-Sun: 9am - 10pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Jalan Besar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right and walk down Jalan Besar Road towards Kelantan Road. Turn right onto Kelantan Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

TEN+ @ Sungei Tengah Rd - Singapore’s First Safari-Themed Bistro Offers Camp-like Dining Experience With Western Eastern Fare

Nestled along Sungei Tengah Road near Choa Chu Kang, Ten+ is Singapore's first safari-themed bistro that simulates what dining in nature feels like — but with a beautiful twist. Other than a menu that encompasses the best of both Western and Eastern cuisines and self-grilled barbecue, Ten+ also offers a variety of booze, such as beers on tap for diners to unwind and enjoy.

Purple Sweet Potato Latte 3.5/5, Smoked Oak Mocha 4/5

We started our brunch with the Purple Sweet Potato Latte ($6) and Smoked Oak Mocha ($6). While the former does not have much of a Sweet Potato taste, we enjoyed the latter for its smoky aroma and distinct bittersweet notes.

Creamy Egg Mayo Croissant 3/5

The Creamy Egg Mayo Croissant ($16) comes with a flaky croissant filled with creamy egg mayo fillings. However, the egg mayo felt too underseasoned and bland, while the croissant needed more fluffiness.

Torched Aburi Prawn Pasta 3.5/5

The Torched Aburi Prawn Pasta ($23) features al dente linguine in prawn bisque, topped with prawns and tobiko. The prawn bisque could be richer in flavours, as it felt a tad watered down.

Flame Grilled Angus Burger 4/5

The Flame Grilled Angus Burger ($23) comes with a tender, juicy US Angus beef patty grilled to a nice medium rare and maple bacon sandwiched between two fluffy buns and a side of crispy curly fries.

Battered Fish Bites 3.8/5

They offer Heineken towers and craft bottled beers for those seeking to chill and unwind over drinks with friends. Pair the booze with their variety of bar bites, including the Battered Fish Bites ($14), which comes in a generous portion of bite-sized crispy fried fish paired perfectly with mayo sauce.

Words and photos 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.


TEN+
65 Sungei Tengah Road
Singapore 699000
Tel: +65 86568685
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Nearest MRT: Choa Chu Kang (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun: 11am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Choa Chu Kang MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop opposite Choa Chu Kang MRT station (Stop ID 44531). Take bus number 975. Alight 7 stops later. Cross the road and turn right towards Sungei Tengah Road. Turn left onto Sungei Tengah Road. Take the left of Sungei Tengah Road at the first fork. Take the right of sungei Tengah Road at the second fork. Walk to destination. Journey time about 30 minutes. [Map]