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]

The Marmalade Pantry @ Anchorpoint Shopping Centre - New Weekend Brunch Menu Selection

The Marmalade Pantry has recently launched a brand new brunch menu, available only on weekends.

Whipped Feta Brulee 2.8/5

First, jazzing up the brunch experience is a sharing starter – Whipped Feta Brulee ($18). This dish features a creamy blend of whipped feta and cream cheese with a caramelised crust textured with pomegranate seeds, pistachios, and dates. Served with sourdough crostini, it's akin to a mezze. It would have been more enjoyable with a higher ratio of feta, as I found the sweetness of the dip a tad cloying towards the end.

Crab & Chilli Scramble 3/5

We had the Crab & Chilli Scramble ($30) and Beef & Potatoes ($30) for mains. The first featured scrambled free-range eggs infused with homemade chilli jam and paired with poached lump crab meat. The crab meat was meaty and had a pleasant, sweet taste. The eggs were delightfully fluffy, but the sweet chilli jam made the dish's overall taste a tad on the sweeter side rather than injecting that expected depth of heat or flavour.

Beef & Potatoes 4.2/5

On the other hand, Beef & Potatoes ($30) stood out with its tender 150-day grain-fed Australian beef brisket, served with a savoury white bean puree contrasted with sweet roasted grapes. The dish was completed with chunks of fluffy roasted potatoes, creating a well-balanced and hearty main course.

Skillet Pancake 3/5

For something sweet, the Skillet Pancake ($24) features a pancake prepared à la minute and served with berry blossom jam, Chantilly cream, and fresh berries sprinkled with crunchy granola mix. The light cream and tart jam were both delicious and their portions definitely can be more generous given the size of the pancake. The pancake resembled an airy sponge cake more than a pancake, but overall it was a delectable sweet weekend treat.

The new brunch menu selection can be enjoyed for dine-in at The Marmalade Pantry Anchorpoint from 11 am to 5 pm, the Novena and Downtown outlets from 11:30 am to 5 pm, takeaway (self-collection), and delivery with orders made online.

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.


The Marmalade Pantry
Anchorpoint
370 Alexandra Road
#01-23/24/25/35/36
Singapore 159953
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Nearest MRT: Queenstown (EW Line), Redhill (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Redhill MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road, walk to bus stop opposite Redhill MRT (Stop ID 10201). Take bus number 33 or 120. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]


2) Alight at Queenstown MRT station. Take Exit B or C. Walk to bus stop at Queenstown MRT station (Stop ID 11149). Take bus number 195. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Three Buns Quayside @ Robertson Quay - For Weekends Brunches, Award-Winning Burgers and Cocktails by Potato Head Family

Nestled in the vibrant Robertson Quay of Singapore is Three Buns Quayside. This trendy eatery offers a menu that goes beyond the ordinary, featuring a mouthwatering selection of gourmet burgers crafted from the finest ingredients. The chic and welcoming ambience, paired with a carefully curated cocktail menu, makes Three Buns the perfect place to unwind with friends or enjoy a memorable meal by the scenic riverside.

Aperol Spritz 4/5

Kickstart the meal with their selection of brunch cocktails, or brunchtails, as they called it. One of their standout offerings is the classic Aperol Spritz ($15). This refreshing cocktail is a harmonious blend of bright and zesty flavours, making it an ideal aperitif.

Blueberry Basics 4.5/5

The brunch menu at Three Buns, available every weekend from 10am to 4pm, is a delightful fusion of classic brunch favourites and innovative twists. We tried the Blueberry Basics ($15), which features a generous stack of buttermilk pancakes, each layer light and fluffy, topped with a luscious wild blueberry compote and drizzled with organic grade A maple syrup. The pièce de résistance is the pairing with salted vanilla ice cream, a creamy and slightly savoury contrast that elevates this brunch dish to a level of pure indulgence.

Shrooms with a View 4.2/5

The Shrooms with a View ($18) centres around scrambled free-range eggs prepared to a silky and tofu-like texture, providing a unique and velvety mouthfeel. The eggs are expertly paired with sautéed diced garlic mushrooms, olive oil and zesty tomato salsa to brighten the dish with fresh and tangy notes. All this deliciousness is served atop crispy and chewy toasted sourdough, which provides a delightful contrast in textures.

Chick It Out 4/5

The Chick It Out ($20) features similar creamy scrambled free-range eggs with a unique tofu-like texture. The star of the dish is the twice-cooked sakura boneless chicken thigh that is perfectly tender and juicy. The guacamole, olive oil, and tomato salsa add a creamy, rich, and zesty note, while the crispy toasted sourdough provides a hearty base.

Jason Four Cheese 4.5/5

The Jason Four Cheese ($27) is an indulgent masterpiece for burger enthusiasts. This signature burger boasts a decadent combination of flavours and textures, starting with a double beef patty made from 100g Tasmanian Vintage Beef Patties. What sets it apart is the special blend of four premium cheeses: VSOP Aged Gouda, Cave Aged Cheddar, Brie, and Mozzarella. The blend is expertly cooked down with Brewlander IPA to enhance the cheese infusion, creating a rich and intense cheese sauce that envelops the beef patties. The burger is further layered with double ketchup and three-island mayo, providing tangy and creamy elements that balance the richness of the cheese. All of these mouthwatering components are nestled inside a toasted demi brioche bun. The Jason Four Cheese burger is a flavour explosion that is both rich and intensely flavourful, making it a must-try for those seeking a truly indulgent and satisfying burger experience at Three Buns.

Naughty Fries Jnr. 4/5

The Naughty Fries Jnr. ($10) is a delightful twist on loaded fries. They are generously coated with spiced béarnaise sauce and hot beef chilli, creating a contrast of creaminess and spiciness. The crispy fried shallots (bawang goreng) and Parmesan Reggiano cheese add crunch and richness, while the sesame seeds provide a nutty aroma. These fries have a curved potato chip-like shape perfect for scooping up the generous toppings. This dish is a flavour-packed and satisfying snack, ideal for those craving a combination of textures and bold flavours.

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.


Three Buns Quayside
60 Robertson Quay
Singapore 238252
Tel: +65 69097838
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT, NE Line), Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 5pm - 12midnight
Fri: 12pm - 12midnight
Sat: 10am - 12midnight
Sun: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop opposite State Courts (Stop ID 06171). Take bus number 51 or 186. Alight 1 stop later. Cross the road and walk to Alkaff Bridge. Cross the bridge and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) 1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic junction of Clemenceau Ave and River Valley. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Clemenceau Ave. Turn right onto Unity Street. Then left onto Merbau Road. Walk towards the river. At the river, turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Firangi Superstar @ Craig Road - New Modern-Indian Champagne Brunch

Firangi Superstar at Craig Road has launched the Champagne Superstar experience, a new modern-Indian weekend champagne brunch. In the two and half hour long brunch, diners get to enjoy free-flow champagne together with a delicious selection of modern Indian dishes.

Diners can indulge in limitless Moet & Chandon Brut or Rose, or if it tickles your fancy, step up to Veuve Clicquot La Grand Dame.

The Champagne Superstar has three pricing categories:
- Marvelous: $88++ (Food only)
- Magnificent: $158++ (Food and free flow of selected beverages including Moet & Chandon Brut or Rose)
- Massmajestica: $328 (Food and free flow of selected beverages including Veuve Clicquot La Grand Dame)

To kick start the brunch, you need to choose to find either a Vegetarian or Non-Vegetarian Box. We decided to go for the Non-Vegetarian treasure box. Present in a wooden box, opening it unveils a collection of bite-sized morsels with a gentle Indian touch that is designed to excite.

Look forward to a selection of delicious morsels such as caviar puri, truffle puri, Mangalore banana buns, Seekh sausage roll, Semolina cake, Mushroom tart, Masala donut and Pepper fry croissant.

Served alongside the wooden box of bite size morsels are Avocado Kulcha and Kale Kachumber. 

If you think that is all, you are wrong! The treasure box of bite-size morsels is just only the starters. Next is the Mains, whereby you are given four options - Akuri, Prata Waffle, Fish & Chips and Baked Eggs.

The Akuri is a hearty breakfast platter of masala scrambled eggs, tomatoes and pav. The Prata Waffle is a modern take on the chicken waffle with Madras Fried Chicken and prata. Lastly, the Fish & Chips comes with Amritsari snapper with gunpowder fries.

Complete your brunch with a sweet ending with an array of desserts. Among the spread are several cake selections such as Carrot Cake, Red Velvet Peanut Cake, Oreo Cheese Cake, Honey Rum Chocolate Cake and Swiss Roll.

For something lighter, you can go for the Cinnamon Ginger Cookie or Masala Chai Eclair.

Overall, I enjoyed the Champagne Superstar experience a lot. It brings a new and unique modern Indian champagne brunch experience which sets it apart from the rest.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Firangi Superstar
20 Craig Road
#01-03
Singapore 089692
Tel: +65 63043022
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
Sat: 530pm - 103pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road. Walk to Craig Road. Turn left and walk down Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Turn righ and walk to Neil Road. Cross Neil Road. Walk to Duxton Road. Turn right onto Duxton Hill. Walk to Craig Place. Cut through Craig Place to Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

SIRI HOUSE @ Dempsey - Launches New Weekend Brunch And Brunch Cocktails

SIRI HOUSE at Dempsey is known for its modern Asian cuisine. Making full use of its tranquil setting, with lush greenery right outside its doorstep, SIRI HOUSE invites you to spend a relaxing weekend with them. It has launched the new SIRI HOUSE Weekend Brunch, available on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The casual and communal brunch menu offers a la carte small and large brunch plates to share, coupled with a range of classic brunch cocktails concocted with a modern Asian twist.

Brunch Cocktails

The brunch cocktails at $12 per tipple are very affordable. It incorporates handcrafted infusions, freshly squeezed juices, housemade syrups and spice blends. I kick start the brunch with the Mary Nagano, which showcases an Asian twist to the popular Bloody Mary. You can taste the familiar heat from wasabi and other Asian ingredients - Worcestershire, chilli padi and Japanese vinegar. For a refreshing note, go for the more citrus-forward mix of Aperol, Summertime Madness for an easy start to your day.

Lobster Scramble 3/5

We had Lobster Scramble ($21) and Aranici ($21) from the small plates menu. I suggest going for its regular Easy Scramble ($7) instead, as the lobster scramble being a more luxurious egg dish was rather underwhelming. A good and straightforward scrambled eggs dish would have brought more joy.

Arancini 3.8/5

On the other hand, the Arancini surprised us with its takoyaki-alike flavours, giving the classic risotto balls an Asian facelift. Instead of using Italian rice, this is made using dashi infused Japanese rice, chunks of octopus and chorizo and encased within is oozy mozzarella. Atop the crisp balls are Jaew (Thai chilli) mayo, bonito flakes and furikake.

Champion Roll 3.8/5

We had the Champion Roll ($26) - a sourdough bread loaded with a baked egg, mushrooms, bacon, asparagus, gouda, and an arrabbiata cream sauce from the Large Plate menu. If you like pizza, this will be your thing.

Cheeseburger 4/5

Also on the menu is SIRI HOUSE’s Signature Cheeseburger ($29). The fluffy toasted milk bun is a plus point. The housemade beef patty was flavourful, with a good spread of harissa mayo to bring all the ingredients together.

Bomboloni 3.8/5

Cherry Sundae 4/5

For dessert, we had the adorable, bite-size Bomboloni ($16). It's an assortment of fluffy Italian style doughnuts with cashew chocolate ganache and mixed berry compote fillings. The Cherry Sundae ($18) with tart cherry compote and a milky sweet yoghurt ice cream is delicious too.

The SIRI HOUSE Brunch menu is available on Saturdays from 11.30am to 2.30pm (last order 2pm) and on Sundays from 11.30 am to 9.00pm (last order 8pm.

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.


Siri House
Dempsey Hill
8D Dempsey Road
#01-02
Singapore 249672
Tel: +65 96670533
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Holland Village (CC Line), Farrer Road (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sun: 1130am - 4pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to bus stop along Orchard Boulevard (Stop ID 09022). Take bus number 7, 77, 106, 123 or 174. Alight 7 stops later. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time 30 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Block 12 (Stop ID 11401). Take bus 106. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road. Walk to Dempsey Road. Walk up to Dempsey Hill. Walk right to the back of the cluster. Walk to destination. Journey time 20 minutes. [Map]