The never-ending stream of customers on weekends is a testament to how popular Common Man Common Roasters is. Situtated on Martin Road, the cafe is fairly inaccessible from any MRT station, so it's best to have your friends convene at Dhoby Ghaut to share a cab here (it costs around $4.50). Our recommendations centre on their timeless classics. Go for the Turkish Common Man Breakfast ($25) — phyllo-wrapped soft boiled eggs that reveal golden molten centres, served on a bed of velvety hummus. Olives and beautifully breaded and fried feta add a good salty punch, while cucumbers and tomatoes keep it fresh. Get your hands dirty and grab the pita to mop up the glorious mess! Otherwise, you won't go wrong with the Organic Eggs Benedict ($24, opt for sourdough) that comes with two poached eggs stacked atop unbelievably tender braised ox cheeks and drizzled with chive hollandaise. End your meal with the Fluffy Brioche French Toast ($18) — two slices of super eggy brioche served with Kapiti ice cream and berries compote — so simple yet so worth its steep price. We prefer filter over espresso-based coffee here (from $4.50) — just ask the friendly baristas for recommendations!
Avg Price: $30 per person
Photo by Burppler May L
Here's a place that requires advance planning, what with the never-ending stream of customers on weekends and fairly inaccessible public transport. If you don't drive, it is best to have your friends convene at Dhoby Ghaut to share a cab to Martin Road (it costs around $4.50). Everything's good, albeit slightly pricey, but we say zoom in on the Turkish Common Man Breakfast ($25) — phyllo-wrapped soft boiled eggs that reveal golden molten centres, served on a bed of velvety hummus. Olives and beautifully breaded and fried feta add a good salty punch, while cucumbers and tomatoes keep it fresh. Get your hands dirty and grab the pita to mop up the glorious mess. Alternatively, go for the crowdpleasing Organic Eggs Benedict ($24, opt for sourdough). The two poached eggs are stacked atop unbelievably tender braised ox cheeks and drizzled with chive hollandaise. Be sure to save space for the Fluffy Brioche French Toast ($18) — two slices of super eggy brioche served with Kapiti ice cream and berries compote — so simple yet so worth its steep price. Have the baristas recommend which filter coffee to try; if not, the Flat White ($5) seals the deal just fine.
Avg price: $30 per person
Photo by Burppler Cephas Lim
Come early in the day to snag a seat at this award-winning coffee house before digging into the crowd favourite Organic Eggs Benedict ($24). Sink your teeth into tender braised ox cheeks set on artisanal sourdough toast with two perfectly poached eggs. The organic eggs produce super orangey yolks — quite a stunning sight! Instead of the acidic house blend, have the baristas recommend what other coffee beans are available for your caffeine boost.
You probably have seen this a thousand times, but did you realise that they actually have THREE oozy dishes to indulge in here? First, the super simple and satisfying Croissant Croque Monsieur that oozes with melted Provolone and creamy bechamel. Second, the bright orange eggs yolks of the Organic Eggs Ben that sit atop braised ox cheeks, seeping gently into the hollandaise for a rich mouthful. Third, the Turkish Breakfast's phyllo-wrapped soft boiled egg that is both adorable and irresistibly crunchy on the outside. Well, you've got three options in one place for an oozy breakfast. Not sure what you're waiting for.
The folks of CMCR are dead serious about their coffee. This cafe is dedicated to making top-notch coffee available to the common man, and believes that great coffee ought to be paired with amazing grub. Start the day with their Turkish Breakfast comprising a phyllo-wrapped soft-boiled egg, crispy feta, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives and hummus served with pita bread. Their Organic Eggs Benedict is another favourite, with a twist of tender braised ox cheeks in place of ham. For a lighter option, grab their flaky Croissant Croque Monsieur which comes stuffed with provolone cheese, ham, and amazing bechamel sauce. Plus a cup of coffee, and you're good to go!
Always hesistant to queue at CMCR on weekends? Well, you might want to take a chance and hope the queues are shorter during this festive period. Go for their Turkish Breakfast, or their Croissant Croque Monsiuer, or the Braised Ox Cheeks Eggs Ben (yes it's hard to decide)!
*Closed on 18th Feb
Common Man Coffee Roasters encompasses a cafe, coffee bar, and wholesale roasting arm, so you know you can trust them to always make you a great cup of coffee with stunning latte art. Besides the usual espresso based coffee, they will also be showcasing single origin coffee through filter brewing methods like the chemex and aeropress at Cafe Fest, which will definitely interest all you coffee fanatics!
Expect to queue on the weekends at this alluring establishment, and be prepared for a great meal. For something different, go for the Turkish Full Breakfast. If you like your runny eggs (of course you do), go for the poached organic eggs sitting atop braised ox cheeks, or the swoon-worthy Croque Monsieur. Finish off with a coffee, cider, or glass of white wine. Don't expect the usual cafe prices! Photo by Huixuan Tan
Common Man Coffee Roasters ups the ante by pulling out the big guns, bringing together Spa Esprit Group, Harry Grover from 40 Hands and Five Senses Coffee (Australia) for the trendiest concept cafe of the season. CMCR sets itself apart from the rest by serving up a bevy of Middle-Eastern influenced all-day-breakfast items. We insist you try the Organic Eggs Benedict which comes with beautifully tender braised ox cheeks. Just come prepared to spend a little more than a common man would for a meal.
