A stone's throw away from Bugis MRT, this beautifully decked-out cafe warrants a visit on weekends. On the all-day brunch menu, the Soft Shell Crab Burger ($19.80) is a must-try. Don't leave without an order of the Berry Ricotta Hotcakes ($14.90), famed for its unfailingly crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside texture as well as its berries, maple syrup and ice cream combo. Served in a handy glass bottle, the chilled Sea Salt Chocolate ($6.90) is a must for chocolate lovers.
Photo by Burppler SG MUNCHIES
Tucked away at the end of a row of shophouses along Prinsep Street, this is one place you can catch up with your girlfriends in a gorgeous, laidback setting. Start with their excellent Syphon Coffee ($6.90) or a bottle of White Magic ($6.90) — a chilled blend of espresso, milk and cream. A favourite and convenient cafe option among nearby art school students and those in town (nearest MRT is Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station), the space can fill up quickly on weekends, so visit either before or after the lunch rush to ensure seats. Almost every table ends the meal with the much photographed Berry Ricotta Hotcake ($14.90) that we highly recommend sharing among a group of four or more. The beautiful creation features a thick pancake with perfectly caramelised sides in a skillet pan, a generous handful of berries, pumpkin and sunflower seeds on the side and topped with a scoop of milky vanilla bean ice cream. Add a drizzle of maple sauce for that finishing touch. For a proper meal, try the Crab Cake on English Muffin ($19.50) that comes with a wobbly sous vide egg and the yummiest truffle sweet potato fries!
Avg Price: $25 per person
Photo by Burppler Hilary See
They say good things come in small packages, and in this case, the most sinful, most heart-attack-inducing bowl of fries goes to Curious Palette's Spam Fries ($11.90). The seemingly harmless thick-cut chunks of savoury luncheon meat may just amount to a "couple of sticks", but we swear we could feel our heartbeat starting to slow just halfway through the bowl. There's kaffir lime mayo for dipping, but the spam fries are pretty spectacular on their own. Wash it all down with a cup of good ol' Flat White ($4.90).
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Nobelle Liew
Opened by the folks behind Strangers' Reunion, this gorgeous, light-filled cafe in Prinsep Street is a favourite among nearby art school students and office workers alike. Many come for the much photographed Ricotta Hotcake ($14.90). In comparison to Paddy Hills' prettier version, this is a little more rustic, more affordable and a whole lot more generous — you can comfortably share it among four. We like the caramelised sides and the contrasting textures of pumpkin and sunflower seeds and milky vanilla ice cream, but we must admit we started slowing down when we got to the cakey middle. For a lighter sweet treat, the Buttermilk Waffle ($12.50) with Greek Yoghurt, maple syrup and fresh fruit is amazing. If you're here for a proper meal, try the Corned Beef Scotch Egg ($17.50), which is beautifully crisp golden on its breaded outside. The meat within is punchy and flavourful, and even better when smeared with the accompanying tomato conserve. For drinks, try the Flat White ($4.90), which is moderately robust and smooth. We also like their excellent Syphon Coffee ($6.90) — one of the owners is actually the World Siphonist Championship 2015 winner! Pro-tip: It starts to fill up quickly from noon, so visit either before or after the lunch rush to avoid the crowds.
Avg Price: $25 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Marc T
Quietly launching itself along Prinsep Street is Curious Palette, a café which currently serves mains and all day breakfast. Think Crayfish Linguine with Chilli Crab Sauce ($23.50), or their Curious Breakfast ($23) — Iberico chorizo, Thai basil sausage, bacon, hash, artichokes, arugula, spicy tomato relish and a sunny side-up. You're in very safe hands when it comes to coffee here, go for their Flat White to enjoy a truly smooth, non-acidic cuppa. It is a joy to have such a good cup of coffee in town, what more in a lovely white-washed, light-filled space.
