It seems that there is really a lot happening around the pre-war SIT flats at the Tiong Bahru neighbourhood — while the neighbourhood is already best known for its hipster nature featuring fancy bookstores and a wide variety of F&B establishments ranging from cafes to bistros and Omakase restaurants, the accessibility to the area with the opening of Havelock MRT Station along the Thomson-East Coast Line also saw the opening of more F&B establishments in the ‘hood; Seng Poh Lane being the centre of all of that of the late. For those unfamiliar with Seng Poh Lane, this is also the same area where one can find the small, single-storey shops where Glass Roasters and gelatolabo had recently opened their doors. Also new to the neighbourhood is Tartines by San Farçon; Tartines by San Farçon being located in the block just right in front of Glass Roasters and gelatolabo at 61 Seng Poh Lane. For those whom find the San Farçon name familiar; they are also the same folks behind 5 by Sans Façon at Seletar Aerospace Park which we made several visits to especially during the days when they had first opened their doors. Tartines by San Façon is styled with the same European-style interior decor theme as 5 by San Façon, though the space is way more compact and intimate with a counter seating that sits six pax and a single dining table that fits a pair. Unlike 5 by San Façon that serves up entrees, mains and brunch items, Tartines by San Façon focuses on purely Tartines (i.e. open-faced sandwiches), whilst also offering a full line-up of bakes and pastries that are baked by them at a separate location — most of which can also be found at 5 by San Façon. Beverages available at Tartines by San Façon includes espresso-based specialty coffee brewed using beans sourced from Puro Fairtrade Coffee, as well as a small selection of iced teas as well.

Considering the size of the operations at Tartines by San Façon, there is pretty much a small variety of Tartines that are available to choose from. Skimming through the menu, it did not take us long to decide on going with the Le Jambon Parfait. The Le Jambon Parfait is described ion the menu to come with elements such as Parma Ham, Camembert, Homemade Gherkin Mayo, Mixed Greens, Black Olives and Pickles. Unlike most Tartines that we are exposed to from other establishments in Singapore, the Tartines from Tartines by San Façon do come at quite a large portion size — definitely sufficiently portioned for one single diner with a little bit of stomach space to spare for their home baked pastries. The Tartines are sliced into three sections for easy eating — despite so, the folks behind the counter does provide cutlery to patrons anyway; we would reckon that the more fun way to consume the Tartine is to have them by hand however. As we went through a slice of the Tartine, the bread itself was already a winner — most of us are more used to Tartines featuring bread that comes slightly dense with a little bit of bite; the ones here comes with a nice crust while the bread comes fluffy and light, which seems to help highlight the elements that come above it. The Parma Ham and the Camembert pretty much set the centre stage of the Tartine; both of which giving the savoury note that provided much of the flavour profile of the dish. What binds all the other elements together with the toast at the bottom here would be the Homemade Gherkin Mayo; providing a creamy texture while at it. The black olives can be said to provide a slight contrast of flavours and aromatics that compliments the cured meat, while the inherent slight bitterness of the arugula cuts through that savouriness perfectly; the pickled adding a slight tang and a crunch for another dimension of textures and flavours to the Tartine.

Having been to 5 by San Façon previously, we were actually left pretty impressed by what they had to offer; apart from the food hitting the spot where flavours are of concern, they had always been consistent in serving up pretty large portions of food in general. That, coupled with the sincere and warm hospitality that we have gotten during our visits did leave us with the impression of 5 by San Façon being one of our favourite spots that we had dined at during that year. The same can be said about Tartines by San Façon, though we would probably go further to say that the experience is much more intimate — the small space at Tartines by San Façon does actually mean that there is much more interaction going on with the folks behind the counter and their patrons as well. Apart from the Le Jambon Parfait which we had went for, we also gave the Coffee Praline Tart a go during our visit to Tartine by San Façon. It is noted that we had these when they were freshly-baked; we made our order for these when the delivery had just arrived the establishment and that they were plating them up to be placed in the display fridge. We recalled not liking the dessert we have had on one occasion during our visit to 5 by San Façon but this was definitely leaps and bounds better — the tart base was crusty; holding up the wet elements above well without having become all soggy. It also crumbles neatly when sliced with the fork. Atop, there is a layer of sponge cake lined above the coffee-infused pastry cream that carries quite an evident caffeinated kick, while the nuts and dried fruits added a good bite and crunch with a flavour contrast. If anything — patience is probably needed for those who intend to dine at Tartines by San Façon; with only a single staff in its open concept kitchen, there is certainly some waiting time involved to take orders, prepare the food and collection of payment when it gets busy during peak hours. That being said, definitely a spot well worth the visit for its good food and vibes; a place that sets itself apart from the rest for sure.