Was scrolling randomly on social media the other day and found the accounts of fr(um)py cafe which seemed to have just recently opened its doors at International Plaza not too long ago, taking over the former premises of the now-defunct Siam Sensation — thought it was not too far out and decided to make it a lunch itinerary whilst working from the office. Not gonna lie here but their social media post which contains the caption “frumpy serves you local grub with freshly brewed double shot Arabica coffee” was pretty much the punch line for us — the photo of the cafe being one that suggests a spot that is probably going to be another hipster cafe of sorts that serves up specialty coffee. To our surprise though, fr(um)py cafe is a really unique spot of its own — basically a space that serves up economic mixed vegetable rice with the stall taking up half of the frontage with the other half taken up by the coffee operations, fr(um)py cafe is probably the first establishment that we have come across that serves up specialty coffee with totally local fare as what they have promised. The interior is simply decorated for function, yet carries a minimalist and industrial touch — concrete walls and floors with wooden benches; a look that is seemingly modern as compared to other counterparts serving the same fare within the building. While the main food offering revolves around economic mixed rice / beehoon offerings where patrons pick their choice of carbs and dishes to go along, it is interesting to see how fr(um)py cafe also serves up Ayam Penyet as well that seems to be only available on a Friday as per the standee that is placed between their shop unit and that of its neighbour Super Simple; something which we had missed whilst we were marvelling at the various dishes within the display that they have to offer for their economic mixed rice. Serving up specialty coffee and other beverages that one would expect from hipster cafes, the list of beverages available at fr(um)py cafe includes the usual Black, White, Espresso, as well as slightly more interesting options such as a Dirty Houjicha Latte and Sparkling Peach.

Going for something simple, we found ourselves opting for the white bee hoon here, whilst choosing the fried chicken cutlet, tomato with egg and curry vegetables as the side dishes to go along. The white bee hoon most certainly could do with some sauce here; thought the bee hoon here was a little bit on the dry side and a wee bit stiff for our liking — thankful that we have decided to go for the curry vegetables that provide a little bit of that gravy that made the white bee hoon more palatable. The fried chicken cutlet does seem like a frozen supply that is being fried in an entire batch ready to be picked up when one makes their order for it; nothing wrong about that considering the establishment that it is. That being said, the fried chicken cutlet does hit the spot for us; that crispy golden brown exterior that comes with a slight hint of garlic that provides so much flavour — all that with reasonably tender meat within; a crowd-pleaser on its own. We would wish that they were a little more generous about the gravy for the curry vegetables — then again, we do think that they would probably drench more curry if we were to actually specify for it; thought the curry vegetables was reasonably flavourful without much to fault, while the vegetables do carry that soft crunch which we found it to be of a decent texture. The tomato with egg was a well-executed dish however; the eggs being done to a fluffy consistency that is moist. It is almost akin to a very well-made scramble with soft chunks of tomato that provides just a very slight refreshing tang; our favourite dish amongst the lot that we have went for.

We can’t deny that our trip to fr(um)py cafe was also in part for the double shot Arabica coffee which they claim to serve here. Whilst the White is priced rather decently at $4.50, the prices does come pretty close to that of the main dish here (our white bee hoon order was $5 with all the dishes inclusive in the bill). Thought that the cuppa was fairly decent for a spot that serves primarily economic mixed vegetable rice; a combination that we rarely hear of. That being said, we do think that the milk is slightly over-frothed here, and that the coffee was just a teeny bit burnt; otherwise, a rather decent attempt considering how this had a medium body and an earthy flavour profile that would suit the working crowd well.

Whilst the execution of the dishes at fr(um)py cafe does seem to be really decent at best with some room for improvement, one thing which we found rather creative about its concept is to bring specialty coffee to the local go-to option of economic mixed vegetable rice; something that is rather befitting in the Central Business District considering how the office folks there are likely to be looking for something that is best of both worlds. We also appreciate how the folks have also given the cafe a rather refreshing look that sets it apart from the average economic mixed vegetable rice stall — something that can be said to look a little bit more upscale that would catch the eyes for those who are passing by and notice the coffee bar by the side. Prices are fairly reasonable for both food and coffee here; that being said, we do look forward to probably giving their Ayam Penyet a try when time permits — possibly something more of an artisanal offering that may be worthy to try that seems a little different from the usual fare that they have to offer!

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