Woodlands is probably one of the neighbourhoods that are best known for the lack of specialty coffee joint — ever since the demise of Sowl Coffee, there is pretty much only Parched left in the neighbourhood for specialty coffee (that is disregarding Sueno Cafe at 888 Plaza; a spot which we are more inclined to call an ice-cream parlour). Located within the grounds of the Thomson-East Coast Line side of Woodlands MRT Station towards exits 6 and 7, this is the same Parched which is behind Parched by Parchmen at Aspial One in Ubi, Pacto by Parchmen ar Jalan Besar Community Club — all of which are run by the folks behind Sun Ray Cafe at Brighton Crescent near Serangoon Gardens. Unlike their other Parched/Pacto locations however, Parched at Woodlands MRT Station is pretty much intended as a takeaway kiosk — there are only four bar stools surrounding the counter espresso counter for dine-in patrons, while all wares served with the coffee and food are disposable. Given how they have intended for this to be more of a takeaway outfit, the menu at Parched at Woodlands MRT Station is also limited to cakes and pastries which are displayed in their display chiller at the counter; made-to-order items include the Chocolate-dripped Wafflets, while the Coffee Bun is available only till sold out. Beverages available here include specialty coffee and tea; both of which they seem to have an emphasis on.

Visiting Parched at their Woodlands location on a weekday evening, we decided to go for their Carrot Cake since there were limited bakes available during the time of our visit. It had been a long time ever since the last Tim we have had Carrot Cake at a cafe and the rendition at Parched was one that really brought us back to the heydays of cafe-hopping. For one, the cake is sufficiently moist; also well-spiced with good flavour without being too sweet — the hints of cinnamon and alternating layers of velvety smooth cream cheese frosting forms pretty much that classic combination of flavours that we were looking for. Shreds of carrots can be found within the cake as well — mostly at the bottom layer, while the addition of walnuts provide an earthy crunch that also gave a textural contrast to the whole cake. Overall, a pretty well-made Carrot Cake that we would not mind having again, though we are likely to opt for a Long Black or Flat White to go along instead of the Cold Brew White (Bottled) that we had went for considering how we aren’t quite the sort who likes their white cold brew unsweetened.

There really aren’t many specialty coffee spots in Woodlands so Parched is pretty much a godsend in a certain way. No doubt that the space lacks a proper dine-in area, but in a neighbourhood where options are limited, having a spot like Parched that comes with a certain pedigree is already more than having a good option — definitely somewhere which we appreciate having being one of the many that resides in this neighbourhood.