Got to learn about the new Xaroma Cafe whilst scrolling through social media — these folks are located at the foot of Blk 554 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5 which is a bus ride away from Ang Mo Kio Bus Interchange / MRT Station being tucked deeper into the heartlands, though those whom are familiar with the area would probably know that this is the same block which houses an outlet of 蔬方斋 SHU Vegetarian that is in walking distance away from Cheng San Food Centre. Located right beside a beauty and skin care parlour named Dermal, Xaroma Cafe is actually a concept by the folks behind Dermal as well. Xaroma Cafe should be rather easy to spot considering how the establishment has an outward-facing opened window that allows for quick takeaways of coffee from outside the establishment. The interior of Xaroma Coffee can be described as rather tight and cosy with small tables that mostly accommodate to patrons visiting the establishment in pairs, though there is an outdoor seating area that features bigger tables where it is more suited for groups visiting the establishment in groups of four (4) pax. Despite its small size, Xaroma Cafe serves up a good variety of food on its menu; the food menu is split into sections dedicated to Pasta, Sando, Snacks, Shokupan Dessert / Signature Shokupan, Bingsu and Gelato, while the beverages menu sees a line-up of Coffee, Signature Coffee and Tea & Refreshers being offered.

The Mentaiko Tiger Prawn Capellini is a dish that is being listed under the Pasta section of the menu; the menu describes the dish to feature elements such as grilled tiger prawns, Mentaiko mayo and premium Tobiko. One thing to note is how the dish actually does come with five (5) pieces of tiger prawns; this does seem quite value for money especially considering how the dish is priced at $14.90 — with that being said, it is noted that the tiger prawns does come lightly battered rather than actually grilled as per what is being described on the menu. With all that being said, the choice of Capellini does keep the dish pretty light overall; the Capellini comes with a softer texture than the usual spaghetti and is served warm here — mixing it up with the Mentaiko mayonnaise does help to rid the slightly watery feel caught by the strands of capellini and adds a hint of umami and a creamy texture to the pasta. Inclusion of Tobiko adds a popping sensation for more texture, while it does seem that cloves of garlic were also added to the Capellini to give it a savoury, garlicky note to provide a bit more depth of flavours to the Mentaiko mayonnaise. Meanwhile, the prawns do seem reasonably fresh and comes with a hint of crustacean flavor; the batter also being light and crisp, while the accompanying cherry tomatoes are seared and provides a tang to reset the tastebuds especially from the Mentaiko mayonnaise.