illy (Singapore Conference Hall)

Walked past the Singapore Conference Hall building along Shenton Way the other day and noticed a new food establishment that has seemingly taken over the former premises of the now-defunct Kevin Khoo Bistro. For those whom are unfamiliar with where Kevin Khoo Bistro was located within the grounds of the Singapore Conference Hall building when it still existed, the eatery was actually situated within the canopy that is towards the right of the entrance of the building as one approaches it from outside. illy, which is best known for its “Premium Italian Coffee & Coffee Machines”, seems to be the current operator of the space — the establishment seemingly being open from 12:30pm to 2:30pm from Monday to Friday to cater to the office lunch crowd. The interior of the space has largely remained the same during its time as the now-defunct Farmers and Chefs that Kevin Khoo Bistro had previously taken over — the interior featuring a brick-esquires counter with fake branches with bird sculptures perching on top; the wooden tables and metallic chairs being present since the days that it was Kevin Khoo Bistro. Given its limited operating hours, illy serves up a really simple menu here — one that seemingly focuses on panini sandwiches, whilst offering a small variety of illy coffee to go along.

Having a light bite at another location before visiting illy coffee during lunch hours on the weekday, we found ourselves having just enough stomach capacity to order one of their Panini sandwiches to go along with a cuppa on the side. We were initially pretty keen to give their Mentaiko Ham & Cheese Panini Sandwich a go, though was told by the staff behind the counter that only the Classic Ham & Cheese Panini Sandwich and Double Ham & Cheese Panini Sandwich were available. We eventually went for the Classic Ham & Cheese Panini Sandwich — some waiting time for the panini sandwich is required because all the sandwiches here are actually made-upon-order while the place is only manned by a single staff who takes the order, serves the coffee and prepared the food items. Despite being named a “Panini Sandwich” on the menu, we found out that the panini sandwiches served up at illy weren’t exactly panini sandwiches as per its namesake; rather, they were more of regular sandwiches featuring what seems to be multigrain bread from a commercially-made loaf of bread often found in supermarkets with ham and cheese sandwiched in between — pressed in a panini grill. The Classic Ham & Cheese Panini Sandwich does look beautifully pressed in the panini grill however; the bread featuring browned streaks from the grilling process. Taking a bite into the sandwich, the bread does feel crusty — all that whilst the cheese within creates that instagrammable “cheese-pull” effect like those grilled cheese sandwiches that are often seen on social media way back in the day; stretchy, stringy melted cheese here that pairs well with that slice of ham that carried a slight peppery note, giving the sandwich a slight savouriness typical of cured meat. Overall, a simply yet well-executed, simple rendition of a grilled cheese sandwich that does not reinvent the wheel, yet is one that we thought we pretty comforting considering how right it is being done.

illy at Singapore Conference Hall is not set up to be quite a conventional cafe from the start — and that is especially so when one compares them with the F&B establishments that stood in its place that precedes them such as that of Kevin Khoo Bistro and Farmers and Chefs. Still, that is pretty alright — it does seem that illy does have other ideas, and especially considering how short the operating hours are and the slightly oddball location that is situated in, perhaps this would be the best use of the space that they have chosen to take up. Looking past all of the oddities of the space and circumstances, illy does serve up some pretty satisfying simple grilled cheese sandwiches. The Classic Ham & Cheese Sandwich checks off all the right boxes — stringy, melted cheese and a prominent hint of savouriness of ham; definitely an offering worthy on the menu to compliment their coffee selection which is seems to be a move to showcase illy’s Premium Italian Coffee to provide more exposure of the brand to the office folks in the Central Business District. The Americano carried a rather heavy taste profile and a roasty note — one that we would often remark tastes close to the cup of coffee one would expect to be offered at a hotel buffet to end the meal off with. Prices are actually pretty affordable here, though the sandwich would probably fit better for those looking for a light meal — the Classic Ham & Cheese priced at $4 while the Double Ham & Cheese being listed at $6.50; the coffee being in the range of $1 to $3, making them quite a decent option worth considering if one is looking to have a light lunch without wanting to break the bank while at that.