Cafe Hopping And Caffeine Fixes

This pasta is evenly coated in a luscious, thick laksa gravy, with bits of dried shrimps adding an addictive crunch and saltiness.

Joining the eateries in Bukit Timah Plaza's new extension, Rise & Grind Coffee Co. offers both indoor and alfresco seating and serves coffee, brunch fare and a small selection of mains. With few cafes in this area, this is certainly a welcome addition. For brunch, go for the super photogenic and delightfully tasty Ocean's Thirteen ($17) — smoked salmon, poached eggs, asparagus, brioche toast, beetroot yogurt and yuzu hollandaise sauce. Massive trending points for having both beetroot and yuzu in one dish, and making it work well too! For lunch or dinner, go for the more substantial Shakshouka ($16) — lamb merguez sausage, baked egg in tomato sauce, feta cheese with wholemeal pita — or the Tom Yum Pasta ($16).

This is one for those who love their artistic, moody coffee shots! Located at Duxton Hill, MavRx (stylised with a capital R) is a small hole-in-the-wall joint with monochromatic decor and wooden benches for seats. This minimalist, cool spot serves nothing but coffee. The menu offers Black ($4.50), White ($5) and Espresso ($3), with an additional $1 for an extra shot or an iced version.

There were generous slices of samples on the counter. A great plus point. Not obligated to buy if I do not like them after sampling(at the same time, I'm reminded not to take advantage of this). However, I'm very happy to support by buying if they are good! :) Keep this up! :)

Filled with cheddar cheese, grilled wild mushrooms and avocado, for $4, the sandwich was reasonably priced albeit a little too dry for my liking. There are two other options with smoked salmon and another with turkey ham, but I preferred a vegetarian option. As for the lattes, they had two different beans to choose from! Both coffee blends are beans roasted from Papa Palheta. The first is Nuts & Bolts with nutty and grapefruit tasting notes, and the second is Koke (Ethiopian beans) with strawberry and apricot tasting notes. The food and portions were okay, but come for the coffee instead.

Great friendly cafe to catch up with friends. A little out of the way, but the wide open spaces and nature by Punggol Riverside are lovely and remind me of home.

Food here is simple and enjoyable. Will have to revisit to try out more goodies. Thanks @odegrace for suggesting this Cafe. Always great to catch up and be inspired by your confidence and independence. 😊

Housed in a stunning light-filled space, Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters is the venture between Thailand's Pacamara Coffee and Oz Specialty Coffee, so you can expect both good coffee and brunch fare. Extremely popular is the Truffle Benedict ($18): truffle hollandaise sauce blankets poached eggs, smoked ham and wilted spinach, all set atop brioche toast. The Salted Caramel Banana French Toast ($16) is another winner, think eggy, fluffy French toast doused in salted caramel sauce. Other popular dishes include the Eggs Royale ($18) and Red Velvet Pancakes ($16).

This French cafe is a hidden gem along the rows of shophouses on Tras Street, perfect for starting your weekend at. With its beautiful, airy, light-filled interior, you're bound to feel like you're being transported to a Parisian cafe. Particularly good is the Croque Madame ($18), a classic French ham and cheese sandwich layered with bechamel and topped with a fried egg. The viennoiserie (croissant, pain au chocolat) are good as well, especially when paired with French butter and jams. Their menu is not extensive, which allows them to deliver quality - ultimately what makes food satisfying.

Situated within Phoenix Park in the Tanglin area, Boufe (the word a portmanteau of "boutique" and "cafe") Boutique Cafe shares a space with Ohvola boutique. The usual brunch fare such as Eggs Benedict, Brioche French Toast and Croque Madame are served, but you should really try Boufe's Big Breakfast or "Triple B" ($21). Creamy scrambled eggs, sauteed mushrooms, bacon, sausages and a freshly baked buttery croissant — not a bad way to start your day at all.They serve fantastic pastries as well, of which the Strawberry Shortcake ($8) and Citron Tart ($5.50) stand out. Given the quality of the food and the killer combination of spaciousness, chic decor and warm ambience, this place will only become more popular with time.

Expect a long waiting time if you don't make reservations at Artichoke, set in the compound of the beautiful Sculpture Square. If you're unfamiliar with Middle Eastern flavours, Artichoke is a great place to start. A constant delight is their Mezze Platter ($26), it's the best way to start and share a meal with your friends, alongside a hearty Lamb Shakshuka ($26). Also go for the Feta Burrata ($23) if you love all things creamy and cheesy, and do not miss out on the Bacon Chop ($10) -- a mammoth-sized slab of maple-glazed bacon! For dessert, get the delightfully sweet Baklava Sampler. There are so many outstanding dishes, so grab your family or friends because you'll want to regret nothing by trying everything.

Don't be alarmed if you find tiny, beautiful, edible flowers on your plate — it's Bridge Cafe's way of aesthetically sprucing up their dishes, and they taste pretty good too. Wildly popular is the Truffle Honey French Toast ($13): crisp on the outside, fluffy and eggy on the inside, and accompanied by vanilla creme fraiche, berries and truffle honey. Opt for the Eggs Benedict ($16) if you gotta have your eggs for brunch! Bridge adds a twist to this classic by using champagne hollandaise. The coffee here is pretty solid as well.

You're not going to find your typical eggs ben for brunch here. Instead, expect to be surprised by unusual combinations like their Salted Egg Sweet Potato Fries ($12), which are great for sharing. Probably the most surprising is the Aburi Broccoli Salad ($12), a truly inspired dish of torched broccoli topped with shaved parmesan, cracked pappadum and coconut sugar. You wouldn't expect it to work, but it just does. For a hearty main, don't hesitate to order the Beef and Grains ($24), a Japanese-inspired dish that is all umami and super hearty. Finish off with the Banana Beignets, and if you'd like to go all out, have their Malted Pie Crust Shake ($9) as well ;)