Cafes

The newest kid on the Keong Saik block is Leckerbaer, which you might remember from its first outlet in Isetan Scotts for its Danish small cakes and biscuits. This new flagship outlet adds to the repertoire with outlet-exclusive Nordic-inspired sourdough sandwiches that are open-faced. Try the Jonah Crab & Avocado Salsa ($20) for generous layers of sweet succulent crab atop a tangy avocado salsa (this cuts the certain seafood smell you sometimes get with crabs, especially canned ones) with sprinklings of fresh chervil and chives.

If you find yourself at Tenjin, a tempura joint opened by the Les Amis Group, and want the works, I highly recommend their Premium Bowl, which at $22.80 is still quite a steal. It comes with a hunking sweet crab leg, anago, prawn, white fish, a soft egg, and a number of vegetables like eggplant and asparagus. The batter itself is not heavy and rather light and crispy, allowing the flavours of the ingredients to shine through without excessive oil. Highly recommended for a hearty tempura bowl whenever you're in town.

This unique cheesecake ($10) uses the smoky tasting Idiazabal cheese, but doesn't actually have any smoke added while it's being made! Instead, it's a sheep's cheese that's rich and complex, with a buttery tang and that smokiness that we enjoyed so much.

Beautiful setting to have a chill lunch, with big fans and plenty of natural light. The menu is very small here, with simple dishes like Dry Mee Siam and Curry Chicken Noodles. I ordered the Curry Chicken Rice, which is darn great value for money. Delicious creamy curry with a lot of chicken and potatoes inside. Banchong also serves kaya toast with kaya that's quite subtle and not so sweet, if you like that.

Tried King's Cart's coffee previously when they were still doing only coffee catering for events and really enjoyed it. So was pleased to find out that they now have a physical space at Joo Chiat. The space is airy and spacious, with a large road facing window that makes the window seats great for people watching. Ordered the Coconut Cold Brew ($9), which is basically an espresso shot with fresh coconut juice and a bit of coconut flesh. It's light and refreshing, and even complements the fruity coffee notes.

My companions tried the Oat Milk Latte ($6) and Matcha Latte ($6.50) and really liked them, but for the latter, remember to ask for no sugar if you don't like your matcha lattes sweet.

Cool hipster vibes at this hidden cafe a few minutes walk from Daizu Cafe and Old Hen Coffee. Didn't try the coffee, but instead the Hojicha and Matcha Lattes are very decent. Gather The Misfits also had pastries and finger food like Truffle Fries. A big recommend for this spot!

Surprised to hear that a minimalist new confectionary from Denmark was opening on the first floor of Isetan Scotts - in the spot that used to house the different perfume brands. It’s brought in by the same people who introduced Lady M (and the upcoming Luke’s Lobster) to Singapore as well, so I had high expectations.

These guys truly deliver with their innovative takes on småkager (remember those Danish butter cookies in blue tins?) which rotate in a selection of eight core flavours ($2.80 each). My faves include the Banana with berry sugar and salted caramel (better than any banana bread I've had this season) and the buttercream-filled Milk, like Oreo but 10x more delicious.

Joining the tarts are a small selection of small bakes. you won't go wrong with the Lemon & Sea Buckthorn Tart ($7) with its buttery shortcrust and citrus tang or Almond ($7) cake clad in blackcurrant curd and ruby chocolate pearls.

Felt like I was in Yeouido Park upon stepping into this new cafe at Maxwell Chambers. Apparently it's run by the same people behind Kream Beer at Duxton. There's a large selection of scones here, including Matcha and Korean Yuzu Citrus for $4.50. The drinks are very pretty too! Try the Dalgona Coffee (from $7) and you don't even have to whip it yourself. Haha!