Maxi Coffee Bar

The sudden closure of Maxi Coffee Bar was pretty much a loss for the local cafehopping scene not too long ago — these folks were previously made to vacate their former space at Ann Siang Hill at a rather short notice. That being said, it does seem like these folks are back in business — their new spot is actually located just a couple of shophouse units away from their previous spot; now at 64 Club Street. Whilst there are no roads leading directly up to the shophouse which is a rather strange feature for shophouses in Singapore generally, they can be easily found in the walking path / park that splits off between the junction of Ann Siang Hill and Club Street. The new premises of Maxi Coffee Bar is definitely larger than where it used to have occupied; the al-fresco space being much larger with the awnings providing the shade from direct sunlight that enhances the dining comfort of their guests — inside, the space is segmented into two sections where it comprises of an ordering counter / espresso bar, while the deeper end of the shophouse is where one can find the Filter Bar. The insides of the shophouse is decked in earthier tones such as that of terracotta and wooden elements that is matched against the shade of dark blue which Maxi Coffee Bar uses as a theme colour. Whilst the ordering counter and espresso bar is void of any seating area, the filter bar is the spot where one can find bar counter seating that surrounds the brew bar for filter coffee where patrons can watch the hand brews being prepared. There are also proper dining tables and chairs that can be found in this area in addition to the al-fresco seating located outside of the shophouse, while smaller tables are also installed onto the walls to allow diners to stand around to have a cuppa along with some light bites. As with Maxi Coffee Bar previously, these folks continue to serve hot food at their Club Street location; these are segmented into sections such as Prompt and Proper, while the list of pastries available for the day can be found on the blackboard located at the counter. Otherwise, Maxi Coffee Bar does serve up a line-up of espresso-based speciality coffee and filter coffee which is pretty much the heart of what they are all about.

One of the items that had caught our eye whilst skimming through the various pastries that Maxi Coffee Bar has to offer during the day which we had made our visit would be the Fig Frangipane Tart — Maxi Coffee Bar does not describe the elements that goes into the making of their Pastries, but this would be a pretty standard tart offering that comes with almond frangipane that is topped off with slices of fig above a tart base. The Fig Frangipane Tart does hit the spot especially when it comes to the almond frangipane layer within the tart; we felt that the almond frangipane layer here is pretty well made and carried a distinct note of almonds — all that whilst being reasonably well-packed without feeling particularly heavy, stiff nor dry. The almond frangipane layer does hold up pretty nicely even when sliced using the fork without crumbling into a mess; the tart base that it sits on also being sufficiently firm to hold up the elements above. The slices of figs above does add on to everything by providing a jam-like sweetness and a bit of bite that gives the entire tart a textural and flavoural contrast to the other elements within.

During the same visit, we went for the Egg Maxi Muffin which is being listed as an item in the Prompt section of the menu — the Egg Maxi Muffin is described on the menu to feature elements such as baked omelette, cheese and salted egg sauce. It is interesting to see how the Egg Maxi Muffin comes with a baked omelette where it comes in a block that is similar to that of Tamagoyaki. Taking a bite into the Egg Maxi Muffin, the English Muffin does provide a soft, fluffy and light texture before one manages to reach the baked omelette layer; the baked omelette layer does come with a slice of cheese being melted over it for a slightly savoury note, while the baked omelette itself carries only a very light egginess — what amazes us more here about the baked omelette is the texture where its consistency felt like a firmer block of steamed egg that is almost pudding-like in the interior being all smooth, but still able to hold its shape whilst at it. Despite the mention of salted egg sauce in its description on the menu, we didn’t really quite detect any familiar notes of salted egg within the Egg Maxi Muffin; that being said, there is definitely a tang coming from pickled red onions and a slight hint of spiciness from chili jam(?) that comes with the Egg Maxi Muffin for a flavoural contrast.

We also went with their Milk Espresso at 5 Oz during our visit to Maxi Coffee Bar at their Club Street location. Maxi Coffee Bar mentions that their Milk Espresso is brewed using the Ethiopian Urabeast beans which they have roasted on their own; these come with tasting notes that is described to be similar to tropical fruit, berries nd chocolate. Coming with just a single shot of espresso within, the Milk Espresso (5 Oz) comes with a slightly heavier proportion of milk though is a pretty well-pulled cuppa otherwise — featuring a lighter body with a nutty and earthy flavour profile, this does work pretty well as a leisurely cuppa to have to enjoy a slow day ahead.

Maxi Coffee Bar is one of those establishments that had garnered its own following over the years — having first situated at Club Street before making its move to Ann Siang Hill; these folks have certainly earned its status of being one of the veterans within the local cafe-hopping scene and has become an icon whilst at it. The closure of its cosy space at Ann Siang Hill was a loss to the community it had built itself around it, but their return to Club Street does feel like something that would be celebrated by its regulars given how they are pretty much still situated in the same neighbourhood that they have rooted themselves in. The core emphasis of the brand also has not changed despite its slightly more luxe setting with the move to 64 Club Street; the Maxi Coffee Bar experience has always been almost centred around their specialty coffee — all that whilst the food offerings are always simple, hearty and comforting to provide patrons with something that speaks to the soul without being particularly pretentious / over the top. Its move to 64 Club Street may be a new chapter for Maxi Coffee Bar, but these folks have kept to the same principles that they have made the brand to be over the years — for those whom have yet to give them a go, this is probably the opportunity to drop by for a visit for the refreshed experience.