Welcome to Lavender.

Golden Mile Food Centre has always been one of those hawker centres around that sees a dew new stalls appear every very now and then — whilst the food centre already has a bakery stall named Cat in the Hat which has been in operations for quite some time, there seems to be a new stall that had recently just made its entry into the F&B scene there which serves up baked goods. ATE can be found on the second level of the hawker centre; these folks can be found within the same row as where one would be able to find establishments such as Tee’s Kitchen. Being a stall that specialises in serving up what they term as “thick gooey cookies”, these cookies are the only offerings that is being served up by the stall — ATE offers four (4) different flavours of cookies on their menu being the Walnut Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, Matcha Macadamia and the Chocolate Lava. All cookies are priced at $5.50 with the exception of the Chocolate Lava which is listed as a premium flavour, and is priced at $7.

Coming with a green hue, the Matcha Macadamia Cookie does come looking like what it is expected to be on first sight — the gooey cookies at ATE are sized rather large; bigger than that of what one would typically get at cafes serving up house-made cookies and consuming one alone does seem like it would fall it between the category of having something in between a full meal and a light snack. Snapping the cookie apart, we did realise that the cookie wasn’t too dense — this does make consuming the cookie rather manageable despite its heft. Apart from specks of chopped macadamia nuts, one can also see the gooey knobs of melted white chocolate in between the cookie. Taking a bite into the cookie, the cookie does come with a crunch but we did like how the cookie didn’t feel particularly dry — there wasn’t a point in which we felt that the cookie got stuck in our throat and got a little difficult to swallow; this vibe remained consistent throughout the entire portion. The macadamia nuts helped add a little more bite with just a whiff of nuttiness that complemented that of the bitter undertones of the Japanese tea, while the specks of white chocolate adds a hint of sweetness that makes it reasonably sweet as what one would expect out of a cookie.

Sonder Cafe & Bakes (not to be confused with Sonder which is located at Henderson) is an establishment that had been popping around our social media feeds of the late — these folks are situated at the foot of Blk 466 Crawford Lane; the same block is also the one that houses the coffeeshop where the Michelin-starred Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle is being located as well. Sonder Cafe and Bakes is a concept behind the same people that brought us Whisking Bakes — they were also the same team that operated Cafe Lilac by Whisking Bakes that was situated in this very space; Sonder Cafe & Bakes is essentially a revamp of Cafe Lilac by Whisking Bakes. The revamp of the concept goes beyond the branding itself; there has been some changes made to the interior decor whilst the menu has also seen a little bit of switch-up to offer a wider variety of flavours apart from its previous focus on taro-related offerings. Whilst the various bakes and cakes available are displayed prominently at the counter, Sonder Cafe & Bakes also does offer a line-up of light bites for those feeling peckish or wishing to have something savoury to go along their desserts / beverages.

Sonder Cafe & Bakes describes their Taro Chiffon Cake to come with elements such as that of Fresh Taro Paste, Taro Fresh Cream and Chiffon Cake infused with sweet potato powder. Digging into the Taro Chiffon Cake, we did notice that the cake did carry a light and fluffy consistency whilst being aptly moist — the texture of the chiffon cake is a little denser and heavier than that of most other chiffon cakes we had come across; with that being said, it is still considered to be rather soft and pillowy as compared to that of regular pound cakes. The Taro Fresh Cream serves as the icing for the cake which provided the cake a creamy texture all of the elements in the cake together; all that whilst coming with just a light whiff of sweetness without making the cake feel particularly sweet. The addition of fresh taro paste does give an earthy flavour profile with a consistency and flavour that is similar to that of Yam Paste; further enhancing the overall experience for the entire cake.

(5/5) ($8) opt out for 0% sugar; maple cold foam but taste nice for me and complemented well with each other.

($7.50) opt out for 0% sugar; taste v atas teh ping but at least earl grey tea taste v strong tbh.

($8) opt out for 0% sugar; maple cold foam but taste weird for me

($7) opt out for 0% sugar; I alr tried it previously at golden mile tower so but cold foam was sold out for 2 day.

($7) opt out for 0% sugar and taste like v strong roasted hojicha tea.

($7.50) opt for 0% sugar and taste like meji milk for strawberry. Matcha taste very mild bitter.

($7.50) opt for 25% sugar and taste like very kuek texture for taro. Matcha taste very mild bitter.

As compared to the shank, the pork belly is softer with its layers of lean and fat breaking down under the thick herbal braise gravy. The gravy seeps into the rice, giving each bite a savoury depth. Each bowl comes with a mushroom, egg and greens which bring texture against the richness of the braise and meat 》$5.50

The pork shank is braised until tender with lean and fatty pieces that soaked up the thick herbal braise gravy. The gravy is glossy and savoury, clinging to the rice, giving each spoonful a deep and comforting flavour. Each bowl comes with mushroom, egg and greens which add balance to the richness. For the portion served, it feels value for money, hearty and satisfying for those who enjoy a thick braise. The queue stretches at times but once you dig in, the wait feels worthwhile 》$4.50

Under each silky skin was a juicy pork filling that soaked up the sauce beautifully. The chilli oil leaned more aromatic than fiery, with savoury depth and a gentle tang that kept the flavours lively. The balance of smooth wrapper, tender meat and fragrant sauce made each bite satisfying. The portion felt generous and affordable, a dish that draws me back for both taste and value whenever I’m at this hawker 》$6