Parched by Parchmen (Woodlands)

The North is probably one spot that is least associated with establishments serving up specialty coffee; that being said, there is one spot that is overlooked on whenever one mentions this statement. Having commenced operations for quite a while now would be the Parched by Parchmen outlet that is located within STELLAR@TE2 — the section in the underpass of Woodlands MRT Station at the Thomson-East Coast Line area. Whilst this Parched by Parchmen outlet is nothing like their outlets at Aspial One in Ubi and their Jalan Besar Community Club in Lavender, their location at STELLAR@TE2 is just a kiosk — albeit one with an actual dine-in bar counter surrounding the kiosk. Considering so, the food options at this outlet can be described as limited — think Finger Foods and a range of Cakes which are prominently displayed at the counter. Still, their range of specialty coffee is worth commending considering the lack of such establishments in the North; there is a range of espresso-based specialty coffee and also hand-brewed coffee served up here, as well as drinking chocolate and a range of teas.

The Chocolate Egg had caught our attention whilst we were skimming through the cakes that they have stocked up in the display fridge on the day of our visit. Parched by Parchmen does not describe on the elements that come with their cakes via the description cards placed in front of the cakes in the counter — that being said, we did note that this is pretty much an entremet that came with a chocolate shell that comes with a chocolate mousse layer, fresh cream, macerated cherries (?) and a brownie layer — there is also a cookie-esque base that can be found at the base. Unfortunately, the Chocolate Egg which we had ended up being a “cracked” egg when it was served to us — the chocolate egg having been broken and exposing the chocolate mousse within. The entire composition within the cake does make the Chocolate Egg seem to replicate that of a Blackforest cake, though we did find the notes of chocolate being stronger here with the supposed boozy, zingy and sour-ish notes of the macerated cherries being a little non-existent. The Iced Espresso Tonic is something which we were glad that they do offer on the menu; after all, it is an item that isn’t commonly found at specialty coffee joints and its availability here in the North does leave us pretty stoked. We liked how the Iced Espresso Tonic comes with a good fizz; the entire concoction coming with a slightly sweet, floral and a caffeinated kick at the same time. Whilst it has taken us quite some time to make our return visit back to Parched by Parchmen’s STELLAR@TE2 location; definitely one spot that deserves a lot more mention for what they are providing for the folks at residing / working in Woodlands!

Nobody said their milk is mint infused. Honestly all I could taste is mint. No body, the coffee is acidic. Didn't enjoy this at all

Woodlands is probably one of the neighbourhoods that are best known for the lack of specialty coffee joint — ever since the demise of Sowl Coffee, there is pretty much only Parched left in the neighbourhood for specialty coffee (that is disregarding Sueno Cafe at 888 Plaza; a spot which we are more inclined to call an ice-cream parlour). Located within the grounds of the Thomson-East Coast Line side of Woodlands MRT Station towards exits 6 and 7, this is the same Parched which is behind Parched by Parchmen at Aspial One in Ubi, Pacto by Parchmen ar Jalan Besar Community Club — all of which are run by the folks behind Sun Ray Cafe at Brighton Crescent near Serangoon Gardens. Unlike their other Parched/Pacto locations however, Parched at Woodlands MRT Station is pretty much intended as a takeaway kiosk — there are only four bar stools surrounding the counter espresso counter for dine-in patrons, while all wares served with the coffee and food are disposable. Given how they have intended for this to be more of a takeaway outfit, the menu at Parched at Woodlands MRT Station is also limited to cakes and pastries which are displayed in their display chiller at the counter; made-to-order items include the Chocolate-dripped Wafflets, while the Coffee Bun is available only till sold out. Beverages available here include specialty coffee and tea; both of which they seem to have an emphasis on.

Visiting Parched at their Woodlands location on a weekday evening, we decided to go for their Carrot Cake since there were limited bakes available during the time of our visit. It had been a long time ever since the last Tim we have had Carrot Cake at a cafe and the rendition at Parched was one that really brought us back to the heydays of cafe-hopping. For one, the cake is sufficiently moist; also well-spiced with good flavour without being too sweet — the hints of cinnamon and alternating layers of velvety smooth cream cheese frosting forms pretty much that classic combination of flavours that we were looking for. Shreds of carrots can be found within the cake as well — mostly at the bottom layer, while the addition of walnuts provide an earthy crunch that also gave a textural contrast to the whole cake. Overall, a pretty well-made Carrot Cake that we would not mind having again, though we are likely to opt for a Long Black or Flat White to go along instead of the Cold Brew White (Bottled) that we had went for considering how we aren’t quite the sort who likes their white cold brew unsweetened.

There really aren’t many specialty coffee spots in Woodlands so Parched is pretty much a godsend in a certain way. No doubt that the space lacks a proper dine-in area, but in a neighbourhood where options are limited, having a spot like Parched that comes with a certain pedigree is already more than having a good option — definitely somewhere which we appreciate having being one of the many that resides in this neighbourhood.