Located across Pinnacle @ Duxton (nearest MRT is Outram MRT Station), this gorgeous cafe decked out in hexagonal marbled tiles, rose gold finishings and modern wood panels serves tasty brunch items that we would definitely return for. Seats fill up pretty quickly on weekends, so swing by early with your friends. You must order the crowd favourite Populus Scramble ($17.50) that sees creamy scrambled eggs and feta chunks stuffed into a buttery croissant, spiced with sliced red chillies. Don't be fooled by the compact portion size, which belies how filling the combination is. For something healthier, go for the Pulled Pork Grain Bowl ($18), one of three grain bowls available. It's our favourite of the lot, considering how tender and well-seasoned the meat is. Served with a trio of quinoa, bulgur wheat and pearl barley, the well-balanced and nutritious bowl also comes loaded with lots of vegetables like mushrooms, tomatoes and pumpkin. End your meal with one of their excellent coffees made with a house blend of beans from El Savaldore, Guatemala and Brazil. If you like your coffee milky but strong, go for their Magic ($5.50). If not, ask the friendly baristas for recommendation on their Filter Coffee (from $6)!
Avg Price: $25 per person
Photo by Burppler Hilary See
Despite new competition sprouting along Neil Road and Everton Park, this cafe decked out in beautiful tiles and classy rose gold furnishings is holding its ground with satisfying mains and good coffee. While the menu at Populus Coffee and Food Co. features a good list of delicious mains like the Rendang Donburi ($20), it also has a small section dedicated to healthier grain bowls that is easy to miss. Of the three bowls available (all have the same vegetable toppings but different proteins and bases), we enjoyed the Pulled Pork Grain Bowl ($18) the most. The meat is tender and well-seasoned, sitting on a bed of quinoa, bulgur wheat and pearl barley, and lots of vegetables like mushrooms, tomatoes and pumpkin. It is a well-balanced, nutritious bowl that will fill you, and is available throughout the week for both lunch and dinner. Swing by for a quick lunch with colleagues, or come in the night with your friends and catch up in this cosy space.
Avg Price: $25 per person
Photo by Burppler Kat Tay
A short walk from Outram Park MRT station, this Neil Road cafe has been pulling in the crowds with tasty mains and good coffee — it was still buzzy even when we visited on a late Monday afternoon. Prices are on the slightly high side, but the food is good and the portion sizes are decent. The popular Populus Scramble ($17.50) sees creamy scrambled eggs and feta chunks stuffed into a buttery croissant, spiced with sliced red chillies. Its compact size belies how filling the combination is. For a more balanced, nutritious meal, try the Pulled Pork Grain Bowl ($18), which comes with tender meat, a mix of quinoa bulgur wheat and pearl barley, and lots of fresh vegetables. According to our server, the beef in the limited edition Rendang Donburi ($20) is painstakingly cooked by the boss' mother. It was sold out when we visited at 3pm, so go early to avoid disappointment. While away a lazy day with one of their excellent coffees. If you like your coffee milky but strong, go for the Magic ($5.50), which the barista described as "a more coffee forward milk-based beverage".
Avg Price: $25 per person
Photo by Burppler Lewis Tan
Opened to much hype along Neil Road (a few doors down from The Lokal), The Populus Café might just live up to its name. The interior is industrial-chic, complete with wood finishings, black walls, and cement floors accented with gold. Started by the same people behind Department of Caffeine, and Two Degrees North Coffee Co, a specialty coffee roaster and wholesaler, this café aims to provide bold, inventive food. The Populus Scramble ($17) features creamy scrambled eggs, streaky bacon, and marinated feta in a crisp, buttery croissant — a substantial, tasty dish. Don't leave without trying a dessert, in particular the Lemon & White Chocolate Sundae ($13) that boasts a balance of tart and sweet with citron mascarpone, fresh lemon jelly, and rich vanilla soft serve served on a bed of more sweet goodies (think popping candy!). Pair it with their Cold Drip Coffee ($6) — it is rather stellar!
