From The Straits Times    |

Photo: Lunar Coffee Brewers/ Instagram

Nothing ever stops us from getting good food – not even rain or the sweltering heat. The only thing that could deter us? How awfully difficult it is for us to get there. Expensive transport or a long walking distance – they’re petty but really, we just want to relax.

Well with the recently extended Downtown line which officially opened in late October, you can now travel to any one of the 35 stops between Bukit Panjang and Expo. So there’s absolutely no excuse for you to leave out the cafes that you’ve been eyeing. We’ll help you kickstart your journey with a couple of cafes in each corner of Singapore. Then, venture out until you’re spoiled for choice.

Now all you need to do is walk those few minutes to a satisfying meal.

 

 1) The Fabulous Baker Boy 

 

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This cake-and-brunch cafe is nestled in Fort Canning Park, which once made it really hard to get to. Now it’s as simple as hopping on the Downtown line. As expected, the cafe is cascaded by flora that transports you to another country.

The Fabulous Baker Boy has been serving up fabulous bakes for over 10 years now. Its fresh pastries are mainly made from sourdough fresh every morning – think croissants, pain au chocolate and danishes filled with turkey bacon, bechamel and cheese. They also have a myriad of cakes, from the lemon-y Ms Beyonce, to a decadent Ms Whitney Houston chocolate cake. You’ll want to get your hands on its pastries, but for a heavier bite – the Chilli Crab Mac & Cheese, which has macaroni tossed in cheesy bechamel sauce, topped with chunks of chilli crab and herbed panko crumb. The only challenge you’ll be facing this time round is staying awake after all the delicious food.

Where: 70 River Valley Road #01-15, S(179037)
Nearest MRT: Fort Canning Park

When: Open daily from 8:30am for breakfast, except Monday. Closes at 6pm (Tues-Thurs), 10pm (Fri-Sat), 5pm (Sun).

Contact: Whatsapp or SMS to 97298560

More info: The Fabulous Baker Boy’s website and Instagram.

 

 2) Brothers in Fine Food 

 

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Tucked away in Tampines West Community Club, Brothers in Fine Food is owned by the same people behind Penny University, one of the leading coffee houses in Singapore.

It describes its cuisine as “mostly modern, sometimes traditional, but often playful”. Unlike traditional menus, their main dishes don’t come with any side dishes. Instead, their sides come separately – so you can share them with your friends, or eat it alone if you have a small tummy. It serves breakfast only on the weekends so be sue to leave a little window! If you’re there for a light lunch, try their Duck Ragout which comes with tagliatelle pasta in hearty tomato-based pasta – even the duck-haters would love this. For brunch, try their Eggs Benedict – poached eggs with smoked salmon slices and hollandaise sauce over fresh brioche. BFF’s menu changes every few months so you’ll get a new taste every now and then. With a sister cafe like Penny Uni, you can expect that the coffee and drinks will delight your senses.

Where: Tampines West Community Club,  5 Tampines Ave 3 #02-07, S(529705)

Nearest MRT: Tampines West

When: Open from 12:00pm to 10:30pm (Tues-Thurs), 9:00am to 10:30pm (Sat-Sun), closed on Mondays. Kitchen closes from 5:00pm to 6:00pm and at 9:30pm.

Contact: 69090502

More info: Brothers in Fine Food’s website and Instagram.

 

ALSO READ: 5 BRUNCH OUTFITS TO HIDE YOUR POST-LUNCH BLOATED TUMMY

 

 3) Riders Cafe 

 

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This cafe screams nothing but charm. Located at Bukit Timah Saddle Club, Riders Cafe opened up just over a decade ago. The cafe is perfect if all you want is fresh air and good food – it’s nestled in the lush greenery of Bukit Timah. Back in the days, knowing its location would make us turn away, but thank goodness for the MRT.

Riders Cafe has long been a brunch favourite amongst Singaporeans. Besides serving up breakfast bites like The Usual which comes with two eggs, bacon, mushrooms, bread and more. It also serves up hearty western cuisine like steaks, grills and pasta – like their Slipper Lobster Linguine loaded with spicy arrabbiata, topped with parmesan and basil. Besides dining, locals enjoy heading up to the stables. So the little ones will definitely be enticed by the pony rides. If you’re heading there for brunch, you’ll want to make a booking beforehand – the food’s that good. 

Where: Bukit Timah Saddle Club, 51 Fairways Drive, S(286965)

Nearest MRT: Sixth Avenue

When: Open from 8:00am to 9:00pm (Sun-Thurs), 8:00am to 10:00pm (Fri-Sat), closed on Mondays.

Contact: 64669819 

More info: Riders Cafe’s website and Instagram.

 

 4) Lunar Coffee Brewers 

Just a short walk away from Telok Ayer MRT is the OUE Downtown Gallery. Hidden inside is Lunar Coffee Brewers, which was recently opened this year. The cafe’s interiors will delight minimalist lovers – just like it’s name, the floor and tables are lunar-themed with moon-surface designs. Plus it’s got free wifi, and chargers, so what’s not to like?

It makes the perfect spot for a weekday lunch too – the cafe serves fusion rice bowls and cold brew to wake you up. There’s local delights like the Beef Rendang Don, which comes with Nyonya-styled marinated beef, onsen egg and pickled vegetables atop Japanese rice. For breakfast, go for a classic croissant and smooth scrambled eggs. One little thing that stands out in this cafe is that it serves free-flow sparkling water, so you can refresh your palate before trying their other munchies.  

Where: OUE Downtown Gallery 2, 6 Shenton Way #01-49/50 , S(068809) 

Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer

When: Open from 8:00am to 7:00pm (Mon-Fri), 9:00am to 3:00pm (Sat), closed on Sundays.

Contact: 62244500 

More info: Lunar Coffee Brewer’s Facebook and Instagram.

 

5) Revelry 

 

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When we’re in the train we always wonder, what’s there at Beauty World. Beauty products? Well, actually no. Somewhere along one of Beauty World’s lorongs, there’s a circus-themed cafe which screams eclectic. Revelry’s got bold colours on the walls, paintings of elephants and a hanging garden. Of course, it’s got food just as stunning.

The stars of the circus (sorry!) are its sweet and savoury belgian waffles. It’s been said to be one of the best in Singapore. Try its dreamy Chicken and Waffle, which you’ll smothered with maple syrup. Enjoy it alongside a cup of coffee, but if you want something a little more sinful, try their milkshakes – there’s even a gula melaka milkshake. If waffles aren’t your thing this might be a skip, or you can try Revelry’s pastas. 

Where: 21 Lorong Kilat #01-02, S(598123)

Nearest MRT: Beauty World

When: Open from 11:00am to 10:00pm (Mon-Thurs), 11:00am to 11:00pm (Fri), 10:00am to 11:00pm (Sat), 10:00am to 10:00pm (Sun)

More info: Revelry’s Facebook and Instagram.

 

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