From The Straits Times    |

Photo: Tiong Bahru Bakery

Following a trip to Selinda Camp and Gomoti Plains Camp in Botswana, Cynthia Chua of Spa Esprit Group returned to Singapore with a new concept in mind: TBB Safari. 

 

Photo: Tiong Bahru Bakery

There might not be wild animals here – unless you count the illustrations and cushion print, but there are chickens and bunnies on site. The safari-inspired cafe makes use of the previously underutilized space in front of farm-to-table restaurant Open Farm Community.

The makeover provides maximum comfort with a made-to-order canvas tent and eco-friendly Airbitat coolers set at 25 degrees to regulate the temperature. Being outdoors might sound cool in theory, but not when you’re sweating in the sweltering heat. Surrounded by lush greenery here, you can connect with nature without roughing it out. 

 

Framed butterfly taxidermy adorn the wooden deck screens and you’ll find flat-woven kilim rugs under your feet. Both bring the decor to life with bright colours. For a semi-alfresco space, the pseudo-campsite is cosy. Notwithstanding the fact that it was pouring outside when we stopped by. It helped that we were holding warm glasses of milk in our hands.

 

Photo: Tiong Bahru Bakery

Exclusive to Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari are anti-inflammatory caffeine-free drinks. These colourful concoctions are made using natural ingredients from the garden. There’s the earthy beetroot latte ($6.50), lightly spiced turmeric and ginger latte ($6.50), and fragrant blue bell latte ($6). The last of which is created using blue pea flower extract and coconut milk.

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Photo: Tiong Bahru Bakery

Crafted for the health-conscious are wholesome power breakfast jars packed with Southeast Asian fruits and flavours. Think: apples on bircher muesli with rojak flowers ($8.50), pandan-infused pineapple on rolled oats in black sesame-infused milk ($8.80), and papaya infused with turmeric on a bed of tapioca pearls and coconut milk ($8.50).  

 

Available until Dec 14 is the limited edition wild safari cake ($9.20). The confection is a chocolate-coated banana mousse and banana passionfruit confit, which sits on a crunchy coconut praline feuilletine. 

 

Of course, Tiong Bahru Bakery wouldn’t be Tiong Bahru Bakery without its signature buttery croissants (from savoury to sweet, take your pick) and Kouign Amanns.

 

Photo:Tiong Bahru Bakery

Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari doesn’t necessarily make the most luxurious glamping experience – you’ll have to get out of Singapore for that, but it does make a nice place to chill out

Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari, 130E Minden Road; Opening times: 8am to 5pm daily

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