Every now and then, I like to hop off the train on the way home just to see what new places there are that I haven’t tried yet. Hey, what’s a little de-tour to let off some steam from a hectic day at the office, aye? 😉

PARK at Holland Village is one of those cafe cum bistros that I’ve been putting off visiting, till a sudden change of plans left me free (and aimless) at dinnertime. Its prime location just a stone’s throw away from Holland Village MRT station, coupled with its relative seclusion from the busier parts of the neighbourhood, meant precious me-time to unwind and eat. Plus, there’re all those rave reviews about their truffle fries and mac & cheese so why not!

Cafe by day and gastro bar by night, it’s no surprise that PARK offers your standard coffee and tea alongside a selection of spirits and craft beer. If you swing by in the evening, you can spot a number of customers making merry with a pint or glass in hand.

The Matcha Hot Tea that I had had a strong hint of the matcha flavour on the first sip, but that was overshadowed by an overly syrupy note that made me think of McDonald’s tea when you’ve added one too many sachets of sugar. The iced gem biscuits added a nice, nostalgic touch, though. Love how the colours matched with the tea and the cup!

A must-have when you dine at PARK: Truffle Fries that look like an edible game of Jenga. Try pulling one fry from the top of the pile without upsetting all that cheese. It’s harder than it looks. 😛

Presentation aside, PARK’s truffle fries are tasty enough, with the distinct aroma of truffle oil hitting you as soon as it reaches your table. Cheese added interesting layers to an ordinary bucket of fried potato. I would recommend sharing that with someone, though, as it does come in a very generous serving.

PARK may be known for their Mac & Cheese and Mentaiko Pasta but… I’d highly recommend their salads, too! The butter lettuce, proscuitto parma ham, gavros and poached egg in the Caesar Salad is a healthy, yet heart combination for you if you’re into eating clean after those calorie-infused sides.

The components were fresh and a feast for the eyes on their own, with a gravy boat full of dressing which you can dip your greens into. At $12.90, it’s one of the biggest bowls of salad I’ve had, and fairly worth it when you consider other places serving smaller sized portions for the almost the same price.

Overall, PARK is pretty generous in food and service, though some of its items are on the pricey side. It’s a great place to unwind on the weekends or after work, whether you’re with your buddies or on your own. Do grab a seat at the alfresco area if the weather permits, where you can do some people watching while grabbing a bite. 😉 Kudos to Sugar for leading me here!

Address: 281 Holland Avenue 01-01
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday:  10am – 12mn
Friday and Saturday: 10am – 2pm
Closed on Monday
Contact: Call 9721 3815 or e-mail info@parkgroup.com.sg

Website/Facebook:
Menu: Food/ Drinks

GST & Service charge: Yes 
Nets: No
WiFi: Yes – ask the staff for the password 

Directions:

The cafe is a stone’s throw away from the exit of Holland Village MRT, at the end of the row of shophouses.

chueonit.