Update June 2020: 20F Specialty Coffeehouse has closed.

It’s a known fact that Singapore’s landscape is ever changing – with our thirst for change and progress in a limited land space, it’s not hard to imagine many of our forefathers’ domains disappearing into the tides of time.

So when word got out that a former family-run clinic was being converted into 20F Specialty Coffeehouse, a hipster cafe – with its interior embellishments intact – it no doubt caught the attention of cafe hoppers with a love for the old school. Check out the metal window grills and patterned tiles – typical of the traditional medical centres of old!

The cafe boasts a relatively generous space – dim, indoor areas, with a cooling alfresco area for light hungry Instagrammers. Can never get enough of  that natural lighting for your #onthetable shots!

I liked the “urban garden” vibe of the alfresco area, too. Grey tones with green accents from the plants; a far cry from the traditional characteristics of the indoor area. And an almost open concept kitchen right next to it.

There’s also a trio of seats by the window, if you’re lucky enough to grab it.

Food wise, 20F serves up a sizeable number of duck and pork based dishes – good news for meat lovers. There are also all day breakfast options, one of them being the Pulled Pork Benedict ($18).

Although I’m not a huge fan of Eggs Benedict, I really enjoyed the variety of flavours – sweet from the pulled pork mixed with the slight bitterness of the rocket leaves. The chipotle hollandaise sauce wasn’t too bad, either, and helped add a little heat to this classic breakfast dish. My only complaint was that the bun got a little oily from the pulled pork.

If you’re here for dessert, you absolutely have to try the Matcha Green Tea Cake ($5.80). After being let down by so many dry cakes in other cafes (whether it’s stored for more than 2 days or sourced from another supplier), 20F’s matcha cake was so, so good.

The sponge was delightfully moist and the cream thick with a strong, bitter aftertaste characteristic of real matcha. I loved how light and airy the sponge was, too! Good thing this is not in my neighbourhood or I’d be filling up on these cakes everyday.

You can upgrade to the Very Matcha set ($3) and enjoy your cake with some matcha sauce and cool vanilla bean ice cream. Doesn’t it look like a Japanese tea set? 😀

Liberty beans are used for their brews.

20F Specialty Coffeehouse is located a little bit further away from the cluster of cafes in Jalan Besar, but still within walking distance of both Lavendar and Farrer Park MRT stations. Service was also prompt and attentive (with servers regularly coming round to replenish your water). I wouldn’t mind coming back to try their cold teas!

Address: 20 Foch Road
Opening hours:
Monday: 10am – 7pm
Tuesday to Sunday: 10am – 10pm
Contact: 6291 4940

Facebook /Instagram
Menu: Food (Page 1/2/3), Drinks (1/2)

Nets: Yes
Extra charges: No 
WiFi: Yes

Directions: Alight at Lavendar MRT Station (EW 11) and take Exit B. Turn right and walk through V Hotel Lavendar toward Jalan Besar Station. After Jalan Besar Station, cross Tywhitt Road and walk along Petain Road until you reach Jalan Besar Road. Turn right and walk until you reach 20 Foch Road.

chueonit.