The west side of Singapore has been getting its fair share of hipster cafe action recently. Taking over from Krave West, FlagWhite opened its doors on Jalan Jurong Kehchil near Beauty World MRT Station to whip up hearty cafe fare and drinks for residents nearby.
Mention the words “airplane food” and neatly organised bentos with bland flavours come to mind. Not at Runway80 though, where the decor is done to mimic a retro-themed runway and the food is plated to whet appetites.
With so much going on during the week, a brief R&R over comfort food and drinks is just what you need to recharge over the weekend. Simple and cozy spots like Rise and Grind Coffee Co at Bukit Timah Plaza do just the trick for a no-frills, early afternoon respite.
Heartland cafes like EStation Cafe in Ang Mo Kio don’t get enough credit. Homely and inviting, places like these combine the convenience of heading down for a bite, with quality food at reasonable prices.
There’s something to be said about cafes that are able to stand the test of time in Singapore’s food scene – and the finicky fads that come and go with initially strong players that turn out to be no more than flashes in a pan.
The name Lots Gourmet might ring a bell with cafe goers of old. Established back in 2009 (way before hipster cafes and indie coffee joints started sprouting across the island), the humble establishment has come a long way from its cozy premises in Upper Changi Road, to its lavish new home at Changi Civil Service Club on Netheravon Road.
These days, it’s hard to find a cafe that truly stands out from the dozens of generic looking joints that pop up with forgettable or worse, mediocre dishes. Yet Amber Ember has somehow found its way against the norm, with an interesting menu of Asian inspired brunch items that tantalise both the eyes and the tastebuds.
Ah, Sundays by the pool. When I was a child, there was nothing better than escaping the relentless heat with an afternoon at the swimming pool, followed by a hearty lunch with family under the sturdy shelter of an umbrella table.
For families taking a refreshing dip at Woodlands and Sengkang Sports Centres, Citrus By The Pool and its sister cafe, Citrus Bistro, offer western and Asian fusion fare that is pretty bang for buck, in terms of flavours and portions!
Best of all, diners at Citrus Bistro enjoy free entry to the swimming complex – just dial the number on the signboard next to the gantry and a friendly staff will usher you in.
