singapore xiv

I'm sure by now everyone knows of my love for Singapore. This time, I was accompanied by a dear friend on a decision made on a whim on January. We had only five days which was definitely too little for the both of us. Days were spared for catching up with our own friends and family, over cups of coffee and plates of pastries. But we silently knew that this was to be and I am ever so grateful to still have her as a friend. This made me realize how different this trip was than when I first came down to Singapore. It started with a friend, left with a dozen, and it keeps adding each passing year.

My heart is full just by looking back at this trip again. Thanks to everyone who made their time for me, you know who you are!

Pictured

One Man Coffee
Ronin
Symmetry
Wheeler's Yard
National Museum of Singapore

Not Pictured

The Bravery
Artistry
Arbite
Maison Ikkoku
Necessary Provisions
Plain Vanilla
Bloesem Shop
Creamery Ice-Cream


T.

feeka coffee roasters

I meant to share this a few weeks ago but time got away from me. Last November proved to be the best month yet. Albeit being swamped with studies, I managed to slot in some time for a project that represents all the things I'm passionate about. If you've been following along on my Instagram, you'll pretty much know what I'm talking about.  But I'll keep that on a separate post.

Feeka is more than just a café, this urban aesthetic beauty is faithful to the tradition of Swedish verb and noun 'fika', which means taking a coffee break, usually with the accompaniment of a sweet food. This city darling is set to draw flocks of people for their daily hearty breakfasts, which seems to keep the crowds happy these days.

There's just something very right-on about the space that seems to pull everything together. The raw and unfinished scraped wall greets you as you enter the premises, and you'll find it hard to pull your eyes away from the green couch that blares across the room.

The coffee is as excellent as you would expect from a café that roasts its own beans and never miss a peach cobbler when it's available. God only knows how much I'm into that.

T.

wood and steel

Last brunch brought me to Wood and Steel, the ideal place for the design and interior obsessed. Every town needs a place like this, with an eclectic mix of furniture in a lively yet cozy ambience paired with a good cup of joe.

I like how the choice of paint on one side of the wall was inspired by the Brain Games and the idea behind the hanging fixture by the bar came from an Indonesian quarters at a random lodging site. Talk about a gem after my own heart!

T.

sprezzatura coffee

Last week, I attended my first gig and sat through an abysmal food poisoning by the back of the bar. Head down, if not leaning on my partner's shoulder, no big deal. But I was there, in the thick of an indie rock show, hearing the bits blare across acres of nodding heads.

You must think that was irrelevant. I thought so too. But I thought you might fancy some reminder not to eat a day old apple cake, just in case. Did you watch that scene when Snow White was fooled to eating a poisonous red apple? Yeah, we're better than that.

On the day I visited Sprezzatura was the day I attended my second live concert. A little traumatized by my previous experience, I made sure to steer clear from cakes. 

Obviously, that didn't happen. 

It was accidental. 

Completely necessary. 

Ate them like hot cakes. 

Gula Melaka Pandan Cake, Mars Bar Cheesecake. Go get em'!

Don't forget the coffee. Always a good idea. And if you need some culinary thrill, their sandwiches and pastries hit just the right note as that grumble in your tummy. Unfortunately, Fad (the man pictured in the last photo) isn't up for sale. His wife would probably tell you that. Let's not get into trouble.

T.

fika at acme bar and coffee

Time surely flies.

One minute we're talking about September and that Green Day reference, and the next we're talking about October passing by swiftly. Studies have been overwhelming and my juggling skills are unparalleled. I suppose this is life and everything is alright. Mind over matter, right?

Last week I had the honour of hosting Pei of @skeletales from Singapore for a lovely three days vacation in KL. We visited some of my favourite cafes and managed a quick stopover at Acme for coffee and a shared slice of banana caramel cake (which was divine!). On her last day, we missed her a.m. flight because obviously, I couldn't let her go.

On a different note, a big THANK YOU to raedysethome for the short and sweet mention. This couple is a gem!

T.

aku café and gallery

Aku Café & Gallery is the brainchild of café veterans, Old China Cafe, one that I have yet to visit in a long time. Specializing in coffee through siphon and hand drip method, vintage chairs that creak as you sit and beautiful art to gawk your eyes on, this place has my heart!

It shouldn't take more than one sip of the hand-dripped, Sumatran Gold Top Mandheling (MYR12) to be smitten by Aku Cafe... alongside a complimentary swoon-inducing pavlova, generously given by the kind folk behind the bar, I surrender. The scene is quietest on weekdays but not for long I'm sure.

T.

pickle and fig, ttdi

Before I die, I want to be rich — 

enough to be well-fed;

enough to give back;

and, enough to see the world

before I die.

Not gonna lie, I just made them up 5 minutes ago. Maybe they are all I want to have, maybe not. I remember stumbling into this story of a similar installation that went viral on the internet. It all started out as an experiment which became phenomenal. Today, 'Before I Die' can be seen all around the world and I am happy to find this work of art in this gem of a cafe.

'At their greatest, our public spaces can nourish our well-being and help us see that we’re not alone as we try to make sense of our lives.

With more ways to share in public space, the people around us can not only help us make better places, they can help us become our best selves.'

Read more about this installation at http://beforeidie.cc/site/about/.

There is nothing like an inspiring entrance to add to a unique dining experience. Like this guy would often say, we feast with our eyes first, taste - secondary. Perhaps, he's right. I've surely tasted better paninis before but that won't stop me from coming back to this cosy spot.

Set on an old shop lot of Taman Tun, Pickle and Fig delivers creative comfort food wrapped in hot, pressed breads and other open-faced savouries enough to attract hungry folks around the neighbourhood. Coffee is definitely not their forte, not when the barista is evidently confused when asked about the difference between a flat white and cappuccino... though, the drinks aren't all too shabby.

As we feast with our eyes... The industrial lighting fixtures and warehouse wooden furniture pieces create a promising, convivial vibe, though more relaxing at tea time. I'll probably be back... after I've figured out what I want before I die.

Pickle and Fig

T.

cafes of kuala lumpur

Last week, I was contacted by Jayne Tan, an avid traveller and the lead community manager of Singapore-based, food-sharing application Burpple, to share my take on KL's 5 top cafes to visit. As a self-proclaimed cafe junkie, I immediately agreed to it because how hard can it be right? Obviously, I never give anything a good second thinking, like that one day when a stranger came up to me and asked for my number so I did just that... The point is, choosing had never been this hard but at the end of the day, you just have to make it work. So I did just that and all was well.

Enjoy!
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

For A Hearty Breakfast: Antipodean Café

There is definitely a spell in this café cum brunch diner, that never fails to rack up long queues- even as it enters its third year. Antipodean reigns at the top with their exemplary meals, impeccable service, and complimentary wifi, drawing a full house of foodies clamoring for room daily. Quintessential orders of the Big Breakfast (with mushrooms), or the All-Day Breakfast (with red beans) is recommended. Proceed from there through the long menu written on the walls of the café. There is also Kopi Luwak, just in case.

*Take note that breakfast ends at 11am, with the exception of the All-day Breakfast!

20 Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar

For Straight-up, No-frills Coffee: Artisan Roast Coffee

As its name implies, Artisan Roast promotes the artisanship of producing high-quality coffee, and this is where the latest wave of coffee lovers are searching for the perfect fix. Baristas cringe at the mention of syrups or flavorings (also distinctively pointed out on their menu board), with the exception of a classic mocha that uses fineFrench Valrhona chocolate. You will find well-executed espresso drinks, alongside house coffees brewed in the likes of a Chemex. Don’t leave without trying their zesty lemon cake, and other selection of sweet treats too.

*Multiple locations around KL, however, it’s recommended to visit their latest outlet in Section 13 which provides a more spacious and picturesque coffee platform OR head over to TTDI for consistent cups of coffee.

4 Lorong Rahim Kajai 14, Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI)
19, Jalan 13/2, Section 13
2 Jalan Telawi Satu, Bangsar

For an Assuring Cup of Sublime Coffee: Top Brew Coffee Bar

Helmed by the winner of the 2012 Malaysia Barista Championship, JH Yee, Top Brew speaks for itself as the leading coffee bar, with its unpretentious, humble ambience that will surely make you feel right at home. Uncover the joy of spot-on, espresso-milk balance in the perfect temperature. This is where you want to be for a reliable, quality coffee experience.

Top Brew is a hidden gem of a cafe, nestled in the vicinity of the ever-swanky Mont Kiara. Take a cab and use Google Maps wisely.

Plaza Damas 3, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Sri Hartamas

For The Most Important Meal Of The Day: The Red Beanbag

A gem of a café, The Red Beanbag’s reputation for friendly service is matched only by their scrumptious offering of delectable Australian-inspired food. Their coffee is hit-and-miss, but you can expect no less of an enjoyable espresso drink which will satisfy your inner coffee geek. Enter The Red Beanbag and enjoy a great cup alongside hearty, brunch delights that can’t be beat.

Lot A4-1-8, Solaris Dutamas, Jalan Dutamas 1

For An Unforgettable Dining Experience: Acme Bar & Coffee

This year-old café/ bar/restaurant is the bustle of Jalan Binjai, and its space is poised to explode. Acme marks a strong entry into the coffee industry’s look-and-feel, with its aesthetically pleasing interior. It remains till today, an alluring place to stop for a well-prepared cup of coffee and menu specials. Score!

The Troika, Jalan Binjai
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

With a world-class product experience and a growing community of users, Burpple is a fun, easy place for people to share photos, opinions and experiences of food right from your fingertips and showcase them to the world.

Find out more on www.burpple.com/sg