5:59+ Cafe & Bistro review: Chengdu’s panda-themed casual food spot debuts in Singapore

I checked out 5:59+ Cafe & Bistro at 313@Somerset, the panda-themed spot that brings authentic Sichuan flavours to Singapore’s dining scene.

If you adore pandas, you’re going to love 5:59+ Cafe & Bistro, which has rolled into Singapore’s shores. Located at 313@Somerset’s alfresco area, this panda-themed casual food spot offers Western dishes infused with Sichuan flavours. As someone who’s always up for a spicy kick, I popped by the cafe to have a taste and see if it’s worth it. (When you’re done, make your way to the nearby Hanco Coffee for some good brews and cheesecake.)

5:59+ Cafe & Bistro review: Details at a glance

Best for: Fans of Sichuan spice, daring fusion dishes, and bold flavours
Must-try items: Mala beef tongue; Szechuan pepper steak; seared tuna and avocado with spicy wasabi dressing; bamboo milk tea
How much: Food from $12; drinks and desserts from $6
Opening hours: Mondays to Thursdays, 11.30am to 10pm, Fridays, 11.30am to 11pm, Saturdays, 10.30am to 11pm and Sundays, 10.30am to 10pm
Address: 5:59+ Cafe & Bistro, #01-28, 313 @ Somerset, 313 Orchard Road, Singapore 238895

From Chengdu to Singapore

5:59+ Cafe & Bistro first opened in 2019 in Chengdu, before expanding to five outlets across China; Singapore marks its first international outpost. You may wonder: what’s with the name? (No, it has nothing to do with the menu prices – I checked.) “5:59+” is meant to capture the moment before 6pm as well as highlight the cafe’s all-day dining concept.

The cafe styles itself as an “urban garden”, and I see the vision. You can see it’s akin to a modern panda enclosure, except you’re not trapped within. The sleek space brings together elements of lush greenery and woody accents. Despite its alfresco setting, I didn’t feel overwhelmed by the humidity. It’s a cosy spot where you can tuck into spicy dishes without being concerned about drowning in sweat.

A spicy Sichuan love affair

They say if you can’t handle the heat, don’t be gungho and try Sichuan cuisine. But if you wanna spice up your life, 5:59+ Cafe & Bistro is ready to take you on a fiery journey. No time for pleasantries here – I dove straight into the mala beef tongue ($26). There was no gameyness in this dish; it tasted like beef rib or tenderloin that had been cooked medium-rare.

Still not on the adventurous train? The Szechuan pepper steak ($39) is your best bet. The tender, juicy meat was a joy to tuck into, and you can choose to dip it in the accompanying sauces for extra flavour. Personally, I felt the steak was a winner all on its own. True to its Sichuan roots, the peppercorn hits first before the heat creeps in – a telltale sign they’re not dumbing it down for local palates.

This panda-themed cafe doesn’t just serve Sichuan dishes – it gets playful with fusion too! Sink your teeth into the D24 durian pizza ($27). Those who’ve tried Pezzo’s version wouldn’t bat an eyelid at this creation, but I get it if you need a moment to decide. I assure you, it’s not cloying or ‘stinky’; the cafe nails the balance of durian and cheese, so each bite is a rich combo of sweet and savoury. That said, this might be a bit much for one person, so share with friends.

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Sweet but not quite a treat

For all of its fascinating menu creations, some things are better left in the kitchen. I’m referring to the old Chengdu mala coffee ($9.80), a concoction that blends caffeine and spices. It comes in a bowl, so you can slurp it up or sip slowly. The beverage started off with coffee, before my entire mouth was engulfed by the mala taste. It’s an assault to the senses that continues to linger long after. The only saving grace was the panda marshmallow, which I recommend eating on its own.

The desserts were great in presentation, but left much to be desired when it came to the taste test. The panda mousse ($14) was creamy, though it tasted one-dimensional, while the tiramisu ($12) fared better, though it’s not a treat I’d go for to end my meal.

Verdict: Panda-rrific or pass?

I can say 5:59+ Cafe & Bistro brings a fun, fiery slice of Chengdu to Singapore. Our city has seen plenty of Sichuan-inspired spots, but 5:59+ leans harder into the authentic mala profile than most places dare. It doesn’t hold back on authenticity, delivering that signature mala balance the province is known for.

While service was generally efficient, there were moments where I wished the team moved a little faster – a small teething issue they’ll likely iron out. Overall, come for the panda aesthetic, stay for the pepper steak and mala kick. Just maybe give that mala coffee a polite nod from afar.

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