Think bread is the superior carb? All Hands Cafe will have you coming back for more with its freshly baked shokupan toasts…
If you’re a bread lover like me, All Hands Cafe – the latest cafe in the Telok Ayer neighbourhood – is a promising new face. Rebranded from former steakhouse Boeuf, this spot has undergone a facelift, swapping juicy steaks for satisfying daytime fuel. Think fluffy shokupan toasts, hearty brunch plates, pasta, coffee, and matcha creations. So, will it land a spot on our best cafes in Singapore list? I set a weekend brunch date at All Hands Cafe to see if it rises to the occasion.
Details at a glance
Best for: Carb-loading on bread and satisfying matcha cravings
Must-try items: Kaya with shaved butter shokupan; DIY shokupan with egg mayo and garlic shrimps; blue spirulina matcha
How much: Food from $8.94; desserts from $6.49; drinks from $4.49
Opening hours: Daily, 8am to 5pm
Address: All Hands Cafe, 159 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068614
A cosy nook within a heritage shophouse
Drenched in an eye-catching cobalt-blue, the facade of All Hands Cafe is hard to miss. Once inside the restored century-old shophouse, you’ll be immersed in a warm, cosy ambience that almost feels like a friend’s home. Well, if that friend is into retro and colonial-esque decor.
Spot the wooden accents, rattan coffeeshop chairs, faux marble tables, and a Victorian-style bar counter. While cosy, I’ll admit the lighting isn’t exactly conducive for photos. Don’t get your hopes up for new aesthetically-pleasing photos from this brunch date.
As the space is rather compact, I also noticed that the tables had little breathing room between each other. It won’t be an issue for casual gatherings with friends and family. But it’s worth keeping in mind, if you’re hoping for a little privacy on a first date or a heart-to-heart conversation.
Jazzing up fresh, fluffy bread
Freshly baked shokupan (aka Japanese-style milk bread) takes the limelight on All Hands Cafe’s menu. This pillowy soft bread with a naturally sweet and milky flavour makes an ideal base for creative toppings and renditions – and the cafe’s vast selection won’t disappoint.
The signature shokupan ($8.94), served with two sous vide eggs, comes in three classic flavours: kaya butter snow, milo, and PB and jam. I was most curious about the kaya butter snow, which puts a spin on the local favourite kaya butter toast. Aromatic yet not overly cloying and sweet, the housemade kaya is a win for me. Dip it into the accompanying sous vide eggs with furikake for a divine sweet-savoury combination.
Hankering for a more filling meal? Go for the open-faced shokupan (from $14.49) with a choice of salad or crispy fries. It’s a full-on savoury selection, featuring A5 sukiyaki, hot honey pepperoni, and more. I went for burrata with parma ham. This classic combination comes with a generous lashing of green pesto, which adds more textures and layers to the overall dish. I found myself satiated after a few bites, so I’d highly recommend sharing this.
Or, have some DIY fun by building your own breakfast toast (from $8.94). Start with your base (scrambled eggs, sunny side-up, egg mayo, mashed avo, or cheesy tomatoes), before moving on to the savoury toppings. My tried-and-approved combo was creamy egg mayo with garlic shrimps. Think rich, savoury flavours and sweet brininess of the shrimp in every bite.
Fan of the former steakhouse? Take yourself on a nostalgic trip down memory lane with its modest steak range (from $24.49), which includes beef bourguignon, steak tartare, and the best-selling rossini.
Get your matcha and dessert fix
The craze for the best matcha in Singapore never stops, and I’m guilty as charged. No surprise there, I had to give All Hands Cafe’s matcha creations a shot.
I went with the blue spirulina matcha ($8.49), a unique creation with the dietary supplement said to boost immunity, among other benefits. The blue spirulina jazzes up the matcha with extra umami and creaminess. Expect milder matcha notes and more complex flavours in each sip. TL;DR: it’s a yes from me!
Not to worry, if you are anti-matcha. Fall back on the peanut butter hojicha latte (a tea-based drink with subtle nuttiness), citrusy yuzu espresso soda, cold-pressed juices, housemade kombucha, and alcoholic options instead.
With matcha banana pudding on the menu, I couldn’t wait to dive into the desserts (from $6.49). Unlike the usual banana pudding, this version comes infused with light pandan flavour. Unfortunately, it was a tad too sweet for my liking – as was the brulee basque cheesecake tinged with brown sugar. I would suggest sharing them, if you’re not much of a sweet tooth.
The competition for cafes in Singapore is tough, but All Hands Cafe shapes up as an emerging contender in the realm of bread and shokupan. As someone who believes bread is the superior carb, I’ll definitely return for more carb-loading with a cheeky side of matcha. And bonus points: the cafe’s competitive pricing puts it on par with other daytime spots in the area!
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect at All Hands Cafe?
Situated in a century-old shophouse at Telok Ayer, All Hands Cafe is a casual spot for daytime indulgence. The menu features freshly baked shokupan toasts, brunch platters, pasta, fresh salads, desserts, coffee and non-caffeinated drinks.
Is All Hands Cafe a family-friendly spot?
Yes, it is a casual yet chic cafe with little frills, and suitable for families, friends and couples.
Does All Hands Cafe have a dinner menu?
Nope, All Hands Cafe is currently only open till 6pm daily, but keep an eye out for more offerings in future!
Where is All Hands Cafe located?
All Hands Cafe is located on 159 Telok Ayer Street, and within a five to 10-minute walking distance from Telok Ayer and Tanjong Pagar MRT stations.
