I tried cheesecake with a bite of prosciutto ham for the first time at Hanco Coffee, a new cafe in Somerset, and I’m now a convert.
Orchard Road is a hotbed for new cafes in Singapore, but our cafe-hopping jaunts are usually met with jostling crowds. Pleasingly, I stumbled upon Hanco Coffee, a new cafe in Somerset that’s stylish, coffee-forward, and relatively serene (for now). This specialty coffee shop offers inventive drinks and a subtly eclectic – yet still somewhat minimal – aesthetic that stole my heart. Think: murals on the walls, tastefully mismatched tables, and soothing touches of greenery.
Hanco Coffee review: Details at a glance
Best for: Unique coffees and drinks, delicious burnt cheesecakes, and fans of a quietly vibey cafe
Opening hours: Mondays to Thursdays, 10am to 7pm; Fridays to Sundays, 10am to 8pm
How much: Drinks from $6, burnt cheesecakes at $9 per slice
Address: Hanco Coffee, #02-08, Scape, 2 Orchard Link, Singapore 237978
Inventive drinks you must try
This specialty coffee cafe is the perfect hideout for coffee fans who want something beyond the classic brews. The usual sips are available, but it’s the array of innovative drinks that really stand out. Rice Dirty ($8) has my vote. It’s a blend of genmaicha and coffee topped with a layer of rich cream. It’s more coffee than tea, but with just enough genmaicha for its roasted aroma to shine through. Plus, the crunchy genmaicha bits at the end make a satisfying finish.
If you’re giving caffeine a swerve, sip on Mint Condition ($9). This refreshing, citrus-forward concoction sees the notes of lemon, verbena, pomelo, lime, and pistachio cream coming together in an inventive drink that’ll perk you up on a warm arvo. Oh, and it comes served on a wooden tray with a poem on a little card – a charming touch that made me pause and slow down for a few moments during a hectic day. Perfect proof that this cafe was made for unwinding.
Ham and cheese… cake?
Beyond the sips, this new Somerset cafe offers a selection of homemade burnt cheesecake ($9 per slice). The price is the same across all flavours, so why not try the most unique one? I was hesitant about the truffle burnt cheesecake with prosciutto ham, but one bite and it instantly won me over. The cheesecake was infused with a light truffle flavour, and having each bite with a piece of smoky, savoury ham was a game-changer.
Unconvinced? Think of classic ham and cheese pairings from the usual charcuterie, and you’ll warm up to the idea. All that’s left to do is to try a bite. If you’re someone who would pick a savoury treat over sweets, I reckon you’ll love it. I’d say it’s one of my favourite cheesecakes in Singapore at the moment.
Next up, I tried the pistachio burnt cheesecake. If you’re used to burnt cheesecakes with an oozy centre (think: the viral burnt cheesecake from queic by Olivia), the ones at Hanco Coffee aren’t as gooey. The centre is soft but doesn’t ooze like a lava cake does. I’d say this texture is perfect for the flavours; I loved scooping up the fluffy whipped cream and pistachio bits of this nutty slice. It’s not overwhelmingly sweet or pistachio-heavy, but more like a classic burnt cheesecake that’s elevated with a dash of pistachio.
With a cosy and tranquil ambience in the heart of the bustling Orchard Road, unique sips and delicious burnt cheesecakes, Hanco Coffee ticks all the boxes for a new cafe in Singapore that’s totally worth visiting. (Psst: it also has no GST and service charge.) The next time you’re looking for a midday pick-me-up, a comfy seat, and a moment to breathe, pop into Hanco Coffee for a little treat.
