In this month's edition of Hot New Cafes: The Workbench, Geometry, Cafe NIDO, and more
One thing’s for sure: cafes in Singapore are never lacking in ideas and surprises. From desserts and gelatos to Asian fusion fares and local grub, there is definitely something for all you café-hoppers. Read on to discover these seven hot new cafes in Singapore that cater to all sorts of taste buds.
Geometry
Founded on sisterly love, this gelato cafe creates a smorgasbord of irresistible artisanal desserts that are truly palate-pleasing. Here, you’ll be introduced to 18 flavours, including fascinating Asian ones such as Earl Grey Tie Guan Yin, Mandarin Orange Sorbet, and Watermelon Lychee Sorbet. What’s more? You can enjoy a scoop (or two!) of these handmade gelato on three various bases: Tart ($9.90), Belgian Waffle ($8.50) and Brownie ($8.90). Our recommended pick: go for the chewy and buttery French Tart for a foodgasmic experience.
Geometry, #01-5142, 2 Jalan Bukit Merah, Singapore 150002. Open Sun-Tue & Thu 12pm-9.30pm; Fri-Sat, 12pm-11pm. Closed on Wed.
The Workbench
Nestled within the quiet street of Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, The Workbench Bistro is an unassuming dessert café that offers simple yet delectable food and drinks. From ice cream waffles to buffalo wings, here, you’ll discover a variety of flavours and delightful treats. Must-tries include the crabmeat linguine ($15), salted-egg wings ($12), and of course, its chocolate s’moreffles ($6.50-$10.70). The Workbench boasts a clean and not too over-the-top industrial theme; yet another factor to lure you over to flood your Snapchat feed with.
The Workbench, #01-1881, Blk 332, Ang Mo Kio Ave 1, Singapore 560332, p. 6452 0810. Open Tue-Sat 12pm-10pm; Sun 11am-10pm. Closed on Mon.
Cafe NIDO
Tucked away in boutique Hotel, YAN at Jalan Besar, you’ll find the beautifully decorated Café NIDO, decked in industrial chic décor, high ceilings, and a spacious dining area. From Asian fusion and seafood, to burgers, sandwiches and local fares, the menu here is pretty extensive. Overwhelmed by its massive offerings? Fret not! A good start would definitely be the homemade spicy, creamy laksa with crayfish ($12.90) or homemade pork burger ($18.90). To satisfy your sweet tooth, try its fruit tartlets or strawberry swiss rolls.
Cafe NIDO, 162 Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 207581, p. 6291 5696. Open Tue-Sun 7.30am-4:30pm. Closed on Mon.
Seng Kee The Black Seed
Steered by the guys behind award-winning Eighteen Chefs, Seng Kee The Black Seed aims to preserve the culture of local artisanal coffee. Here, you’ll find local favourite beverages that were big hits back during the kampung days but are now served with a cool modern twist. Expect familiar names like grass jelly bandung and Milo T-Rex. From ciabatta subs to basmati meals, this all-day dining café also offers up-to-date classic delights on its food menu. Fancy some beef rendang or sambal sotong sandwiches, anyone?
Seng Kee The Black Seed, #01-71/72 Bugis Junction, 200 Victoria Street, Singapore 188021, p. 83221828/98227793. Open daily 7.30am-10.30pm
Sweet Garden Dessert Cafe
Taking over the now defunct Hideout, Sweet Garden Dessert Café at Cassia Cresent is your next go-to spot for your monthly sweet fix. Specialising in desserts, the menu comprises a platter of sweet affordable treats – from low-fat gelatos and chef’s cookies to Belgian waffles, signature brownies, apple crumble, cupcakes and other delightful bites. Must-tries here include the popular banana flambe with Grand Marnier, topped with your choice of low-fat gelato ($17.00), and sweet garden cheese bread ($7.50). What’s more, this café is work-friendly (hurrah to free Wi-Fi!) and uber kid-friendly (thanks to the mini-playground for the little ones).
Sweet Garden Dessert Cafe, #01-50, Blk 32, Cassia Crescent, Singapore 390032, p. 9100 4286. Open Tue-Sat 12pm-11pm; Sun 11am-11pm. Closed on Mon.
Chiak
Chiak is a modern day eatery that offers the best of Southeast Asian flavours, but what really grabs our attention instantly are its Do-It-Yourself bowls. You get to pick your regular staples of noodles, rice or salad; select your preferred Asian proteins of pork char siew, braised shaoxing chicken, or Thai basil chicken; choose your choice of veggies – be it grilled eggplant, spring snap peas, bean sprout salad, crunchy jicama carrot or mango salad; and end off with crisp toppings and homemade dressings or slow-cooked soothing chicken or vegetarian broths. Other than that, you can also enjoy its take on traditional breakfast staples like pandan kaya and butter toast, or creamy pumpkin porridge topped with shredded chicken..
Chiak, #02-37, Mapletree Business City, 40 Pasir Panjang Road, Singapore 117383, p. 6358 2313. Open Mon-Fri 8am-8pm. Closed on Sat & Sun.
Candour Coffee
Craving for some good ol’ cuppa Joe? Delving into the art of roasting, Candour Coffee at Beach Road serves up specialty coffee from the best coffee roasters around the world, such as quality coffee roaster Market Lane Coffee from Australia, and tea from Hong Kong’s Man Cha Teas. Candour Coffee also offers sweet delicacies such as salted caramel chocolate tarts and eight different flavours of macarons. With its white-washed space, scattered hints of baby blue, and decked out with beautiful wooden furniture, Candour Coffee is a great spot to catch up with friends over several cups of heavenly brewed coffee.
Candour Coffee, 41 Beach Road, Singapore 189680. Open daily 7am-9pm.
