The Japanese have done it again. Two cakes for breakfast? (Okay, I shared). Tried the poached pears and caramel millefeuille; crispy thin rough puff pastry with lightly whipped cream and soft sponge, filled with delicately poached pears and caramel sauce. It was divine, but I don't recommend (and neither the store would dare say) keeping for another day as the puff pastry became slightly tougher to cut. The banana chocolate roulade was lovely; the sponge was light and moist, with a slight crispy exterior, filled with cream and big slice of glazed banana. With a few outlets around the island, it shouldn't be too hard to get a cake or 2 to satisfy your sweet tooth. (;
Looking for something light to share (or maybe even have everything to yourself!)? Sarnies is the place to go! Tried 2 dishes, first being the pulled pork tortilla. The tortilla was filled with purple cabbage, tender marinated pork and guacamole. I wish they could be more generous with the avocado goodness! The second dish was the Cajun-spiced kampong chicken, which was cook to perfection. Juicy, full-flavoured and piping hot when served. Yum! Would love to give the other dishes a go next time!
This is one treat that you must eat in a flash! This fish-shaped pancake stuffed with your choice of filling (custard, matcha, red bean, chocolate) is slightly crispy on the outside and mochi-kinda chewy on the inside. Would skip having the ice cream and the works next time as it melts in a flash due to the warmth of the pancake. But I'm definitely getting just the pancakes in various flavours the next time! :D
I've always been a fan of Creamier, but it's just quite out if the way for me. This sister outlet of the popular latter is the latest up-and-coming ice-cream spot. Imagine customised soft serves on waffles or cones with plenty of toppings to choose from? What a dream! Ordered my favourite earl grey lavender flavour (aside from my other favourite: roasted pistachio), topped with lavender konnyaku, gula melaka mochi and berries on crispy, fluffy waffles, which never fail to disappoint. I adore this beautiful flavour as every mouthful is packed with a deep, intense floral taste. I also tried the matcha roll (not pictured). The cake's texture was light and fluffy but the tea flavour could be stronger, in my opinion. I'd like to try their other in-house baked cakes the next time! Another perfect spot to satisfy my soft spot for waffles and ice-cream- these folks do it well.
Think French food with a Japanese twist, 2 of the world's best cuisine combined into delightful dishes- what do you get? That's right, magic! Tried two special dishes, first being the pan fried fois gras coated with black miso served with daikon and daishi. The liver was slightly crisp outside and the sauce was mild but pretty flavourful, unlike salty sauces which masks the original essence. The second dish was the pork belly braised in kakuni style served with mushroom, onsen egg and potato foam. It was delicious, from the well-cooked tender meat to the light potato foam.. This stall also serves classic French food such as the duck rillette and duck confit, both of which I can't wait to try! This chef really knows how to kick up a gastronomical affair in a humble setting.
Healthy? Check. Flavourful? Double check. Delicious? Check check check. This charming cafe serves up light, hearty fares. Here, I've devoured on the pumpkin, beetroot, quinoa and mixed veg salad, dressed in vinaigrette that wasn't too twangy at all; in-house smoked mackerel and salmon (which tasted pretty raw and that's a plus point! And these smoked fishes don't leave a weird aftertaste unlike some which you get from packages); roasted beef with mustard in toasted rye bread, which was divine but I wished it was a tad more salty. The smooth, nutty coffee was perfect and the mixed berry smoothie could be a bit thicker. Overall, this meal was pretty damn good and I can't wait till my next visit.
You've either read or heard of the Kinfolk magazine. Now here's a cafe. Run by volunteers, this rustic charm changes their menu almost daily and only uses fresh, organic produce. Upon arrival on a chilly day, we ordered a warm, comforting bowl of muesli with coconut milk, perfectly toasted garden vegetable cheese sandwich, latte and chai tea latte (yes, in a teapot!). Oh, our table is made out of an old door- now that's really creative.
Located on the first level of an old building, this slightly cramped restaurant serves up super authentic, very affordable and absolutely delicious Vietnamese fare. From freshly made spring rolls to cockles with tamarind sauce to the usual beef phó to juicy grilled prawns and fried quail? And a ton more dishes to choose from? And authentic desserts (think banana with sago and warm coconut cream)? I could go on and on how tasty the food were. Be prepared to queue during mealtimes.
This sister shop of Teppei serves up pretty darn good bara chirashi plus at an affordable price. Just pay $17.60 and you'll be filled with this bowl of goodness, tea, miso soup and 4 types of free flow side dishes. Imagine fragrant pearl rice drowned in chunks of various fresh sashimi coated in sauce? You've got a steal.
This Melbourne macaron brand carries classic flavours such as pistachio, lemon and rose but what stands out is that it creates liquor flavoured ones too! Think of marriages such as cherry blossom + sake and cherry + rum. These pretty pastel macarons were not only visually appealing but they're very flavourful as well!
Nestled among the rows of double-storey shop houses lie a restaurant which serves excellent English food. The menu is simple, small and thoughtfully curated. My friend and I ordered roasted pork belly and roasted chicken, both with the same condiments of mashed potato and root vegetables. The Brit chef mistaken our order and served us pan-seared salmon instead of the roasted pork. However, he was extremely generous to have the roasted pork on the house for us (extra mashed potato points for graciousness!) and quickly whipped up the salmon. All 3 dishes were equally delightful: from the soft tender pork, to the crispy skin and juicy meat of the chicken, to the fish seared to perfection and the smooth mousse-like mashed potato. We also tried the lemon poussin, a classic British dessert and it was very refreshing! This restaurant changes their menu daily, so we know where to head to if we want to get an English fix! 🇬🇧
Hidden amongst the rows of modern Aussie houses lie a cafe which specialises in fine pastries, coffee and breakfast dishes. My friend ordered the classic breakfast set whereas I ordered the French toast- perfectly pan-fried brioche, with blueberry compote, a dallop of crème fraîche, and big handful of walnuts. We were stuffed by the generous servings (well of course, we're in Australia!) and wished our bursting tummies could take in at least one of their huge variety of drool-worthy pastries but we could only dream. Till next time, mate!
