Basq&Bean

A recent trip around the Beach Road area got us finding out about the new Basq & Bean that had taken over the former premises of the now-defunct location of Choon Hoy Parlour (and even more previously, The Masses) before they had made their move to Capitol Singapore. Basq & Bean is a new entrant to the F&B scene here; these folks did seem to have done quite an extensive renovation to the shop space after taking over the space — whilst Basq & Bean retains part of the industrial look of the space that The Masses had added to it when they had just moved into the space, Basq & Bean had made quite a number of significant changes to its interior. The layout of the shop now sees the counter that sits in the middle of the entire shop space, while there is quite a vast walk-in space from the entrance now that the establishment has made use of foldable door panels as opposed to the standard glass doors that most cafes / restaurants typically go for. The interior of the space sees the use of concrete-esque elements that matches with the industrial look in the façade from outside; the counter being decked in orange tiles with the clever use of plants that provides a bit of vibrancy to the space with an element of life. Whilst a see-through display fridge can be found at the back of store showcasing Basq & Bean’s variety of products, the cafe does also feature a small dine-in space hidden in one corner of the store that comprises of small metallic tables and seating on a platform; these folks did mention that they will be adding more dine-in furniture in time to come. As the namesake of the establishment suggests, Basq & Bean is an establishment that focuses on their basque cheesecake offerings — serving up their basque cheesecakes only as a whole cake, Basq & Bean offers their cheesecakes with different flavour options and in two (2) sizes; the 6 inch cake or the 3.5 inch cake. Beverages served up at Basq & Bean will include a line-up of espresso-based specialty coffee options, as well as Non-Coffee beverages as well.

Considering how the 6-inch basque cheesecakes that are being served up at Basq & Bean are meant to be shared around with more than a couple of folks, we found ourselves opting for the 3.5-inch cakes instead which still would work best to be shared around two (2) pax nonetheless. Basq & Bean offers three (3) different flavours for their 6-inch basque cheesecakes, but only offers two (2) flavours of their Mini Basq which are how they call their 3.5-inch basque cheesecakes here; the only Mini Basq variant that is available all year round will be the Snow White, while the other one would be a rotating special — both of which being priced at $15 a cake. We found ourselves going for the Snow White Mini Basq — the appearance of the Snow White Mini Basq alredy being very different from the typical basque burnt cheesecake in a manner where there isn’t a browned surface on the top; the Mini Basq also does come with gold leaf over the top that gives it a slightly more luxe and exquisite look as well. Digging into the Snow White Mini Basq, the basque cheesecake comes with a noticeably creamy and runny consistency that was also consistent throughout the entire cheesecake. One can definitely observe specks of vanilla beans within the cheesecake; we also liked how the cheesecake wasn’t particularly heavy and was actually very easy to have for a basque cheesecake. Whilst it does not come with any intense, sourish tang that is typical of cream cheese, it does seem to carry a zippy note likely from a citrusy element that provides a delicate shift of flavours that is brighter and lighter than the average basque burnt cheesecake out there.

During the same visit, we also found ourselves opting for the Literal Smoked Brew – one of the espresso-based specialty coffee offerings that is being listed in the Basq’s Signature section of the menu that comprises of unique concoctions of espresso-based specialty coffee that Basq & Brew serves up. These folks describe the Literal Smoked Brew as a beverage that comes with elements such as black, vanilla and maple wood. It is interesting seeing how the folks at Basq & Bean infused the smoke into the Literal Smoked Brew; using a device named the Smokpub, the Smokpub is placed atop the cuppa before it was being removed to allow for that smokiness contained within the cup to slowly diffused away from the — much like in the case of a smoking dome used in fine dining settings that is lifted to create a visual impact for the diner. The vanilla element is barely noticeable here, with the base beverage being a Long Black that came with a light and fruity body; all that whilst coming with a whiff of smokiness that is rather similar to that of smoking liquid that is typically added to other types of food to create a flavour impact. Pretty intriguing, but also pretty pricey at $9 a cup.

Basq & Bean does present itself as a rather unique and interesting concept where basque cheesecakes meets specialty coffee; whilst there are many cafes out there serving up basque burnt cheesecakes with specialty coffee, queic by Olivia does seem to be the only one that seems to be more centric around its basque cheesecake offering. That being said, queic by Olivia hasn’t really integrated their espresso-based specialty coffee offerings with their basque cheesecake offerings — the former seemingly being more of a complimentary offering to the latter, while the establishment has also been focusing on expanding its concept to become more specialised in different types of cheese rather than one that keeps to the basque cheesecake theme over the years. In this case, Basq & Bean does seem to have the ability to bridge its offerings with its espresso-based specialty coffee, providing an integration between the two things that they so choose to focus on. Whilst each Mini Basq is priced at $15, these do seem to be sized well enough for two (2) pax to share; the cost of a 3.5-inch cake does work out to be pretty reasonable per pax if so especially when considering how a slice of basque burnt cheesecake is typically priced at other cafes. A spot that is likely to garner more attention in time to come, Basq & Bean is a destination to add to the list of places to try especially for those looking for a unique experience served up in a cafe within the local F&B scene here!