Managed to learn about the opening of the new Smear’d Coffee Bagels that had recently moved into a shop unit within the Onze mixed-use development along Kee Seng Street — this would be the same building that houses other F&B concepts such as the likes of Sugar And Tease Patisserie Cafe, K. Patisserie and Broth Bowl. These folks take up the shop space that was formerly taken up by Sugar And Tease Patisserie Cafe prior to their move to another shop unit within the same building — the shop space having a dual facade where the entrance is located within the building though there are full-length glass windows overlooking into the interior of the shop from the main thoroughfare outside of the building. As the namesake suggests, Smear’d Coffee Bagels is an establishment that focuses on its bagel offerings; the menu is split into categories dedicated to Bagel-Bao, Signatures, Fit Bowls, Fries, Pastas and Sides — beverages available are classified into Signatures, Basic B., Cold Brew and Hot Teas.

The Hot Honey Chicken Bagel-Bao at Smear’d Coffee Bagels is described in the menu to come with elements such as Kewpie mayonnaise, fried chicken thigh, Gochujang honey, romaine, cheddar and dill pickles. Smear’d Coffee Bagels also allows patrons to opt between four (4) different types of bagels for their line-up of Bagel-Bao; we found ourselves opting for the Nori Seaweed Bagel for our order of the Hot Honey Chicken Bagel-Bao. Coming with fried chicken thigh that has been coated with Gochujang honey, the exterior deep-fried batter of the fried chicken remains crisp whilst carrying a sweetness whilst ends with a fiery note that should be manageable for those whom are tolerable to moderate levels of spiciness in its finish. The chicken flesh was also tender and juicy, while the addition of cheddar helps add a bit of a savouriness to the bagel without being particularly heavy. The inclusion of romaine lettuce adds a crispness and some balance to the meats and carbs, while the Nori Seaweed Bagel comes with a firm chew and a slight umami-ness from the seaweed.