Sand-Which?

Caught wind about the opening of a new Manpuku Sando that had opened its doors rather recently in Cuppage Plaza. Located in the basement, it seems that Manpuku Sando is an establishment that is somewhat affiliated with Dosukoi x Donpachi; a Japanese Izakaya which had been operating at Cuppage Plaza for a while and was also where a curated Kakigori menu by a brand name of Fuwa Fuwa was served after Fuwa Fuwa had moved out of its premises at Citygate. Despite the affiliation between the two, Manpuku Sando actually has a different entrance door from Dosukoi x Donpachi; the door to Manpuku Sando being clearly marked with their own branding and with clear signage where one can also get to see the menu of what Manpuku Sando has to offer as well. As one enters Manpuku Sando, there is a certain Japanese bar-vibe that goes on in here; the simply-decorated space does have a dedicated bar counter, and most of its seating are actually located at the said bar counter save for two dining tables that can accommodate for two to four pax each. It is interesting to note that Manpuku Sando only operates from Mondays to Saturdays, from 11am to 3pm; thus makes it a lunch-only affair. As the namesake of the establishment suggests, Manpuku Sando is all about sandwiches — think savoury sandwiches featuring meats ranging from smoked salmon to chicken and beef, as well as items like the Fuwatoro (i.e. Truffle Tamago Sando) and the Kinoko (i.e. Portobello Sando). Of course, there is also a sweet Sando on the menu which would be the A.C.B. (i.e. Anko Cream Butter Sando), while beverage options interestingly includes hot / cold craft ginger ale and cola options alongside more common beverages like coffee, orange juice and a small selection of tea.

One of the items that had caught our attention when we were skimming through the menu at Manpuku Sando was the Beko Beef Steak Sando. The item is one that took up the most space on the printed menu, and is the only one on the printed menu that is labelled as a “must try!” item. The menu describes the Beko Beef Steak Sando to come with elements such as butter, beef steak, cheese, red capsicum, tartar sauce, basil and leaf lettuce. It is well-noted from the menu that Manpuku Sando is an establishment which serves up sandwiches that “artfully merge health and indulgence” and that it is “precisely crafted with fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients” — there is definitely some effort by the folks here in creating something wholesome, hearty and yet healthy for their patrons here. The Sandos here are noted to be sliced into halves when served; each of the Sando order also seems to be accompanied with a small cup of soup that comes complimentary on the side (we did note that any additional servings of the soup is chargeable, and listed as an item in the beverage menu however). On first sight, one can definitely see how generous they are with the beef steak that comes with the sandwich; quite a thick slab that is done seemingly medium rare (we weren’t asked for a preferred level of doneness), whilst there is also stringy, melted cheese as well.

Sinking our teeth into the Beko Beef Steak Sando, it is no doubt that the elements here are fresh as promised — while they had used some sort of brown-coloured bread, the bread here remains light, soft and fluffy and does not seem to have been toasted beforehand. That being said, this actually went well with all of the condiments that come in between, considering there are some soft elements like red capsicum and slices of tomatoes that would inherently make it messy to eat by hand if the bread had been toasted. The highlight here is no doubt the beef steak; the doneness of the beef is just right that it was easy to chew without feeling particularly raw even though it may look intimidating to some at first sight — all that without being particularly gamey and had a slight smokiness that came with it from the grilling process. The beef steak is also immensely juicy, with the bread being able to absorb most of the juices from the beef steak that gave it quite a fair bit of flavour. One thing we did note is that they didn’t really quite go crazy on the sauces for this one — the Beko Beef Steak Sandwich definitely felt like a clean eat apart from how meaty it was; the slices of tomatoes and lettuce were really fresh with the former being juicy, slightly tangy and refreshing to the tastebuds, while the latter was crisp without any noticeable hint of lingering bitterness that we have encountered with some leaf lettuces from dishes served up at other establishments. It is also noted that the aroma of the basil used was especially evident as well despite all that was going on in the sandwich; adds a flavour contrast to the entire deal. We have also tried the A.C.B. (i.e. Anko Cream Butter Sando) which features whipped cream, butter and earthy red beans with toasted bread; fits well for those who loves the combination — also tried the Craft Cola (Hot) which was pretty gingery with herbal notes that wasn’t too sweet. With Sandos priced between $14.80 to $24.80, Manpuku Sando’s might not be the most wallet-friendly around though what makes them worthy of the mention is probably how authentically Japanese these are with a clear emphasis on being wholesome and hearty — definitely something worthy to look at as an option less the “sin” and “burden” that some may associate with Sandos in general.

Have heard quite a fair bit about the new Siesta which had just recently opened its doors at 41 Sultan Gate — located just above Overrice that is situated at the ground floor, the entry to Siesta is actually behind the black door beside the door leading to Overrice. The door, which is labelled with Siesta’s logo and comes with details of its opening hours and some of its offerings, leads one to a staircase that one would head up to find Siesta at the end of it. Siesta is actually a Muslim-run establishment; a little bit of a small nook on its own which is decked in a way that looks really comfy especially in the evenings; the interior features a mix of wooden elements against a mahogany-coloured wall towards the right of the space — all that being matched up with plush couch seatings and white walls all around for a really cosy look with dim lighting that is great to lounge around with some of their fancy concoctions of drinks. Despite the size of the space which seats 16 pax across 5 tables which can fit groups two to six pax each, Siesta does offer a rather wide range of food items in its menu to cater to their patrons — the menu consists of sections dedicated to Pita Dips, Toasties, Fries, Rice Bowls, Pita Pockets and Bites; there are also a small variety of desserts, as well as an “Uh … Anything” which is much like an omakase-style dish for those whom just don’t have an idea of what they want to order — a surprise dish served up by the chef. The list of beverages would be in the “Special Sips” section; which includes interestingly-named concoctions like the Killmonger (i.e. Milo Ice-Blend), Heart Racing (i.e. Brown Sugar Milk Tea) and Shrek’s Love Potion (i.e. Matcha Latte with Oat Milk, Coffee and a dash of Cinnamon).

One of the reasons why Siesta is able to serve up a wide variety of items on their menu might be due to their affiliations with Overrice situated downstairs — we did notice a few similarities in some of its menu items like the Pita Pockets, as well as the Broadway Banana Pudding; the latter even being listed in Overrice as an item being sourced from Okieco; this was especially obvious as we observed that our own order of the Creme Brulee (Durian) came from downstairs, and so did the order of some Pita Pockets from another table which was also there during our visit. Nonetheless, the items listed on the Toasties listed on the menu are actually prepared in the small kitchen area of Siesta itself — this includes the Beefin’ It Up which we ordered. The menu mentions the Beefin’ It Up to come with elements such as grain-fed beef, caramelised onions, pickles, cheese, tomatoes and honey mustard. Think of this as pretty much of a grilled cheese sandwich with a meat element; this is especially so considering how the Toasties came to the table being sliced into two, revealing all the stringy, melted cheese within.

Taking a bite into the Toasties, we really liked how the bread is toasted to a crunch here — not sure if it is sourdough that they have used here, but this was served up all warm with a crispness on the exterior all the way to even the skin around it; the bread being rather easy to chew through as well considering it has been toasted. Going through everything that comes in between, the grain-fed beef actually comes in rather thickly-sized strips; these were a little gamey in our opinion though it does seem to be done so on purpose anyway — also provided for quite a meaty bite as well. We are also not forgetting about the stringy, melted cheese that is all oozy and comes with that cheese-pull effect that is once termed as instagrammable, while the inclusion of caramelised onions provided for a sweetness against the pickles that gave it some crunch and a bit of sour tang to reset the taste buds. One can also find slices of tomatoes in here, which adds a bit of moisture and a mellow tang that worked well with the pickles. During our visit, we had also given the Creme Brulee (Durian) a go; was also the only dessert item that was available for the day. The Creme Brulee (Durian) came with a satisfying crystallised sugar layer over the top; shatters perfectly as one digs into the molten creme brulee that carried evident notes of the King of Fruits beneath. Meanwhile, the Hypnotise Me is described as an “Iced Creamy Latte” on the menu — comes sweetened by default. With prices for mains such as the Toasties, Rice Bowls and Pita Pockets being between $8 to $16, Siesta does find itself being a decent spot to visit for a cosy setting and cafe-style fare — though its operating hours does seem a little odd since they are only open from 5pm to 9pm on Wednesday to Fridays, 12nn to 9pm on Saturdays and 12nn to 6pm on Sundays; a little difficult to catch. Still, a spot worth considering to visit if one manages to get a seat in this tiny nook anyway.

Fruits Cafe Tokio is likely one of those names that one might find that rings a bell somewhere but can’t quite point their fingers at when thinking about the place where they had heard about the brand name from — not something that is particularly surprising however, considering how Fruits Cafe Tokio is after all a name that one can only find within Isetan department store. Its most notable outlet is probably the one that is located at Isetan Scotts, which is located at the basement level and is best known for serving up fruit juices and soft-serve ice-cream. That being said, it seems that the revamp of Isetan at NEX had brought Fruits Cafe Tokio into the outlet of the Japanese department store — Fruits Cafe Tokio has a space that is dedicated to selling both fresh fruits as well as fruit-based desserts and beverages there. While Fruits Cafe Tokio had previously been known to be an entirely takeaway concept, it seems that they had decided to include a dine-in space that is dedicated to their patrons at Isetan NEX; the dine-in space isn’t particularly huge, but the area does boast of both usual dining table and chairs as well as a bar counter area for patrons to enjoy the fruits and / or fruit-based desserts on-the-spot. Given how there is a dine-in concept at this outlet, the menu at Fruits Cafe Tokio’s location in Isetan NEX does comprise of a wider variety of items than what is available at Isetan Scotts — this includes a selection of fruit jellies and Annin Tofu-based desserts, as well as fruit sandwiches and cheesecakes that are pre-packaged and stocked in the display fridge at the back of the kiosk. The menu also features a variety of hand rolling crepes, though these were tagged as “sold out” along with all the other soft-serve flavours with the exception of the vanilla flavour soft-serve which remains in-stock.

Fruits Cafe Tokio does provide patrons with quite a few variants of fruit sandwiches to choose from; fruit sandwiches which we had noticed being stocked in the display fridge during our visit to the their Isetan NEX location includes renditions such as the Orange Mikan Sandwich, Mango Sandwich and Strawberry Sandwich — all of them being soft, white bread with pastry cream and the said fruits being sandwiched in between. It is also noted that all fruit sandwiches here come in a portion of two pieces each; our choice would be for the Orange Mikan Sandwich since we pretty much liked the texture of orange pulp matched against that of white bread. We are not sure how long these were packaged for before we eventually decided to purchase them when we made our visit there during late afternoon; that being said, one thing particularly stark about the white bread was how it seemed to have been a little dry – pretty much lost most of its moisture whilst sitting in the fridge. The overall texture of the bread can only be described as rather odd and not something we really enjoyed, since the bread also does seemed compressed nearer towards where he pastry cream and fruits are; not quite as light and fluffy with sufficient moisture as what we would have expected. That being said, the pastry cream does seem to attempt to gel everything together by adding a smooth and creamy texture with a hint of sweetness that brings the bread together with the fruit; the pulpy Orange Mikan comes all juicy as one chews onto the sandwich – we liked how it wasn’t too sour here with just the right tang for sufficient flavour. We had also tried the Strawberry Jelly Annin; for those whom are not aware, the Annin refers to the white layer beneath the strawberry jelly, which is essentially what some would call almond tofu. The strawberry jelly carried a light tang with actual slices of fruit to chew on; further adds on to the texture of the dessert, while the Annin does carry a very subtle note — the Strawberry Jelly Annin being an item that would likely appeal to those whom like their desserts less sweet in general. Most of the fruit-based desserts are priced around the ranges of $6 to $7; the exception being the cheesecakes which costs slightly above $10. Overall, nothing much to shout about, though it does present itself as a decent choice for desserts that are seemingly of a healthier option to go for at a convenient location in the heartlands.

Common Man Coffee Roasters seems to have been expanding their footprint all across the island recently — this year does seem to be a particularly busy year for the brand considering how they seem to have opened up quite number of outlets around; this includes their iconic outlet that is situated at Anchorpoint which pays homage to the former Archipelago Brewing Company which used to occupy the building, as well as a new location at Owen House. Adding to the number of locations which it operates, Common Man Coffee Roasters had found yet another home in the shopping district of the island — Orchard Road. Its latest outlet is being situated at ION Orchard — conveniently connected to Orchard MRT Station and is located in the shop unit next to Five Guys; one might also know how they are also neighbours with Browhaus here, another venture by the folks of the Spa Espirit group which has also brought us F&B and beauty concepts such as Tiong Bahru Bakery, NOKA, Tippling Club and STRIP amongst others. The Common Man Coffee Roasters concept at ION Orchard is positioned as an “On The Go” outlet; a first for the brand as they venture into a smaller-scale operations that is primarily targeted as a fuss-free concept as compared to their full-service outlets like the ones at East Coast and Martin Road. This also means that the seating is fairly restricted; one can either take the bench seat by the wall near the espresso machine that seats two pax comfortably, or sit around the high communal table that is pretty much the centerpiece of the store here. Considering so, Common Man Coffee Roasters On The Go offers patrons with a more limited selection of food — more substantially-sized food options available here includes that of sandwiches and salads, while lighter bites includes danishes, quiches and pies, as well as a small variety of cakes and tarts to choose from. Being a Common Man Coffee Roasters location, it is needless to say that the beverage menu has an emphasis on both espresso-based specialty coffee and filter brews, though patrons can opt for teas, juices, soda and smoothies here as well.

Common Man Coffee Roasters On The Go is one of those rare locations that serves up specialty coffee which opens till late — Google actually lists their operating hours till 10pm, which is quite uncommon considering the sort of establishment it is. We dropped by Common Man Coffee Roasters On The Go on a weekday evening and the space wasn’t packed. That being said, some of the items such as the Chicken and Bacon Sourdough a sandwich had already been sold out when we made our way there. Since the sandwich which we had eyed upon was already sold out by the time we had made our way there, we settled for an alternative — the Ham & Stracciatella Focaccia Sandwich. Common Man Coffee Roasters On The Go does not define exactly the elements which are being included in the Ham & Stracciatella Focaccia Sandwich; that being said, our initial impressions on the sandwich was how it was supposed to come with a distinct note of cream cheese since “Stracciatella” is being mentioned in its namesake.

Turns out, the Ham & Stracciatella Focaccia Sandwich was quite a flavoursome sandwich that carried an unexpected contrast of flavours pretty impressive for a pre-made sandwich ready to be popped into the oven upon order. For one, the note of the tomato-based sauce was strong; that tang worked well with a slight zing that carried flavours almost similar to that of a pesto sauce they made it oh-so-good on its one already. As though that is not enough, details have been placed to the degree that different types of ham (including salami) had been included for varying levels of savouriness, while the greens (we believe to be kale and rocket) carried a lightly bitter undertone that cuts through everything just right. We also tried other items like the Chocolate Tart — this one is definitely one for those whom love decadent desserts for how this features a chocolate ganache in a chocolate shell atop a chocolate-infused tart base; very rich with ganache being actually dense. Meanwhile, the White does carry a good balance of milk and caffeine; carried a fruity flavour profile with a medium body that serves a good perk-me-up. Prices are still considered steep here; it is Common Man Coffee Roasters after all — still a great addition for specialty coffee around Orchard since most other places in the ‘hood does not operate till late anyway.

46 Mittsu should be no stranger to folks whom are familiar with the local F&B scene— the sando specialty store had first been established themselves sometime last year within The Herencia at Kim Yan Road where they had risen to popularity; they have since moved out of their former premises and are now located at Blk 2 Everton Park, taking over the former premises of the now-defunct Pickle Bakery (i.e. the unit which is next to Handcraft Coffee) which is also a short walk away from Outram Park MRT Station. Still serving up Sandos as their main focus, 46 Mittsu’s menu is segregated into sections such as All-Day Brekkie and Lunch Munch; patrons can opt for add-ons to their Sandos, or go for one of the two sides available (one being the Brussel Sprouts, the other being Poppy Chicken). The list of beverages served at 46 Mittsu includes specialty coffee, as well as Kombucha, sparkling water and Gorilla Press juices. Seating for the cafe is generally located on the outside of the stall using foldable camping chairs with low outdoor tables; there are also seats within the premises though for those whom are not so particular about the exhaust fumes considering the open-concept kitchen here.

The B.E.C Sando is one of the Sandos being listed on their Lunch Munch section of the menu; the Sando being the acronym for Bacon, Egg, Cheese. The friendly folks at the counter did enquire if we would like to add-on avocado for our order, though we skipped on the add-on. Arriving the table piping hot, the Sando features elements that are pretty conventional in a sandwich, what makes the B.E.C Sando here so good is the way that it is being made — sinking our teeth into the sandwich, we already liked how the bread gave a good, firm bite; the bread being appropriately dense and had a good chew without being too heavy. Sandwiched in between would be the thick-cut bacon which has apparently been sous-vide, along with the oozy melted cheese and runny scrambled eggs with a sprinkle of cracked pepper. Given how many wet elements are there, the B.E.C Sando can be a real mess to eat where the scrambled eggs and the juices of the meat just drips all over; there again, that is probably part of the fun that one would be signing up for when ordering this. There isn’t anything too game-changing with the elements at play here; just purely good execution where the scrambled eggs are fluffy and still runny as it should, and the cheese being all gooey and stringy that is all great for the ‘gram. It was however interesting to know that they have actually sous-vide the thick-cut bacon instead of grilling it as how most other establishments would do it though — this seem to have removed much of that saltish flavour that is typical of cured meat; great for those whom often find thick-cut bacon a little bit too savoury for the liking (though we would still prefer the heavier flavours in the Sando for that American breakfast-y affair). The sous-vide method also makes the thick-cut bacon easier to have in Sando form too, being more tender and easier to chew.

Have pretty much heard of the hype behind 46 Mittsu ever since their days being located at The Herencia along Kim Yan Road — whilst we did not manage to try them out back then, we were definitely glad to have made a visit to their newest digs at Everton Park. What does seem to be generally the theme here at 46 Mittsu is the way they have made Sandos really fun to have here — not exactly what one would expect from a Japanese-inspired rendition that is all the rage these days; something that is more American deli-like with their own unique brand of spunkiness for a difference which we find it rather reminiscent to Park Bench Deli and Two Men Bagel House. The result is a stuffed Sando that is well-designed packed with all that sinful goodness; messy to eat but fun to have — goes in tune with their friendly counter staff that is eager to serve and to let patrons know more of their concept and Sandos available. With such popularity, do note that 46 Mittsu does get sold out of the Sandos really quickly on weekends — whilst the listed closing time on their social media pages is stated to be at 5pm, the Sandos typically are sold out closer to noon; do head down early should one be keen in giving their Sandos a go. Would like to head down some other time to give their other Sandos a try; but probably only going to do so once this initial hype starts to fade away to avoid the crowds …

Summer Hill had been one of the few places which we have been wanting to make a revisit thus far; we were really impressed with what they had to offer when we had visited during the opening of their now-defunct space at Sunset Way previously. Having been through the different safety management measures imposed due to the pandemic, Summer Hill operated as a delivery-only establishment for a short while, but they had since returned the dining scene in the form of a dine-in establishment yet again. Occupying a shop unit at Claymore Connect several units away from the now-defunct The Peranakan, Summer Hill has transformed the spot into one that is of its own. For those whom have visited Summer Hill’s former premises at Sunset Way, the space at Claymore Connect is now bigger and brighter — the use of white and grey elements in its interior is a departure from the dark and mysterious look they had in the past. That being said, there are attempts to recreate those vibes at Sunset Way in its new location at Claymore Connect — those furnishings with wooden accents do give the spot somewhat of a nordic vibe that was somewhat present in the previous location as well. The menu served at their current location is pretty reminiscent of what has been served at Sunset Way previously — think various sandwiches, pasta and main courses as well — the dessert menu still comprises of items like the Valrhona Dark Chocolate Tart that we previously had. The drinks menu had grown quite a fair bit from the past — apart from non-alcoholic options such as soft drinks, coffee and tea from The 1872 Clipper Tea Co., Summer Hill also serves up cocktails, beer, spirits and wines as well.

The prices of the dishes served at Summer Hill varies quite a fair bit, but the Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich is something worth considering for those who are into something more towards the $20 zone. Priced at $23+, the Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich comprises of elements such as buttermilk fried chicken thigh, housemade hot sauce, Hokkaido milk bread and aioli. Salad comes accompanying the sandwich by default, and the addition of Duck Fat Fries will be an extra $5+. The Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich is essentially Summer Hill’s answer to the Southern Fried Chicken in a burger form — and one that is pretty well-executed. Sinking our teeth into the bun, the top bun comes buttered and grilled; provides a firm but soft bite with a slightly crusty underside that provides a good texture. Sliced pickles sits in between the top bun and the fried chicken thigh here — cuts through all those carbs and meatiness with its zing; the chicken coming in a huge slab with a crisp and light batter whilst smothered in their housemade hot sauce. Liked how the batter still managed to maintain a light crisp despite how it was being doused in sauce; the flesh within being juicy and tender without being greasy — the hot sauce lending a slight kick of spiciness that tickles the tastebuds especially for those who have lower tolerance to spiciness with undertones similar to that of a tomato-based sauce with herbs such as rosemary. Beneath all of that would be a layer of rockets and the aioli for a creamy touch, while the bottom bun was not soaked in juice nor sauce despite all of that weight and stuff above it. The accompanying salad was delicious too; a mix of greens with plump wedges of tomato that provides a refreshing burst of tanginess to reset the tastebuds — provides a good break in between slices of the sandwich.

Summer Hill has been consistently good in terms of the food they are putting out. Sure, prices may be a little bit on the steep side depending on what one has ordered, but we have always felt that the produce used and the execution had always fit the price point that they are charging. Perhaps they are still getting used to the operations here however — there are quite a few things which we felt they could further refine on for a better experience once they move from soft launch phase into being officially opened. Apart from the slight confusion in the service, we felt that they could have someone to be at the counter to be more aware of people who happen to walk in due to the way the entrance is designed. Food also does require some waiting time as well; we waited close to 45mins for the Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich — a little long since there were only two other tables around, though they did offer us a complimentary glass of rosé mid-way (not that we have voiced out about the waiting time to the staff). Kudos to them on that. That being said, Summer Hill’s return to being a dine-in establishment is probably a long-awaited comeback for most — would love to return another time to give their other dishes a go!

Being a concept brought by the same folks behind The Refinery at King George’s Avenue, Hello Arigato does seem to be a brand in the local cafe scene that is pretty aggressive in its expansion plans. Whilst they had just opened their very first outlet of Hello Arigato at Upper Thomson Road just around the end of 2021, a second outlet has already opened their doors just earlier this month at 314 Joo Chiat Road — just walking distance from Dunman Food Centre, and also several units away from Dickson Nasi Lemak; another notable and newly-opened establishment in the vicinity. The outlet at Joo Chiat Road has an interior that stays true to the original Hello Arigato at Upper Thomson — the design theme is no doubt minimalist with a touch of Scandinavian influence where wooden furnishings meet the largely white decor and concrete floors, all that with a shelf that includes designer items that is largely reminiscent of the same at the original outlet. Currently serving their soft launch menu, Hello Arigato’s menu at Joo Chiat is largely similar to that of the one served at their Upper Thomson outlet — patrons can opt for their popular items such as Wagyu Sando and Gyu Sando, as well as the Tamago Sando which have been raved about, whilst sharing plates include a Furi Fried Chicken, Hello Kombu Tater Tots or the Arigato Truffle Fries. That being said, the Joo Chiat outlet does feature some outlet exclusives, such as the HCG Sando, the Hello Twister Fries, and a whole new line of bakes that includes the Sticky Bun, Cookie Arigato (variations include Salted Choco Pecan or Matcha Mochi), and a Miso Banana Cake — just to name a few. Beverage options include specialty coffee, sodas, cold brew tea as well as NON spirits; a series of 0% alcohol “wines” created by an ex-Noma chef.

The HCG Sando here features elements such as a “48 Hr Marinated Shrimp Paste Har Cheong Gai Chicken, Crunchy Cucumber, and Japanese Milk Bread” as described on the menu. As one would have expected, HCG is the abbreviation of “Har Cheong Gai”, which translates to shrimp paste chicken — a local favourite dish that is often found in tzechar establishments. The concept of the HCG Sando where it features Japanese-meets-local fusion does remind us of their Otah Sando that we previously had at their Upper Thomson location, which is also not offered here at their Joo Chiat outlet. Here, the same Japanese Milk Bread sandwiches the other elements in between — the milk bread being toasted and provides quite a firm bite on its own. Always generously stuffing their sandos, the Har Cheong Gai is pretty much the show-stopper here with its crisp exterior and juicy, tender flesh — the marination of shrimp paste being especially prominent so one does get that hint of umami flavour with a good meaty bite; all that with thinly-sliced cucumber that provides for a refreshing crunch and a bit of mayonnaise to bring all the elements together.

With the trend for cafe food shifting towards that of sandos, it is little wonder how Hello Arigato had gotten so far despite being somewhat of a new brand that is run by folks experienced in the F&B scene in Singapore — they had already been a name that is well-associated with affordably-priced (where cafe fare is of concern) Japanese-inspired sandos. Quality of food at their Joo Chiat outlet is also pretty consistent with their Upper Thomson outlet, yet providing patrons with just a few new items enough to encourage cafe-hoppers whom have visited their Upper Thomson location to also check out their Joo Chiat outpost. Ticking off all the right boxes for a cafe that has opened in recent times, Hello Arigato is that spot that avid cafe-hoppers will certainly make a beeline for — something which was already evident as we were placed on a waiting list when we made our visit on a weekend afternoon.

Caught wind of the new Bloom Coffee, which had recently opened its doors at the spot which the now-defunct Stamping Ground Coffee used to occupy — much of the layout of the shop is still somewhat reminiscent of that of its former tenant; the space also exudes rather Scandinavian vibes with its extensive use of wooden elements in its furnishing and fittings. With a focus on serving up Sangas and specialty coffee, the menu at Bloom Coffee is pretty limited — there are five different Sangas listed here, while those whom are looking for other items can also choose between shoestring fries (a truffle-infused variant is available at an additional charge) and a granola bowl. Being a cafe that is part of the third-wave coffee movement, patrons can opt between espresso-based (“by pressure”) or filter brews (“by hand”) — the beans available here are roasted by Mercanta Coffee. They also do offer a variety of other non-alcoholic beverage options here, including juices and other house-made concoctions.

Skimming through the list of Sangas which they have to offer, the Tamagoyaki Avocado Bacon Sanga is one that pretty much stood out for me — features smashed avocado, grilled bacon, tamagoyaki, Japanese mayonnaise and a basil yogurt sauce. Taking a bite into the sandwich here, the bread provided a light and crisp bite; pretty crusty, whilst the next layer would be the smashed avocadoes — smooth and buttery, and helps the bind the other elements such as bacon and tamagoyaki with the entire sandwich alongside the various sauces here. The bacon was crisp; carried a hint of saltishness that is typical of cured meat, providing much of the flavours for the sandwich while the tamagoyaki rolls provided a slight sweetness and a soft bite. The entire item felt comforting in a way similar to a big breakfast platter, reconstructed in the form of a Sanga rather than as separate elements co-existing on the same plate; pretty interesting and works even when had altogether at the same time.

While we are usually those who would often prefer the specialty coffee options offered in any given cafe, we would go to the extent of saying just do yourselves a favour and order the Yuzu Cardamom Lemonade whilst here — the fizzy concoction, though a little on the sweet side, is especially delicious considering how it carries a slightly spiced note amidst the sweetness. Bloom Coffee seems to hit all the right spots with their offerings — pretty thoughtful creations that are well-designed and goes together. The East has no short of good coffee spots all over, especially in the Katong neighbourhood, but Bloom Coffee does have its own unique identity to set themselves apart from the competition around — a spot that cafe-hoppers should add to the list of places to visit!

Heard about the new Fraser St. Brothers at DUO Galleria; the establishment is by the same folks behind Meating Place which I especially love — had always been a fan of the type of cuisine which they have offer; the Free-Roam Half “Anxin” Spring Chicken & Tater Tots was something that has a special place in my heart. As opposed to Meating Place which is a more formal and of a bistro-style, Fraser St. Brothers is more of a deli with a bit of a playful touch — high tables and bar chairs, colourful furniture and fittings resembling a shack, they are also located right beside Meating Place at DUO Galleria, and serves up sandwiches, bagels, empanada (a Spanish turnover with fillings) and bakes. Beverages offered here includes espresso-based specialty coffee, as well as multiple cold brew concoctions — interesting flavours include the Lavender Milky Way and the Mocha Oat Chai.

Opting for the Grilled Pork Ragu & Cheese Sandwich, we shared the sandwich considering how we were also having the empanadas that were listed on the menu and also intending to hit another spot also for mains after the trip here. The Grilled Pork Ragu & Cheese is nothing short of satisfying; while Ragu is typically thought of as a tomato-based sauce usually used with pasta, Ragu is in actual fact, meat-based sauce — the folks behind Fraser St. Brothers pretty much took this definition to Ragu and ran with it; expect a really meaty and savoury meat sauce that is accompanied with gooey, stretchy melty cheese that would hit especially well with boys who love those heavier-tasting, more sinful sandwiches. Not doubt it does come a little greasy, but we did enjoy that slightly messy sandwich when eaten by hand with that crispy, crusty bread they have went for in the creation of this sandwich.

Apart from the Grilled Pork Ragu & Cheese Sandwich that we had, we also pretty much enjoyed almost everything that we have had here; the Empanadas can be best described as a westernised “curry puff” with various meat fillings for the local who isn’t exposed to such dishes, while we especially loved the Lavender Milky Way that was nothing being short of floral and aromatic amidst all that milkiness. If the Meating Place was one place that caught my heart for their well-executed dishes that has been prepared from scratch and lots of thought, passion and effort from the heart, Fraser St. Brothers is an extension of that with a splash of fun in a casual setting — also the more affordable establishment between the two that attempts to capture the cafe-going crowd. Whilst seats are rather limited at Fraser St. Brothers, we would still say that it’s a spot for meat and sandwich lovers, as well as cafe-hoppers to add to the list to check out — looking forward to them hopefully expanding a menu a bit; always intrigued by what they are able to come up with here!

Dropped by the new Monday Coffee Bar at Blk 421 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10; the cafe is a rather small but cosy set-up that reminds me of specialty coffeehouses set up at the shop units on the ground floor of HDB blocks way back in the heydays of the third wave coffee movement. Decked in mostly wooden elements, the interior is pretty warm and inviting despite its size where it can only accommodate for three groups of diners throughout its indoor dine-in space (two counter seats, and two tables that seats two and five respectively due to social distancing requirements). Keeping the menu simple, Monday Coffee Bar only offers three different types of Sando, whilst also offering specialty coffee and a selection of Japanese tea for beverages.

Came by slightly before 12 noon and found ourselves snapping up the only sandwich that was available at the point of our visit — the Smoked Salmon Sandwich comes with elements such as smoked salmon, cream cheese, cucumber and dill: all that sandwiches between what it seems to be wholegrain bread. The whole combination can be said as predictable and safe, though also one that feels comforting especially with the vibes here — the bread here isn’t overly toasted so it still comes fluffy and soft; the smoked salmon provides that typical savoury note of cured fish while the cream cheese gives a creamy texture that binds all the elements together. The addition of cucumbers here was a thoughtful one; not only did it provide for some refreshing crunchiness amidst the entire sandwich, but it also helped to improve the overall aesthetic giving the Sando a little thickness — nothing like those trendy Sandos these days that comes overloaded with ingredients which is incredibly difficult to bite, but definitely gave the Sando here some volume.

Would say that Monday Coffee Bar is pretty much of a rare find of a cafe these days. The food offered isn’t much, but it does give a feel-good type of vibe that is especially comforting alongside then environment that they have to offer. Whilst it is not as spacious as most coffeehouses these days, it is well-renovated with a well-thought layout that gives it a sort of charm that is a difficult find these days. For that, Monday Coffee Bar is a spot worth checking out, especially for those who are looking to soak up some peaceful coffeehouse vibes that are most reminiscent of cafes that were part of the third wave coffee movement in its heydays where cafes were still sprouting up all around the island.

Zoomed past the new Gigi Gourmet Deli at Marina Bay Link Mall and made a mental note to return for dinner — one of those rare places within this part of the Central Business District that actually opens till 9pm on weekdays. Offering Sicilian fare, the gourmet deli not only serves up panini and salad, but also other items including pizza, platters (think Salumeria, Formaggi and Antipasto Misto) and Aracini — they also offer quite a sizeable dessert menu by offering cannoli, tiramisu, Panna Cotta and waffles (Brussels and Liege options available here).

Felt like having something on the lighter side for dinner so I went for the Panini Sandwiches — my pick was the Mama, which comprises of elements such as Mozzarella, Peppers, Eggplant, Artichoke Cream, Basil — patrons also get to pick between rocket leafs or mixed salad to be served in their sandwich; my choice was for the latter. I wasn’t really expecting a lot for the sandwich but this really quite blew me away — so much texture and flavours especially from the eggplant and bell peppers; the latter was almost akin to having poached tomatoes with its plump and juicy texture especially when it bursts as one chews on it. That itself gives the sandwich a refreshing taste amidst the ham sandwiched in the middle, while the rocket’s inherent bitterness seems to be softened by the umami artichoke cream slathered thinly on the bread itself. The bread itself is also worth the mention; so crisp, yet without being tough to chew. Undoubtedly one of my favourite sandwiches thus far.

While at it here, don’t forget to give the Cannolis a try — these are starting to get a little bit more easy to find these days around the island but I like how they have mini ones so I could try two at one go; my favourite being the Classic Cannoli with its fluffy and creamy ricotta that is spiked with orange zest for a slightly zingy twist that was quite appetising. Pistachio lovers can go for the Gigi Cannoli though — features elements such as Ricotta, Pistachio Paste, Chopped Pistachio and Powdered Sugar as well.

Wanted to head to another spot within the vicinity for lunch, but got turned away as there wasn’t any seats available and that we did not make a reservation. Got reminded that Park Bench Deli had opened their latest concept, ONDA by Park Bench Deli nearby; so that was exactly where we headed to for lunch instead.

Being the first of a series of smaller shops that Park Bench Deli has intended to open progressively, ONDA by Park Bench Deli takes over the former premises of the now-defunct Sugarfin; the space only features standing dine-in areas, and is almost akin to a hole-in-the-wall concept. ONDA by Park Bench Deli only offers two sandwiches, with a small variety of light bites, where one will be able to pair with either coffee and alcohol drinks.

Being one of the two “mains” available here, the Cubano will be our pick over the Hot Dog. Featuring elements such as sweet ham, lechon, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard — all coming in between the soft roll. Upon its arrival on the table, it is well noted on how generously stuffed the sandwich is with meat — copious layers of sweet ham and lechon providing quite a meaty bite, considering how the elements have gone through the panini press so everything is compacted well together, making it very easy to eat without messing the sandwich whilst having it. Noticed how the sweet ham provided a hint of savoury note typically of cured meat; this went well with the meatier lechon — nothing short of being juicy and tender, without being anywhere gamey. The meats were well-balanced with the slight savouriness of the Swiss cheese, but the pickles and mustard help to provide a contrast of flavours that takes away some part of the meatiness which makes the sandwich easy to have; both providing a slight tang and a zing that kept things going here. The soft roll is a clear winner here though — toasted to crisp perfection, the bread did its job well with its audible crunch as one chews through the soft roll; absolutely appetising!

Being an offshoot of Park Bench Deli, it is difficult not to associate ONDA By Park Bench Deli’s sandwiches with those stellar sandwiches that Park Bench Deli had been consistently serving over the years — the Cubano is one that stays true to that. It is a showcase of the attention to detail — well-sized sandwich that fits well to a mouthful, whilst also beautifully layered with various elements that makes for the textural contrast. For those working at Circular Road where visiting Park Bench Deli at Telok Ayer May be a bit of a far walk for lunch; ONDA by Park Bench Deli is no doubt a good alternative to the original store for a sumptuous sandwich treat!