Destination dining: 4 'far-out' Singapore cafes
You practically get fatter just looking through a window at Antoinette's gorgeous desserts.Singapore café culture is booming.
But chilling with friends over delicate pastries and a cup of joe needn’t be confined to the crowded cafes in Orchard Road or, for that matter, Dempsey Road.
“Dining trends are changing and diners are more willing to travel to find good food these days,” says Pang Kok Keong, chef-owner of Sugar Daddy Group, which owns Antoinette.
A crop of cafés has recently popped up in smaller suburbs away from the public’s glare -- some are tucked away in balmy parks or leafy areas, yet others in the city’s most remote neighborhoods.
Wimbly Lu
Why the trip is worth it: Wimbly Lu -- named for owners Wimbly and Lu Wee Bin -- gets a thumbs-up as much for the exposed brick interior as the menu of homemade Belgian chocolates and other chocolate delicacies.
"We handmake all our chocolates on site in our air-conditioned chocolate lab,” says Wee Bin. “A good 60 percent of our diners are from the neighborhood. Some customers even walk into our shop in their pajamas, but we are also beginning to get guests from afar who hear about us via word-of-mouth.”
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Regulars appreciate affordably priced sweets such as chocolate truffle ice cream, blackout cake and chocolate crème brûlée.
The café also has a limited menu of salads, sandwiches and pastas.
What you may not know: This venue endears itself to families with young kids as the backdoor opens out to a public playground.
How to get there: The café is hidden in a two-story shop house in the Serangoon Park residential enclave, a 10- to 15-minute walk from the Lorong Chuan MRT station.
15-2 Jalan Riang, +65 6289 1489; www.wimblylu.com
Eco Gourmet Café
Why the trip is worth it: Eco Gourmet Café’s lush setting amid the foliage of Labrador Nature Reserve is a good enough reason to get the family out of the house to have a walk round the nature trails followed by brunch at the park.
By night, this open-air concept café takes up a different -- somewhat romantic -- persona, luring a lovey-dovey crowd.
The menu is Asian-accented Mediterranean, with dishes such as goat’s cheese resting on tom yam jam and desserts like coconut gelato with mango salad.
“Our menu just grew by at least 30 percent in the last few months and our regulars are eager to new dishes like cauliflower veloutte and over-rendered beef cheek,” says Federico Asaro, CEO of Samadhi Retreats.
What you may not know: Samadhi Retreats is a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection.
How to get there: Located at the Labrador Nature Reserve, look out for the daybeds that mark the entrance of this open-air space.
30 Labrador Villa Road, +65 6270 1868; www.samadhiretreats.com
Antoinette at Penhas Road
Why the trip is worth it: This is one of the most authentic and beautiful Parisian-style tea salons in Singapore with white-paneled walls, beaded standing lamps, a mix of suede and rattan armchairs and a terrific selection of macaroons, dainty chocolates and gorgeously crafted pastries.
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“At Penhas Road, we see more foodies who travel all the way here to enjoy our offerings while at Mandarin Gallery, there is a heavier shopping crowd,” says Pang Kok Keong, former executive chef of Cannelle (by Les Amis) and chef-owner of Antoinette.
What you may not know: Antoinette has a savory menu of comfort French fare and bistro-style salads, sandwiches and dishes such as beef bourguignon, foie gras terrine and the signature Antoinette burger.
How to get there: The group’s flagship cafe at Lavender is just off the main Lavender Street.
30 Penhas Road,+65 6293 3121; www.facebook.com/Antoinette.sg
L’etoile
Why the trip is worth it: This offbeat café has been drawing the walk-in crowd from nearby condominiums with its homemade cakes.
The strawberry cheesecake and macha cupcakes prepared by the shop's Le Cordon Bleu-trained pastry chef are some of the best desserts you'll find in Singapore.
The café serves all day brunch (until 4 p.m.) and light meals such as roast beef focaccia and chicken pie.
While the café’s ground level space has a cookie-cutter configuration of wooden tables and red plastic chairs, the upper floor is where to go to while away the afternoon.
White-washed windows framed by see-through lace curtains, an eclectic collection of furniture and homey arrangement of paraphernalia such as a grandfather clock, antique dressing table, sewing machine and old typewriter set the mood.
What you may not know: L’etoile also retails trinkets and knickknacks such as earrings and drinking glasses.
How to get there: Look for a two-story shop house at the intersection of Dorset Road and Owen Road.
160 Owen Road, +65 6298 2872; www.letoile.com.sg
