Niche Savoureuse

Niche Savourese is probably a name that most whom are familiar with the local F&B scene might have heard of for quite a while — having established itself in 2014, Niche Savourese is perhaps best known for at its location at Blk 128 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh where it used to be; these folks had recently made the move to a new location at Havelock II. Whilst its former location was iconic considering how both Niche Savourese and Creamier Handcrafted Ice Cream and Coffee has used to operate from the same block just merely few steps away from one another before the latter moved to the neighbouring estate across the road, Niche Savourese’s current location was the same space that was formerly occupied by Haritts Donuts & Coffee — a bit of a downsize from its previous location. The folks at Niche Savourese had made extensive changes to the space; much of its previous furnishings have been removed and the space now sees two bar counter seats facing out of the establishment, as well as four-seater table that is placed against the wall — the colours of the space closely resembling that of Niche Savourese’s former space at Lorong 1 Toa Payoh. This includes the large use of white tiles in the interior, as well as grey flooring matched against wooden dining furniture — one can also find the all-familiar blackboard menu being hung on the wall at the Havelock II location as well. The menu board mentions Toastywich as the only hot food item available on the menu here, though we did note the mention of Egg Fried Rice in the flyers stacked at the countertop seating that faces out of the shop. Also available at their current location at Havelock II will be their line-up of cakes, while they do offer both espresso-based specialty coffee and a variety of teas for beverages.

Truth to be told, their line-up of Toastywiches does seem like something that is more akin to that of sandwiches that are served in delis at tertiary education institutions — Niche’s Savourese’s Toastywiches are actually prepared fresh upon order, and while Niche Savourese does not describe the elements that come within their Toastywiches, these are really a pretty easy assembly of cabbage, cucumbers, smoked chicken and mayonnaise for their Smoked Chicken Toastywich; also one of the two recommended Toastywich items on their menu. The bread here comes lightly toasted; slightly crisp on the exterior while the mayonnaise does help to bring all of the elements together with its creaminess— the leafy greens provided a light crunch while the cucumbers further enhances those textures with a more refreshing crunch. Using smoked chicken instead of chicken breast, the smoked chicken provides a meaty bite whilst also carrying a hint of flavours similar to that of cured meat — adds a savoury touch that helps the sandwich from tasting too clean.

Those whom have had been following us for a while now might find their Lemon Meringue Tart rather familiar; an item which we had previously tried during our visits to Niche Savourese over the years, the Lemon Meringue Tart comes with meringue piped in the shape of a rose for a beautiful appearance. It does feel that some parts of the meringue had been overly flame-torched here considering the slightly toasty notes that it carried; otherwise, the meringue does successfully cut through the zippy notes of the lemon curd though the tart base does lack a bit of bite to break apart that we actually preferred. The Flat White was decent; quite well-pulled though was served a little hotter than we expected — a cuppa that carried nutty and earthy notes with a medium body. Having tried a number of establishments over the years, Niche Savourese had never been one of those that are known for being a standout — more of a neighbourhood-ly patisserie that works well as a convenient hangout or a quiet nook to wind down. Its location at Havelock II currently isn’t the most coziest spot to be in, though they have very much still stuck to the doing things in the same way they had been – perhaps something that works for those whom have been following the brand since its inception back then.