Violet Herbs is a modern European, two-storey semi-formal fine dining restaurant on Tras Street with a unique emphasis on the use of herbs in their food and signature cocktails. Perfect for date nights with its elegant and purple-themed decor, Violet Herbs offers an a la carte as well as six- or eight-course degustation menus. Go for the incredible, melt-in-your-mouth and buttery Marinated Red Miso Cod ($33), the Lobster Risotto & Fregola Sarda ($36) and end the meal on a sweet note with the Textures of Lychee Panna Cotta ($12).
Translated as "the Tiramisu workshop", L'Atelier Tirami SĂą specialises in just this one item, and is arguably the best tiramisu in Singapore. Crowd favourites include: the Classico, gorgeously light and aromatic; the Dark Cherry, great for those who love intense liqueur and cognac notes; and the Lychee for those eager for an unconventional exotic twist ($6.90 each). To make the experience complete, enjoy a beautifully made cup of coffee along with your tiramisu. It might interest you to know that the coffee used in the tiramisu is pulled from Liberty beans!
Opened by the gutsy Zenn Eng, Cake Spade brings something fresh to the cake scene. Her tofu cheesecakes are genius, light and creamy at the same time, appealing even to those who don't like cheese or tofu (well, they don't actually contain tofu, it refers to the texture). The Strawberry/Peach Tofu Cheesecakes ($5.60) are must-try treats, as well as the Brownie Base Cheesecake ($6.50), which combines the best of two amazing worlds. What Cake Spade has really achieved is great balance and irresistible variety. Check out this little space for yourself, and get a few (or many) slices to share.
Ciel Patisserie serves cakes that are more than worth every penny and are pleasing to the eye, palate and wallet. The Fuji ($5.20), perhaps their most unique creation, is a pyramid of pudding-like green tea mousse with a lychee gelée surprise centre atop a delicate green tea sponge base. Their Strawberry Shortcake ($5.60) is excellent, the perfect choice for a lighter cake. Grabbing cakes and drinks in this small but lovely café could very well be one of life's simplest pleasures. Given its location in Hougang Avenue 1, Ciel is indeed a hidden gem.
Upon entering this little cakery tucked away in Everton Park, you'll be greeted by an incredibly enticing display case of sweet treats. Give the Foret Noir ($9.80) a go — their indulgent take on the classic black forest, with elements of dark Valrhona chocolate and Kirsh-soaked cherries for that alcoholic kick. For something lighter, try the Zacharie ($7.80), a mango passion fruit-infused cheese mousse sitting on a ginger biscuit base, with a mango passion fruit core. Other cakes play with flavours including earl grey, matcha, lychee and even coconut! There's bound to be something to tickle your fancy.
You can't go wrong with the classic Japanese-style shortcakes here, with Ichigo ($6.50) being the most popular choice. The Mango Rare Cheese ($6.80) is a delightful pick-me-up as well, showcasing a wonderful union of cheese and mango mousse. Aside from their cakes, also try the Luna Wraps ($5.90 each). These soft, fluffy folded sponge cakes sandwich flavoured cream and fresh fruits come in six different flavours including chocolate, matcha and banana and caramel. With their attractive, vibrant cake display, there's no way you're walking out with just one item!
Since re-opening in SOTA after an eight-month hiatus, a more accessible Kki is back to satisfy fans with their delicate and almost-too-perfect-to-eat cakes. Their Japanese-inspired French mousse cakes with fruity centres are handmade with love, and are worth the heftier price tag. Try their signature Antoinette ($8.80), a white chocolate mousse cake with a tangy mango centre, the Little Red Riding Hood ($9.80), a glossy dark chocolate mousse cake with a raspberry centre, or the Nao ($9.80), a strawberry mousse cake with pistachio cream centre. Savour these gorgeous creations slowly, and notice of how carefully and beautifully crafted they are!
Since re-opening in SOTA after an eight-month hiatus, a more accessible Kki is back to satisfy fans with their delicate and almost-too-perfect-to-eat cakes. Their Japanese-inspired French mousse cakes with fruity centres are handmade with love, and are worth the heftier price tag. Try their signature Antoinette ($8.80), a white chocolate mousse cake with a tangy mango centre, the Little Red Riding Hood ($9.80), a glossy dark chocolate mousse cake with a raspberry centre, or the Nao ($9.80), a strawberry mousse cake with pistachio cream centre. Savour these gorgeous creations slowly, and notice of how carefully and beautifully crafted they are!
Besides having their new stewed pork bee hoon ($1) for breakfast, I am also having the signature curry rice, chap chye, fried pork chop, sambal sotong, black bean bittergourd, sambal brinjal... All these are prepared daily by the young hawkers. They wake up at 1am to prepare, and open their shop at 6am. They have been around for 2 years, so how do they feel about being in the hawker business? Owner Joel said,"We still get a high level of satisfaction because we know that we are preserving the hawker heritage." Such an inspiration, that's a great start to my beautiful Sunday!
Replacing the now defunct Happy 3 Bites, Chew The Fat (which refers to their chubby mascot, Chew) joins the bustling Everton Park area, serving premium teas and homemade desserts. You'd be surprised to hear no coffee is served here -- you would need to make a stop at the nearby Nylon Coffee Roasters for your coffee fix. Go for the Royal Apple Crumble or the chilled Wicked Brownies, and pair it with either the Japanese Cherry Blossom Sencha and Chili Chocolate White Tea. The teas served here are from local tea people Green Pot Tea, whilst bakes are either homemade or sourced from a Halal-certified bakery.
Brightening up the Novena neighbourhood is The Clueless Goat, a new cafe which serves coffee, waffles and brunch options. The beans used are from Common Man Coffee Roasters, so you know your coffee needs will be met. Choose from a variety of brunch options such as their Ranchers' Eggs -- poached eggs with smashed avocado, salsa and shaved parmesan -- and their British Breakfast Platter. Do not leave without trying their very unique waffles, which taste like a cross between buttery pancakes and fluffy waffles, perfect for when you can't decide between the two ;)
Opening along Bukit Pasoh Road, Boca serves authentic Portugese fare in a warm, stylish setting. Be welcomed into the three-storey shophouse by flights of Andorinha (swallows) which commemorate the spirit of returning home, and make yourself comfrotable in this stylish, warm space. Order the Prato de Salgadinhos Mistos, which is their platter of petiscos (the Portugese equivalent of tapas) and go for the super-comforting Açorda de Bacalhau (congee-esque bread with salted cod), and the Chouriço em Chamas (chorizo flame-grilled in brandy). End the evening with the original Portuguese Egg Tart, served with a liberal sprinkling of cinnamon and icing sugar as they should be. Sounds like an amazing date night, no?
