Tried And Tested

Hidden in a nook behind the row of bars at Prinsep Place is this newly opened cafe. Menu is populated by the usual cakes, waffles, coffee and other light bites like truffle fries. Nothing interesting caught our eyes so we settled for latte (too acidic), a pot of tea (very generous amount) and a chocolate rainbow cake (delicious). As far as ambience goes, it is very ideal for reading or work, if you don't mind the 90s boyband songs they play. The table by the window is very roomy for a large group, and obviously commands the best natural lighting for all your #foodporn shots. The high ceiling also gives an illusion of space for this small cafe, and is just the thing my ideal home dreams are made of.

With a name like The Dispensary, you'd expect the cakes and coffee to be just what the doctor ordered for a case of the after-dinner hunger pangs. Unfortunately, my inaugural visit one Saturday evening left an unpleasant aftertaste. For starters, the staff's recommendation of the Black Velvet Cake didn't deliver a high. It's moist and had just the right amount of dense, but lacked any noticeable flavour. The salted caramel cupcake fared slightly better, although the red velvet base seemed rather odd. It's like they had surplus batter and decided to hide it deceptively behind the salted caramel tag. Having said that, my ultimate beef would have to be with their drinks. The tea latte was thin and flat with no distinct tea notes at all, while the chocolate in the mocha sat in the depths of the mug like hardened shipwreck. The upside of my visit was the crowd-free ambiance; we practically had the second floor dining space all to ourselves. But that's like most clinics on most Saturdays anyway. Question is, does The Dispensary pull in the crowd like most clinics on Monday mornings?

New kid to the cafe scene, Rouse surprises with a perfect cup of latte. Industrial chic is an evident theme of the deco, but my absolute favourite thing is the bondage-like apron donned by the baristas.

Perfect brunch spot

The Red Shakshuka reigns supreme here. However, if not for a Groupon, the price may be deterring factor