Brew Time

Five coffee joints and restaurants that serve coffee with rev, says Tan Wen Hui.

A cuppa coffee for you?

From what started as a religious drink during the 13^th Century, coffee has become a global sensation apt at keeping sleepy people wide-eye.

In Asia, Europe and England, coffee is regarded as the elixir of life, while the Americans see it as a must-have drink to keep mind and stomachs alive. But nothing beats French Congressman Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Perigord’s description of coffee as being “black as the devil, hot as hell, pure as an angel, sweet as love.” This statement is no more than apt a description of how coffee taste, regardless of its modern variations.

Here are five coffee joints and restaurants that serve coffee with a smooth silky finishing; immerse yourself in the aromatic smell of roasted coffee beans in a comfy setting. It is time you explore a different way of taking your cup of coffee and with style.

Oriole Café at Somerset 313: At Oriole Café, sit and sip a cup of sweet, sweet seasonal espresso blend the epitome of bliss. Brewed to be sweet, this caffeinated drink of chocolate and whipped cream is the perfect blend for those with a sweet tooth. Don’t shy away from Oriole Café’s Chilli Chocolate Mocha ($6), Citrius Sin ($6), Piccolo Late ($5.50) and Taisho milk iced coffee ($6) if you are looking for a taste that defies normalcy, you will not regret trying. Hint: Citrius Sin deserves a standing ovation at the Singapore National Baristas Championships.

Father of Modern Coffee: Mr Keith Low, owner of Oriole Cafe and Bar

Oriole Café at Somerset 313 boasts high ceilings and a fanciful interior, albeit being situated on the ground floor and at the veranda. Oh, “Mountain Turtles” who hail from isolated provinces will sure be fooled into thinking Oriole Café is an up-market restaurant. Service wise is impeccable; enough to fool a “mountain turtle”.

ASTONS Prime: Mention ASTONS Prime restaurant and images of pan-fried fish, steak and other Western delights served the American style would come to mind. Not gourmet coffee. So don’t forget to give ASTONS Prime restaurant brewed espresso ($4.50) a try – if you have yet to. Served in an immaculate white porcelain cup, indulge yourself in the fleeting aroma of roasted Arabica coffee beans. The coffee is rich and intense with a herby taste; it kicks start your dying engine, especially during long afternoons.

Rocky Masters: Rocky Masters café is one of the few cafes in Singapore to adopt a youthful appearance. In fact, Rocky Masters is everything youthful. Makes an energetic and vibrant hang out joint for tertiary students, this café specialises in pairing its espressos to match the taste of its lip-smacking pottie pies ($9). Try the Devil’s brew ($5) and mocha ($4.50) if you cannot decide on what to get. Both drinks are equally thick and creamy, and best of all – affordable. Coffee is served promptly and in a regular drinking cup.

Swensens: Swensens restaurant has creamy attractions for everyone. An old name which people would pay for creamy goodness patrons are feted with lip smacking creamy caffeinated deals. While here, try Swensens restaurant Yummy raisin coffee, Iced Mocha Espresso with Vanilla ice cream, Minty Coffee Spin and Marshmallow Latte if you are gamed for more sweet delights.

Broun Café: Dark brown walls with chalk inscriptions. Simple, cosy furnishings that can be found in friendly void deck coffeeshops. Occasional gigs by solo musicians to provide patrons with more warmth so they would feel at home. Food and drinks that is free of salt and other impurities. Don’t all these sound too good to even be true? Thanks to Broun Café, Singaporeans and tourists alike can now rest, relax and sip a cup of aromatic coffee while waiting for their food to be served. The café’s Short Macchiato ($3.50) and Café Affogata ($4.50) are a must-try for a hedonistic midday indulgence. Service wise is top-rate.

Broun Café

36 North Canal Road

Singapore 059292

Readers, where’s your favourite coffee hang out joint?

Tagged: ASTONS Prime, bar, Cafe Latte, cafe mocha, Coffee in Singapore, Espresso, Good Food, Oriole Cafe and Bar, restaurants to go, Swensen's

Posted in: Food & Beverage, Lifestyle & Travel