WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE

Have it straight up, as a cocktail, or even just as eye candy – we’ve got something for every caﬀeine addict.

JUNE 2016

"Have it straight up, as a cocktail, or even just as eye candy – we’ve got something for every caﬀeine addict."

JAVA JAUNT
SO MANY CAFES, SO LITTLE TIME. HERE ARE OUR ABSOLUTE FAVOURITES.

THE COFFEE ACADEMICS
This swanky Hong Kong import is taking coﬀee appreciation to the next level – and we can’t get enough of it! The sprawling space boasts stations like an espresso bar, tea bar, roasting corner, cupping corner, and even a custom-blend concierge, who will help to create your personal blend of coﬀee according to your lifestyle and preferred caﬀ eine intensity. We especially love the Japanese-style seating area with tatami mats. Coﬀees here are obviously more expensive than at run-of-the-mill cafes, but we’re repeat customers regardless because of the attention to detail, right down to the temperature of each drink and the amount of foam.

#02-01/02 Scotts Square, 6 Scotts Road, tel: 6538-1940, www.the-coﬀeeacademics.com

CURIOUS PALETTE
We’re always pleased when we uncover cafes that actually put eﬀort into the food they serve. Besides excellent coﬀees (owner Ryan Tan is an award-winning barista), it has a menu of hearty brunch items that goes beyond the standard oﬀerings of eggs Benedict and waﬄes (although it does serve an Instagram-worthy Berry Ricotta Hotcake). Instead, it trots out goodies like sous vide salmon with grilled halloumi, poached egg and bacon scone, and corned beef Scotch eggs. And we can never resist ending the meal with a slice of one of the delicious cakes.

64 Prinsep Street, tel: 6238-1068, www.facebook.com/curiouspalette

THE ASSEMBLY GROUND
The decor is as hipster as it comes – think fairy lights, hanging bicycles, funky light-bulb art and framed coﬀee quotes – but don’t be so quick to dismiss it as just another pretty face. Mirroring the uber eﬀort put into realising the cafe’s interior, the menu features blends from noted roasters like Common Man Coﬀee Roasters and Nylon Coﬀee Roasters. The cafe’s own Green Tea Latte, piping hot and creamy – more like a yummy milkshake – is impressive too.

#01-21 The Cathay, 2 Handy Road, tel: 6733-3375, www.theassemblystore.com

SYMMETRY
Yes, Symmetry is a familiar name among cafe-hoppers, but its popularity isn’t unwarranted. We’d stop by for its ambience alone: exposed brick walls, vintage artefacts, retro art and a thumping playlist. But above all, the coﬀee – from the flat white latte to the frothy cappuccino – is seriously good, and brunch items like truﬄe eggs mushroom and hickory corned beef and hash are sheer indulgence. Just sit back, chill and soak up the energy – our idea of a perfect weekend.

#01-01, 9 Jalan Kubor, tel: 6291-9901, www.symmetry.com.sg

BRAWN & BRAINS
Fuss-free and non-gimmicky, this cafe gets the basics right: It serves one of our favourite iced lattes – a perfect balance of milk and coﬀee – as well as some excellent wraps (we love the chicken and mushroom, and curried chicken options). Add to that the friendly staﬀ and laid-back vibe, and little wonder it remains one of our best hang-outs. Plenty of natural light comes into the place too, making it a perfect setting for those Instagram food shots!