The cafe scene in Singapore is always very vibrant and there are always new cafes opening. Over the weekends, I have gone cafe hopping with Daniel, Nicole and Nicholas around Guillemard area. We were I was surprised to see a change of hands for several of the cafes and eateries. Formerly Char has turned into a British inspired cafe named Monks Wood, Maple and Market has been taken over by a dog cafe (Yes, dog cafe with residential dogs Mega Love) and The Hideout is now a dessert cafe named Sweet Garden.
Our First stop is Monks Wood. At about 2pm in the afternoon, I was surprised to see a few occupied tables given that it is newly opened. From the same people behind Char, Monks Wood is of a totally different concept serving British comfort food and their signature pies.
We ordered scotched egg ($8), Steak & Ale Pie ($19) and Bread and Butter Pudding ($11). The Steak & Ale Pie is the best among the 3 dishes that we ordered. But somehow I still find there is something missing in the flavour, maybe a drizzle of red wine would do the job. As Monks Wood is still in the midst of letting the oven run in, the dishes that we ordered seemed to be slightly undercooked. I might be hopping by again to try other dishes since it is quite near my office. In fact, I have already thought of the next dish to have, Fish & Chips! =D
Monks Wood
393 Guillemard Road Singapore 399790
Tel: +65 9030 8392
Operating Hours: Tue to Thur 11:30am to 2:30pm
6:00pm – 10:30pm
Fri 11:30am to 2:30pm
6:00pm to 11:00pm
Sat-Sun 11:30am to 11:00pm
Closed on Monday
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On our way to Sweet Garden, we passed by Roboyes Cafe that had taken over Maple and Market. Oh my god! The cafe has 3 residential pooches! Super cute, 2 of them are Dachshund aka sausage dogs. I think it is easier to find a cat cafe than a dog cafe! Roboyes Cafe, I will certainly be back to have a date with my huhu (my poodle poodle la).
Roboyes Cafe
34 Cassia Crescent #01-82 Singapore 390034
Tel: +65 6635 7923
+65 9106 4700
Email: roboyes.cafe@gmail.com
Operating Hours: 12pm to 9pm Tues-Thurs
12pm to 10.30pm Fri & Sat
12pm to 9pm Sun
Closed on Monday
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Taken over The Hideout, Sweet Garden Dessert Cafe is a rather interesting cafe. Before I walked in, the signage reminded me of Ah Chew dessert and Ji de Chi. Hence, I was expecting to see some chinese desserts on the menu. But no, no Chinese dessert. Only ang moh desserts with pricing on a tad pricey are served here.
One of the items that caught my eyes was the cheese bread as I am both a bread and cheese lover. The texture reminded me of the mochi bread from four seasons but slightly denser. I can see that the owner has put in some efforts to the presentation and perhaps because of that, the bread was made slightly bland to go with the beautiful crystals of sea salt.
According to the lady boss, there are 2 desserts served in the hot pan with crumble. You can choose between Pineapple Crumble or Banana Flambe with Grand Marnier. This dish is indeed made for instagram with banana on the bed of the pan, spread with crumbles and topped with a scoop of gelato and marshmallow. Aiyo why so pretty? If you are choosing the Banana Flambe, remember to choose a gelato with some acidity to cut through the sweetness. If not, it is really very much on the sweeter side.
Sweet Garden Dessert Cafe
32 Cassia Crescent #01-50 Singapore 390032
Tel: +65 9100 4286
Email: enquiry_sweetpacific@yahoo.com
Operating Hours: Tues-Sat 12:00pm to 11:00pm
Sun 11:00am to 11:00pm
Closed on Monday
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