FRIENDS fans your wait is finally over! Singapore’s very own Central Perk has finally opened its doors after months of anticipation. Located along Clarke Quay, we were lucky enough to get a sneak peak!
Stepping into Central Perk Singapore, the first thing that we noticed is the different ongoing themes. Making our way around this eatery, we found three distinct features; the “outdoor patio” area which has a bit more privacy away from the main storefront. The main dining area is styled exactly like Central Perk itself. And the cafe’s character feature walls feature the most memorable aspects of the characters!
Central Perk Singapore
The “outdoor patio” area gives you the “street view” of Central Perk. While this might not be the number one spot you would come to Central Perk Singapore for, it gave us a bit of a thrill standing “outside” the cafe looking in!
The all too familiar orange couch, we die-hard fans have been wishing to sit on! From the high tables and stools, the light up embellishments and the odd brick walls Central Perk Singapore has gone all out to get every detail from the popular US tv show right. All that’s missing is the famous group of 6 to make this set exactly that of FRIENDS. The team behind Central Perk Singapore injected their own local twist by showcasing a Singapore featured artwork displayed against the back wall.
Unfortunately, Central Perk Singapore does not have a Gunther just yet, but the bar area looks pretty identical with its onscreen counterpart. Complete with the gold plated coffee machine featured in the show!
The backdrop of most of Phoebe’s performances, they’ve even set up a little performance area complete with keyboard and standing microphones.
Character Feature Walls
A MUST SEE feature at Central Perk Singapore has to be the cafe’s Character Feature Walls. Step into a replica of Monica’s kitchen from the blue shelves and Chandler’s number one enemy, the Ms Pac Man machine (yes it works)!
Say hi to smelly cat and Gladys as you stroll pass Phoebe’s featured wall, complete with scatterings of potpourri and her guitar her featured wall is all about Phoebe’s boho and hippy vibe.
Play a quick game of foosball with your friends alongside the chick, duck and the cabinet Joey (willingly) locked himself in. Central Perk Singapore doesn’t skip the details, take a quick peek at Chandler’s door, there’s a huge cut where the “power saw kinda got away” from Joey.
Come For The Atmosphere, Stay For The Food
Let’s be honest, what’s Central Perk without a coffee? Here at Central Perk Singapore, they serve up six different coffee blends. Each coffee roasts is characterised after each of the main characters. Not much of a coffee fan? Get a cup of the Rachel. With a light roast, body, acidity and hints of berries this roast is perfect for those who prefer their coffee sweet. Served in Central Perk’s “traditional” oversized mugs, the coffee here is the perfect companion to your leisurely Saturday afternoon.
Not a coffee drinker? Don’t fret because Central Perk Singapore has a menu that will have you drooling! Named after the characters and their many escapades ( Monica’s Lasagna and “Joey’s Special” 2 Pizzas are just some examples), we had to try Ross’ Thanksgiving Sandwich aka The Moist Maker.
The Moist Maker
Unlike the Moist Maker, the turkey sandwich at Central Perk Singapore is pretty fancy. Served in a small caste iron pan, several turkey slices sit in a toasted ciabatta bun alongside alfalfa sprouts and sun-dried tomatoes. The piece de resistance of this dish, is surprisingly not even on the sandwich, it’s actually the warm gravy served on the side. Tying the whole sandwich together, the gravy adds a whole dimension to the Moist Maker.
Mrs Braverman’s Cheesecake
While Rachel’s English Trifle wasn’t a feature on the menu (to be brutally honest, we aren’t sure if we would have the guts to sample that dish!), we did spot Mrs Braverman’s Cheesecake from Mama’s Little Bakery. No ordinary cheesecake, this original creation is plated with berries, layered with a passionfruit meringue and topped with popping candy and candied walnuts. With each bite, you can taste the light cheesecake paired with a fruity bite and a sort of fizzness from the popping candy. A delectable dessert that will you wishing you could have just another slice!
Central Perk Singapore has stayed true to its tv counterpart and a menu that serves up traditional dishes with its own unique twist. Casual or mega fan, either way, you’re going to enjoy spending hours here with your FRIENDS.
Central Park Singapore
1 Magazine road, Central Mall #01-01. S059567
Opening Hours: Tue – Sun 10am – 10pm; Mon Closed
