At The Affogato Bar, It’s Never Too Early To Get Drunk On Coffee And Ice Cream

Singapore has plenty of cafes offering quality cuppas to perk you up.

The same, however, cannot be said about affogato, which is not as commonly served in cafes. So, imagine our delight when The Affogato Bar opened in Singapore!

Tucked away in a little spot in Cluny Court, this coffee and affogato bar is the latest addition to Bukit Timah’s bustling food scene.

Asia’s first affogato bar in Singapore

In its most basic form, affogato is a scoop of ice cream with a shot of hot espresso poured over it. As such, the key to a delicious affogato is good, quality coffee. In this case, The Affogato Bar uses the award-winning Dimattina Coffee that hails from Melbourne.

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At the bar, choose from 5 different types of affogatos: Death by Chocolate ($13.90), Pot of Honey ($11.90), Carota Carota ($13.90), Banana Ramble ($12.90), and Classic White ($10.90). Each affogato comes with two shots of espresso for that hit of caffeine!

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Our pick goes to Death by Chocolate ($13.90), a rich and decadent dessert that will delight chocoholics. Served in a martini glass, the chocolate sorbet is topped with brownie chunks, chocolate streusel and a thin round of dark chocolate.

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For those who prefer something less chocolate-y, try the Banana Ramble ($12.90)! It’s served with banana pecan ice cream, soft banana cake, banana slices, pecans, and is topped off with double shots of Mocharoma.

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Affogato aside, you can choose from a selection of savoury items which include bagel sandwiches in flavours such as cream cheese, dill & onion and sun-dried tomato, just to name a few!

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As for drinks, the bar also serves up a full-bodied chai latte ($5.50 Hot/ $6.50 Cold) which is worth a try!

Ultimately, while we love the desserts, our only gripe is that the 15-seater is rather small. Be prepared to wait if you are patronising the bar on a weekend!

The Affogato Bar
Address: 01-04B Cluny Court, 501 Bukit Timah Road
Opening Hours: Daily, 8am – 11pm
Contact no.: 9238 9005
Website 

Also read West Your Case, East-siders – You’re Missing Out On These 8 Dessert Spots At Jurong

(Header Image Source: Burpple User Sarah Wong & Xing Wei Chua)

These 15 Hipster Cafes In Johor Bahru Are Worth Braving The Customs For

Love discovering new cafes?

So do we! Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen a surge of new cafes popping up all over Singapore, and it seems the cafe scene has grown across the border too. With plenty of hipster cafes with cool, unique decor and delicious brunch-fare in JB, there’s one more reason to cross the border.

If you live for decadent brunches, chill vibes and lazy, care-free afternoons, you’ll fall in love with these hipster cafes. Not only do they have their own distinct aesthetic, they also have signature foods (and drinks!) you won’t find in Singapore.

Here are 15 hipster cafes in JB we think are worth crossing the border for.

1. Bev C (Halal)

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Housed along the street, along with a string of other hipster cafes is this nook that’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. With its entrance bedecked in rustic, earthy tones of wood and brick, it certainly has a homely quality to it.

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With its in-house boutique merging seamlessly with its cafe, Bev C proves that one can master both the crafts of coffee and fashion with finesse. Check out its clothing label here.

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Feast your eyes on their Chocolate Mint Pies that you’ve probably squealed over a thousand times on Instagram. For fans of Windowsill pies, you’ll love this one as well.

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Yummy pies aside, this cafe offers the renowned Ice Cube Espresso with Milk and Caramel, which ensures diluted coffee will not be an issue as you sit and chat with your pals.

Must Try: Charcoal Croissant with Smoked Salmon, Chocolate Mint Pie, White Chocolate Truffle Pie, Ice Cube Espresso

Bev C
Address:
 54 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee 80000 Johor Bahru
Opening hours: Tue – Fri: 1 pm – 11 pm; Sat & Sun: 12 pm – 11pm, Closed on Mon

2. B.LO.C. (Halal)

B.LO.C, short for The Banana LOver Cafe, will take your goreng pisang love to new heights.

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Situated opposite Taman Sentosa, at B.LO.C, you can drown your crispy goreng pisang in cheese or dark chocolate; you can even dunk it into creamy ice cream! Better yet, coat it with crunchy golden cereal, drizzled with hot caramel sauce. The flavour combinations are limited only by your imagination.

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Handcrafted artisan teas with 5 bases, 15 flavours (e.g. saffron rose, pure yoghurt, winter melon) and a selection of 9 different toppings (e.g. coffee jelly, pearls, nata de coco), these customisable drinks are the perfect pick-me-up as you go on your cafe hunt.

[caption id="attachment_26911" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Image Credit: Gong Cha, the sweetness level can also be adjusted to your liking.

[caption id="attachment_26907" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Image Credit: Chaiwalla & Co. Facebook[/caption]

Must Try: Thai Iced Milk Tea, Iced Chai Latte

Chaiwalla & Co. Honest Tea
Address: Lot 2810, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, 80000 Bandar Johor Bahru
Opening hours: Mon – Thu: 9.30am – 6.30pm; Fri – Sun: 9.30am – 6.30pm, 8pm – 1am

4. Coffee Signature

It’s raining, it’s pouring Sweet Little Rain. As its name would suggest, expect a large, poofy cloud to deliver melted droplets of cotton candy into your piping hot black coffee or tea.

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Other beverages served here include Green Tea Latte served in a big light bulb, and their unique Huevos Rancheros egg dish that’s more than just a run-of-the-mill Eggs Benedict.

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In Mini Sunshine Brilliant, you’ll find a crispy ham bowl bearing a yummy mixture of eggs, cream and cheese.

Must Try: Sweet Little Rain, Huevos Rancheros, Mini Sunshine Brilliant, Ice Blended Green Tea

Coffee Signature
Address:
53, Jalan Serampang, Taman Sri Tebrau, 80050 Johor Bahru
Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 12pm – 10pm; Fri – Sat, 12pm – 11pm

5. Coffee Valley (Halal)

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The feasting doesn’t end there; their waffles are pretty sensational too.

Must Try: Egg Slut, Four Seasons Waffle, Mixed Berries Waffles

Coffee Valley
Address: 12A Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru 80000 | L2-550A, Sutera
Opening hours: Mon, Tue, Thu – Sun: 11.30am – 8pm; Closed on Wed

6. EH HE Art Cafe

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Stepping through the doors of this cafe is almost like entering the home of a quirky collector who’s obsessed with art in all its forms. Everywhere you turn, you’ll be greeted with one-of-a-kind sculptures and paintings.

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If you’re craving something a little different, give the coffee here a shot. You’ll notice their coffee has a distinct aroma, for they use traditional beans that are homegrown in Johor, unlike the trendy Arabica beans brewed in countless other cafes.

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Besides their old-timey drinks, EH HE serves up wonderfully old school nosh too. Red Bean Soup, Chendol, Nasi Lemak and Curry Chicken are some of the items that make an appearance on their menu.

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Must Try: Chendol, Kopi-O, Fried Mee Siam, Red Bean Soup

EH HE Art Cafe
Address: No. 1, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru 80000, Johor Bahru (Around the corner of Hiap Joo Bakery)
Opening hours: 12pm – 11pm daily

7. Faculty of Caffeine (Halal)

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Great interior decor aside, this cafe offers food and drinks that’ll exceed most expectations. Sink your teeth into Madam Lim’s chewy chocolatey brownie, and feast on their waffles for some great food therapy.

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Must Try: Dark Churros with Salted Egg Yolk Dip, Curry Soft Crab Waffles, Friendly Eggs Benny

Faculty Of Caffeine
Address:
 33, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm daily

8. Flowers in the Window  

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Brought to us by the same team behind the famed Roost cafe, this two-storey cafe is lush with greenery and overflowing with flowers from every nook and cranny.

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If you’ve ever fantasised about stumbling onto a Fairies’ Tea Party in the woods, this comes very close.

In keeping with its theme of flora and fauna, this cafe sells flowers and plants, and incorporates edible greenery and flowers in its food. That makes for some pretty whimsical food which will no doubt gain you several more Instagram followers.

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Their cakes, freshly-baked daily, come in a bunch of unique and yummy flavours, such as their Rose Pistachio Cake, Pina Colada Cake and Pomegranate Brownie.

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For a real surprise, try the Rosemary, Chilli and Lemon Drink. It’s unexpectedly tasty! Who knew these flavours would work so well together?

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Must Try: Rose and Pistachio Cake, Lemon Meringue Tart, Pina Colada Cake, Rosemary, Lemon and Chilli Drink, Watermelon Strawberry Juice

Flowers in the Window
Address:
 9, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000 Johor Bahru
Opening hours: 10am – 9pm daily

9. The Ice Cream Project

It turns out that the secret to creamy, delicious ice cream is liquid nitrogen, as we learnt at this cosy, yet roomy cafe.

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The Butterscotch Ice Cream is a silky dollop of milky cream and smooth butterscotch–an utterly tasty combo. While savouring the ice cream, sip on some of their many teas for an interesting flavour contrast.

[caption id="attachment_25697" align="aligncenter" width="787"] Image Credit: @tip_theicecreamproject[/caption]

Must Try: Butterscotch Ice Cream, Brownies & Cream Ice Cream

The Ice Cream Project
Address: 31 Jalan Dhoby, 80000 Johor Bahru
Opening hours: Sun – Thu: 1pm – 10pm; Fri & Sat: 1pm – 12am

10. Kafuka Cafe & Music Studio

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At this quaint little space, you’ll be able to find refuge from the busy, modern cafes and their ubiquitous hipster decor.

Inspired by Japanese elements, the cafe space doubles as a music studio where instruments are displayed, complementing the serenity of the place. Here and there, mini potted plants add a touch of life to the otherwise zen space.

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Not only do they offer plenty of matcha-flavoured foods for those who love their matcha, their menu features a wide variety of good ol’ cafe nosh too.

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Must Try: Matcha Red Bean Pancake, Crushed Oreo Belgian waffle, Chocolate and Banana Pancake, Matcha Latte

Kafuka Cafe & Music Studio
Address:
16A, Jalan Bendahara 12, Tmn Ungku Tun Aminah, Skudai, Johor
Opening hours: Sun – Wed: 11am – 10pm; Fri – Sat: 11am – 11pm; Closed on Thursday

11. Maco Vintage

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Started up by Singapore pastry chef, Maco, this cafe is famed for its mille crepe cakes.

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As photogenic as they are tasty, the cakes come in flavours ranging from Trio Chocolate to Musang (mao shan wang 猫山王) durian flavour. You won’t have trouble finishing a slice all by yourself, as the cream is light and not overly gelat like some cakes can get. 

If you’re thinking of having it to go, their dry ice sachets will keep the cakes chilled for about an hour.

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Besides the cakes, you’ll find a satisfying selection of appetizers, mains, desserts, and hot and cold beverages served here.

Must try: Matcha Azuki, Bailey’s, Rainbow, and Musang Mille Crepe Cakes

Maco Vintage
Address: Jalan Ibrahim, 80000 Johor Bahru
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 12.30pm – 11pm; Sat: 11am – 12.30am; Sun: 11am – 11pm

12. Miyakori Cafe (Halal)

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Coffee with cute, stenciled animals and cakes with faces–these are some of the things you’ll find at this lovely cafe. It was an immense struggle deciding on the animals for our cakes and drinks. Not to mention, having to destroy these cute works of art killed us a little bit inside.

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Sip on a cute kitty with this “Cat-puccino”, a brew with a nutty, chocolate-y aroma and a lingering sweetness. If you’re wondering, Miyakori’s coffee beans are imported from El Salvador, Sumatra, and Brazil.

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Their cutesy image is backed up with substance, for the cafe serves pretty good cheesecake and brownies. The cheesecake is warm and light, while the brownie leaves no chocolate lover in want with its rich and dark aftertaste.

Must Try: Oreo Cheesecake, Brownie, Strawberry Shortcake, Matcha Latte, Cat-puccino

Miyakori Cafe
Address:
 41, Jalan Indah 22/14, Bukit Indah 2, Johor Bahru
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm daily

13. Monsta Cafe

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Old school meets cute-slash-psychedelic at this cafe. Retro school lockers, carpet grass and cloud motifs on the walls… We love the eclectic vibe of this coffee spot. At the entrance, look out for a large pink behemoth, the guardian of this 2-storey cafe.

Try their much raved about Cold Brew coffee, and sip on one of their lattes, which come with customisable latte art. Pick your design, or let the barista surprise you!

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Dig into their Monsta Espresso Chicken Chop that comes with a shot of Espresso, lending the sauce a unique kick of flavour. The Monsta Mamee Burger is also crunchy and addictive, but we advice eating it deconstructed, as it’ll fall apart after a bite.

Must try: Cotton Candy Affogato, Cold Brew Coffee, Monsta Mamee Burger, Monsta Espresso Chicken Chop

Monsta Cafe
Address:
157 Jalan Bestari ⅕ Taman Nusa Bestari Skudai. 81300 Johor Bahru
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 10am – 12mn; Fri – Sun: 11am – 1am

14. Roost Repurposed & Recycled

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An old beer crate, a plastic container and empty glass bottles are given a new lease of life at this cafe that really knows how to turn waste into wonder.

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Not only are they pros at recycling, they’re just as adept at serving tasty grub. Share a plate of chicken meatballs and mashed potatoes with your friends. After that, have a bowl of their signature frozen yogurt for dessert.

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Must Try: Frozen Yogurt, Chicken Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes, Smoked Salmon Salad, Eggs Benedict

Roost Repurposed & Recycled
Address:
 14 Jalan Trus, 80000 Johor Bahru
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 12pm – 4pm, 6pm – 12am; Sun: 6pm – 12am

15. Victoria Rossa English Tea Room (F.K.A. The Teavana)

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In this English princess-themed cafe, you’ll can’t help but lift your pinky while taking a sip of your latte.

With its porcelain tea sets, pastel colour scheme and floral printed furniture and crockery, dining here will awaken your inner princess.

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Not only do they serve delicious mains, their deserts and pastries do not disappoint. Choose from cakes, scones or muffins, and a selection of coffees and teas.

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Must Try: Pasta Sampler, Korean Beefy Cheesy Fries, Cloudy Toast, Lavender Latte

Victoria Rossa English Tea Room
Address:
128 Jalan Dato Sulaiman Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm daily

If looking at these pictures worked up an appetite, there’s only one thing left to do: cross the border for some delicious, wallet-friendly eats! Plus, there’s no better time than now, with the KTM shuttle charging ridiculously lows prices and taking you to JB in under 10 minutes.

Also read 8 Instagram-Worthy Drinks That Will Have Your Followers Spamming The Like Button

(Header Image Source: @bevccafe)

Best Brunch Spots In Singapore For The Non-Early Risers

In recent years, brunch has become serious business in Singapore. Catered to the non-early risers, we have seen a proliferation of dining establishments around our little red dot that serves up tantalising mid-breakfast meals.

From fluffy-stacked pancakes to sandwiches and poached eggs, here are some of the best mid-morning dining spots to add to your brunch repertoire!

1. Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters

Nestled at a corner along Thomson road, Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters is likely to draw you in with their all-white minimalist interior.

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This highly raved about cafe serves delectable and instagrammable all-day brunch as well as premium coffee for that perfect coffee kick in the late morning.

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If you are the avid fan of Open Door Policy’s brunch menu, then you will surely love their new amped up weekend hearty brunch fare.

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Go full English with the classic English Breakfast that comes with the usual smoked Pancetta bacon, sausage, tomato and beans. All of which are topped with freshly-plucked basil leaves and a glorious sunny-side up.

Alternatively, indulge in a lavish seafood brunch with their King Crab Eggs Florentine. It comes with generous chunks of king crab served with sautéed spinach and poached eggs.

The dish is then drizzled with a torched béchamel sauce and stirred with sabayon for that flavourful finish!

Open Door Policy
Address:
19 Yong Siak St, Singapore 168650
Opening hours: Mon to Fri 12nn – 11pm; Sat & Sun 11am – 4pm & 6pm – 11pm
Credit:

To start your day on a light note without potentially getting food coma thereafter, go for their Faina and fried eggs! It is paired with crushed avocado, coriander, and “aji molido” crème fraiche which lends a unique flavour to the dish.

Likewise, for a meaty option, you will not be disappointed with their classic Beef and Bone Marrow Burger. Featuring their signature premium beef, this burger is stacked with grilled tomatoes, onions, pickles, chimichurri (a type of sauce for grilled meat) and a sunny-side up.

boCHINche
Address:
115 Amoy Street, #01-02, Singapore 069935
Opening hours: Mon to Thu 12 – 2.30pm & 6 – 10.30pm; Fri 12 – 2.30pm & 6 – 11pm; Sat 11am – 3pm & 6 – 11pm; Sun 11am – 3pm
Credit: Credit: https://angieisagirl.wordpress.com[/caption]

Their Berry Ricotta Hotcake is an absolute showstopper.

Relish in this fluffy hotcake that is topped with strawberries, blueberries, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

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One distinctive feature about The LoKal is that they make all their dishes in-house from scratch.

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Their attention to detail makes it one of the best places to indulge in wholesome and generously portioned brunch.

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Furthermore, for a nourishing mid-morning meal, go for their Smashed Avocado with Ricotta. It is made up of smashed avocado, homemade ricotta cheese paired with pomelo and toasted almonds on a sourdough bread.

The Local
Address:
136 Neil Rd, Singapore 088865
Opening hours: Mon 8am – 5pm; Tue to Fri 8am – 10pm; Sat 9am – 10pm; Sun 9am – 4pm
Credit: Credit: https://therantingpanda.com[/caption]

Kinki’s Bottomless Buffet (S$52++) comes in an a la carte buffet style. The buffet offers three kinds of fresh and perfectly-cut sashimi: Salmon (Sake), Yellow Tail (Hamachi) and Bluefin Tuna (Maguro).

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Regardless of the time, it is always brunch time here at Penny University.

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Located right in the heart of Singapore’s CBD, you might easily pass Free The Robot if you are still reeling from morning drowsiness after a good slumber.

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The only indication of the place’s entrance is a single wall of robot-theme scribbles.

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9. Sarnies

Started a few years back by Australian Ben Lee, Sarnies has now transformed into a popular favourite within the bustling CBD district.

[caption id="attachment_21734" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Credit: Credit: Credit: 6 Cafes So Fancy Even Your Atas Friend Will Approve