A Magical Morning at Cafe Kreams, Singapore
Today, we decided to switch it up a bit, forego our usual exploration of landmarks and specific attractions and cafe hop to three different cafes instead. Because we’re in Singapore and cafe hopping is what we do. I discovered two of these coffee shops on Instagram, while the third was recommended to me by a local. Each one was a lovely spot, boasting welcoming staff and beautiful decor. They all served food and preferred reservations, yet managed to find a table for us amidst the bustling crowd of reservation-holders. Our first stop? The enchanting Cafe Kreams is in the heart of the Tanjong Pagar neighborhood.
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Atmosphere and Decor
Cafe Kreams is more than a coffee shop. Walking into the cafe is like stepping into another realm. Even Steven was awed. You’re greeted not only by the warm, welcoming staff but also by an astonishing spectacle of nature indoors. The walls and ceilings are teeming with leaves and flowers from various maple trees, forming a breathtaking canopy that almost makes you feel as if you’ve wandered into an enchanted forest.
Delectable Brunch
The magic doesn’t stop at the decor, though. Cafe Kreams serves up a feast that is as delightful to the palate as the surroundings are to the eyes. Their brunch menu is simply divine. I treated myself to a refreshing chicken salad with juicy strawberries, topped off with a tangy oil and vinegar dressing. On the side, a generous helping of sweet potatoes added a heartwarming touch to the meal.
Drink Selection
And let’s not forget about the drinks. Cafe Keams is also a rostery, currently specializing in four beans: gentle twilight, mellow dawn, luscious city and summer breeze. My choice was the creamy dalgona latte, a popular whipped coffee fad that’s all the rage on social media. Served with a few pieces of dalgona, a traditional Korean honeycomb toffee candy, it was the sweet ending to a hearty meal. Talk about a unique twist on the classic latte!
Impeccable Service
Cafe Kreams’ top-notch service deserves its own shout-out. Attentive, friendly, and eager to please, the staff went above and beyond to make us feel right at home, despite our not having a reservation. The cafe, housed in a quaint colonial building, serves as a stunning backdrop to this delightful experience. Maples, in various hues of orange and yellow, grace the spacious interior, creating an atmosphere of serene beauty.
A Unique Musical Experience
Adding to the charm of Cafe Kreams is the surprising selection of music. Imagine hearing popular tunes from genres like rap, R&B, and rock, but with a country twist. We were amused to identify tracks like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, Maroon 5’s “Sugar”, and even Nicki Minaj’s “Superbass” played in a style you’d expect to hear at a country fair. While I can’t say I’m a convert to the style, it certainly added an element of fun to our visit as we tried to identify each song.
Pro Tip
Just a quick tip before we move on to our next stop: be sure to make your reservation online in advance. While the staff was kind enough to accommodate us, it’s always wise to book ahead, especially during peak hours.
An Instagram Paradise
If you’re an Instagram aficionado, Cafe Kreams is your haven. The leafy canopy, filtered sunlight through large windows, and the overall aesthetic of this place provide countless photo opportunities. So, don’t forget to capture a few snapshots and make your followers green with envy!
You’ll find this magical cafe at 32 Maxwell Rd, #01-07 Maxwell Chambers, Singapore 069115. So, if you’re ever in Singapore, make sure Cafe Kreams is on your must-visit list. Stay tuned for more as our cafe hopping journey continues…
Le Jardin: A Unique Garden Experience in Fort Canning Park
Introduction
Catching a Grab from Cafe Kreams, we embarked on our next destination: Le Jardin. Nestled within the lush greenery of Fort Canning Park, reaching this hidden gem was a mini adventure in itself. Cars are a no-go for this hillside haven, so we climbed a few flights of stairs, strolled along a wooded trail frequented by joggers, and even crossed paths with some old canons.
The Route: A Mix of History and Nature
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Along the trail, we stumbled upon what looked like an old prison, with warning signs indicating that trespassers may be shot! Unnerving, to say the least, but certainly a curious sight. My advice? Keep those phones in your pockets and just move along.
Arrival: The Garden Cafe
Perched on the corner of a large, museum-like structure, Le Jardin greets you with its quaint charm. Outdoor seating with umbrellas was available, but the balmy Singapore weather had us heading inside in no time. Lo and behold, we were asked about reservations yet again. Will I ever learn? Probably not, but there’s something exciting about living on the edge, isn’t there?
Interior: A Floral Paradise
Stepping into Le Jardin, it’s clear how it got its name—it’s a garden in here. Flowers dangle from the open-beamed ceiling, drinks come adorned with tiny real buds, and the pièce de résistance: tables that are essentially human-sized shadow boxes filled with gorgeous blooms. Talk about dining in style!
Drinks and Dessert: A Floral Feast
Having just had a hearty brunch at Cafe Kreams, we decided to indulge in desserts and drinks at Le Jardin. Although I was itching to try the cheesecake ice cream (sadly, they were out), we settled for an iced americano, a delectable peach tart, and an “En Vie on Rose”—a jasmine iced tea infused with homemade rose and lychee syrup. Edible rose perals were sprinkled on top. The latter was served in a grand wine glass with a rose perfectly preserved in ice. The beauty and the taste were equally impressive.
Music: A Surprising Twist
One aspect of Le Jardin that gave us a chuckle was the music. Picture this: a classy, high-tea setting that seems straight out of a period drama, yet the playlist was pure Beyonce and Jay-Z. When we asked the servers, they simply responded, “That’s what we like.” We got a kick out of it. Who says you can’t enjoy “Crazy in Love” while sipping iced tea amidst blooms?
Service: Youthful Energy
Le Jardin’s staff was as vibrant as the cafe itself—young, energetic, and friendly. They didn’t even bat an eye when we revealed we hadn’t made a reservation. Unfortunately, there’s no WiFi available for customers, as it’s dedicated to the CCTV cameras. But who needs WiFi when you’re surrounded by such natural beauty?
Post-Visit: Fort Canning Tree Tunnel
After leaving Le Jardin, we ventured to the iconic Fort Canning Tree Tunnel, a quirky tourist spot perfect for photo ops. However, it seemed everyone had the same idea, and the line was far too long for our liking. I managed to snap a quick picture before we set off. After all, there were still more cafes to explore…
So if you ever find yourself in Singapore, don’t forget to pay a visit to this floral paradise. You can find Le Jardin at 5 Cox Terrace, Level 2 Fort Canning Arts Centre, Singapore!
PS. Cafe: A Hidden Jewel in the Midst of Nature
Getting There: A Recommendation and A Winding Journey
Our final stop for the day, PS. Cafe at Harding, came as a recommendation from a friendly local we’d met at Cafe Kreams. With my admiration for Singapore’s harmonious blend of urban and natural environments, she assured us this spot would be a treat. We hopped on another Grab and ventured off into the winding roads that led us to this hidden treasure.
Arrival and Seating: An Unexpected Forest View
Upon arrival, the wall-to-wall windows offered us a spectacular view of the forest surrounding the cafe. Despite the bustling crowd, we were able to snag a table, thanks to Steven’s keen eye. Yes, you guessed right—we were asked about reservations again. But luck was on our side, and we secured a table for a couple of hours.
Exploring Branded Merchandise and Boutique Gin at PS. Cafe
Beyond their delectable menu, PS. Cafe stands out for its delightful array of branded merchandise. When you step into this charming cafe, you’ll find that it doubles as a boutique shop filled with chic items, all bearing the PS. Cafe stamp of quality.
One particularly exciting item to discover is their boutique gin, called “Verandah Gin,” masterfully crafted by Tanglin. This gin is a refreshing ode to the cafe’s inventive spirit, adding a spirited dimension to their offering. Featuring a medley of unique botanicals, Verandah Gin encapsulates the vibrant energy of Singapore, making it a perfect souvenir to remember your visit to PS. Cafe.
Food and Ambiance: Seafood Basket
Walking into PS. Cafe, it felt pretty cool, almost like a lively French bistro. The menu was even written on the wall with chalk, which I thought was a unique touch. And the view was amazing too. Big windows showed off a forest of green trees, making us feel like we were having our snack in the middle of nature.
We decided to try out the fried seafood basket for an afternoon snack. The basket was a tasty mix of calamari, prawns, and fish, fried until crispy. We even tried their special deal, a one-for-one offer on mimosas. Even though these drinks were a bit pricey at $24 SGD each, we thought we’d treat ourselves.
The cafe was buzzing with locals chatting and having a good time. Even as we enjoyed our seafood snack and sipped our mimosas, we could hear the lively conversations around us. PS. Cafe wasn’t just about the food or drinks; it was a fun experience that added to our day of hopping from one cafe to another in Singapore.
Nature’s Symphony: Birds and Whirl of Fans
The outdoor seating offered front-row seats to the lush forest behind the cafe, where the whirl of fans and chirping birds created a soothing background score. The service was helpful, though a bit on the slower side. As for the music, it was drowned by the energetic chatter of fellow patrons, turning the place into a buzzing local hangout. Apparently cafe hopping is popular in Singapore too.
Wrapping Up: An Unexpected Delay and a Dash to the Finish
Unfortunately, our Grab service decided to go on a hiatus, leading to a delay of 30 minutes to resolve the issue. With just 10 minutes to spare, we had to rush to vacate our table, adding a dash of suspense to our Singapore cafe hopping adventure.
PS. Cafe is located at 28B Harding Rd, Singapore 249549.
Reflections: Cafe Hopping in Singapore
All in all, our cafe hopping adventure in Singapore was an exquisite blend of tastes, aromas, and experiences. We started our journey with the enchanting Cafe Kreams in the Tanjong Pagar neighborhood, followed by the floral paradise of Le Jardin in Fort Canning Park, and finally the nature-kissed PS. Cafe at Harding. Each had its unique charm, and I loved them all. But if I had to pick a favorite, it would be Cafe Kreams. Its beautiful decor, impeccable service, and delicious food gave it a special place in my heart. But hey, don’t take my word for it. There are some great coffee shops, so go cafe hopping next time you’re in Singapore!
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