Now, there’s nothing wrong with a humble cuppa Joe, but as we observe International Coffee Day on September 29, we ponder upon this dark drink and think up new and creative ways to consume it.
Affogato (top photo)
Get it at: Cicheti
52 Kandahar St., 6292-5012.
You’ll get an extra heavy slap from Mr. Caffeine with this one! Located in the hip Kampong Glam district, this rising star in the restaurant scene offers the perfect post-meal fix: an affogato ($12.50). You could call this version deconstructed as it’s served in two parts: a cup with two scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream and a shot glass of espresso topped with crispy and crumbly golden biscotti.
Caramel cappuccino milk chocolate pralines
Get it at: Laurent Bernard Chocolatier
#01-11 The Pier at Robertson Quay, 80 Mohammed Sultan Rd., 6235-9007.
This praline which is created by Laurent Bernard Chocolatier is made of every sweet toothed person’s dream. It’s a luxurious blend of luscious caramel and coffee ensconced in a shell of creamy milk chocolate. We love the earthy flavour of sweet, buttery caramel which marries perfectly with the rich aromas of the coffee. Laurent’s chocolate boxes cost upwards of $7 (contains two) each.
Citrus sin
Get it at: Oriole Cafe and Bar
96 Somerset Rd., 6238-8348.
If you believe that chocolate, orange and coffee are three amigos, you’ll approve of this sip! Created by Oriole Cafe and Bar’s owner, Keith Loh, Citrus Sin ($6) is a warm drink of espresso, orange juice, chocolate, brown sugar, vanilla, honey, mint, cinnamon, star anise, and milk. Inspired by the cafe’s cheesecake, Loh created this drink for the Singapore National Barista Championship, and took home the winning prize.
Photo: Instagram
Coffee macaron
Get it at: Laduree
#02-09 Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Rd., 6884-7361.
Parisian perfectionists of sweets, Laduree, is the obvious choice for macarons, the luscious, luxurious tokens of sugar and almond flour. This decadent dessert company is famous for its flavoured macarons which are true to taste. The coffee macarons ($3.80 each, from $30.40 a box) are well-balanced and contain just the right hit of coffee.
Coffee pork ribs
Get it at: Boon Tong Kee
#01-1194, Block 233, Ang Mo Kio Ave. 3, 6457-2696.
Boon Tong Kee has long been lauded for its delectable home-style cooking and chicken rice, but their coffee pork ribs ($15) are surprisingly pleasing. The pork ribs are tender and juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. The special coffee-based savoury sauce adds a unique depth and richness to the dish.
Photo: Instagram
Espresso ice cubes with milk
Get it at: Necessary Provisions
21 Eng Kong Terrace, 9231-7920.
Upper Bukit Timah neighborhood coffee joint, Necessary Provisions, has been pulling in hipster coffee hunters from all edges of the island thanks to its delicious energy-jolting drinks such as this. The Iced Espresso in Milk ($7) is just what it sounds like it is: dark blocks of frozen espresso served in a tall glass alongside two mini bottles of the milk of your choice. Pout in the milk and enjoy…Mmm!
Photo: Instagram
Espresso martini
Get it at: Bacchanalia
23A Coleman St., 6509-1453.
Sometimes you need a one-two punch: a strike of caffeine and a hit of alcohol. When this particular time comes around, there’s only one beverage that’ll do you right – an espresso martini. Bacchanalia’s version of this classic cocktail ($22) is deep, seductive and has contains added spice. It’s a blend of fresh espresso, vodka, house-made coffee liquor and house-made cardamom syrup.
Kopi buns
Get it at: Roti Mum
#01-40 IMM, 2 Jurong East St. 21, 6567-9630.
Dark, crusty and puffy dark buns – these aren’t just anyone’s buns, these are Roti Mum’s Kopi Buns ($1.50 each). These warm domes of bread are fluffy and cake-y and have a sweet, crisp, and flaky crust. These golden puffs of bread are only ever so lightly flavoured with coffee, so you won’t get too much of a caffeine lift with this one.
Kopi crab
Get it at: Majestic Bay Seafood
#01-10, 18 Marina Gardens Dr., Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay, 6604-6604.
Chilli crab may be Singapore’s national dish, but this live seafood restaurant in the heart of Gardens by the Bay has created a new signature: the Kopi Crab (market price). This oversized caffeinated crab is marinated in a sauce which is made from three varieties of coffee beans and is doused in a robust coffee liqueur and is set on fire right beside your table.
Tiramisu
Get it at: Gastronomia
43 Jalan Merah Saga, 6475-1323.
In our opinion, Da Paolo’s signature tiramisu ($7.50 a cup) is a cut above the rest. Unlike other tiramisus, we’re able to taste the distinct layers here and the quality of its ingredients speaks volumes. This rich dessert is made of Italian Savoiardi biscuits, Italian coffee, Marsala, mascarpone and shaved Valrhona chocolate.
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