Les Mains Deli @ The URA Centre - Maxthon

Les Mains Deli represents a sophisticated evolution of healthy dining in Singapore’s bustling business district. Located strategically on the ground floor of The URA Centre, this cosy café serves as an extension of the beloved Les Mains Bakery from Opera Estate, bringing their artisanal approach to a more accessible location. The establishment successfully marries the concept of nutritious protein bowls with artisanal baking and premium gelato, creating a unique dining destination that caters to both health-conscious professionals and food enthusiasts.

Location & Accessibility

Address: 45 Maxwell Road, #01-02, The URA Centre, Singapore 069118
Phone: +65 80205596
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Website

Transportation & Directions

The restaurant enjoys excellent connectivity with two major MRT stations:

From Maxwell MRT (TE Line):

Take Exit 2
Turn left onto Maxwell Road
Walk approximately 5 minutes to destination
Most direct route for Thomson-East Coast Line users

From Tanjong Pagar MRT (EW Line):

Take Exit B
Turn left and walk to Maxwell Road
Cross the road and continue down Maxwell Road
Approximately 5-minute walk
Convenient for East-West Line commuters

Operating Hours

Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

The extended weekday hours make it particularly suitable for breakfast meetings, lunch breaks, and early dinner options for working professionals.

Ambience & Interior Design

Spatial Design & Layout

Les Mains Deli occupies a strategically positioned ground floor space within The URA Centre, benefiting from excellent natural light exposure and high foot traffic visibility. The interior design philosophy embraces Scandinavian-inspired minimalism with warm, earthy accents that create an inviting yet sophisticated atmosphere.

Key Design Elements:

Natural Materials: Warm wood tones dominate the furniture and accent pieces, creating a connection to the artisanal nature of the food preparation
Open Kitchen Concept: The protein bowl assembly area features an open counter design, allowing customers to observe the meticulous preparation process
Industrial Touches: Exposed ceiling elements and metal fixtures add contemporary edge while maintaining the cozy café feel
Flexible Seating: A mix of communal tables, intimate two-seaters, and counter seating accommodates various dining preferences and group sizes

Lighting & Atmosphere

The lighting design adapts beautifully throughout the day:

Morning Hours: Abundant natural light creates an energizing breakfast environment
Lunch Rush: Strategically placed pendant lights maintain warmth during peak hours
Afternoon/Evening: Softer ambient lighting transforms the space into a more intimate setting for leisurely meals

Acoustic Environment

The sound design balances energy with comfort:

Background Music: Carefully curated playlist featuring indie folk and acoustic tracks
Noise Management: Sound-absorbing materials prevent the space from becoming overwhelming during busy periods
Conversation-Friendly: Acoustic design allows for comfortable business discussions and casual conversations

Visual Experience & Theater

The tri-concept layout creates a dynamic visual journey:

Protein Bowl Station: Live assembly theater where customers witness the artful construction of their bowls
Bakery Display: Glass cases showcasing fresh croissants and pastries, creating anticipation and appetite appeal
Gelato Counter: Colorful display of artisanal flavors adding vibrant visual interest
Ingredient Visibility: Fresh produce and quality ingredients are prominently displayed, reinforcing the commitment to quality

Target Audience Analysis

Primary Demographics

Urban Professionals (Ages 25-45)

Income Level: Middle to upper-middle class ($4,000-$12,000 monthly)
Lifestyle: Health-conscious, time-constrained, value-seeking
Dining Patterns: Regular lunch customers, occasional breakfast meetings, takeaway preference
Motivations: Nutritious meals that fit busy schedules, customizable options, Instagram-worthy presentations

Health & Fitness Enthusiasts (Ages 22-50)

Characteristics: Active lifestyle, macro-counting, clean eating advocates
Preferences: High-protein options, customizable macronutrient ratios, plant-based alternatives
Frequency: Regular customers, often post-workout meals
Spending: Willing to pay premium for quality ingredients and nutritional value

Expatriate Community

Demographics: International professionals working in CBD area
Preferences: Familiar international flavors, dietary accommodations, comfortable Western-style café environment
Needs: Reliable, consistent quality, English-speaking service, familiar food preparation methods

Secondary Demographics

Millennials & Gen Z Food Enthusiasts (Ages 20-35)

Characteristics: Social media savvy, experimental with food, value authentic experiences
Behavior: Instagram food photography, trying unique flavor combinations, sharing dining experiences
Preferences: Instagrammable presentations, unique gelato flavors, artisanal products

Business Lunch Clientele

Usage: Client meetings, team lunches, networking events
Requirements: Reliable service timing, comfortable seating for conversations, professional atmosphere
Preferences: Customizable options to accommodate various dietary restrictions within groups

Families with Older Children

Weekend Visitors: Saturday morning family outings, post-activity meals
Preferences: Varied options to satisfy different tastes, kid-friendly environment, healthy alternatives to fast food

Psychographic Profiles

The Conscious Consumer

Values sustainability and ethical sourcing
Willing to pay premium for quality and transparency
Seeks brands that align with personal values
Influenced by ingredient provenance and preparation methods

The Convenience Seeker

Prioritizes efficiency and speed without sacrificing quality
Values customization and dietary accommodation
Seeks consistent, reliable dining experiences
Appreciates technology integration and streamlined ordering

The Experience Collector

Driven by unique, shareable experiences
Interested in artisanal products and craftsmanship
Values novelty and innovation in food presentation
Influenced by social media and peer recommendations

Behavioral Patterns

Peak Usage Times:

Breakfast (8:00-10:00 AM): Business professionals, pre-work meetings
Lunch (12:00-2:00 PM): Corporate lunch rush, health-conscious office workers
Afternoon (3:00-5:00 PM): Gelato customers, afternoon coffee breaks
Weekend Morning (9:00-11:00 AM): Leisurely family dining, brunch enthusiasts

Spending Patterns:

Weekday Lunch: $15-25 per person (protein bowl + drink)
Weekend Visits: $25-40 per person (multiple items, gelato, extended dining)
Group Dining: Higher per-person spend due to sharing and trying multiple items

Loyalty Drivers:

Consistent quality and food safety standards
Dietary accommodation and customization options
Convenient location and efficient service
Authentic artisanal experience
Strong social media presence and community engagement

Market Positioning

Les Mains Deli strategically positions itself at the intersection of:

Premium Casual Dining: Elevated ingredients and preparation without fine dining formality
Health-Conscious Fast-Casual: Nutritious, customizable options with quick service
Artisanal Food Experience: Handcrafted elements from bakery to gelato
Business-Friendly Environment: Professional yet relaxed atmosphere suitable for work-related dining

This positioning attracts customers seeking quality, health, convenience, and experience – a combination that resonates particularly well with Singapore’s urban professional demographic and the international business community in the CBD area.

Menu Analysis & Signature Dishes

Build-Your-Own Protein Bowls

The cornerstone of Les Mains Deli’s offerings is their customizable protein bowl system, available in three sizes:

Pricing Structure:

Small: Starting at $9
Regular: Mid-tier option
Large: Premium option with maximum customization

Large Bowl Components:

2 Base options
2 Protein selections
3 Supplement choices
1 Topping
1 Dressing

Base Options Analysis

Mixed Greens A foundation of fresh, crisp lettuce varieties providing essential nutrients and a refreshing crunch that complements heavier protein elements.

Bulgur Wheat ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A standout base option that elevates the entire bowl experience. This grain salad combines multiple textures and flavors:

Nutty depth from the bulgur preparation
Aromatic quality from integrated pumpkin seeds
Substantial texture that holds up well with heavier toppings
Provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy

Protein Selection Deep Dive

Tuna Tataki ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5) Exceptional execution of this Japanese-inspired preparation:

Perfect searing technique creating a caramelized exterior
Tender, sashimi-grade interior maintaining the fish’s natural flavor
Clean, fresh taste without any fishy aftertaste
Generous portion size providing substantial protein content
Represents one of the finest tuna tataki preparations available in Singapore’s casual dining scene

Oven-Baked Salmon ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.5/5) Solid protein option with room for improvement:

Generous portion size ensuring good value
Proper cooking technique maintaining moisture in most sections
Some leaner sections tend toward dryness
Could benefit from enhanced seasoning or marinade
Omega-3 rich option appealing to health-conscious diners

Lentil Meatballs ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5) Outstanding plant-based protein option:

Thoughtful preparation showcasing culinary skill
Balanced seasoning avoiding over-salting or excessive oil
Maintains rustic, homemade texture
Hearty bite providing satisfying protein substitute
Appeals to vegetarian, vegan, and omnivorous diners alike
Demonstrates the kitchen’s versatility beyond traditional proteins

Supplement & Topping Analysis

Mayak Egg ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A masterful addition that transforms the bowl:

Perfect golden, runny yolk providing richness
Savory umami depth from soy-based marinade
Korean-inspired preparation adding international flair
Enhances overall flavor profile significantly

Butternut Squash with Kale ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Nutritious vegetable combination with potential for improvement:

Natural sweetness balancing savory elements
Could benefit from longer roasting for optimal texture
Kale provides additional nutritional density
Seasonal availability may affect consistency

Pineapple Achar ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Brilliant acidic component providing balance:

Tangy acidity cutting through rich proteins
Vibrant flavor profile energizing the palate
Southeast Asian influence adding local character
Essential for balancing the bowl’s overall flavor profile

Dukkah Topping Egyptian-inspired nut and spice blend:

Nutty complexity from mixed nuts and seeds
Aromatic spice profile adding depth
Textural contrast with its granular consistency
Enhances Mediterranean/Middle Eastern flavor notes

Chipotle Vinaigrette Smoky dressing providing final flavor layer:

Balanced acidity from vinegar base
Subtle heat from chipotle peppers
Smoky depth complementing grilled proteins
Ties together diverse flavor elements

Fresh Baked Goods

Available during breakfast hours, showcasing the bakery heritage:

Black Sea Salt Croissant ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5) Signature pastry demonstrating technical excellence:

Rich, buttery aroma indicating proper lamination
Flaky, layered texture characteristic of quality croissants
Subtle Black Sea Salt providing mineral complexity
Balanced sweetness and salinity
Represents the pinnacle of the bakery’s technical skill

Shio Pan ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) Japanese-inspired bread with execution issues:

Proper crisp, crusty exterior texture
Buttery base providing good foundation
Insufficient salted butter filling at core
Potential for improvement with more generous butter application

Microcreamery Gelato

In-house gelato brand offering artisanal frozen desserts:

EVOO Strawberry ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Innovative flavor combination showcasing creativity:

Tart strawberry puree providing fruit-forward base
Subtle grassy notes from extra-virgin olive oil
Unexpected but harmonious flavor pairing
Demonstrates willingness to push culinary boundaries

Rum & Raisin ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Classic flavor executed to perfection:

Indulgent, creamy texture
Plump, alcohol-soaked raisins throughout
Balanced sweetness allowing rum flavor to shine
Represents mastery of traditional gelato techniques

Vanilla Affogato (Off-Menu) Sophisticated dessert option:

Available upon request
Combines gelato with espresso
Provides bitter-sweet flavor profile
Suitable as dessert or afternoon pick-me-up

Recipe Inspirations & Techniques

Recreating the Bulgur Wheat Base

Ingredients:

1 cup bulgur wheat
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds, toasted
2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs (parsley, mint)

Method:

Toast pumpkin seeds in dry pan until golden
Rinse bulgur wheat and drain
Combine stock and bulgur, simmer covered for 15 minutes
Let stand 5 minutes, fluff with fork
Mix in toasted pumpkin seeds and herbs
Season with olive oil, salt, and pepper

Mayak Egg Preparation

Ingredients:

6 eggs
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons mirin
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 green onion, chopped

Method:

Soft-boil eggs for 6-7 minutes
Ice bath immediately, peel when cool
Combine marinade ingredients
Marinate peeled eggs for 2-4 hours
Slice before serving

Pineapple Achar

Ingredients:

1 small pineapple, julienned
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon palm sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 red chili, sliced
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Method:

Combine vinegar, sugar, and salt
Toss pineapple with brine
Add chili and sesame seeds
Marinate for 30 minutes before serving

Dietary Accommodations

Les Mains Deli demonstrates strong commitment to inclusive dining:

Vegetarian Options:

Multiple plant-based proteins including lentil meatballs
Extensive vegetable supplement selection
Dairy-free dressing options available

Vegan-Friendly:

Clearly marked vegan versions of popular dishes
Plant-based protein alternatives
Dairy-free gelato options

Health-Conscious:

Customizable portions for dietary control
Fresh, minimally processed ingredients
Balanced macronutrient profiles available

Food Delivery & Takeaway Options

Note: Specific delivery partnerships and options were not detailed in the source material. For current delivery availability, customers should contact the restaurant directly or check major delivery platforms including:

GrabFood
foodpanda
Deliveroo
Direct restaurant delivery

Recommended for Delivery:

Protein bowls (components may be packed separately)
Fresh baked goods
Gelato (with proper insulation)

Beverage Program

Coffee Offerings:

Freshly brewed coffee available during breakfast hours
Espresso-based beverages
Affogato service combining coffee with gelato

Healthy Options:

Fresh fruit juices
Kombucha selection
Various non-alcoholic beverages

Value Proposition & Pricing

Starting at $9 for the small protein bowl, Les Mains Deli positions itself in the premium casual dining category. The pricing reflects:

High-quality, fresh ingredients
Customizable options
Generous portion sizes
Artisanal preparation methods
Prime location convenience

Final Verdict

Les Mains Deli successfully creates a unique dining experience that bridges healthy eating with indulgent treats. The customizable protein bowls provide excellent value and nutrition, while the fresh bakes and artisanal gelato showcase the establishment’s culinary range.

Strengths:

Exceptional protein quality, particularly tuna tataki and lentil meatballs
Innovative gelato flavors
Flexible customization options
Excellent location and accessibility
Strong commitment to dietary inclusivity

Areas for Improvement:

Consistency in salmon preparation
Enhanced seasoning for some baked goods
Expanded weekend hours

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3/5)

Recommended For:

Health-conscious professionals
Customizable dining preferences
Business lunch meetings
Artisanal food enthusiasts
Anyone seeking quality ingredients in a convenient location

Must-Try Items:

Large Protein Bowl with Tuna Tataki
Lentil Meatballs (vegetarian option)
Black Sea Salt Croissant
EVOO Strawberry Gelato
Vanilla Affogato (off-menu)

Les Mains Deli represents a successful evolution in Singapore’s healthy dining scene, offering quality, customization, and convenience in equal measure.

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