Guide to Sengkang Cafes

by | Dec 11, 2025 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

Overview

Sengkang’s cafe scene has evolved into a vibrant destination for food enthusiasts, offering everything from authentic Taiwanese comfort food to Instagram-worthy desserts and specialty matcha beverages. This guide explores ten standout establishments, analyzing their ambience, signature dishes, and culinary techniques.

1. TSUJIRI – The Matcha Specialist

Ambience

TSUJIRI brings authentic Uji heritage to Singapore with a clean, modern Japanese aesthetic. The cafe features minimalist wooden accents and soft lighting that creates a calming atmosphere perfect for enjoying traditional Japanese tea culture.

Signature Dishes

Iced Strawberry Matcha ($7++)

  • Visual Appeal: Striking green-to-pink gradient showcasing the layering of matcha, milk, and strawberry puree
  • Flavor Profile: Earthy, umami-rich matcha balanced with sweet-tart strawberry notes and creamy milk
  • Technique: Careful layering technique preserves the visual gradient while allowing flavors to gradually meld

Warabimochi Parfait ($9++)

  • Components: Matcha and soybean warabimochi cubes, brown sugar syrup, matcha soft serve
  • Texture Analysis: The warabimochi provides a distinctive chewy, gelatinous texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soft serve
  • Traditional Element: Warabimochi is a traditional Japanese sweet made from bracken starch, offering an authentic taste experience

Recipe Inspiration: Matcha Latte at Home

Ingredients:

  • 2 tsp ceremonial-grade matcha powder
  • 2 tbsp hot water (80°C)
  • 200ml milk of choice
  • Sweetener to taste

Instructions:

  1. Sift matcha powder into a bowl to remove clumps
  2. Add hot water and whisk vigorously in a “W” motion until frothy
  3. Heat and froth milk separately
  4. Pour matcha mixture into a glass, add sweetener
  5. Slowly pour frothed milk over matcha
  6. For iced version, pour over ice and cold milk

Location: Sengkang Grand Mall

2. The Sunday Brunch – Home-Based Charm

Ambience

This intimate home-based cafe in Fernvale offers a cozy, living-room atmosphere that makes guests feel like they’re visiting a friend’s home. The limited capacity ensures personalized attention and a relaxed dining experience.

Unique Concept

The rotating monthly menu keeps offerings fresh and seasonal, demonstrating culinary creativity and preventing menu fatigue.

April 2025 Highlights:

Jujube Tart ($6)

  • Flavor Architecture: Flaky pastry base with caramelized goji berries and tart lemon sauce
  • Balance: Sweet-tangy interplay showcasing how caramelization enhances goji berry’s natural sweetness
  • Technique: The caramelization process involves heating sugar to 170°C, creating complex flavor compounds

Mushroom Stew ($7)

  • Cooking Method: Likely slow-simmered to extract maximum umami from mushrooms
  • Comfort Factor: Hearty, warming dish perfect for Singapore’s air-conditioned cafes

Booking System

Reservations via Google form with address revealed upon confirmation adds exclusivity and manages capacity effectively.

Operating Hours: Every second and fourth Sunday, 10am-4pm

3. Apricus Cafe – Instagram Aesthetic Meets Substance

Ambience

Modern-minimalist interior with carefully curated design elements that photograph beautifully. The space balances aesthetic appeal with functionality, featuring plenty of natural light and clean lines.

Signature Dishes

APRICUS French Toast ($23++)

  • Components: Baked vanilla brioche, house-made maple granola, seasonal berries, butterscotch sauce, cereal crumbs, Niko Neko roasted rice soft serve
  • Textural Complexity:
    • Crispy exterior from baking
    • Fluffy interior of brioche
    • Crunchy granola and cereal
    • Creamy soft serve
    • Fresh berry burst
  • Flavor Profile: Sweet, buttery, with vanilla warmth and caramel notes from butterscotch
  • Innovation: The roasted rice soft serve adds a unique toasted, nutty dimension

Hummus & Ciabatta ($14++)

  • Mediterranean Influence: Chickpea hummus base with Middle Eastern flavor profile
  • Fresh Elements: Salsa verde (Italian parsley-based sauce), pomegranate seeds for tartness and crunch
  • Preparation: Ciabatta toasted to achieve optimal crispiness while maintaining slight chew

Recipe: Basic Hummus

Ingredients:

  • 400g cooked chickpeas
  • 3 tbsp tahini
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt to taste
  • Water as needed

Instructions:

  1. Drain chickpeas, reserving liquid
  2. Combine all ingredients in food processor
  3. Blend until smooth, adding reserved liquid to reach desired consistency
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning
  5. Serve drizzled with olive oil

Location: 248 Jalan Kayu | Halal-Certified

4. Cold Flings – Late-Night Dessert Haven

Ambience

Vibrant, energetic atmosphere befitting its late operating hours. The gelato display case serves as a colorful focal point, showcasing 18 flavors that draw customers in.

Concept Innovation

Sengkang’s first gelato and acai cafe fills a gap in the late-night dessert market, offering healthier alternatives to traditional supper options.

Flavor Analysis

Premium Gelato Selections ($4.50/scoop):

  • Hojicha: Roasted green tea with smoky, caramel notes
  • Maple Pancakes: Breakfast-inspired with sweet, buttery profile
  • Speculoos: Cookie butter flavor with warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves)
  • Osmanthus Oolong: Floral tea flavor with apricot-like sweetness

Cookie Crush Acai Bowl ($10.90 medium)

  • Base: Acai puree, rich in antioxidants
  • Toppings: Mixed fruits, crushed Biscoff cookies, cookie butter
  • Nutritional Balance: Combines healthy acai with indulgent cookie elements

Gelato vs Ice Cream: Technical Differences

  • Fat Content: Gelato has less butterfat (4-8% vs 14-17%)
  • Churning Speed: Slower churning creates denser texture with less air
  • Serving Temperature: Served slightly warmer (-12°C vs -18°C), intensifying flavors
  • Result: More intense flavor, denser, silkier texture

Location: 21 Fernvale Road
Hours: Late night until 1-2am (varies by day)

5. Eat 3 Bowls – Authentic Taiwanese Comfort

Ambience

Casual, no-frills setting in Compass One basement that prioritizes food quality over decor. The atmosphere evokes traditional Taiwanese eateries with efficient service and communal dining vibes.

Signature Dishes

Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan) ($5.80)

Cooking Process:

  1. Cut: Pork belly into bite-sized pieces with fat intact
  2. Blanch: Remove impurities and excess fat
  3. Aromatics: Fry garlic, shallots, star anise, cinnamon
  4. Braise: Simmer in soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, sugar for 2-3 hours
  5. Reduce: Concentrate flavors until sauce is thick and glossy
  6. Serve: Over steamed white rice

Dish Features:

  • Fat-to-Meat Ratio: Carefully balanced for melt-in-mouth texture
  • Sauce Character: Savory-sweet with deep umami from prolonged braising
  • Cultural Significance: Quintessential Taiwanese comfort food, often served at street stalls

Oyster Intestines Mee Sua ($8.50)

  • Noodle Type: Thin, wheat flour vermicelli with extremely soft texture
  • Key Ingredients: Fresh oysters, pig intestines, minced garlic, cilantro
  • Flavor Base: Light, garlicky broth that doesn’t overpower delicate oyster flavor
  • Texture Play: Silky noodles, plump oysters, chewy intestines

Recipe: Simplified Braised Pork Rice

Ingredients:

  • 500g pork belly, cubed
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice wine
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 shallots, sliced
  • 2 star anise
  • 500ml water

Instructions:

  1. Blanch pork belly in boiling water for 5 minutes, drain
  2. Sauté garlic and shallots until fragrant
  3. Add pork, stir-fry until slightly browned
  4. Add soy sauces, rice wine, sugar, star anise
  5. Pour in water, bring to boil
  6. Reduce heat, simmer covered for 2 hours
  7. Uncover, simmer 30 minutes to reduce sauce
  8. Serve over steamed rice

Location: Compass One, #B1-17

6. Sweet Reservations – Bingsu Specialist

Ambience

Dessert-focused cafe at Riverdale Plaza with a sweet, inviting atmosphere. The space is designed for leisurely dessert sessions with friends and family.

Bingsu Analysis

What is Bingsu? Korean shaved ice dessert with finely textured ice that melts on the tongue like snow.

Preparation Technique:

  • Freeze milk or sweetened water in blocks
  • Shave using specialized machine to create powder-fine ice
  • Top with various flavors and ingredients

Flavor Range:

Classic Options:

  • Mango ($7.90): Sweet, tropical with fresh fruit chunks
  • Injeolmi ($8.20): Korean rice cake powder with nutty, toasted flavor
  • Strawberry ($8.10): Sweet-tart berry with condensed milk

Unique Offerings:

  • Durian Chendol ($9.20): Fusion of Malaysian chendol with durian, combining pandan jelly, coconut milk, and pungent durian
  • Lychee ($9.20): Delicate, floral sweetness with rose-like notes
  • Apple Crumble ($8.70): Western dessert interpretation with cinnamon-spiced apples and buttery crumble

Waffle Selection

Buttermilk ($7.50), Red Velvet ($7.90), Mocha ($7.90) showing versatility beyond bingsu.

Location: Rivervale Plaza

7. Fong Sheng Hao – Taiwanese Breakfast & Beyond

Ambience

Bright, casual eatery within Sengkang Grand Mall offering quick, affordable meals. The setup caters to both dine-in and takeaway customers.

Signature Dishes

Pork Floss & Egg Taiwanese Omelette ($6.90)

Dish Characteristics:

  • Protein: Fluffy eggs enveloping savory pork floss
  • Texture: Soft, custardy egg with airy, cotton-like pork floss
  • Flavor: Savory-sweet with umami depth

What is Pork Floss (Rousong)? Dried, shredded pork product with cotton candy-like texture, made by:

  1. Stewing pork until tender
  2. Shredding meat finely
  3. Stir-frying with soy sauce and sugar until dry
  4. Result: Sweet-savory, fluffy meat “threads”

Nanyang Chicken Satay Toast ($8.20)

  • Fusion Concept: Combines Southeast Asian satay with Western toast concept
  • Components: Chicken patty, peanut sauce, onions, cucumber between toasted bread
  • Cultural Blend: “Nanyang” refers to Southeast Asian Chinese cultural sphere

Cooking Instructions: Taiwanese-Style Omelette

Ingredients:

  • 3 eggs
  • 1/4 cup pork floss
  • 1 tbsp chopped scallions
  • Salt, white pepper
  • 1 tbsp oil

Method:

  1. Beat eggs with salt and pepper
  2. Heat oil in non-stick pan over medium heat
  3. Pour eggs, swirl to coat pan
  4. When edges set but center is still wet, add pork floss to one half
  5. Fold omelette over filling
  6. Cook 30 seconds each side
  7. Garnish with scallions

Location: Sengkang Grand Mall
Hours: 7:30am-9pm daily

8. Brew with Grace – Ghibli-Themed Home Cafe

Ambience

Whimsical Ghibli-themed decor with warm lighting and wooden furniture creates a nostalgic, storybook atmosphere. The home-based setting ensures intimate, personal service.

Beverage Innovations

Yuzu Matcha Oat ($5.50)

  • Flavor Balance: Citrusy yuzu brightens earthy matcha
  • Oat Milk: Adds creaminess without overpowering delicate tea flavors
  • Complexity: Sweet, tangy, umami, and creamy notes in harmony

Strawberry Matcha Oats ($5.50)

  • Matcha Grade: Isuzu ceremonial grade for smooth, less bitter flavor
  • Berry Element: Natural sweetness and tartness from strawberry
  • Visual Appeal: Pink and green color contrast

Matcha Grades Explained

Ceremonial Grade:

  • Youngest tea leaves
  • Stone-ground
  • Vibrant green color
  • Sweet, delicate flavor
  • Meant for traditional tea ceremony
  • More expensive

Culinary Grade:

  • Slightly older leaves
  • Less vibrant color
  • More astringent
  • Better for lattes, baking
  • More affordable

Location: Home-based, Sengkang East Drive
Hours: Wed-Fri, 10am-4pm

9. Tenderbest Makcik Tuckshop – Riverside Dining

Ambience

Scenic location at Sengkang Riverside Park offering panoramic views of greenery and water. The outdoor seating creates a relaxed, resort-like atmosphere perfect for weekend brunches.

Menu Diversity

Fusion approach spanning pasta, nasi lemak, burgers, and fried chicken demonstrates culinary versatility.

Signature Items

Lucky Set ($9)

  • Main: Two pieces of fried chicken
  • Sides: French fries, coleslaw
  • Value: Complete meal under $10

Fried Chicken Analysis:

  • Preparation: Likely marinated for tenderness and flavor
  • Coating: Seasoned flour creates crispy exterior
  • Technique: Double-frying method for extra crunch
    1. First fry at 150°C to cook through
    2. Rest to redistribute moisture
    3. Second fry at 180°C for crispy crust

Portobello Mushroom with Kale Burger ($14.90)

  • Vegetarian Option: Meaty portobello provides umami and substance
  • Nutritional Element: Kale adds vitamins and minerals
  • Brioche Bun: Rich, buttery bread with slight sweetness

Fried Chicken Recipe: Basic Technique

Marinade:

  • Buttermilk or yogurt for tenderness
  • Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika
  • Marinate 4-24 hours

Coating:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 tbsp salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika
  • 1 tsp cayenne (optional)

Method:

  1. Remove chicken from marinade
  2. Dredge in seasoned flour
  3. Rest 10 minutes for coating to set
  4. Heat oil to 175°C
  5. Fry 12-15 minutes until golden and internal temp reaches 75°C
  6. Drain on wire rack

Location: Sengkang Riverside Park
Halal-Certified

10. Meow Dessert – Cat-Themed Durian Paradise

Ambience

Playful, cat-themed decor with feline knick-knacks, decorations, and pillows creates a quirky, Instagram-worthy environment. Perfect for cat lovers and durian enthusiasts.

Durian Specialties

Durian Mousse + Maoshanking Single ($8.80)

Durian Varieties:

  • D24: “Sultan” durian, bittersweet with creamy texture, more affordable
  • Mao Shan Wang (MSW): “Musang King,” premium grade with intense flavor, buttery texture, golden flesh

Mousse Technique:

  • Durian puree folded with whipped cream
  • Gelatin for setting
  • Airy, light texture that melts
  • Intensifies durian flavor through concentration

Mango Pomelo Sago ($4.80)

  • Components: Mango puree, sago pearls, mango cubes, pomelo sacs, cream
  • Texture Variety:
    • Smooth puree
    • Chewy sago
    • Soft mango
    • Juicy pomelo vesicles
  • Origin: Hong Kong-style dessert popular across Asia

Peanut Coated Glutinous Rice Balls ($3.80)

  • Type: Tang yuan variation
  • Filling: Crunchy peanut bits
  • Coating: Crushed peanuts
  • Texture: Chewy mochi exterior, crunchy filling and coating
  • Temperature: Typically served in warm sweet soup

Recipe: Mango Pomelo Sago

Ingredients:

  • 100g sago pearls
  • 2 ripe mangoes
  • 1 pomelo
  • 200ml coconut milk
  • 100ml condensed milk
  • Sugar to taste

Instructions:

  1. Boil water, add sago, cook 10-15 minutes until translucent
  2. Rinse under cold water, drain
  3. Blend 1.5 mangoes with coconut milk and condensed milk
  4. Cube remaining mango, segment pomelo
  5. Layer sago, mango puree, fruit pieces
  6. Top with cream, chill before serving

Location: Anchorvale Village

Delivery & Takeaway Options

General Observations

Most cafes offer takeaway options, with delivery availability varying by location:

Delivery Platforms:

  • GrabFood
  • Foodpanda
  • Deliveroo

Best for Takeaway:

  • TSUJIRI: Soft serves may melt; drinks travel well
  • Eat 3 Bowls: Braised pork rice maintains quality in transit
  • Fong Sheng Hao: Omelettes and sandwiches are portable
  • Cold Flings: Gelato requires insulated packaging
  • Sweet Reservations: Bingsu best consumed immediately

Home-Based Cafes: The Sunday Brunch and Brew with Grace operate by reservation only with limited takeaway options.

Price Range Analysis

Budget-Friendly (Under $10):

  • Eat 3 Bowls: Most items under $9
  • Fong Sheng Hao: Taiwanese omelettes around $7
  • Sweet Reservations: Small bingsu from $7.90
  • Cold Flings: Single scoop from $4.50

Mid-Range ($10-$20):

  • TSUJIRI: Parfaits around $9
  • Apricus Cafe: Hummus & Ciabatta $14
  • Tenderbest: Burgers $14-$18
  • The Sunday Brunch: Items $5-$7

Premium ($20+):

  • Apricus Cafe: Signature French Toast $23

Culinary Trends Observed

1. Matcha Movement

Multiple cafes (TSUJIRI, Brew with Grace) feature ceremonial-grade matcha, indicating growing appreciation for quality Japanese tea.

2. Home-Based Cafe Culture

The Sunday Brunch and Brew with Grace represent intimate, reservation-based dining experiences that prioritize quality over volume.

3. Taiwanese Food Wave

Eat 3 Bowls and Fong Sheng Hao demonstrate strong demand for authentic Taiwanese comfort food.

4. Fusion Innovation

Tenderbest and various dessert spots blend cultural influences, creating unique Singaporean interpretations.

5. Late-Night Dessert Market

Cold Flings capitalizes on Singapore’s supper culture with healthier dessert options available past midnight.

6. Instagram-Worthy Presentations

Apricus, Meow Dessert, and others recognize the importance of visual appeal in social media age.

Final Recommendations

For Matcha Lovers:

TSUJIRI or Brew with Grace

For Budget-Conscious Diners:

Eat 3 Bowls or Fong Sheng Hao

For Instagram Content:

Apricus Cafe or Meow Dessert

For Late-Night Cravings:

Cold Flings

For Unique Experience:

The Sunday Brunch (home-based, rotating menu)

For Families:

Tenderbest Makcik Tuckshop (halal, riverside views)

For Durian Fans:

Meow Dessert

For Korean Desserts:

Sweet Reservations

Conclusion

Sengkang’s cafe scene offers remarkable diversity, from authentic international cuisines to innovative fusion concepts. The area successfully balances affordability with quality, making it an attractive destination for food explorers. Whether seeking traditional Taiwanese comfort food, premium matcha experiences, or late-night dessert adventures, Sengkang delivers options that rival more established food districts in Singapore.

The emergence of home-based cafes adds a personal touch to the dining landscape, while established chains bring consistency and familiarity. Most importantly, the concentration of halal-certified and non-halal options ensures inclusivity for Singapore’s diverse population.

With most dishes priced under $20 and many establishments open late, Sengkang proves itself worthy of culinary exploration beyond the typical western cafe districts.