Tai Parfait @ Bugis Junction

This new sweet treat gem just opened in Bugis Junction's basement after the renovations.

Each time I walk past the shop with curiosity. Finally decided to check it out with a colleague.

This pretty and cute little waffle thing with filling is so so tasty! Tai Parfait comes from Tokyo and some of the staff behind the counter are Japanese. Japanese are well known for their polite, cheery service as well as kawaii and intricate packaging. This sweet treat is a 100% true blue representation of Japan.

There are several flavours and combination to choose from. You will definitely be spoilt for choices! The waffle is made fresh on the spot when you place your order. Even though its freshly made, service was considerably fast.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaiParfait?fref=ts

Will I Return to This Outlet: Yes

Got Service: 7/10

Central HK Cafe @ Orchard Central

Ever since the wave of HK cafes arrived at our shores about a decade ago, there has been many HK cafes islandwide. Despite the sprout in cafes in recent 1-2 years, the number of HK cafes available in still decent.

We chanced upon this Central HK Cafe at Orchard Central while window shopping. The retro looking cafe drew us in and we decided to take a short little break here.

I think they just opened recently.

The cafe was spacious and not crowded. Familiar HK music was playing in the background but it was a little too loud for my comfort. It would have been nice if they can tone down a little.

Quite a wide variety of menu and they have it in English and Chinese. As usual visuals tend to appeal better than words so would have preferred if they had used some pictures to illustrates at least their chef recommendations.

Place your order with this sheet.

The flooring is retro-ish too!

The old school looking decor.

The hot drink came in a old school inspired tea cup.

They serve ginger coke. I love it so I just had to order this. When served, the ginger was still sizzling in the cup.

Ordered a buo luo bun. It came interestingly with butter served at the side in a dish with ice. Actually, we felt the ice was kinda extra though it was meant to prevent the butter from melting. This might work better for take aways?

We also ordered a toast. The toast was kinda oily... not really our kind of snack!

I felt the service was kinda horrible. The wait staff when serving your items simple chuck the food on the table. Especially when serving the drinks, they don't even bother asking who's drink is it? It's like they are serving to a table of transparent guests. :( Later on, another wait staff with some food on hand wanted to serve the dish but instead of asking if we ordered that item, she force stretched herself across the entire table just to retrieve our order sheet to check if we had ordered that item. Hmmm.... she could have asked us right? Or she could have at least asked us to pass her the order sheet and not stretch her arm across our table when we are eating?!!!

Gosh!! Sometimes the most basic common sense or most fundamental service, people are not mindful about it. Sigh!


Will I Return to This Outlet: Unlikely
Got Service: 3/10

Address:
Central Hong Kong Cafe
#02-30, Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road

Cozy Corner Coffee

The ground levels of several block of flats at Everton Park is turned into coffee joints for aspiring entrepreneurs. Not sure why the sudden sprout and what is the charm of this place so we went to check it out.

There were indeed several cafes housed at the few blocks at Everton Park. We walked along the ground floor corridor of several blocks but none caught our eyes except this cozy corner coffee.

For one, I didn't really like the cafes at Everton Park. These flats are pretty old and the ceiling are really low. There were many pillars along the corridor as well and it gave me the clusterphobic feeling which I dislike! During peak hours, I think parking in that area will be quite a nightmare.

The ambience in this cafe is cozy but not really that welcoming in terms of service. The saving grace was they provided free wifi. :)

Among all the cafes available, this is the only one that looks spacious. Many were laid out so tightly that I didn't feel like going in at all. And on a weekday noon, many cafes were quite quiet.

We ordered a waffle banana ice cream to share. This is nice and I think it costs about $6.90 only. Love it that they filled the entire waffle with bananas. The cafe also offered complimentary iced water. I wanted something warm so I had a pot of earl grey tea to share with hub.

Verdict is.... visit Everton Park one time enough. I would rather spend my time and money scouting other cafes elsewhere. :) Doubt I will be back anytime soon.

Website: http://cozycornercoffee.com/

Will I Return to This Outlet: Unlikely
Got Service: 6/10

Paris Baguette @ Wisma Atria

Having been to Paris Baguette in Singapore countless times, that means the pastries must be nice! 

It's kinda weird to be named Paris Baguette when its not from France. Initially, I did not know where it came from until one day I was watching the cartoon - Tayo Bus with my boy and saw Paris Baguette in the cartoon. Really felt amused then. Only then I realized Paris Baguette is a bakery from Korea.

When we were in Korea last year, we saw Paris Baguette outlets everywhere! It's like McDonald's! But I find the pastries they offer does not look as good and nice as what we have here.

Anyway, we are back there for some pastries when our boy naps in his stroller. On weekends, we normally will grab a tea break because I tend to share my lunch with my boy so I don't really get to eat much.

I had this custard pastry which is nice but messy to eat. Their cakes are about $7-8/pc.  Not cheap but I must say their cakes are yummy!

We also ordered the Korean Power Garlic Baguette. When warmed, its really yummy and best part, the garlic taste isn't too strong. The entire roll of baguette cost only $4+. This I think its really value for money.

There are outlets at Jem and Changi Airport too. Do check them out if you can. But be warned, it's always almost crowded especially the outlet at Wisma Atria.

Will I Return to this Outlet: Yes

Got Service: 5/10

Loong Fatt Tau Sar Piah

My bff bought our family a box of Loong Fatt sweet tau sar piah. To be frank, I'm no fan of swee tau sar piahs. Whenever I do eat, I usually eat the savory ones. Sweet ones tend to make me feel full easily and I normally cannot take more than one piece.

Loong Fatt is one of the famous tau sar piah in Balestier. I have not really tried any of the tau sar piahs in balestier actually. This is my first time. Thanks to my bff!

First bite on the sweet tau sar piah makes me love it. The outer layers are not too flaky so when you bite on it, the layers don't drop everywhere easily. It's has a buttery feel and doesnt make you feel dry at all.

The sweet tau sar is not sweet at all. I can eat two at one go with no problem. I love it and will definitely visit the outlet soon to try out its savory version!

Loong Fatt Tau Sar Piah (Loong Fatt Eating House & Confectionery)
Address: 639 Balestier Road, Singapore 329922
Telephone: 62534584
Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 8am-4.30pm 

CNY Delights: Chilli Padi's Almond Cookies

Laid my hands on the almond cookies sample at the Chilli Padi's temporary stall at Bugis Junction and I was sold! The tiny little almond cookies is so good that it melts in your mouth. 

Bought a tin and left it at my mum's place. This cookie is dangerous for it was so good and so tiny and easy to eat that you keep popping them into your mouth. Even my mum agrees its good. 

$19.90 for this small tin is not cheap but if it is yummy, it is worth every cent.

Website: http://www.chillipadi.com.sg/

Will I Buy Again: Yes 

Dong Po Colonial Cafe

I love retro concept cafes. And if they offer butter cream cakes, that will be another bonus! Butter cream cakes may contain more calories but you have to admit it, its definitely more fragrant and tasty than fresh cream cakes.

There is quite a good selection of cakes and best part is they are all reasonably priced. Such a delight to find a gem near my workplace.

You can choose to go ala carte with the cakes or there is a 2pc cake set that comes with coffee and tea. I chose the set @ $5 and ordered the butterfly capcake and aloe vera apple cake. Both taste really good! 

My friend had this almond flakes toast aka bostock set instead. I'm not sure why it is called bostock. Sounds like no stock! Anyway, my friend commented its nice. I shall try that next time!

Service was kind of slow. Usually at some kopi joints after you place your order, your drink orders will be ready for collection while the food is being served to you at your table. After ordering and paying, the drinks were not ready and they had to serve it to you at your table. 

The retro decor in the cafe. 

Website: https://www.facebook.com/DongPoColonialCafe

Will I Return to this Outlet: Yes

Got Service: 6/10