There is a cafe hidden behind the row of makeshift vendors on the first floor of Orchard Central. And it is one hidden gem of the place, after Jewels Artisans had closed and NUOC had shifted to Elizabeth Hotel. Want to lounge around and enjoy good cakes at Somerset area? Look for this secret cafe instead of heading to crowded Lady M for mediocre cakes.
The place is small, but it is less crowded, and the dark wood setting induces a cosy feeling. The service is okay.
What makes this place a keeper is the Trio Chocolate cake. Most chocolate cakes can hardly impress me, unless they are made with premium chocolate—Belgium chocolate, for the record, are not exactly considered as premium. This chocolate cake at Joe and Dough wins me over with its richness and the seamless combination of custard, praline biscuit base and different types of chocolates—both dark and milk. The cake part is crumbly though a bit dry and coarse. But thanks to the layering of the mentioned ingredients of the cake, the end result is a sweet smooth chocolatey goodness with a variety of textures and flavours. No boring, flat taste that is typical of lots of chocolate cakes.
Another highlight is the Blueberry Yoghurt Cheese Tart. The marriage of yoghurt and cream cheese is a match made in heaven—this tart looks heavenly also with its filling part taking on a white cloud-like appearance. The yoghurt tends more towards the greek variety in terms of taste: very thick in consistency and creaminess and not as sour as the common yoghurts. So the yoghurt balance out the taste of cheese to leave that lingering aroma of cheese intact while achieving a mild, light overall taste for the tart. A must try.
Pandan cake with gula melaka is saved by the intense flavour and moist texture of the gula melaka and grated coconut. Unlike the usual variety that made up of chiffon sponge, the pandan cake here is a butter cake, just like the Chocolate Trio. The texture is also the same, but I prefer such cakes over the plain chiffon due to my preference for richness in cakes. The gula melaka and coconut makes this an exceptional Pandan Cake that is more sinful to indulge in than its counterparts. Worth a try.
I am glad that I give this place a second try and get to try the Trio and went on to try other creations. The first time I went there, the SG50 chocolate cupcake I had is so dry that I kind of strike this cafe off my list.
One thing to note: given the coarse, heavy consistency of the cakes here, maybe it is better to give the cupcakes a miss.
All in all, the cakes here, which are of good quality, are slightly cheaper than those in other nearby places, so this is my favourite cafe in Orchard Area.
My Thoughts: Nice!
Nearest car park: Somerset 313's car park
Nearest MRT: Somerset
Orchard Gateway
227 Orchard Road #01-10
Contact No: 67024656
