TWG Tea Garden - Wonderful European Inspired Cafe

Actually I am just roaming around Marina Bay Sands after a morning at Gardens by the Bay, when I spot a lovely looking cafe with European inspired furnishings, think red wood panels, English Calligraphy, English crockery, with touches of Parisan flair, then interestingly added lots of crystal yellow lights, reminding me of those quaint Japanese cafes serving European inspired cuisine. Looking at the impressive front of the store stacked with TWG tea tins and boxes of different colours, I just step into the cafe, wanting to immerse in the atmosphere. A good thing that I go in before the high tea crowd comes in because the cafe soon gets full after a short while.

I’m actually surprised by how comprehensive the menu is, given the cafe setting. It has light bites for brunch, heavier mains, dainty high tea sets, desserts and of course, a variety of teas. The desserts are light and moist, while what truly impresses me is the caviar set. This is so luxurious and delicious that I say, “Definitely try this is you are in the mood to splurge.”

Sugar packed in this quaint porcelain jar actually.

The caviar set immediately got my attention with its TWG Tea caviar (20g) accompanied by chopped capers, chives & red onions, boiled egg yolk and boiled egg whites, served with a duet of Matcha blinis and crème fraîche sprinkled with Gyokuro Samurai tea leaves.

It tastes as good as it sounds. The caviar has a mild buttery saline taste that tastes so good on its own already. It’s a wow moment when I savour the caviar with the soft, super fluffy, warm Matcha blini. When paired together, the buttery saline becomes sweeter, completed with an additional toasty aroma and the contrast in texture between the caviar and blini. Crème fraîche adds the creaminess and slight tang to add the extra lux and smoothness to the texture. Go sparingly with the capers, since this, when add in a dot is excellent in perking up the taste, but overwhelming if too much is piled on. Finely chopped onions and boiled egg add the variety and extra oomph to the delicate taste of the caviar without overwhelming it.

I love this so much.

Rum Baba here, which is rum-soaked cake that is like no others. Additional twists, in the form of rum jelly adding so much to the texture and Vanilla Bourbon Tea Ice-Cream adding the refreshing astringent element, make this cake such a delight and surprise to savour. Chantilly cream adds the creaminess to balance the intoxicating and lovely sweet taste of rum. Powdered Rum tea sprinkled on top for the extra touch.

Nice and moist Strawberry Shortcake.

Smooth earl grey served in a unique, classy pot.

Thoughts: Ultimate Tea Party!

The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue, B2-65/68A

Plus65 Cheesecake - Unique Delicious Cheesecake

Actually, Plus65 Cheesecake is realising what I had been craving for in a cheesecake: molten core. When I saw videos of freshly baked cheesecake being cut, showing the moist gooey core, I wanted to eat that cheesecake so much that I searched up on cheesecakes with molten core in Singapore. I didn’t find any at that time. So when I read about Plus65 cheesecake, I am so tempted to just go down to the middle of old Hougang to try it.

When I see the quaint interior of the bakery, I’m like, “Yes, I must go down there at least once to try the cheesecake!” Which is free for a cute sample size.

The couple here are so friendly, welcoming me immediately into the shop, hidden in the left side of a small shopping mall. When I say that I want to try a sample of the cheesecake, they serve up one on a cute plate.

The cheesecake is perfect in texture. Pillowy softness from the sponge cake base and baked part of the cheesecake harmonises so well with melty, moist, smooth almost ice-cream-like molten core. With less sugar added, the creaminess, the slight tang and nutty flavour of cheese and the hint of buttery goodness can shine through the mild sweetness, making every bite of the cheesecake an indulgence.

The interior of the shop feels like another world: an English Cottage filled with lots of passion and showcasing the owners’ collection of British style lovely cute or rustic ornaments, blooms, plushies and crockeries. Completed with rustic wooden walls and lamps with soft yellow light. I’m totally in awe of this quaint cosy space.

Even a brief moment here feels uplifting because of the delightful cheesecake and delightful ambience. A definite must visit. By the way, I got a whole cheesecake because it is so good.

Thoughts: Cheesecake Dream comes True

183 Jalan Pelikat

#01-89

Tokyo Milk Cheese

I always buy at least a box of Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory cookies whenever I pass by one of the stalls. And it's no exception this time. While I am picking like 3 boxes, the salesperson asks if I want to get the gift box with 4 types of cookies, all in original packaging. Seeing that all the flavours packed are what I want, I immediately opt for this.

These cookies are still as good as ever, and as I have remembered them. I love it that there's always a hint of savoury goodness of cheese in the cream sandwiched within the cookies. A perfect balance of the flavours.

From left: Salt and Camembert, Honey and Gongozola, Salted Caramel and Mascarpone, Strawberry and Mascarpone

Country of Origin: Japan

Where to get: Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory Locations

Velveté Boutique Cafe & Nails - Cosy Cafe for Great Snacks, Nail Care and Self Care

I just found one of the coziest cafes, which is Velveté Boutique! This cafe is all about pampering oneself with specially crafted drinks, home-baked goodies, curated snacks, chill time in the cozy space, self care and yes, nail care. I immediately feel all cosy and relaxed the moment I step into this quaint place that radiates warmth from the soft warm light illuminating the space, cute florals and ornaments, spots of subtle elegance from the flowers and plants, plush sofas and photos pasted onto the wall.

The lovely owner, Lynn, who is so friendly and candid, is very passionate about creating a space for patrons to feel totally at ease, thus able to indulge in the drinks, food and services here.

Since I join the Ladies’ Networking Event here, where I get to just chill, relax, make a cute magnet and learn self-care techniques, I get to sample all the food items here. And they are so good that I go back for second helping.

Will I go back just for the food, ambience and maybe some nail care? Absolutely yes!

Crumbly, buttery scones are such hearty treats.

Taiwanese Tempura, at second tier of the tea set, is a savoury treat that features awesome slightly sticky, pillowy soft texture.

From the top of the tea set: Brownies, Scallion Lotus Bites, Spicy Otak Roll

The Brownies here, freshly homemade, are lava chocolate cakes, in solid form. This cake is so chocolatey good, rich and has the perfect texture of crumbly exterior with a viscous molten core. A must-try here.

Another must-try is the signature Banana Cake (no photo since I got distracted 😂). Made only with ripe bananas, this super fluffy cake is packed with the aroma of banana and lovely warm taste of baked goods.

I totally love Scallion Lotus Bites due to a medley of balanced robust flavours from the paprika seasoning, and the interesting texture of crunchy lotus root slice juxtaposing with the tempura batter coating.

Spicy Otak Roll has a balanced spiciness for the excitement in taste and complements the awesome buttery flaky puff pastry. A hearty treat. 

Almost 360 degrees view of the place.

Everything set up for the Ladies' Networking Night ❤️

The Rabbit Fridge Magnet is made by me from origami paper and stickers 😉 I actually took 15 minutes to find the materials that I felt is my style. The sakura origami paper speaks of Japanese whimsical that I love. I saw lots of pretty stickers, but most are of English style. When I finally saw the rabbits, I went, “Yes!” Then I get a butterfly sticker from the English stickers to add in design for variation and focus. I’m proud if this work 😊

Thoughts: Awesome Lovely Cafe to indulge in Great Snacks, Nail Care and Self Care

#03-24 Alexander Central Mall

Alexander Road