Lola’s Cafe - Cool Little Backyard Cafe

This is a long overdue post actually. I was bowled over by what Lola’s Cafe has to offer, but I was so busy in my new job role that I couldn’t find the time to write about this cafe. Nonetheless, I was determined to pen down my thoughts about this heartland gem, and here it is!

Pulled Pork and Avocado Eggs Benedict is loaded with a myriad of strong flavours that work well together. The pulled pork is as intensely flavoured as our favourite BBQ pork, minus the sweetness and add in the spiciness. And the texture of shredded meat is somewhat fluffy, going perfectly well with the bread base, eggs and avocado. The hollandaise sauce spread on top of the egg has that hint of tanginess to impart dimension to the overall taste. The egg and the avocado add a wholesomeness and creaminess to this hearty meal while balancing the strong flavours. This is a must-try of Lola’s Cafe.

Lychee Rosewater cake is a creation that actually fits right in that backyard cafe vibe. The cake sponge is of the butter cake type, thus being dense, full of buttery goodness and very old-school. I actually like the cake sponge and the butter cream adds the extra creaminess that I appreciate. As for the taste of lychee and rose, the good part about this cake is that it is au naturale, thus the flavours are muted. But I can’t help feeling that this is a nice butter cake, not a Lychee Rosewater cake. All in all, still a nice cake to order for sharing, just don’t expect to be blown away by the flowery aromas of lychee and rose.

Bacon and Mushroom Truffle Cream Linguine has such smooth texture and awesome woody aroma, thanks to the truffle cream added. While my companion is not into mushroom and pasta, he loves this creation so much.

Ambience wise, this is really like that backyard cafe, being very rustic and casual. It is like the cool place to hang out at to enjoy good food and good company. Service is pretty okay, but the staff are very busy, so got to be proactive in getting their attention.

After the first visit to this cafe, I am so hyped about going back, while tagging my companion along this time, because the Pulled Pork and Avocado Eggs Benedict is so good and unique. Actually, the Bacon and Mushroom Truffle Cream Linguine mentioned above is tried on my second visit. Yes, this is the cafe that definitely worth checking out.

Thoughts: Wholesomely good

Nearest car park: Parallel parking along Simon Road

Nearest MRT: Kovan

5 Simon Road

Contact No: 62840349

Tamago-EN - Truly Unique Omelette

I had been wanting to check out Tamago-EN but the long queue makes it pretty impossible for me to do so. It’s only after I had finished my photoshoot session at Floral Fantasy, Gardens by the Bay that I realized I should give Tamago-EN a shot since I will be passing by Serangoon MRT anyway. It was a weekday afternoon, while there is no queue, the place is still pretty crowded. But I managed to get a seat at the counter.

The counter is where one can catch whiffs of the aroma of cooked egg. It sure raises my expectations of what is to come.

And the Tamago Kake Gohan, also known as Ultimate Egg Rice, does not disappoint. While the rice is a bit on the soggy side, thus losing that slightly chewy texture and starchy feel that I like, the egg and toppings are enough to make up for it. The raw egg from Okinawa, with its orange yolk—an indication of quality egg, is oh-so-good. The yolk has none of the slight smell of iron typically detected in most raw eggs. And the egg white is whipped to a fluffy cloud that serves to allow one’s tastebuds to explore new texture on savoury spectrum. Yes, it is worth it to specially go down to try the egg prepared in this unique way. And furikake—Japanese seasonings provided will add bursts of flavours to this ethereal puff of egg white.

I also like how we can choose the toppings of our preferences to be added to the Egg Rice. Since I always love negitoto, which is minced tuna belly, naturally I will opt to add in this topping. It is fresh, so this makes me a happy diner when tucking into the negitoro. Addition of avocado is highly recommended as it adds a rich creaminess to the egg rice while staying neutral in taste. In fact, it is hard to go wrong with adding avocado to anything. I also opt to add Chicken Tsukune—meatballs to be exact, as topping. Topped with savoury, tangy plum sauce, these fresh meatballs are very tasty.

Berry soufflé pancake is oh-so-good! The pancake is incredibly soft and fluffy. In fact, it is like a pancake cloud filled with the goodness of egg and just that tiny bit of flour to hold its shape. When paired with the cool whipped cream, it is a cloud of sweet gastronomic bliss.

Egg Pudding is silky smooth in texture and is full of eggy goodness, as expected from a place renowned for its eggs. Though I do wish there is more whipped cream at the top since the light creaminess and fluffy texture add a lot to the dessert.

So, will I go back? A definite YES, provided I do not need to queue.

Thoughts: Nice and Unique!

Nearest car park: Nex’s car park or URA open air car park or HDB multi-storey carpark nearby
Nearest MRT: Serangoon

23 Serangoon Central
#02-K5/K6 Nex