Homemade Garlic Butter
4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalVernacular Coffee, nestled along Guillemard Road, emerges as a charming spot catering to both coffee aficionados and pastry enthusiasts. It breathes fresh life into the historic 100 Guillemard Road, once home to the Former Singapore Badminton Hall and formerly occupied by Brawn & Brains Coffee.
Accessible via the Mountbatten MRT station on the Circle Line (CC7), the café boasts an interior adorned with deep green tones, evoking a tranquil ambience reminiscent of a cosy library, albeit occasionally punctuated by nearby renovation noises.
The highlight of Vernacular Coffee undoubtedly lies in its extensive selection of single-origin coffee beans, a departure from the norm found in many Singaporean cafes. Offering a diverse range of eight varieties primarily from Southeast Asian countries, sourced either from in-house roasting or Humble Origins in Joo Chiat, the café resembles those found in Bangkok.
Among the offerings, I opted for the Mae Sual from Chiang Rai, Thailand, drawn to its chocolatey undertones. This semi-washed coffee delivered a harmonious blend of red tea and chocolate notes, offering richness with a nuanced complexity. Similarly, the Kintamani from Bali provided a fruity twist with its natural hints of dried fig, banana, and cacao.
For a sweet accompaniment, Vernacular Coffee offers a selection of pastries baked in-house, ranging from classic options like Breakfast Danish and Fruit Danish to more unconventional treats like Ice Cream Sandwiches. I indulged in the Butter Chicken & Sour Cream ($6), relishing its delightful blend of spicy and creamy flavours enveloped in soft, buttery dough. Overall, a satisfying experience.
Despite the overall positive experience, it’s worth noting a patience-testing delay during my visit, with a wait time for coffee stretching to about 45 minutes. Understandably, as Vernacular Coffee was newly opened, such hiccups are expected during the initial phase. Despite these opening phase challenges, the cafe’s commitment to quality coffee and its inviting ambience still make it a worthwhile stop for anyone in the Guillemard area.
Vernacular Coffee
Address: 100 Guillemard Road #01-02, Singapore 399718
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 5:30pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon
Cafe FuFu in Lengkok Bahru is an unexpected gem, bringing wood-fired pizzas to a neighbourhood not typically associated with such fare. Despite its unassuming location, the café surprises patrons with its cosy ambiance and a menu featuring pizzas, flatbreads, pasta, small bites, and desserts.
The focal point of the café is its Gozney oven, imported from Italy and fueled by Australian firewood, which churns out delectable wood-fired dishes. The menu highlights various pizza options, including the intriguingly named Pizza Fufu, which boasts a fusion of Asian flavours with ingredients like peeled prawns and coriander pesto.
There are choices ranging from Margherita ($20), Pizza Salami ($24), Pizza Fufu ($28), Puttanesca ($24), Hawaiian ($28), Wild Mushroom ($28), to Smoked Salmon Tartare ($30).
While the prices may be a tad higher than typical neighbourhood joints, the quality of the food and the expertise behind it justify the cost. Opting for a flatbread version of the Pizza Fufu showcases the oven’s prowess, delivering a crispy yet slightly chewy base that enhances the flavors of the toppings.flavours
Cafe FuFu’s decision to establish itself in the quieter Lengkok Bahru area speaks to its boldness and ambition. With some minor adjustments, this venture has the potential to become a beloved culinary destination, adding a unique flavour to the neighbourhood’s dining scene.
Cafe FuFu
Address: 63B Lengkok Bahru, #01-362, Singapore 152063
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm (Tues – Fri), 9am – 9pm (Sat), 9am – 4pm (Sun), Closed Mon
This uncomplicated vegetarian quiche recipe is a breeze to whip up, with no need for a finicky crust! Packed with delightful wild mushrooms and rich Gruyère cheese, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or paired with a light salad for a satisfying lunch.
Craving a culinary escape that’s both comforting and elegant? Look no further than this divine Spinach & Mushroom Quiche! With its flaky crust, velvety custard, and the earthy embrace of spinach and mushrooms, this dish is a symphony of flavours that will captivate your senses and leave you yearning for more. Let’s dive into the magic of creating this masterpiece!
To craft this delectable Spinach & Mushroom Quiche, begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, in a skillet over medium heat, sauté finely chopped sweet onions until translucent, followed by adding sliced sweet wild mushrooms and cooking until golden brown.
Incorporate roughly chopped thawed and squeezed dry frozen spinach into the skillet until wilted, seasoning the mixture with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg for added warmth. Next, spread this flavorful vegetable medley evenly over the base of a prepared pie crust, either pre-made or homemade. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and half-and-half until well combined, then stir in shredded Gruyère cheese.
Pour this luscious custard mixture over the vegetables in the pie crust. Bake the quiche in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. Allow the quiche to cool slightly before slicing and serving warm or at room temperature. This fuss-free recipe promises a delightful union of flavors that will surely please your palate!
Don’t Have a Sweet Onion? Can a Regular Onion be Substituted? Sweet onions, like Vidalia onions, offer a milder, sweeter flavour compared to regular onions due to their high water content and low sulfur levels. While sweet onions are ideal, you can easily swap them out for a white or yellow onion in this recipe since they mellow out when cooked.
Can Frozen Spinach Replace Fresh? Absolutely! Frozen spinach works well as a substitute for fresh, provided it’s thawed and thoroughly squeezed dry. To prevent a watery quiche, ensure any veggies—frozen or fresh—are either pre-cooked or drained of excess moisture before mixing them into the custard.
Substituting Whole Milk for Half-and-Half Certainly! Using whole milk instead of half-and-half will yield a slightly less creamy texture, but it won’t compromise the flavour of the quiche.
With its enticing aroma wafting from the oven and its irresistible allure, this Spinach & Mushroom Quiche is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Whether served as a brunch centrepiece, a light lunch, or a cosy dinner alongside a crisp salad, it promises to enchant your taste buds with every bite. Bon appétit!
xoxo, Joe
1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade, if you’re feeling adventurous)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 ½ cups mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
4 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheese (Gruyere or Swiss work wonderfully)
Salt and pepper to taste
Pinch of nutmeg (optional, but adds a delightful warmth)
Nestled within the Potong Pasir vicinity of Singapore, Fluid Collective emerges as the latest haven for speciality coffee enthusiasts. Situated at 24 Opal Crescent, just a stone’s throw away from Serangoon Road, this gem may seem unlikely amidst its surroundings of pet shops. However, its unexpected location only adds to its charm, drawing curious coffee lovers seeking a unique experience.
Crafted by the masterminds behind Double Up Coffee on Jalan Klapa, Fluid Collective is poised to attract a loyal following, potentially even among their existing clientele. Stepping into the café reveals a refreshing open concept, with seating arrangements reminiscent of an outdoor expedition combined with the pleasures of gourmet coffee indulgence.
The ambience exudes a laid-back vibe, with camping chairs and stools strategically placed to encourage relaxation and conversation. Adding to the allure is a graceful light fixture hanging over the coffee counter, casting a warm glow that enhances the overall atmosphere.
Despite its unassuming appearance, Fluid Collective’s menu packs a punch with a carefully curated selection of offerings. Choose from classic favourites like Black ($5) or White ($6), or opt for the indulgent Chocolate ($7). For those craving a chilled beverage or preferring non-dairy options, Iced and Oat variations are available for just a dollar extra.
When it comes to beans, Fluid Collective prides itself on quality and variety. Currently showcasing “Halo Hartume,” an Ethiopian-washed coffee, patrons are treated to a flavour journey characterized by brightness and sweetness, with delightful notes of berries and peach dancing on the palate. Meanwhile, the Filter coffee boasts beans sourced from “Ader Recinos” of Guatemala, known for its meticulous washing process that ensures a consistent fermentation rate and a nuanced flavour profile free from overpowering fruity undertones.
Fluid Collective welcomes guests from 8 am to 4 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 4 pm on weekends, beckoning those seeking a coffee experience that transcends the ordinary. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or a curious newcomer, a visit to Fluid Collective promises a journey of taste and discovery that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
Fluid Collective
Address: 24 Opal Crescent, Singapore 328418
Opening Hours: 8 am to 4 pm (Weekdays), 9 am to 4 pm (Weekends)