Cafe Galore: 10 Mouthwatering cafes you have to hit up in the Katong area

Lim Han 24 Apr 2017 updated the 25 April 2017 à 12:48

1/10
LAAF Coffee & Bistro
Thought your dining dilemma was over after settling for this cosy eatery? Wrong. You’ll be even more overwhelmed with the array of fusion food offered here at LAAF. From creamy carbonara to tender Hainanese chicken chops, every dish will be vying for your attention. If you’re feeling parched, you can happily quench your thirst over here with their freshly-made juice concoctions, or ice-cold mocktails if you’re up for something fancier.

37 East Coast Rd

Photo: LAAF Facebook
2/10
BERGS
Who doesn’t adore a classic burger, consisting of a bulging juicy patty draped with melting mozzarella smothered between crispy golden buns? That’s exactly what you can expect at Bergs - and more. Be sure to give their Berg With Cheese a go - you’ll be given the luxury of adorning your patty with either Cheddar, Swiss or the controversial Blue Cheese. For hungry gourmands, indulge your tastebuds in The BFB, which entails double prime beef patties, streaky bacon, egg and other delightful toppings. Too many calories? Totally worth it.

45 East Coast Rd

Photo: @grabzsg
3/10
Penny University
Impeccable brunch fare at wallet-friendly prices? Pinch yourself as much as you want, Penny University isn’t going anywhere. Snuggled amongst other shops along the rustic East Coast Road, this unassuming artisanal cafe prides itself on its morning grub and delightful bites. Kick start your day with their perfectly poached Eggs Benedict glazed with a decadent silky Hollandaise sauce, along with a cup of their freshly brewed cuppa. At Penny University, expect the quintessential morning of mingling over hearty fare in a cosy ambience.

402 East Coast Rd

Photo: @sskinnn
4/10
The Laneway Market
Take one look at their interior and you know you’ve come to the right place. A harmony of baby’s breath bundles, minimalistic white-bricked counters and dangling lamps, the interior of Laneway Market encapsulates every hipster’s dream room. Except, it’s even better – nosh is involved. Tantalise your tastebuds with their decadent Pulled Pork Burger paired with delicious sides like truffle fries, or their exquisite Dashi Risotto blanketed in crisp golden mushrooms. Did we mention they have a smashing 1-for-1 promotion for all their mains every Thursday?

266 Tanjong Katong Rd

Photo: @cxueeer
5/10
Rabbit Carrot Gun
Trying to make sense of its name? Don’t waste your time, we’ve tried. One thing that won’t waste your time, though, is heading down to this eatery for some delicious hearty Western grub. You’ll be instantly drawn to the shadowy charm of the interior, replete with wall painting and vintage flooring. Fall in love with their wholesome Chicken Caesar Salad or their magnificent Beef Wellington, both vowing to leave you slumped and speechless in your chair.

49 East Coast Rd

Photo: Rabbit Carrot Gun
6/10
Carvers & Co.
Trust us, this is a name you’ll want to carve onto your list of treasure-find-cafes. This upscale spot offers stunning dishes that would seamlessly blend into the menu of a fine dining restaurant. Using top-grade, high-quality meat bathed in carefully crafted sauces, their Cola Pork Ribs will blow you out of the water with its melt-in-your-mouth sensation. For pork-lovers, indulge in their Red Wine Pulled Pork pasta tossed in rich flavours and the perfect seasoning. End your meal with a blast with their phenomenal Crack Pie, a gooey caramel dessert which clearly promises to be addictive.

43 East Coast Rd

Photo: @hazygal
7/10
Blue Elephant
Is your stomach screaming for some spice? Then, shut it up with some fiery Thai cuisine from Blue Elephant! Whether it's vibrantly enticing pad thais or classic mango sticky rice, you can bet Blue Elephant can take care of all of that. Don’t miss out on their Red Tom Yum Soup and their Silver Dory topped with Tamarind Sauce and Basil Crisps. With their dishes tasting like they were scooped straight out of the street-side woks of Thailand, it doesn’t get more authentic than this.

19 East Coast Rd

Photo: Twopigsfly Kitchen & Bar Facebook
8/10
Brownice
Don’t worry vegans, you haven’t slipped our minds. Sitting humbly opposite Roxy Square is a gastronomical gem that’s stolen the hearts of both vegans and non-vegans alike. Brownice dishes out pizzas and pastas so delicious, they’ll make you forget you’re giving up the meat and dairy. The real star of the show, though, is its Ice Cream Cafe which offers unbelievably rich and creamy ice cream in a plethora of flavours such as Black Sesame, Hazelnut and Earl Grey. Pair that with some crispy golden waffles and behold, the most magnificent feast for the eyes and mouth.

53 East Coast Rd

Photo: @dumplingmumplings
9/10
Alibabar The Hawker Bar
Nestled along the cosy streets of East Coast Road, Alibabar adeptly melds the groovy laidback atmosphere of a bar with the modest rustic ambience of an old hawker centre. This hawker bar dishes out quality (albeit slightly pricier) local and Western fare, graciously granting you the best of both worlds. With such diverse cuisines on the extreme ends of the spectrum, your tastebuds will be having the time of their lives. Don’t leave this place without getting a bite of their Satay Sticks, grilled to perfection, or their incredibly flavoursome Char Kway Teow, perfectly charred in the wok.

125 East Coast Rd

Photo: @onesmallbabystep
10/10
Ninethirty by Awfully Chocolate
Awfully Chocolate knows their desserts, no argument there. As if that wasn’t enough, they’ve broadened their horizons and even mastered the art of savouries. Taste their expertise for yourself at Ninethirty, which serves up a delightful mix of piquant flavours and saccharine tastes. As for desserts, they’re bringing to the table only the best. Lavish your tastebuds with their hearty breakfast platter, The Works, or their al dente Prawn Crab Meat and Basil Aglio Olio.

131 East Coast Rd

Photo: Ninethirty by Awfully Chocolate Facebook

If you’ve never been to the Katong area, are you even a cafe hopper?

Katong – what was once a wealthy waterfront suburb has now been transformed into a discordant landscape of furbished shopping malls and dilapidated shophouses. The blend of contemporary infrastructure with local heritage creates an alluring nostalgic feel, making it the perfect spot for a languid afternoon exploration. But, what’s an exploration without some nosh, right? If you’re hunting for the perfect place to quash your hunger pangs while wandering the rustic streets of Katong, you’ve basically won the lottery. This charming area is overflowing with a myriad of cafes, from indie-themed coffee houses to upscale dessert bars. You’ll be spoilt for choice, making a second trip back absolutely mandatory.

But to ease your gastronomical dilemma, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best cafes with the heartiest grub and the most delicious atmosphere in this beloved estate. Head over to our gallery and get ready for a feast for the eyes and stomach!

Lim Han

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