Shiberty Bakes [UPDATED] @ 46 Owen Road: Sugar-High on Thick Toasts, ChurroWaffles & Old-school Treats

If you haven’t already known, @Shiberty is a prominent baker slash blogger.

At a young age of 23, the opening of her own cafe under her name in April 2016 was an unexpected move because young bakers rarely do that – unless they are really successful right?

After You Bangkok’s Thick toasts have a special place in my heart and when I learned that Shiberty Bakes serves them in such an alluring manner, I had to come.

Nonetheless, 2 months was how long it took me to make the decision to visit due to the bad publicity created – they served melted ice cream during the first few days of its opening. What a turn-off that would be if it happened to me!

And so, I waited for review to turn positive before visiting. Also had a friend who dined there thrice in  2 months.

It SHOULD be good, right?

The cafe, however is located at Farrer Park – a secluded neighbourhood to me.

I was lost while navigating my way here and having a standee, or sign outside and a block number listed in Google Maps would benefit them.

We met here at 3pm for tea on a Saturday, and I was surprised that only two tables were occupied.

Selecting our food was a no-brainer because there’s only two of us who were craving for thick toasts. It was particularly amusing when we unanimously agreed on having the Matcha Shiberty Toast [$16] not long after browsing the menu.

You’re a true matcha lover when you choose Matcha over Rocher Toast; I was a bit torn between the two of them, but thought Rocher may be nothing special because most cafes serve this flavour, or with Nutella.

The ordering is done at the counter where several cupcakes, cakes and macarons are being displayed.

Our Matcha Shiberty Toast [$16] with cookies, white chocolate drizzle, green tea & vanilla ice cream arrived after our 20-minute chatter.

Taste: 3.5./5

This is my 5th thick toast in Singapore and my standards for thick toast is pretty high now. With edges that were crispy and easy to cut through, I’m glad to say that the quality of the toast is better than Dessert Project’s. It was also evenly buttered.

While saying that, it was sad when the middle part of the toast uncontrollably collapsed before even tucking in! This did not ever happen for four thick toast cafes I’ve been to so far.

Maybe the weather was too hot. Hmm…

Another downside was the artificial taste of the ice creams. Their matcha ice cream was on the sweeter side and the vanilla had a “cheap” taste – “like Wall’s” – commented by my friend.

One more thing that you would either love, or hate was the haphazard sprinkle of sweet treats on the side.

They include Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Cream candy bar, matcha roll wafers,  Pepero white chocolate sticks, matcha Kit Kats, and crushed peanuts.

I liked the fact that each was given in an even number so two of us wouldn’t have to fight for them hehe…

These snacks were definitely an interesting addition that is distinctive from the rest of the thick toasts in the market. The Hershey’s candy bar made me reminisce my primary school days, where I’d buy them in primary school whenever I was peckish after classes were over.

My company, on the other hand, was unfazed by these “junk” and wished that the toast is serve plain with the ice creams alone.

On another occasion, we came back for the iconic “Churro Waffle“ [$15].

I know, it already sounds larger than life.

It consists of cinnamon sugar, toffee lashings, chocolates, hazelnut & sea salt caramel ice cream. 

Taste: 3.5/5 

I have to give them credit for trying to be different, but it has a severe lack of cinnamon, which caused the entire dish to be rather bland alone. I joked that I would bring my own cinnamon powder and up the spice game.

Nonetheless, the ice cream quality has leapt by miles because it wasn’t cheap vanilla. While we were supposed to have the Hazelnut flavour, somehow it switched to Dark Chocolate – I’m not complaining though.

This waffle may be something worth trying if you are adventurous and a fan of sugary things and old school treats like chocolate wafers and biscuits!

The cafe also offers pretty macarons and *gasps* Pokeball cake!

BUNNY’S VERDICT:

I really returned for a second visit!

BUNNY RECOMMENDS: Shiberty Toast, Churro-Waffle

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RATING

Overall Taste:  3.5/5  A few hits and misses for the Matcha Shiberty Toast and Churro Waffles, which causes this dessert cafe to be labelled as “mediocre” under my cafe rankings.

The price tag of $16 is also quite high, considering that Dessert Project costed me $14.90 for better quality handcrafted ice creams. I reckon the ice creams here are not freshly made by the cafe. This was one big factor that may have compromised their taste.

Ambience: 4/5 The best ambience out of all the dessert cafes located in the heartlands that I’ve been to. Much effort has been put into the decor, like vases of flowers, and corners framed with calligraphy quotes. They are THE perfect back drop for your Instagram photos.

I had a problem with their toilet though because my experience was ruined by how there wasn’t any toilet paper and handwash left (a bit of an OCD freak here) and the toilet door was really tough to close.

Service: 3/5 Staff were generally all smiles, but they didn’t seem that genuine or eager to serve. Maybe because there is no service charge?

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Shiberty Bakes
46 Owen Road, #01-277, Singapore 210046 (Farrer Park MRT)
Opening Hours:
12pm – 9.30pm (Tues – Sun)
Closed on Mondays.
Facebook

Directions: 

• Cafe is near Pek Kio Market, if you’re familiar with it. Nearest MRT is Farrer Park station and it’d will be a 10-minute walk from there.
• Buses: 131, 141

Hopping out…
ANDREA THE #FOREVERHUNGRY BUNNY

Don’t be a stranger!
Stay connected with my munching journey on Instagram ❤

 

 

Non Entrée Desserts @ 204 Rangoon Road: MUST TRY Matcha Avalanche & Rubber Ducky Dessert

If lava cakes or atas-looking desserts rock your boat, you need to visit Non Entrée. They have been featured on INSIDER Food on their Facebook page and people have been flocking there for a taste of their world renowned Matcha Lava Cake!

Read on to find out why its so popular.

The facade of Non Entrée is unescapable while you drive or walk along Rangoon Road. The cafe is also next door to the famous Ng Ah Sio Bah Kut Teh, which most Singaporeans would be familiar with.

I just wish this cafe existed last time so that I could bring my family here after a potent bowl of hot peppery BKT.

The cafe is packed to the brim when we arrived and had to wait for at least 20 minutes on a Saturday afternoon. All diners have to be present before they give you a table.

Their Matcha Avalanche, the most popular item, is not listed on the menu, but on the counter. The cafe also serves cakes but I think their quality look subpar to professional pâtisseries.

As it was my friend’s birthday, I had a brilliant idea of having the Matcha Avalanche as his birthday cake!

Definitely the most unique birthday cake to remember… And right after blowing the candle, we couldn’t wait to do THE deed – slicing it open!

#DATDRIP

We’ve done it!!! Without any mess like what other people had! Phew.

Matcha Avalanche [$13.90+] with chocolate soil, crunchy almond nougatine & roasted green tea gelato.

Taste: 4.2/5

I’ve had my fair share of lava cakes, but none of them being presented this way. So needless to say, all of us were impressed with how this ingenious concept actually worked.  It’s really satisfying while witnessing the velvety matcha lava cream dripping out into the cup.

Everyone was literally saying “ahhhh” when we witnessed the birthday boy prying the lava cake open and leaked matcha elixir. And then he smashed the cake right into the cup.

No wastage at all.

Matcha lovers out there would be pleased to know that the matcha used for this cake is LEGIT. It had the hint of bitterness that we anticipated.

There was even a matcha powder on the cake itself, so there you go…

THE ULTIMATE LAVA CAKE ALL MATCHA FANS SHOULD TRY! So awesome that we were fighting till the end for a piece of it.

That one thing I was disappointed was how the roasted green tea gelato tasted flat and nothing like matcha. I was confused. It was very mild and I savoured more of the chocolate from the chocolate soil, which seems like grounded Oreo biscuits.

Overall, the matcha taste is there, but perhaps vanilla ice cream would be a better choice, along with some red azuki beans perhaps?

Next up is our cute little Rubber Ducky [$12.90]! 

I saw this on Instagram and knew I had to have it. I personally played with rubber duckies when I was young.

Now I get to eat it. Life is good eh?

From the menu, it is described as “Crème fraiche pudding, fresh mango purée, sago pearls, exotic sorbet sat atop a lemongrass cloud”.

Sorry for interrupting your bath or defacing you while you melt… but you were tasty!

Taste: 3.8/5

So cute that the ducky had foam on its head, as if it is taking a bath itself and we are intruding on its privacy. Oops. Anyone would be fooled by its aesthetics and think its inedible.

To be honest, I thought the dessert would be rather simple with gelato and some foam at the bottom. However, as I began digging for the sorbet, the chefs proved me wrong.

I discovered large sago pearls and mango puree lined at the bottom of the bowl! Surprises!

There was even more to come when we found egg custard – part of the duck to hold the sorbet in shape I reckon – even when we were almost done with it.

While previous reviewers may call it the “best dessert ever”,  I wouldn’t go to that extent.

It reminds me of a superior version of the traditional Chinese dessert – Mango Sago, but less watery and the sago pearls were a tad too big for my liking. Furthermore, the mango flavour became overpowering towards the end and we were reaching out for water to cleanse our palate.

On the side note, I spotted Mama Lemon at my office washroom the next day and I found out that the dessert smelt exactly like it. Not sure if it is a good or bad thing (LOL), but you need to give this a try if you fancy mangoes or mango-flavoured food.

It consists multiple layers of surprises that will provide you an amazing sensory experience.

Keep the innovative desserts coming in, Non Entrée!

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BUNNY’S VERDICT:

YES! Best for chilling in groups of 4 or less.

BUNNY RECOMMENDS: Matcha Avalanche, Rubber Ducky

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RATING

Overall Taste: 4/5 Can’t believe it took me so long to visit Non-Entree! And I just can’t wait to be back for more spectacular desserts. They are so Instagram-worthy and taste great as well. Did I mention that most of their desserts are less than $15? Prices are subjected to Service Charge only.

They are definitely a breath of fresh air from waffles or thick toasts.

Ambience: 4/5 A tad too noisy because it was packed with people, but the decor was on-point. Loved the industrial and contemporary mix of decor such as the pop of bright yellow, vintage chandelier in the middle of the cafe. We were able to hold proper conversations as seats were not too close to our neighbours.

Service: 4/5 Friendly, desserts were served rather fast, and the staff did not chase us out even though we were chatting after our meal. I would like to commend them for this.

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Non Entrée Desserts
204 Rangoon Road, Singapore 218451 (Farrer Park MRT)
Phone: 9878 6543
2pm – 10pm (Tuesday -Thursday),
2pm – 11pm (Fri),
12pm – 11pm (Sat)
12pm – 10pm (Sun), Closed on Mondays
https://www.facebook.com/nonentreedesserts

Directions: 

• Nearest MRT station: 10-minute walk from Farrer Park (NE), Exit B along Rangoon Road.
• Street Carpark available opposite, but limited lots.

Hopping out…
ANDREA THE #FOREVERHUNGRY BUNNY

DON’T BE A STRANGER!
FOR MORE HONEST REVIEWS, FOLLOW MY MUNCHING JOURNEY ON INSTAGRAM ❤

 

 

The Populus Coffee and Food Co. @146 Neil Road Review: Popular Cafe on Instagram, Subpar Pretty Food

Word says that this cafe… oh wait, there’s no word about the launch of this cafe in December – except for a few reputable food bloggers blogging about it.

Posts generated from their social media accounts are minimal. And yet, they have a sizeable following (more than a thousand followers on Instagram in less than a month!) and numerous pictures of their sundaes served in iconic sepia-toned glassware trending on Instagram.

Could this be an indication of a #hipster cafe, where only curious insiders and foodie Insta-sniffers like me know about this cafe?

And so, I knew I had to check this mysterious cafe. Opportunity arose when they were taking reservations during the Christmas period – I could secure a table without waiting long hours in the sweltering heat. Thank goodness!

Arrived here at 12.30pm on a Saturday. While outside looked serene, I was obviously fooled; inside was bustling with diners once I opened the door. It was no different from a wet market – except that it’s being filled with youngsters and middle aged parents with their children in arms. This is most likely due to the festive period where friends and family hold their mini gatherings here.

Thankfully, I was seated immediately directly in front of the entrance by a young male waiter. He then gave me a huge glass bottle of water and menu not long after. Since not many cafes in Singapore are this swift at these two steps (the wonderful service in Australia has spoiled me too much), “impressive” is one word that came to my mind.

I was eyeing on the Ricotta & Herb Bread Pudding and Buckwheat Pancakes…

And my eyes drifted towards their sundaes…

In the end, I let my company decide because I might raid the whole cafe hehehe. We opted for two dishes to share. Orders are taken at the counter.

Here’s a quick shot of their fridge: nothing eye-catching.

Buckwheat Pancakes with Berry fruit compote, cornflake crumb, passionfruit curd & thyme infused maple syrup [$20].

The pancake was served with a cute (but un-photogenic) rubber glove for the iron pan.

Despite the cafe being full house, the pancake did not take too long to emerge from the kitchen, and this choice seems to be a good one. Besides its beautiful presentation, it is healthy as well.

Just take a look at the cross-section; thick and fluffy air holes filled with small dark specks of buckwheat! Ooh! #PancakePorn

Taste: 3.5/5

Although I would like to rate it higher because of its fluffiness and usage of buckwheat as a healthier option as opposed to white flour, we felt like we were suffering in the desert heat halfway through. The pancake was unfortunately TOO THICK! Got boring after a few bites. There was also not enough berry compote or maple syrup to last the pancake.

I have eaten over 10 different kinds of pretty pancakes in Australia and some were not dry at all. To counter this problem, perhaps they could separate the batter and make two pancakes instead? And line the bottom and in-between pancakes with fruits and more compote. A more indulgent addition is a scoop of vanilla/hipster-sounding ice cream! Warm carbs and cold ice cream are just a match made in heaven that I absolutely ADORE.

And here is the star attraction. Probably the most Instagrammed dish out of their menu!

Dark Chocolate Sundae with Passion fruit curd, raspberry puree, hazelnut crumb, chocolate crumb, honeycomb & whipped cream [$14].

Taste: 4/5

It is basically an edible brown mountain with layers and layers of surprises hidden underneath. Every spoonful you get is something new as you reach towards the bottom. It was quite fun to eat!

While eating halfway, we were bummed by how creamy the soft serve is. It did not melt even though we have left it alone for ten whole minutes. As it is quite rich and filling, I suggest sharing this amongst 2-3 people! Otherwise, it does have the legitimate bittersweet taste of the dark chocolate.

Seen above is the fate of the leftover pancake; we transferred some soft serve to finish our last bit that lacked sauce.

BUNNY’S VERDICT:

This is one of those cafes that I might or might not visit again because the food was a hit and miss. Definitely overrated by food bloggers and influencers.

However, if I do visit, it would be for another flavour of their sundaes because it is awesome for photos, and rather innovative for the tastebuds. The rest of the menu does not look that appealing to me as well. Pulled pork bowl is really cheap and easy to make 😉

Similarly, the pancakes were not worth the 20-dollar price tag. I’ve actually been wanting to make my own buckwheat pancakes; I’ve bought a big bag of flour a few months ago, but did not have the time to make them. I may try to do it soon!

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RATING:

Overall Taste: 3.75/5 I recommend their unique, yet decadent Dark Chocolate Sundae.

Ambience: 3/5 I was unfortunately seated directly in front of the door, leaving left me with little to be impressed by. It was only the pentagon-shaped tiles that was interesting. Decor seems to be nicer inside the cafe.

Service: 4/5 Efficient and quick at bringing out the goods.

The Populus Coffee & Food Co.
Address: 146 Neil Road Singapore 088875
Opening Hours:
9am – 7pm (Mon, Wed),
9am – 10:30pm (Thurs – Fri),
9:30am – 10:30pm (Sat),
9:30am – 7pm (Sun), Closed on Tuesdays.

Hopping out…

ANDREA THE #FOREVERHUNGRY BUNNY