CHOUPINETTE
#01-01, 607 BUKIT TIMAH ROAD,
TEL: 6466-0613. OPEN TUE-FRI, 9AM-8PM; SAT, 8AM-8PM; SUN, 8AM-6PM; CLOSED ON MON
THE CAFE It’s hard not to fall in love with this 30-seater Parisian-style cafe-bakery with its custom-made wooden tables, sheer white drapes and unique decorative pieces. There’s a genuine French-ness about Choupinette (which means sweetie pie in French), and it’s not just the romantic decor. Owner and interior designer Agnes Verrier, together with a baker friend, set up the cafe eight years ago using recipes she inherited from her grandfather, a chef in France. Getting a table on weekends is a challenge, as it’s popular with couples and young families.
THE FOOD You’ll find a tasty variety of toasted and cold sandwiches, soups and salads. Bread and French pastry fans will love their variety of freshly baked bread. Prices range from $2.90 for a Prune Danish to $7.80 for a loaf of Olive and Herbs Bread. We love the nine brunch sets, all beautifully plated: popular ones include Eggs Royal’s ($21+), Eggs Florentine ($20+) and The English Coq ($18+), which are only available till 5pm.
MUST TRY Eggs Benedict’s ($20+). Two perfectly poached eggs and ham on toast smothered in a buttery hollandaise sauce.
THE CAFE There’s a quaintness about its decor that’s characteristic of European cafes – bespoke stacked wood furnishings, a wide wall-mounted chalkboard menu and hanging light bulbs. Owners Jane Hia and Ahmad Hidayat, who opened the cafe in April this year, run the eatery with a down-to-earth approach, keeping the menu and service personal. Patrons are mainly residents in the neighbourhood and their friends. The small cafe can accommodate 20 people indoors and 15 outdoors.
THE FOOD Expect new items in the all-day breakfast menu. Trained barista Ahmad selected a locally roasted coffee blend for aromatic house brews like the Long Black ($3.80) and Latte ($3.80). Pair it with toasties or fresh bread and homemade strawberry jam. The kids will love the Pancakes with French Vanilla Ice Cream ($6.50). Popular takeaways include the Japanese ice cream ($6.50) and ice cream blended milkshakes ($6.50).
MUST TRY Big Breakfast ($14), with bacon, smoked bratwurst, scrambled eggs, tomatoes, toast and jam.
