One would probably be familiar by now of what I look out for in cafés before I decide to check them out. Trying not to sound like a broken record, but I’ve stopped keeping up with the café scene. Are there still many new cafes popping up? o_O Lost touch there le… Haha.

But yes, my first criteria is aesthestic. Yes. Aesthetics. Let’s be honest. These days, the food served by most cafes are almost the same. Maybe some will throw in a signature dish or an instagram-worthy dish to attract customers. But really, the food is almost the same. And so, the ambience of the café plays a determining factor if it’s worth to make a trip for.

I was doing the usual looking-at-drool-worthy-food-pictures-on-instagram when I chanced upon pictures of fluffy looking donuts. With a few more clicks and I was on the feed with pictures (shared) of Punch. And I was immediately drawn to their courtyard. It was gorgeous!

My friends and I were to meet the following weekend for grilled meat at a bistro which I walked past the previous weekend. But I immediately texted them to say, “Change of plan. Let’s go café. Punch!” Haha.

I doubt Punch takes reservation as neither their Facebook page nor website stated a contact number. But since my friends and I were meeting at 10.30am, we figured it would be safe enough to walk in without having to queue. And on the day of arrival, we managed to secure a table as soon as we reached the cafe.

And I really liked what was done to the space. White-washed walls, full height shop-front glass that allowed for maximum natural sunlight, and overall look softened with white translucent curtains.

And the courtyard did not disappoint. However, with only 2 benches and some stools (doubled up as tables), the court yard was not exactly designed for alfresco dining. Instead, it’s more for one to have a quick drink (from the brew bar).

And from the brunch menu, we ordered:-

1) Earl grey pancakes, $15 (above) – White chocolate macadamia crumble & poached pear. And it’s of no surprise that the crumble was tasty. I mean… There’s white chocolate! Pancake was fluffy and moist with a very faint hint of earl grey. One could spot the specks of earl grey tea leaves within the batter. Pear was poached beautifully, although I didn’t think the pairing of pear and pancake went well. But an enjoyable dish, nonetheless.

2) Weekender eggs, $19 (above) – Smoked salmon, poached eggs, brioche, hollandaise, ikura.

3) Poached eggs with avocado, $13 (above) – Mashed avocado on sourdough & burnt lemon. I’ll be really honest. This was ordered because there’s nothing else to order as the selection on the menu was pretty small. I mean, how hard can it be to throw together avocado and egg on bread. But having said that, I have to give it to them for baking their own bread. I happened to witness the staff taking out the sourdough, and his eyes were beaming with pride and excitement as he examined the loaf to find the best way to slice it. And being a baker myself (yes, of all baked items, baking bread is my favourite), I know it’s not easy baking bread. And their sourdough was beautifully porous with a mild sour taste. However, they grilled the bread a little too long as it was charred which left a bitter aftertaste.

  

4) Banana porridge, $12 (above) – Bruleed sliced banana on creamy oatmeal. A healthy option of rich, thick and hearty oat porridge. Again, this is something which could be easily pulled off at home. If one has the patience to stand by the stove and to stir it continuously, that is. However, I give them credit for bothering to further dress it up with banana that’s caramelised with a kitchen torch. I won’t say the cold milk, served at the side, is to lower the temperature of the warm porridge. But rather, if one prefers the porridge to be runnier, that’s what the milk is for. So no, it’s not necessary to add the whole bottle of milk.

5) Tiramisu, $12 (above) – We didn’t really like this. It was overly-soaked such that I just needed to swallow. No chewing required. o_O

6) Brownie biscuit, $5 (above) – With espresso buttercream sandwiched between, the texture of the biscuit was pretty good. With a crumbly exterior, and fudge-y within just like a brownie. However, it was a little overwhelming as it was pretty sweet. Do order to share, and have lots of water with it too.

7) Pineapple slushie, $8 (above) – Pineapple, mint, basil, coconut water.

8) Hot chocolate, $6 (above)

9) Latte, $5.50 (above)

For someone who prepares my own meal, I could somewhat replicate the dishes that’s offered on their brunch menu. And for someone who has been preparing breakfast for my colleagues (where we would spilt the cost), I also know for the very few and simple ingredients used for each dish, the dishes are pretty expensive. But despite all that, I had gone back to Punch after my first visit cause I really like the vibe of the café.

I won’t recommend making a trip to Punch specially for their food although their pancake was commendable. Instead, Punch makes an ideal spot to spend some ‘me time’. Come on Sunday mornings when it’s less crowded (as compared to Saturdays). Take the counter seat or sit at the high table. That’s what I did when I returned for my second visit, en route to Tiong Bahru for my weekly grocery shopping.

However, do note that they have different weekday menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

And what happened to the fluffy doughnuts which got me noticing Punch? Unfortunately, they have since taken that (along with the fried chicken) out of the menu as the smell was stinking up the place. But I was told they are looking at bringing new items onto the menu. So who knows what fluffier items will be baked or made for us to enjoy. =)

Related posts:

Brunch @ Paddy Hills Brunch @ Halia Brunch @ Drury Lane Brunch @ The Study Brunch @ The Populus Cafe