Every time I make my way towards Clarke Quay (along River Valley Road), Five & Dime stands out from the row of shop houses with its white painted walls. And thus, I decided to check the place out with my family. And it’s because my parents are with me that, even though we were to reach Five & Dime at 10.20am, I made a reservation just 30 minutes before arrival through WhatsApp (Yes! It’s amazing they accept reservation through WhatsApp).

We drove and it’s good to know that there’s a small, open-air carpark for Five & Dime patrons. Enter through the red metal gate which is just beside Five & Dime.

And at 10.20am, the place was almost full! There were 4 empty tables left. Of which 1 was reserved for us. Keke. And I must say, the place gives out a very relaxed and comfortable vibe despite all the (scary) Halloween decorations. Ha.

And from the menu, my family and I ordered:-

1) Fruit salad, $8 (above) – This would be our biggest mistake in ordering. In fact, for the good for everyone else, this simple dish should considered to be removed from the menu. If not, at least a little more effort in dressing the dish up? We’ll then be more willingly to part with our money.

2) Waffles, $15 (above) – I was a little surprised to see only 1 piece of waffle. I expected at least 2 pieces for the price we were paying, but one may argue that the 1 piece served is longer than the typical size. But that aside, the waffle did not disappoint, though not the best.

3) Spinach Tamago, $16 (above) – Had it not been for Dad, I’ll have missed out on this delicious dish. Five & Dime’s Japanese-inspired take on eggs florentine with sautéed spinach wrapped within. I like that they wrapped the spinach within so that the bread which the egg is sitting on does not become soggy. The omlette was spongy and sweet. Nice.

4) Big Brekkie, $22 (above) – Scrambled egg was the option on how the egg was to be done, and it was moist and yummy. Thumbs up for the generous portion.

5) Fish & Chips, $20 (above) – A must try! The batter was thin and crispy, while the fish within was fresh and juicy. And the battered fish being medium sized made it easy to eat with hands! Applause for ketchup being served too (I prefer ketchup over chill sauce. Haha). But the hand cut fries did not impress. The batter did not wrap the fries as ‘tightly’ as it did with the fish.

6) Café latte, $6 (above)

Overall, I enjoyed our brunch. The café was bustling with people, yet it was not too noisy for us to have our own conversations. Food was good, but it was the good service that left a deeper impression.

We were in a half-awake half-asleep state when we stepped into the eatery (cause I mistakeningly got my family to get ready by 8.30am. Haha), and it was the energy of the staff that ‘woke’ us up. The staff are polite and approachable, but it is the energy within them that is really contagious. In a good way of course! And they are really efficient too. I noticed every time someone steps in, a staff will almost immediately go up to them. Cups which were only half full were topped up efficiently while our empty plates were cleared promptly. Thumbs up for good service!

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