I always find myself craving creamy soups, charcuterie (with lots of cheese), and freshly baked bread whenever the festive season rolls around. That’s right — it’s the best time to enjoy European cuisine.
If you too are hankering for hearty French fare, but without the premium price tag, here’s an accessible and relatively affordable option in the form of Alkove Bistro in Kovan.
Located in a “quiet corner within a bustling neighbourhood” at the unit formerly occupied by Ice Edge Cafe, Alkove Bistro boasts clean, modern, and vibrant interiors. The space is airy and brightly lit, sure to be a hit with those who usually let their cameras eat first (AKA me).
Helmed by Chef Haikal Johari of one-Michelin-starred Alma by Juan Amador, the cafe showcases a carefully curated menu that delivers a fresh take on French-inspired classics.
Out of the sizeable selection of entrées, tartines (sandwiches), salads, and soups on the menu, you may be familiar with the Croque Monsieur (S$17.90) and the French Onion Gratinée (S$12.90) — both equally hearty and comforting. There’s even the Alkove Charcuterie Board (from S$17) for those who want to get into the festive spirit.
More substantial mains include the Chicken Vin Blanc (S$27.90), free-range bone-in chicken leg with tarragon, maitake mushroom, and egg pasta, and the Japanese œufs à la coque (S$19.90), a brunch staple of soft-boiled eggs atop ciabatta and Bayonne ham with hollandaise sauce.
Satiate your sweet tooth with the “Le Dessert” section of the menu; we recommend both the Île Flottante / Floating Island (S$12.50), comprising mango, passionfruit, and cream Anglaise, as well as the decadent Valrhona Terrine (S$14.50), that’s topped with house-made pistachio gelato.
If you can never get enough of French confectionery (and want to take home a little something special), choose from a selection of Viennoiserie, Gâteaux (cakes), Sables, (French shortbread cookies), and Pain (bread), fresh out from the bakery.
Highlights include the Swiss Roll with Maple Chantilly (from S$5.20), Baklava Croissant (S$5.90), and the Fourme d’Ambert (S$6.90), a sublime-sounding combination of focaccia, burrata, and honey.
You can also find plenty of dainty bite-sized desserts (mignardise) like Gula Melaka Canelé (from S$3), Financiers (from S$2.50), and Yuzu Madeleine (from S$2.50), that are best paired with a coffee or hot tea.
All things considered, Alkove Bistro encourages diners to embody the French art of living — appreciating not just the finer things in life, but also the everyday.
Ready to be transported to France in the heart of Kovan?
Alkove Bistro
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???? 2 Kovan Road, #01-10 Simon Plaza, Singapore 548008
???? 8am–6pm (Wed to Mon), Closed on Tue
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I'm always feelin' either boozy or boujee ✨