I could go on and on about Joo Chiat, the charming enclave filled with all sorts of unique dining options, indie stores, and heritage spots. The cafe scene, in particular, is boomin’, which is why there’ll always be exciting and eclectic spots like Bites & Brews sprouting up.
Hailing from Shanghai, China, the 60-seater cafe and restaurant may be a bit of a hassle to get to, but step right in and you’ll feel like you’re not in Singapore.
Seriously, the rustic, resort-like interior is really, really eye-catching, with intricate Peranakan-inspired tiles, upcycled wooden furnishings, and botanical accents. Every little detail, from the floral-engraved water jugs to the one-of-a-kind vintage lamps, add to its charm.
There are more indoor seats, but the pet-friendly outdoor patio, which gives off major cottagecore vibes, is perfect for those seeking a breezy alfresco dining experience.
As for the food, you can expect an innovative “East meets West” fusion menu with plenty of international influences: Italian, Mexican, Middle-Eastern, and French.
The brunch menu is available from opening till 5pm, so diners can look forward to small plates, sandwiches, and pasta.
If you’re a fan of spicy, numbing Sichuan flavours, the Mapo Tofu Lasagna (S$21) will be right up your alley. The usual combi of fresh mozzarella, parmesan, and house-made tomato sauce is jazzed up by a meat ragu that incorporates Sichuan bean paste, chilli pepper oil, and chunks of silken tofu.
Despite us finding the pasta sheets a tad too doughy, my mala-loving dining partners enjoyed this a lot as it tasted fairly authentic, a lot like the actual dish.
I definitely preferred the hearty Philly Cheesesteak (S$26), comprising grilled beef, caramelised onions, and melty cheese on sourdough bread. What’s not to like?
I was, however, most surprised by the Jian Bing Breakfast Burrito (S$16), which sees the beloved Chinese street snack stuffed with BBQ brisket, spring onion omelette, fresh coriander, green chili, and beansprouts, drizzled with a mix of hoisin sauce and spicy mayo. Think of it as a sweeter, extra moreish version of popiah.
If you’re the sort that needs to end brunch on a sweet note, look no further than the Berries & Cream Waffle (S$18), adorned with fresh berries, raspberry gel, whipped cream, and a scoop of ice cream.
Speaking of Ice Cream (from S$5.50 per scoop), they’ve got pretty unique flavours like Blue Pea Hokkaido Vanilla Creme Brulee, Sea Salt Sicilian Pistachio, and Jasmine Matcha Sea Salt Cream Cheese, all available on a rotational basis.
As evening falls, swing by for Dinner (from 5pm onwards), during which you’ll find a similar menu, but with a greater variety of larger sharing plates.
I’d recommend going for one of the Turkish-inspired pide pizzas, such as the Sharwama Lamb (S$28), composed of tender, not-too-gamey lamb, feta cheese, red pepper sauce, harissa labneh, roasted peppers, and fresh mint on a chewy sourdough crust.
The flavours were well-balanced, with just the right amount of heat and acid, making this one of our favourite dishes out of everything we tried.
These pizzas are joined by mains like the Half Soy-Ginger Spring Chicken (S$28), Grilled Iberico Pork Jowl (S$35), and even a piña colada-inspired Spicy “Piña Colada” Red Snapper (S$45).
Speaking of drinks, the menu features an extensive array of coffee, tea, lemonades, milkshakes, and alcohol.
We liked the Berry Coffee (S$8), which sees house-made raspberry and blackcurrant puree blended with cold-filtered coffee, as well as the refreshing, vibrantly-hued Kaffir Limes – Lemongrass Sencha Tea (S$9).
All things considered, Bites & Brews certainly stands out from the rest with its line-up of fun, experimental dishes and most notably, the ambience, making it a spot I wouldn’t mind spending a lazy Sunday afternoon at.
Will you be making a trip to the east anytime soon?
Bites & Brews
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📍15 Crane Road, Singapore 429360
🕑 11am–10pm (Tue to Thu & Sun), 11am—12am (Fri), 10am–12am (Sat), Closed on Mon
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Photos by Christabel Tan
I'm always feelin' either boozy or boujee ✨