Narrative Coffee Stand – Under The Radar Coffee Place Opens At Bras Basah Complex

Another under-the-radar coffee place opens near the City Hall area.

Despite being quite near central Singapore, there aren’t that many third-wave coffee places around this area, the two other prominent cafes being The Glasshouse at CHIJMES and Kurasu Singapore at Odeon Towers. So this small and cosy shop under this ‘book complex’ is a welcomed addition (Another reason to come here other than buying examination papers and art supplies.)

Narrative Coffee Stand has replaced the space previously occupied by Dancing Goat Specialty Coffee at Bras Basah Complex, and seems to have received some support from coffee aficionados.

While Dancing Goat Speciality Coffee had quite many positive reviews, it perhaps ‘suffered’ from a lack of publicity and aesthetics/looks people would generally associate with a hipster coffee place.

While Narrative Coffee Stand is generally no-frills, the Scandinavian style décor, white and medium blue furnishing makes it a comfortable place despite limitations in space.

Drinks offered include White ($4.50), Black ($4), Cold Brew ($5, $6), Mocha ($5.50), Chocolate ($5), Filter ($5), Matcha ($5) and Hojicha ($5).

There are specials such as the Matcha Lemonade ($7), Iced Lychee Oolong ($6), Rose Hibiscus Black Tea ($6), and Malted Espresso Milkshake ($7).

If this is your first time there, their Filter Coffee ($6) sourced from various roasters in the world, specifically from the Scandinavian region is recommended.

The Filter Coffee is light roasted and fruitier, compared to the more acidic and strong coffee offered in many cafes here.

The brewing process also helps accentuate the intricate flavours of the coffee.

Interestingly, they do not outsource their pastries and cakes (like what many others do).

Offerings are baked in-house and appear to be rather ‘experimental’, and therefore customers may think they are not as aesthetically-pleasing as those commercially prepared elsewhere.

What you get differs on a rotational basis, from Peanut Butter Banana Bread ($3) to Cinnamon Roll ($4.50).

The Brownie Cheesecake indeed had a ‘home-made’ feel to it; however it was rich and intense which happened to be surprisingly pleasurable (would probably need to share it).

A friendly, homely coffee place when you need a short break in the area.

Narrative Coffee Stand
Bras Basah Complex #01-05, 231 Bain Street Singapore 180231 (Bugis MRT)
Tel: +65 9488 4493
Opening Hours: 8.30am – 6pm (Mon – Fri), 10am – 6pm (Sat, Sun, PH)

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