June presents another exciting month for café hopping enthusiasts, with no less than 10 new cafes opening up around our sunny island. That many! Of all the newbies, The Lokal Café looks set to be one that would pack in both hipsters and executives. (Read: 20 New Cafes In Singapore)
Walking in, I can’t help feeling “This place is so Aussie.” The vibes, the music, the open set-up, and then I realised the food as well.
The Lokal (right next to Goethe-Institut Singapore) is about wholesome Western style comfort food made from scratch using fresh ingredients, served up in a friendly chilled out atmosphere. Their coffee uses Sarnies coffee beans (down at Telok Ayer), satisfying caffeine cravings using a custom built Slayer espresso machine.
Chef owner Darren Farr (more affectionately known as fuzzychef) is one of the founding chefs at the original Tetsuya in Sydney, and mentioned that The Lokal is in fact inspired by Pope Joan in Melbourne. Ah, that’s why this cafe cannot help feeling “Aussie”.
The to-order dish is the signature Veal Schnitzel Burger ($28), a whooping combination of red slaw, grilled pineapple, emmenthal cheese, lettuce, anchovy mayo on a sesame seed bun. Served with chunky chips.
Darren makes his own pickles, sauces and even butter. And you know that is going to be some hearty awesome stuff.
I had the Roast Beef on Rye ($17), and this had a taste that brought me back to The Sandwich Shop in Sydney all over again. The beef was roasted impeccably, sandwiched in drool-worthy caramelised onions, watercress and grain mustard crème fraiche.
The bread had a doughy chewy texture, which I found quite out of the ordinary. I learnt that the breads are from Nick Vina, known to making artisanal breads using organic French flour and no preservatives, with dough moulded by hand.
Coffee was suitably to my taste, smooth yet a mild kick – $4 for espresso, $5.5 for latte, cappuccino and $6 for mocha and hot chocolate.
The iced version (additional $1) was a refreshing, topped with lovely latte art. My coffee-addict friend commented that it was too milky though, and would have tasted better over at Sarnies.
Other items include Smashed avocado, pomelo, our own ricotta, almonds on sourdough toast ($18), Breakfast burger with pork belly, broken omelette, spinach & chilli jam ($23) and Smoked mackerel & salmon, potato salad, pickled beet root & greens ($22).
Good news for late night hoppers, The Lokal will be opened till midnight come end July. Better go, because I am quite sure this place is going to be packed really soon.
The Lokal
136 Neil Rd Singapore 64239918 (Nearest MRT is Outram Park. Take Teo Hong Rd exit and walk 3min up Bukit Pasoh Road)
Tel: +65 6423 9918
Opening Hours:
Monday-Friday: Breakfast & Lunch menu served 8am – 3:30pm. Coffees, snacks etc served from 3:30 – 6pm.
Saturday & Sunday: All day brunch 10am-4pm
Other Related Entries
20 New Cafes In Singapore
Coast and Company (Siglap Drive)
NOM No Other Meaning (MacPherson)
Percolate (Bedok)
Buttero (Tras Street)
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