Perhaps you may not walk to this part of Takashimaya Shopping Centre, which is outside the office tower B lift lobby (considered quite near the taxi stand).
I chanced upon TAG Espresso, a botanical-themed café serving specialty coffee and brunch fare in the heart of town.
Make your way to Louis Vuitton, then walk out from the lift lobby to find this flagship cafe.
My friend asked if Takashimaya needed one more cafe. I mean, why not?
To be fair, there are already Hvala, Pazzion Café, Found Café, café Q Classified, You Are My Sunshine, Matchaya, Drips Bakery Cafe, Cupping Room Coffee Roasters and FLIPPER’S.
This home-grown café has a seating area of 30 seats, compared to the boutique coffee stand at Raffles City Shopping Centre.
I first came across the brand as they were selling coffee capsules without the need for a coffee machine. Interesting.
The Orchard Road café is designed to represent a “stylish botanical oasis”, though I felt it was a slight disjoint with its original look and branding which was more slick and metallic.
You get a bit of both here.
The space is designed to be a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, making it a spot for shoppers looking for a quiet place to work or relax.
Coffee is made from freshly roasted 100% Arabica beans from leading coffee regions like Ethiopia, Columbia, Guatemala, Brazil and Sumatra.
They offer interesting selections such as Kaya Pandan Latte ($9), Rose Coconut Latte ($8.50), and Dirty Yuan Yang ($15). (Am getting used to higher prices, especially in town area.)
Available from 9am daily, diners can enjoy from a selection of light bites, all-day brunch items, Japanese-fusion rice bowls, pasta, and burgers.
A friend didn’t know they sold food though, based on its name.
Brunch items include the Avocado Toast ($17.90), Crispy Bacon Avocado Egg Benedict ($17.90), Fish and Chips ($24.90) and Big Breakfast ($22.80).
I decided to go for the weekday lunch set ($19.90) available from 11am to 2pm, which included a main and drink.
Choose from Prawn Aglio Olio, Carbonara, Truffle Gyudon or Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl; that can be paired with drinks like Latte, Cappuccino, Iced Lemon Tea or Ice Lychee Tea.
The Truffle Gyudon was a decent bowl for its price (promo price, I emphasize), though there was that something missing compared to say what is served in a Japanese restaurant.
The chirpy server also recommended that I have the Prawn Aglio Olio ($19.90 ala carte price), which features spaghetti tossed with garlic, olive, red pepper flakes, and this had four pieces of succulent prawns.
For this price in town, I would say this was not bad a choice, which was savoury, garlicky, and slightly spicy with a bit of heat from the flakes. The pasta itself had a pleasant bite.
Those with a sweet tooth can also indulge in an irresistible Chocolate Lava Cake ($15.90).
Or a buttery French Toast ($16.90) topped with a scoop of vanilla gelato, chocolate syrup on the side and garnished with vibrant edible flowers, fresh strawberries as well as blueberries.
TAG Espresso – Takashimaya S.C.
Takashimaya Shopping Centre #02-11, 391 Orchard Road, Ngee Ann City, Singapore 238872
Opening Hours: 8am – 10pm (Mon – Fri), 10am – 10pm (Sat, Sun, PH)
TAG Espresso – Raffles City
Raffles City Shopping Centre B1-49, 252 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179103
Opening Hours: 8am – 10pm (Mon – Fri), 10am – 10pm (Sat – Sun)
Other Related Entries
Found Café (Ngee Ann City)
Café Q Classified (Ngee Ann City)
You Are My Sunshine (Ngee Ann City)
Matchaya (Takashimaya)
Cupping Room Coffee Roasters Singapore (Takashimaya)
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