Simple Cafe 簡單 has returned to NEWest Mall at 1 West Coast Drive, almost as if it never left.
Some locals may remember it as the breezy spot for a quiet dessert fix years ago.
Now, after a stint at Crawford Lane, it has reopened in the same spot that made it a name for Taiwanese-inspired pastries in the West.
The café interior has that “IKEA meets Muji” look that is somehow both relaxed and slightly clinical.
Blonde wood tables and chairs stretched along the pale walls, and the whole space felt more homely than I remembered.
There was soft Mandarin pop music (mainly 告五人 when I visited) playing, and the room didn’t feel stuffy, as if you are dining in someone’s living room.
Most people come for the cakes and pastries. They are small, dainty, and have a hint of Japanese style.
Choices when I visited included Guava Cheesecake ($9), Earl Grey Apple Shortcake ($9), Strawberry Shortcake ($9), Crème Caramel ($8), and Sweet Potato Chestnut Tart ($10).
I ordered the Guava Cheesecake ($9) because it seemed like I never had it before (also an uncommon fruit to use in cakes in Singapore).
The first thing that hit me was the light scent of guava. The cheesecake itself was creamy and smooth, with a subtle tang that worked well with the delicate sweetness of the guava layer on top.
The flavour was gentle and refreshing, so it was easy to polish off the whole slice and not feel weighed down after.
If you like some savoury food, main courses include the Simple Breakfast Plate with sweet potato bread, sausage, egg, yogurt with fruits and guava scone ($14), Egg Mayo Sandwich with pickled greens ($10), Sweet Potato Apple Soup with seasonal bread ($12), and Pink Guava Salad with saba fish ($14).
If you want something beyond the usual coffee, you can also find Osmanthus Latte ($7 hot, $8 cold), Pineapple Tonic ($8 cold), Lemon Coffee ($8 cold), Uji Matcha ($6 hot, $7 cold), Dirty Matcha ($7 hot, $8 cold), Matcha Lemonade ($8 cold), Guava Green Tea ($8 cold), to even Peach Oolong Tea ($5 hot, $6 cold).
While some new cafés go for fanciful interiors to attract the Instagram crowd, I like how Simple Café keeps things simple, just like its name.
You can walk in, have a quiet moment, enjoy your treats, and chat with the owners as if you have known them for years.
Simple Café 簡單
NEWest Mall #01-92, 1 West Coast Drive, Singapore 128020
Opening Hours: 9am – 6pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon
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Takara House (North Bridge Road)
Vicbakery (One-North Eden)
CAKEBAR (Novena Square 2)
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