Haven’t been to Keong Saik Road in a while. I remember always heading there frequently a couple of years back, as it was a vibrant dining enclave amongst the heritage shophouses.
This time, I headed back to check out Chapter One by Fables Specialty Coffee, a new addition bringing a professional roasting background to this foodie street.
Fables started as a boutique online roastery before opening this physical space as their flagship.
While the exterior looks monochromic (it’s right next to Coach Cafe), the interior feels much warmer, with a bar-like atmosphere.
You will find dark tones, marble-top tables, and comfortable padded banquette seating.
I liked the geometric wooden pendant lamps that give the narrow space a soft glow.
The food menu focuses on modern Australian brunch style.
Options include the Chapter One Big Breakfast ($28) and Turkish Eggs ($26) for those who want a heavier start to the day.
There are also the Cheesy Vegemite Toast ($22) and the Za’atar Fish and Chips ($28) featuring halibut fillet, while sweet cravings are met by the Berry Berry Hotcakes ($24) with honey cinnamon butter.
I tried the Into The Woods ($22), which was recommended by the barista and features a generous portion of roasted mushrooms which were tossed in miso shiitake butter.
The brunch dish also included whipped goat cheese and a sprinkle of hazelnut dukkah for a bit of crunch.
It was served on a thick slice of sourdough that managed to stay crisp under the toppings. Not bad overall.
Coffee seems to be the main priority here, and the menu centres on their in-house roasted beans with two distinct espresso blends on offer.
You can choose between the “Belle” and “Aladdin” blends for your milk-based coffee.
A standard Black coffee costs $5.00 while a White is $6.00.
I preferred the Belle blend which is a medium-light and fruit-forward option. It has noticeable notes of honeycomb and berry sweetness with a smooth milk chocolate finish.
In contrast, the Aladdin blend has a fuller body with hints of cacao and cinnamon.
At its core, Chapter One is another brunch cafe finding its footing on a very popular street, especially when it is a little under-the-radar. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, but it does focus on the fundamentals.
While the Keong Saik Road competition is fierce, the quality here is consistent enough to make it a reliable stop.
Chapter One by Fables Specialty Coffee
7 Keong Saik Road #01-01, Singapore 089115 (Near Outram Park MRT)
Opening Hours: 9:30am – 5:30pm (Mon – Sun)
Other Related Entries
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Cafe Gyoen (Club Street)
POUT Rooftop Café (South Bridge Road)
Fortuna Terrazza Café (Craig Road)
Fernweh (South Bridge Road)
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