Vernacular Coffee first gained attention with its flagship micro-roastery at Guillemard Road, where it established a reputation for sourcing quality beans.
Good news for its fans: The brand has now opened its second outlet at Selegie, on the ground floor of Varel Singapore, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel.
Not too far from Little India as well.
This site was formerly occupied by the old Selegie Centre, and has been completely transformed into a modern hospitality space.
The interior of the new branch is quite striking, making full use of high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass walls that look out onto the pavement.
I like the palette of deep forest green and dark wood, matched with a long, dark wooden communal table in the middle.
The beverage menu continues to be focused on a range of speciality options.
Coffee choices include the Pour Over ($8 hot, $9 iced), Espresso ($4 or $5), and an Espresso Flight ($9.50) which features a single espresso paired with a four-ounce white coffee.
For non-caffeine drinkers, they serve speciality chocolate by Fossa Chocolate, including the Triang 72% Dark from Malaysia and the Dong Nai 72% Dark from Vietnam ($6 hot, $7 iced).
With all that said, the pricing of some items is quite unexpected for a cafe setting.
While the Ivory Raspberry Dome and the vibrant red Wild Strawberry Mousse are priced at a relatively standard $8.50, the Ondeh Ondeh and Purple Sweet Potato cake come with a significantly higher price tag of $18 each.
This layered creation features deep purple swirls of sweet potato mash and seems aimed at those looking for a more premium dessert.
To be honest, I was not totally convinced by the price based on looks alone.
The coffee remains the core strength of the café.
The beans are roasted with care, and the espresso-based drinks carry a balanced profile that fans of the Guillemard outlet will find familiar.
Vernacular Coffee
189 Selegie Road, Singapore 188332
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Vernacular Coffee
100 Guillemard Road, #01-02, Singapore 399718
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 5:30pm (Mon – Sun)
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