KOKO Cafe & Patisserie has returned, though regulars of its former Tras Street space may need a moment to recognise it.
The café has moved into Coliwoo Midtown at Middle Road, shortened its name simply to KOKO, and pared down what used to be a much broader dessert menu.
Gone, at least for now, are the choux puffs, doughnuts and long list of speciality drinks that gave the original café more of a sit-down patisserie feel.
Its new home is a compact wooden counter on the ground floor of the co-living building, dressed with pale timber panels, a small noren curtain and a refrigerated display of neatly arranged cakes.
There is no dedicated café seating directly in front, though communal tables are available within Coliwoo Midtown.
Ordering is also rather fuss-free, perhaps almost too fuss-free. You make your selection from the self-checkout screen, pay, then collect the cake from the counter without much interaction.
Convenient, yes, though I did miss some of the personality that usually comes with choosing a cake while speaking to someone behind the display.
The menu is now centred almost entirely on Japanese-style shortcakes.
The selection includes Strawberry Shortcake ($12), Gold Kiwi Shortcake ($10), Melon Shortcake ($10) and Mango Shortcake ($10), though availability appears limited and the screen shows how many slices remain.
I picked the Mango Shortcake, which arrived in a bright orange box.
The slice was constructed with alternating layers of vanilla sponge, whipped cream and mango, finished with a neat cube of fruit on top.
The sponge was soft and light, while the whipped cream had enough airiness to keep the tall slice from feeling dense without tasting overly sweet.
However at $10 or $12 per cake, it is not a cheap slice, particularly when the presentation and flavour profile are fairly straightforward.
For now, the concept still feels as though it is being tested. The shortcakes are neatly made, though the reduced selection gives me fewer reasons to return unless new flavours are introduced regularly.
KOKO
Coliwoo Midtown #01-01, 141 Middle Road, Singapore 188976
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 6pm (Tue – Sun), Closed Mon
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