ROGS RACE sounds more like a streetwear label or fitness concept than a café, which was probably why the name caught my attention first.
The café is located at Icon Village Altez along Enggor Street (right next to the popular Two Men Bagel House), and the interior feels surprisingly vibey for somewhere in the middle of the CBD.
“ROGS RACE?” I was curious about the name, and turns out it turns out to be an anagram of Ros and Grace, the names of the owner’s mother and grandmother.
A surprisingly personal touch to an almost futuristic-looking place.
The space is dimmer and moodier than most Tanjong Pagar cafés, with dark wood, black furniture, a glowing white backdrop behind the counter and a large illuminated ROGS RACE sign overhead.
There is even a white mannequin seated near the entrance (which also appeared in their on-point stylistic IG reel), adding to the slightly surreal, fashion-showroom feel.
The standard selection includes Double Espresso ($4.50), Black ($5), White ($5.70), Mocha ($6.50) and for the gym goers… an Iced Vanilla Protein Latte ($7.90) which comes with 16g of protein.
Caffeine + protein, just what you need after a workout.
Coffee is made using its Morning Assembly blend, combining beans from Brazil, Colombia and Guatemala.
My White ($5.70) was made with the medium-roast blend, bringing out notes of dark chocolate, brown sugar and roasted hazelnut, with a fuller, less acidic profile that paired well with milk.
For something more unusual, On The ROGS ($8.90) mixes espresso with blood orange, Earl Grey lavender cream and a dried blood orange wheel, while Daybreak ($7.90) combines yuzu slush with ceremonial Ajisai matcha.
The food menu is much shorter for now, with choices such as Greek Pulled Lamb Stuffed Pita ($8.10), Turkey Ham & Cheese Croiswich ($7.90) and Tuna Melt ($7.90).
I was slightly skeptical about the Tuna Melt ($7.90), mainly because it looked rather plain when it arrived. It was actually not bad at all.
The filling was creamy and savoury, with enough tuna and melted cheese packed between the soft, lightly toasted bread to make it more satisfying than expected. Simple and unpretentious.
ROGS RACE may look like it’s more about the overall mood, and I can see why the space would appeal to those looking for a darker, more vibey spot in the CBD.
And the late closing hours on Fridays and Saturdays give it another life beyond the usual morning crowd. Drinks after work?
ROGS RACE
Icon Village Altez #01-13, 16 Enggor Street, Singapore 079717
Opening Hours: 8am – 8pm (Mon – Thurs, Sun), 8am – 3pm, 5pm – 12am (Fri – Sat)
Other Related Entries
Visitors Café (Tanjong Pagar)
Kafey Haus (Icon Village)
Muro Coffee (South Bridge Road)
Together & (Duxton Road)
The Test Kitchen (Cross Street Exchange)
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