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With too many dining options on the Orchard-Somerset route, I can totally empathise with friends and fellow foodies when the answer to the old-age question of “Where do you want to eat?” is almost always the standard non-committal “Dunno. Anywhere also can.”
But I bet you didn’t know that just behind Somerset MRT lies a revamped 111 Somerset that hosts a bevy of cafes and eateries that take you away from the bustle of town. You can relax and have a cosy catch-up with friends or get some quiet time for yourself, while enjoying a leisurely meal.
To showcase some of the highlights of the mall, here are five unmissable cafes at 111 Somerset for all-day dining from a light breakfast, a casual lunch or a quick afternoon respite.
1. Poke Theory
When poke bowls entered Singapore’s food-sphere, it quickly became an instant hit as a quick lunch option. Poke Theory meets all your protein needs, even when you’re in a time crunch and still need (or want) to eat clean. Their colourful bowls start from S$9.90 (for Light), and go on to two other tiers, Regular (S$12.90), and Large (S$15.90).
Pick your base of Brown Rice, Signature Sushi Rice, Lemon Herb Quinoa, or Lettuce to build the foundation of your wholesome meal. My pick is almost always Brown Rice, as I love going for a filling meal to avoid snacking in the middle of the day.
I would recommend throwing in a good mix of Japanese Cucumber and Wakame Seaweed for that touch of crunch, before requesting either Tuna or Salmon as my main protein. Each protein has a variety of sauces that it’s been already pre-mixed with, so you’ll never get bored of the multitude of combinations you can create every single time you visit!
I cannot begin to express my love for acai bowls, and I’m so excited that I can get both poke bowls and acai bowls in one place. They come in Regular (S$5.90) and Large (S$7.50), with three winning combinations to choose from, regardless of your fancy.
For a lighter meal that’s packed with nutrients and boasting a cornucopia of colours to brighten your day, Poke Theory will more than satisfy you.
Poke Theory: #01-04 | Tel: +65 6235 1041 | Opening Hours: 10am – 9pm (Daily) | Facebook | Instagram | Website
2. Hvala
Having already a successful following at their CHIJMES outlet, Hvala has now made itself a new home at 111 Somerset. With a zen-inspired stair seating that faces the main road, it’s an ideal place to have casual chats and to unwind after a frenzied week.
Their speciality is in matcha drinks, especially the well-loved Whisked Matcha (S$5.30/S$8.80), which was light and refreshing, in spite of the initial expectation of it being too bitter for my liking. It may take a while for your order to be prepared, but all will be worth it knowing that artistry and patience are poured into every cup.
If you’re seeking a place of peace and signature matcha delights and drinks, Hvala will ease your mind.
Hvala: #01-10 | Opening Hours: 11am – 9.30pm (Daily) | Facebook | Instagram | Website
3. Maison Kayser
Known for their memorable and hefty loaves, you can trust Maison Kayser in serving fine pastries throughout the day. From light savouries like Tuna Croissant Sandwich (S$7.50) to delightful sweets like their Almond Croissant (S$4.20), there’s something for everyone.
Fancy bringing back an entire loaf for the family to share? They have numerous freshly-baked varieties for you, such as Whole Fruits Sourdough (S$32), Baguette Monge (S$4 for 210g), and Raisins Walnut Ekmek (S$5.50).
I know plenty of people who love bread fiercely, and if you’re one of them, Maison Kayser’s assortment will have you continually returning to try a new variety every time!
Maison Kayser: #01-09 | Opening Hours: 8am – 9pm (Daily) | Facebook | Website
4. Fruit Paradise
I recall when Fruit Paradise first arrived in Singapore—they served only fruit tarts. Fast forward a few years, and now the menu has expanded to include comforting Cha-Nabe Sets and lovely Dutch Baby Pancakes.
If you enjoy the disparity of spicy and mellow, their Pork Shabu Kimuchi Tonkotsu Cha-nabe Set (S$11.90 for a la carte, S$14.90 for a set) is a good contender. The broth uses pork bones that have simmered over a long period of time, and the contrast of kimchi and velvety smooth pork broth was exceptionally enticing.
What sets this dish apart is the use of rice in place of noodles, so when you’re feeling under the weather, just wait a little for the rice to imbibe the broth and it becomes a soothing porridge!
An alternative, lighter option would be the Salmon Shio Cha-nabe Set (S$11.90 for a la carte, S$14.90 for a set). The salmon was flaky and succulent, and the udon noodles had the perfect QQ bounce.
Once you’ve had your fill of a satisfying lunch, be sure to make room for a Dutch Baby Pancake—either their Chocolate Banana (S$8.90 for a la carte, S$11.90 for a set) or Berry Berry (S$9.90 for a la carte, S$12.90 for a set).
Both were equally a treat, depending on whether partial towards fruits or chocolate. Either way, you’ll leave Fruit Paradise very much contented with the day’s meal.
Fruit Paradise: #01-05 | Opening Hours: 11.30am – 8.30pm (Daily) | Facebook | Website
5. Glyph Supply Co.
Known for its sparse interior and clean lines, Glyph Supply Co. is also a leading name is artisanal coffee and adept brewing skills.
With only a small selection of coffee drinks to choose from and a lean (but well-thought-out) menu, it’s a place where work meetings and spontaneous coffee breaks will most likely happen. Don’t let their curated offerings fool you; the saying ‘less is more’ truly applies here.
Their Cold Brew will only set you back by S$6, while a Black is only S$4.50. Fancy something to munch on, along with your cuppa? They’ve just launched a new menu, with unique items such as Ponzu Tuna Chunks (S$7), and Feta Cheese & Roselle Berry Compote (on either croissant or toast) (S$6).
I understand; it must be hard to choose just one coffee place to work remotely from, or to have a calm enough place to have an afternoon tête-à-tête with a confidant. Glyph Supply Co. praises itself to serve refined coffee and light bites, while providing a comfortable rendezvous spot.
Glyph Supply Co.: #01-06 | Opening Hours: 8.30am – 7pm (Daily) | Facebook | Website
111 Somerset is the ideal place to seek out cafes for when you need familiar tastes, but in a more relaxed setting. What’s more, the mall has a current promotion for its parking rates; on weekdays, visitors can park for free after 6pm, which on weekends and public holidays, you’ll get your first hour of parking free!
With trusted and recognisable brands catering to your dining wants, you can suggest 111 Somerset to your friends and family for your next catch-up!
*This post is brought to you in partnership with 111 Somerset.
