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Cafe BomBom rose from modest beginnings, starting out as a humble takeout cafe in Daegu, South Korea back in 2012. Who knew that 13 years down the road, they would’ve expanded to more than 500 outlets in Korea, including 2 in Singapore? How amazing!
My colleague, Rachel and I arrived at their second outlet at 7 Jalan Klapa. Compared to its Tampines One sibling, this 3-month-old cafe boasts a more spacious and cosy space.
With K-pop beats setting the mood, a vibrant baby yellow and pink palette, plus the ultimate chill arsenal — snuggly beanbag chairs and bar stools — my Monday blues started packing their bags.
Oh, before I forget, Cafe BomBom not only provides FREE wifi but students can also get a 15% discount on weekdays (2pm onwards).
What I tried at Cafe BomBom
We were parched from the scorching weather outside, and couldn’t wait to begin with the Kogok Bingsu (S$7.90). This traditional flavour consists of milk snow dusted with healthy 5-grains powder, stuffed with injeolmi, candied walnuts and Azuki red beans.
The cold, creamy ice carried a charming nutty flavour, thanks to the sprinkling of 5-grains, which included toasted barley and ground rice. The crunchy walnut bits injected a caramel-like sweetness, while the chewy injeolmi were so addictive. To top it all off, the luscious red beans tied everything together beautifully.
Just when I thought I had found my favourite dessert at this establishment, the Dalgona Bingsu (S$7.90) came along and completely swept me off my feet.
The airy, bittersweet dalgona bits reminded me of my favourite honeycomb, complemented by floral osmanthus jelly balls, injeolmi, and red beans. I polished it off. Every.Single.Spoonful.
We also ordered a trio of cold beverages to wash it all down. Since Sweet Potato Latte (S$6.90) is a uniquely Korean creation, I decided to start with that. One sip, and my whole face lit up.
Yes, I had tried this drink before at another Korean cafe a few years ago, but it doesn’t come close to this version. This was the best I’ve had — no joke!
The earthy, rich flavour of sweet potatoes was incredibly robust, and was the perfect partner in crime with the milky base. The owners use only imported mashed sweet potatoes from Korea, ensuring authenticity in every sip.
For an indulgent perk-me-up, the Strawberry Cookie Frappé (S$7.80) felt like a drinkable version of a strawberry cheesecake. The cookie bits on top gave a glorious chocolatey crunch, matching really well with the tartness of the strawberry puree.
Visually on point, the Sea Salt Blanc (S$7.50) is a unique specialty that combines cooling mint syrup with cold brew coffee, finished off with velvety sea salt cream. The bases of all their beverages are Halal-certified from the Korean Muslim Federation.
Since the Jalan Klapa branch also exclusively serves Korean dishes, and our stomachs were growling like those of impatient toddlers, we took it as the perfect excuse to dive into their menu.
We got the ball rolling with the Japchae (S$13.90). Strong in sesame oil aroma, the sweet potato noodles were tossed with pieces of omelette, capsicum slices, black fungus, spinach, carrot strips, straw mushrooms, and a sprinkling of sesame seeds.
The chewy noodles had a nutty flavour and paired well with the fresh, crunchy assortment of veggies. The whole combination felt light, making it perfect for anyone not looking for something too heavy.
The Kimchi Fried Rice (S$13.90) was served in an adorable small skillet. It had an open-faced omelette supporting a mound of orangey-red fried rice, crowned with seaweed flakes and sesame seeds.
The sour and spicy notes of the fermented cabbage were infused into each grain of rice, pairing seamlessly with the briny hints of seaweed.
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Next up was the Tteokbokki (S$9.90) with fish cakes and cabbage slices, doused in a hearty, spiced gojuchang gravy. If you’re a fan of mochi-like textures, you’ll enjoy this. The chewy rice cakes provided a nice textural contrast to the soft fish cakes.
If you have a fondness for Korean fried chicken, leaving Cafe BomBom without ordering the Chicken Gangjeong (S$13.90) is sacrilegious. The pieces of crispy chicken were laced in a sticky sweet, tangy, and spicy sauce, then topped with grounded nuts for an extra boost of texture.
Then how about non-spicy eaters or kids, you may ask? No need to panic — Cafe BomBom also offers a non-fiery version with a zesty lemon sauce.
Final thoughts
After exploring the vibrant corners of Arab Street and Bugis, I’ve come to realise that Cafe BomBom is a quintessential pit stop for anyone who needs a breather.
Whether you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth with decadent desserts, sip on a refreshing drink that hits the spot, indulge in mouth-watering Korean delights, or simply soak in the laid-back, groovy atmosphere, this charming little haven has it all. The best part?
The power to choose how you unwind is entirely in your hands – no rush, just good vibes all around!
Expected damage: S$8 – S$25 per pax
* This post is brought to you in partnership with Cafe BomBom.
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