Tolido’s Espresso Nook breaks the norm of sub-par, overdone brunch offerings and forgettable coffee. Run by 24 year old Douglas Tan and his two partners, this quaint little spot for brunch isn’t revolutionising cafe or brunch culture, but, are simply doing it well… very well if I might add. Keeping up with local trends their menu features dishes with local twists on your classic brunch offerings.
Some time back, brunch became the hottest food trend; everyone gave up waking up for breakfast over the weekends, and cafes began popping up left, right and centre.
Many (simple) dishes cost $15 onward, but, still the people came, phones at the ready for pictures and then fancier cameras.
Needless to say, it isn’t difficult to find a spot for brunch. It is, however, quite the accomplishment should you come across one that doesn’t make you feel like you’ve just paid an arm and leg for eggs on a muffin.
Originally a snack and grub stall at the Science Centre run by Tan’s mother, the humble cafe now finds itself serving up fare that’s come a long way from its origins.
Pancakes And Coffee
Stepping into the cosy interior of Tolido’s Espresso Nook, you’ll be overcome by the strongest of urges to chill out.
Your mind screams “it’s the weekend!” even if it isn’t, it’s time to kick back and relax with a good ol’ long black ($4) made with beans from Yahava Koffeeworks, and an array of soul comforting dishes that’ll set the (mellow) tone for the rest of the day.
If you’re in need of sweet kick though, the pandan pancakes ($11) are hard to beat. No green food colouring here, just freshly ground and squeezed pandan that’s added to the pancake mix. The fluffy pancakes already humming with the sweet fragrance of pandan, the gula Melaka syrup and vanilla ice cream turn the dish into a harmonious symphony.
Created for Singapore’s 50th birthday, the pandan pancakes have since become a permanent resident on Tolido’s menu.
Brunch Staples And Pasta
Because brunch calls for the staples of eggs and some sort of bread thrown into the mix, we couldn’t give the truffle scrambled eggs ($16) a miss, which is surely blasphemous in the eyes of brunch advocates.
Infused with truffle oil with oozey stringy mozzarella folded into the delicate curds of the scrambled eggs, it’s a nice upgrade from the usual scrambled eggs. The hero of the dish (scrambled eggs) is accompanied by some salad and slices of toasted brioche to complete the dish.
Smoked salmon carbonara ($16) is creamy, thick and rich. Really you wouldn’t expect anything more from a plate of carbonara. The pork bacon carbonara ($11) is also available, but, once again smoked salmon is another of those must have brunch items.
462 prawn laksa pasta ($17) is the product of local and western flavours getting cosy in a pan. The creamy based sambal sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti is dish born from local cafe culture.
With a generous amount of succulent prawns in each plate of 462 prawn laksa pasta, you won’t feel hard done by the price tag. This dish is a hit with almost every customer, and that includes us. If you’re not one to believe the word of one person, the internet is flooded with pictures of Tolido’s 462 prawn laksa pasta.
If you’re looking for that go-to spot for brunch over the weekend that isn’t off the beaten path, Tolido’s Espresso Nook fits the bill and won’t make you gawk at the bill.
Expected damage: $20-$25
Tolido’s Espresso Nook is on the The Entertainer App, which offers 1-for-1 main courses when you dine at Tolido’s Espresso Nook as well as many other restaurants in Singapore!
