A popular destination with the expatriates and students, Holland Village becomes even more accessible with a MRT station right at its doorstep. While the antiquated Holland Road Shopping Centre has a certain old school charm, with retail shops selling clichéd Asian products and its numerous nail salons, Holland Village has more eateries, restaurants and cafes (and a hawker centre) that serve residents and office workers there. For a quick bite when you are there, check out some of the cafes, some new, while some have been around for a while.
PARK HV
PARK is a café by day and becomes a bistro by night. Located at the junction of Holland Avenue and Holland Road, PARK draws constant attention from its eco-friendly infrastructure. Its cool structure is constructed from 3 containers taken apart and then reassembled on site. PARK offers its special blend of coffee and a selection of espresso drinks on top of its full day brunch menu, salads, sandwiches and pastas. Try the Reuben Rye with corned beef, emmental cheese, sauerkraut, tomato, cucumber, onions on toasted rye bread with home made dressing. The adventurous diner can try Park Blue Cheese Burger with blue cheese sauce, caramelised onions, sautéed mushrooms, bacon and fried egg. Come night, the bistro menu replaces the day menu and a wide selection of alcohol are included, to get the party started.
Credit: PARK HV Facebook
281 Holland Ave, #01-01 Singapore 278996 https://www.facebook.com/PARKathv/
Da Paolo Gastronomia
Da Paolo Gastronomia has since moved from its original location at Chip Bee Gardens (since 2001) to its new swanky space at Raffles Holland V mall. Choose from a mouth-watering array prepared dishes, including homemade pasta, salads, pizza and sandwiches. Do not go overboard when creating your own salad, as the prices are not exactly that wallet-friendly. Indulge in delicious pastries, cakes or the celebrated tiramisu. The crodo (a hybrid of croissant an donut), in several flavours, weirdly works, complementing with a cup of authentic Italian coffee. While some regular customers bemoan the lack of al fresco space at the new location, this is still a great place to spend a lazy weekend afternoon.
Credit: Da Paolo Gastronomia Facebook
118 Holland Avenue, Raffles Holland V #01-06 Singapore 278997 https://www.facebook.com/Gastronomia.HollandVillage/
Haakon Superfoods & Juice
If you are feeling virtuous, Haakon offers a wide range of protein smoothies, green smoothies, cold-pressed juice and superfood smoothie bowls. Try the Acai Viking Bowl with a blend of raw cacao and organic acai, topped with almond flakes, granola, cacao nibs and seasonal fruits on top. Dessert without the guilt. Additional toppings like bee pollen, almond butter or even goji berries are available for $1 each. Haakon also offers salads like Salmon Zoodles with Norwegian smoked salmon, zucchini noodles, onsen eggs, edamame, cheery tomato, feta cheese and miso sesame dressing. You may also create your own poke bowl. Healthy and delicious.
118 Holland Ave #01-03 Raffles Holland V Singapore 278997 https://www.facebook.com/haakoncafe/
Sunday Folks
If you have sweet tooth and ice cream and freshly baked Belgian waffles are your thing, Sunday Folks is the place to be. Soft serve ice cream flavours includes Dark Chocolate, Earl Grey Lavender, Roasted Pistachio, Sea Salt Gula Melaka and Summer Strawberries. It also offers a variety of cakes and desserts. Founded by the same people of Creamier at Toa Payoh, this space at Chip Bee Gardens oozes a laid-back cool. Be prepared to queue on certain days.
Credit: Sunday Folks Facebook
44 Jalan Merah Saga, Chip Bee Gardens #01-52 Singapore 278116 https://www.facebook.com/sundayfolks.singapore/
Project Acai
As Singapore’s first dedicated acai cafe, Project Acai focuses on offering a variety of acai bowls to thick smoothies. The items on its menu are completely dairy-free and vegan friendly with no artificial flavouring or sweetener. Order the Supergreens Açaí Bowl with blended açaí base, kale, spinach, topped with banana, granola, goji, blueberries, passionfruit, toasted coconut flakes and cashew butter. Skip the caffeine and have a power packed smoothie instead.
Credit: Project Acai Facebook
27 Lorong Liput Singapore 277738
https://www.facebook.com/projectacai/
Baker & Cook
Baker Dean Brettschneider brought Baker & Cook to Singapore and exposes Singaporeans to a variety of top-notch, artisanal breads. It produces bakery-inspired food that is served throughout the day, and fits Dean’s philosophy of baking inspired food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Simple brunch items include omelette or Eggs Benedict, served with rustic freshly baked breads. There is a long list of cakes and desserts (like Gluten Free Orange Almond Cake), if you are not a bread person.
Credit: Baker & Cook Facebook
44 Jalan Merah Saga #01-56 Chip Bee Gardens Singapore 27811 http://www.bakerandcook.biz/index.htm
Breko Café
Established since 1999, Breko Café is a no fuss place that serves pretty standard western fares like Eggs Benedict, Ribeye steak, Steak Sandwich and Chocolate Molten cake. It has alfresco dining area, which is great for chilling in the recent cool weather.
Credit: Breko Cafe Facebook
38 Lorong Mambong Singapore 277694 https://www.facebook.com/Brekocafe/