Steve_C Senior Member Joined: 12 Nov 2005 Posts: 100 Location: Singapore Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Brewtus II Grinder: Macap M4D Stepless, Rocky Vac Pot: Hario Tabletop Drip: AeroPress, French Press Roaster: Gene Cafe
Posted Wed Aug 8, 2007, 7:40pm Subject: Re: Searching for good espresso in Singapore
Yes I do kaanage. Not too often though. Usually only if I'm too lazy or forget to roast a batch ... or am too busy with overseas business trips. When I do succumb, I'll generally buy a 250gm bag of freshly roasted Original Blend beans from Spinelli's. Unfortunately, they are a little over roasted for my liking, but are the best of the blends that are on offer. While Spinelli's roast fresh batches every week here in Singapore, for some reason, they insist on storing their coffee bags in refrigerators rather than cool storage cupboards. That means that the beans develop mild condensation when brought out into the heat of the cafe. I hate that practice. Given that the roasts are so frequent, I don't see any need for such a practice.
While I can enjoy shots made with commercially roasted beans, the only shots close to what you might call a 'god shot' have been produced with home roasted coffee.
Posted Sat Aug 11, 2007, 11:47pm Subject: Re: Searching for good espresso in Singapore
when i've been to singapore i've found that nasty burnt crap that you get from the dodgiest cheapest food hall places full of condensed milk to be about as drinkable as the overpriced espresso available.
do not take this as a recommendation for the nasty burnt crap. go to a supermarket and see the charred $5/kg beans it's made from!
Mark_C Senior Member Joined: 4 Jan 2004 Posts: 28 Location: Singapore Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: La Marzocco GS3 Grinder: Mazzer Super Jolly
Posted Sat Aug 18, 2007, 11:54pm Subject: Re: Searching for good espresso in Singapore -- SUCCESS!!
I have managed to try straight espresso or espresso drinks (usually a small, double latte) at a number of cafes and restaurants in the past several weeks since arriving in Singapore, and Highlander Coffee is by far the best cafe that I have visited. No one else is even close, and, in fact, no one else is making anything that's worth drinking unless you're desperate. Highlander is a relatively small cafe though with a more spacious cupping room in the back, and it has a pleasant atmosphere. Their lattes are typically single-shot for a small cup and double-shot for a large cup, but that's too much milk for me and so I ordered a double in the small cup. I like to watch the barista make the drinks because it's interesting how often you can guess the quality of the drink just by watching them work before they even start the pull. The Highlander barista looked like he was being attentive to detail, the pours were coming out nicely and shut off at the appropriate time, and, lo and behold, he even poured some latte art. I always take latte art as a positive sign, though of course the proof is in the cup.
First sip, and I was in heaven. I admit that this is coming from a guy who hadn't had anything decent for more than a month (I had a few stops en route to Singapore from Seattle), but nonetheless it was a very, very good drink. I told both the barista and another man who was assisting me in buying a French press that I was new from Seattle and that it was the best espresso I had found in Singapore. The man who was helping me, who turned out to be Phil Ho, a co-owner, said "Oh, you're the guy from coffeegeek!" What an audience that coffeegeek has!
Phil then offered me an espresso shot that he pulled in his cupping room in the back, and it was also excellent. At this point, my wife and kids had come inside and we sat down and had a nice snack and two more double small lattes. After 5 shots in 45 minutes I was a bit wired, but I was making up for lost time! All in all, Highlander Coffee is definitely worth seeking out.
Here's my wrap-up of the cafes and restaurants that I've visited thus far:
Starbucks -- (I've been to 4 locations downtown, in Orchard and in Holland Village) -- pretty much the same as in the States, though the service is noticeably slower. Say what you want about the quality of Starbucks (and I'm no fan), but, viewed as a business, it is an extraordinarily efficient operation in the U.S. Not so in Singapore. Howard Schultz would be appalled.
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf -- (visited in Orchard and Holland Village) -- pretty much the same as Starbucks. Okay if there's nothing else, but not worth seeking out.
Spinelli -- (visited Orchard and Raffles Place stores) -- also the same as the last two. I take it that the roaster is somewhat prominent in the Singapore coffee scene, but the skills of the baristas aren't at the same level. Mediocre.
Caffe Beviamo (Tanglin Mall) -- I had high hopes for Beviamo, but nothing special here either. I only went once, but what I had was just okay though maybe slightly better than the big chains mentioned above.
Leo's Espresso Bar (Raffles Place) -- This is a cool little establishment mixed in with a bunch of food stalls in the basement of the OUB Centre. I like the style and atmosphere of the place, and the first time I was there I struck up a conversation with an expat manager (owner?), maybe an Aussie though I'm not yet adept at judging accents. Though he wasn't working the machine, he personally made me a very nice double, small latte (my definition of "small" is maybe 6-7 ounces of milk, smaller than the Starbucks et al definition). It wasn't terrific, but it was good enough and the best thing that I had had in Singapore up until that time. Given my desperation, I was pretty excited about it. Unfortunately, I went back two more times after that and different baristas prepared the drinks...back to average stuff. Yet another example of an establishment that has sufficiently-good equipment, beans, etc, but the quality of the baristas just isn't there.
Da Paolo Gastronomie (Holland Village) -- an upscale Italian deli/market with terrific food, but terrible espresso. I've had several there, and one of the times was okay but the last time I watched in horror as the barista started the shot then went off to do something else. The machine kept running for literally about a minute...having blonded about 45 seconds earlier. I kept trying to tell another woman to please shut it off, but we seemed to be having language difficulties. In any event, total swill. Worth seeking out for the food, but avoid the espresso.
Hediard Cafe (Orchard) -- great little French cafe and store serving amazing brunch. Ordered a double latte and, given my low expectations for espresso in restaurants, it was not half bad. I wouldn't go here looking for great espresso, but if you go for the great food and pastries (and you should, though it's not inexpensive), don't hesitate to order a coffee or an espresso drink.
Highlander Coffee -- see above.
That's all for now. As I said above, Highlander is the only place that I've found so far that is worth a special trip, and I expect to be a regular. I'll post if I find any other places worth recommending.
Steve_C Senior Member Joined: 12 Nov 2005 Posts: 100 Location: Singapore Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Brewtus II Grinder: Macap M4D Stepless, Rocky Vac Pot: Hario Tabletop Drip: AeroPress, French Press Roaster: Gene Cafe
Posted Sun Aug 19, 2007, 7:57pm Subject: Re: Searching for good espresso in Singapore -- SUCCESS!!
Welcome to Singapore Mark! It looks as if you and I have been on a similar journey. Believe me, I have suffered from many cringe-worthy moments as I watched the person behind the countrer pull me an espresso shot. After a while, I decided to gave up my search for something even half decent. Now, I just opt for a milk based drink such as a small cappuccino or latte and turn the other way when the drink is being prepared. If I am to suffer with consuming the drink, why also cause my stomach to turn into knots by watching the disaster unfold in front of my eyes?!
Your experience of Highlander is comforting and I think that all of us Singapore based 'coffee geeks' should support them and their pioneering spirit on this small island.
Send me a note (you can get the details from my profile) and we can see about hooking up some folks with a shared passion of great espresso at Highlander in future. There are a few of us here.
hazbean Senior Member Joined: 21 May 2007 Posts: 15 Location: Adelaide, SA, Australia Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Isomac Mondiale Grinder: Mazzer Mini E, Gaggia MDF Vac Pot: Bellina SCA-3; Cona; Santos Drip: Chemex Roaster: Gene Cafe
Posted Fri Aug 24, 2007, 11:35pm Subject: Re: Searching for good espresso in Singapore -- SUCCESS!!
Pleased to hear that you found something worthwhile!
I'm just back from a few days in Singapore, but unfortunately never got to Highlander (although that was the place I though was the best prospect). Will get there next time!
I did go to San Francisco Coffee (near Boat Quay), as mentioned above. Nice equipment -- LM and Mazzer. Having noted that "double espresso" is often interpreted as "long black", I asked for it be kept short. It was, but very bitter, as per usual in SG. But they did ask if I liked it, so I explained why I didn't. She did another, this time making sure to stop the shot at blonding. This was much better, actually had nice expresso flavour. They have some coffee for sale, also SOs listed. The SOs are special order. Their coffee is roasted in Kuala Lumpur; said it was usually four weeks or so old when used. Maybe they could fix that. I think this place has potential.
I tried to get to Cafe Beviamo / Tanglin Mall, but got sidetracked into Ah Hoi's restaurant next door for a Peranakan Fish Head Curry, which was exquisite, but unfortunately they took a long time to catch the fish, and the mall was all closed up by the time I finished. Seems I diidn't miss much.
I made another attempt at an Italian restaurant in UE Centre. Nice machine, real Italian barista, excellent technique, perfectly prepared, fantastic crema. But a burnt ashy aftertaste still there hours later. Can't get away from those charcoaled beans ...
This time I had a side trip to Jakarta as well. Best I could do there (with limited opportunity to look) was a coffee shop in Blok M Plaza with many SOs but brewed via a superauto. I tried a Kalosi, distinctive flavour but no body, at least not burnt. They had beans for sale but June roast date put me off. A pity because the supplies I had with me from home for my aeropress were getting low. Also found a presentation pack (nice wooden box) of 80gm Kopi Luwak for $A200! It's still there ...
Thanks Mark for the comprehensive update. I'll certainly try Highlander next time, but will also once again take my home roast, hand grinder and aeropress :)
rab1965 Senior Member Joined: 21 Feb 2007 Posts: 47 Location: Singapore Expertise: Professional
Espresso: Rancilio S26 Grinder: Fiorenzato 199 Roaster: GN 60 Probat and Sasa Samiac...
Posted Fri Jan 18, 2008, 1:59am Subject: Re: Searching for good espresso in Singapore
Hi Guys,
Just wanted to appologise for your experience at our stores, Pitty it was not up to what it should be.
Happy to try to make it up to you, I roast regularly in Woodlands and if you are interested to check it out I will make you a coffee how it should be, You can mail me direct ross.bright@spinellicoffee.com.sg
I do agree good coffee places are few and far between at least for some.
My advise is buy a decent machine and make it at home.
Also the Singapore Coffee association is supporting an event at Food Hotel Asia in April the first Asian Barista Competiiton as well as the 2nd Singaproe National Barista Competiiton.
axileon Senior Member Joined: 12 Jan 2008 Posts: 25 Location: Singapore Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Mon Jan 21, 2008, 10:01am Subject: Re: Searching for good espresso in Singapore
hi marc_c, you have some really good information there. i'm doing a blog post about ur comments here in the forum. do you mind? please let me know alright? just to benefit my readers. thanks alot.
shawn_low Senior Member Joined: 6 Nov 2005 Posts: 8 Location: Australia Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Promac PU/S aka Rancilio... Grinder: Mazzer Mini, Gino Rossi CC45 Drip: Eva Solo Cafe, Bodum Double... Roaster: Popper
Posted Tue Jan 22, 2008, 12:02am Subject: Re: Searching for good espresso in Singapore -- SUCCESS!!
I can second or even third Highlander Coffee.
Each time I return to Singapore, I visit them at least twice. NO OTHER coffeeshop in Singapore even comes close to Highlander.
Why? They take pride in how they prepare the coffee. They don't want to rush you out of the shop. They don't get distracted by having to make iced blends. They have good technique (cleaning out the portafilter after knocking out the puck, running water through the group head to get rid of gunk before they pull the shot etc). Their milk frothing is excellent with thick creamy foam. They're cheap too!
Some bad points: someone mentioned that their espresso isn't as good as their milk drinks. Try asking for a ristretto instead.
Gaitong Senior Member Joined: 29 Dec 2007 Posts: 12 Location: Japan Expertise: I like coffee
Posted Wed Jan 23, 2008, 12:19am Subject: Re: Searching for good espresso in Singapore
Just on a side point, actually when I am down in Singapore, I just enjoy the "burnt crap" with the condensed milk (although I do ask for them to tone down the milk). The baristas are just not worth the risk.
If you just stop thinking of it in terms of what you're used to, some, like me, find it to be a pretty good slurp. Once you get used to it (if you so choose to), you will find there are some places better than others for your "kopi", and not everyone burns their beans to a crisp. But somehow I don't think many are making the effort to see these out (probably most would drink at a few places and make sweeping statements).
But of course if you guys are living there now, I can understand it as being kind of rough when you need your shots. I live in Japan, the land of drip coffee and the name "espresso" is slapped on so many things it's unbelievable. I've seen "espresso tea", and there are loads of canned coffees called "espressos" or "demitasse" coffee. I go to a cafe for lunch that serves my after-lunch "espresso" in a coffee mug! All 300mls of it.
If I ever get back to the lil' red dot, will try highlanders!
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