There’s no doubt that Singapore’s cafe scene is overrun by hipster outlets sporting the “same same, but different” industrial themed interior with a menu chock full of dishes riding on the latest food fad. Which is why The Reading Room on Bukit Pasoh Road stands out as an unpretentious contender that rides on its old charm and classic dishes.
The eclectic cafe lives up to its name as a “reading room”, with shelves generously stocked with books of all genres, as well as portraits and other decorations that remind you of a charming library the moment you step in. Amazingly, the cafe manages to steer away from becoming overly cluttered, instead welcoming diners with a cosy atmosphere, in part due to the warm and inviting staff.
The Reading Room’s menu is divided into three sections: brunch, dinner, and lunch. All of which are offered at different timings. Rather than chasing the “next big thing” in Singapore’s food scene, The Reading Room dedicates itself to perfecting its food, sticking to the classics and offering diners a quality gastronomic experience? Boring? Well, far from it; we were blown away by how simple, yet tasty each dish was.
To start, The Reading Room’s scrambled eggs are free from milk, a welcome discovery for lactose-intolerant diners like myself! Despite the lack of dairy, however, the scrambled eggs yield a delicious, runny texture, thanks to good ol’ salt and butter. This made the Norwegian Royale ($22.80) all the more a delight to tuck into.
Another signature item at The Reading Room is the Very French Croque Monsieur ($18.80), a classic French dish that combines boiled ham and cheese into one rich, melt-in-your-mouth amalgamation. Think melted cheese toast but so, so, so much better. Loved how all the savoury flavours from each component came together.
Last but not least, indulge your sweet tooth with some French Toasts ($10.80), which is available with four different toppings for $4 each – premium vanilla ice cream, stewed strawberries, blueberry and cream, and cinnamon stewed fruits.
Reservations can be made via Quandoo!
The Reading Room
19 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089833
Tel: 6220-9019
Website: https://www.facebook.com/TheReadingRoom.com.sg/
Words and Images by @chuepachups
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