Growing up in Singapore, checking out cafes is like a rite of passage. I’m always on the hunt for new cafes so when Puzzle Coffee announced its second outlet, I knew I had to check it out. Located in the utopian Dempsey Hill and opening to the public on 30 September, Puzzle Coffee’s new flagship follows after its first outlet in Ion Orchard opened 2 years ago. Now able to house a larger capacity with 60 seats, the socially responsible speciality coffeehouse is ready to leave customers with a monumental experience.
Only serving the finest ethically sourced coffee beans, Puzzle Coffee first opened its doors in Melbourne in 2021 before debuting internationally in Singapore. Tucked into the lush greenery of Dempsey Hill, Puzzle Coffee is the perfect picture of serenity. What better way than to spend your afternoon?
Be Entranced By The Allure Of Dempsey Hill
A single step into Puzzle Coffee’s outlets is followed by the fragrant aroma of freshly ground coffee and the soft bustling of cafe-goers. The space blends modern and rustic, instilling a sense of tranquillity and cosiness – the ideal ambience to socialise. Showered in warm lighting, it is the epitome of a relaxing time. At the heart of it all is an open kitchen: an open invitation to customers who wish to view the chefs in all their culinary prowess.
If breathing in the fresh summer air is more your cup of tea (or coffee), wander into the outlet’s alfresco dining area. Overlooking the natural beauty of Dempsey Hill, guests can unwind and forget their troubles in this idyllic paradise. On a cooler day, dining outdoors would absolutely be my choice! After all, there’s nothing better than feeling the gentle breeze on your skin while reading a book in a cafe.
Fresh New All-day Menu
Mains
No matter how great the vibes a cafe serves, good food is just as important. Lucky for us, Puzzle Coffee is presenting a new all-day menu, filled to the brim with flavours that have a zing in every bite!
Starting with the savoury, the Reuben Toastie (S$20) is one you cannot miss. The crown jewel of this sandwich is beef brisket, painstakingly prepared for more than 5 hours in-house, melting on your tongue with every bite.
Contrasting this richness is sauerkraut which brings a sharp zestiness. Finally, a subtle gruyère cheese holds the sandwich together, giving that satisfying cheese pull. Not forgetting the bread, you’ll see the ingredients sandwiched between 2 pieces of lightly buttered rye sourdough. It is then grilled, resulting in flawless lines of brown. The crunch that comes with biting into this sandwich is followed by a savoury explosion with a tinge of tanginess – this is a taste that I will fight for!
As a pasta lover, Puzzle Coffee’s Prawn Linguine (S$30) is a mouthwatering option. Picture this, butter and white wine are added to a pan to simmer before freshly cooked pasta is placed in. Tossed with slowed-cooked capers, chillies and dill, the al dente pasta is infused with a medley of tartness, spice and earthiness. 5 plump, succulent prawns are seared perfectly and crowned upon this bed of linguine alongside spots of bright red cherry tomatoes. With visuals as insane as this, there is no doubt the taste is out of this world too – a meal fit for the gods!
Sweet things are more your style? Well, check out the Buttermilk Pancakes (S$25). Get ready to be addicted to these thick pancakes surrounded and topped with an assortment of ripe fruits. A saccharine surprise awaits you in between the fluffy layers as nestled between each pancake, is a mixed berry compote. Enhancing this entire experience are the toppings that come with it: a delectable trio of tangy lemon curd, citrus and vanilla-infused cheesecake mousse, and light whipped cream. Imagine creating this fusion of flavours in one mouthful… I’m craving something sweet just thinking about it!
Prefer something more refreshing? Well, the Chia Seed Pudding (S$17) might be the one for you. Starting with a base of chai tea leaves infused with almond milk, chia seeds and pitted dates are then combined with this mixture. This creates a chewy and delightful pudding with a substantial mouthfeel. Adding a little colour, a vibrant red dragonfruit sorbet is topped onto the pudding alongside a dash of coconut flakes and a selection of fresh fruits. With so many textures, this dish certainly creates a depth of flavour in an unexpected way!
Desserts
Every cafe visit calls for a dessert and this one is no different. However, I’m not one for sugary things, so it’s usually a struggle to find something that isn’t mind-numbingly sweet. However, I was pleasantly surprised at Puzzle Coffee’s heavenly lineup of treats. Read on and find out!
If sticky sweet desserts are how you like to wrap up your meal, then this next one is for you! Reminiscent of bubble tea, Puzzle Coffee has a Brown Sugar Boba Cake (S$21). An airy Hojicha chiffon cake is placed upon a throne of rich crumbly chocolate, creating a deep cocoa flavour with nutty undertones. A dollop of cream envelops the cake, white dripping down the side. At the top, a cluster of pearls is crowned, its brown sugar syrup flowing down like a sugary volcano. There is no doubt that this will send you on a sugar rush ride!
Not really a boba fan? Well, there is also the Matcha Lava Cake (S$22). Don’t let this seemingly simple dessert fool you – it combines 2 crowd-favourite flavours. Boasting a molten centre of matcha ganache that oozes when the cake is cut, the green is a stunning contrast against the backdrop of brown chocolate. A plentiful scoop of cookie crumble is tossed overtop while an ice-cold scoop of matcha ice cream melts onto the dense chocolate cake. With opposite temperatures but equal sweetness, this is the epitome of temptation.
I’m gonna put this out there: tiramisu is one of my favourite desserts of all time. So call me biased, but I was vibrating in anticipation when I saw this on the menu. Classic and timeless, Puzzle Coffee presents its Cold-drip Tiramisu (S$21). For that slight bitterness, the ladyfingers are soaked in a blend of pure espresso, Kahlua coffee liqueur and slightly sweet Marsala wine. Then the ladyfingers are layered with beds of a creamy and fluffy mascarpone mixture, creating a contrast in texture and taste. Garnished with a dusting of cocoa powder and chocolate pearls, this cake is ready to be served. Perfect for a little pick-me-up – which is what tiramisu means in Italian – this visually captivating dessert is one for the ‘gram.
Wrap Up Your Meal With A Sip Of Puzzle Coffee’s Signatures
Can you really say you’ve been to Puzzle Coffee without trying their signature drinks? Beyond their trademark range of espresso-based coffee, Puzzle Coffee also has Melbourne Magic (S$6)! Composed of a double ristretto shot and less milk than a usual latte would have, this drink brings forth a focused burst of the natural sweetness from the coffee.
Not the biggest fan of coffee? No worries, as Puzzle Coffee’s menu also has a mouthwatering line of alternatives. Pamper your taste buds with the velvety Hot Chocolate (from S$6.50) or the full-bodied Biscoff Latte (from S$6.50). Matcha lovers, an earthy Matcha Latte (from S$6.50) or an irresistible Strawberry Matcha (from S$6.50) awaits you! Need something lighter to wash down your meal? Puzzle Coffee also offers a myriad of tea blends like Berries Of The Forest (from S$5.50) as well as some rejuvenating Fresh Juices (S$9).
Puzzle Coffee
Has Puzzle Coffee’s new outlet joined the ranks of the other cafes you have to visit? Well, lucky for you, Puzzle Coffee at Dempsey Hill is presenting 2 exhilarating promotions to celebrate their new outpost! Customers can look forward to a one-for-one on all coffee and iced drinks as well as 10% off all food items. That’s a discount on your entire meal! Don’t wait to head down though, as both offers are only happening from 30 September to 13 October 2024. Be sure to check out their Instagram for more details!
🗓️Date: Opens on 30 September
📍Location: 71 Loewen Road, #01-02, Singapore 248847
Photos by Leo Chia of the DANAMIC team. Additional visuals courtesy of Puzzle Coffee.
