Tanjong Pagar is known for a food paradise with many cafes and Korean eateries all located in the same area.
Located at the second floor of Tanjong Pagar Plaza (directly opposite 100AM Mall) in one ulu corner, you would find Equate Coffee – the newest kid on the block.
Here at Equate Coffee, they focus more on artisanal coffee and bakes on their menu.
Their interior is definitely eye-catching with many elements in play: a huge grey wall made from raw, unfinished concrete materials at the entrance.
There is also that sleek, industrial-themed long bench and flooring, with futuristic-looking golden coffee bar counter on the other end.
This brings back memories of the latest cafe interior trends in Korea, with the ingenious use of raw materials to create a space of immersive experience.
There is also a strong logo branding with the four signs of mathematical operations (plus, minus, multiply, divide) from the floor to the coffee pitcher, paper cups, dine-in cups and disposable paper on trays.
Strangely, this reminds me of % Arabica.
Using a 2-beans-blend from Brazil and Sumatra roasted in Malaysia for their espresso-based drinks, the usual suspects such as Black ($4.50), White ($5) and Mocha ($5.50) are available.
Diners can also choose to add-on Iced (+$1), Oat/ Soy Milk (+$1), Espresso Shot (+$0.50) and Upsize from 6oz to 8oz (+$0.50).
My cup of Tall White ($5.50) had a smooth medium body with a darker roast, chocolatey and nutty tone in the tasting notes.
For the serious coffee drinkers, single origin from Brazil ($7) with dark cocoa and roasted nuts and Ethiopia ($8) with peach and tea are used for their filtered coffee using V60.
For the non-coffee drinkers, there are options such as Chocolate ($5), Green Tea ($5.50), Fruit Punch ($5.50), Ginger Lemon Tea ($5.50) and Earl Grey Tea ($5.50) on the menu.
2 permanent cakes are on display, freshly baked in house: Canele ($4) and Mount Ondeh ($7) and rotating items such as Earl Grey Cake ($4).
My favourite was the Earl Grey Cake ($4) with a soft, fluffy and moist texture with lemon icing sugar drizzled on it for additional sweetness.
There was a subtle tea fragrance that was not overwhelming, which complemented well with their coffee.
The Mount Ondeh ($7) was essentially an Ondeh Ondeh Cake shaped like a mountain and thus the name.
It is made of moist and crumbly pandan sponge cake, topped with desiccated coconut flakes and Gula Melaka drizzle with a cream cheese in the centre.
Overall, there was a good mix of textures with distinctive taste of pandan, though a tad sweet.
The Canele ($4) made from vanilla beans infused with rum, was leaning more towards dense and chewy.
Equate Coffee is a hidden gem with a unique interior that is cosy, yet serving quality artisanal coffee and bakes for a perfect afternoon tea.
Equate Coffee
1 Tanjong Pagar Plaza, #02-25, Singapore 082001
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 5:30pm (Mon – Fri), 8am – 3pm (Sat), Closed Sun
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* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape who loves all things [NEW]. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.