Why Boeuf’s Chef Turned His Steakhouse Into Shokupan & Matcha Joint Called All Hands Café
Once known for its rib-eye steaks, Boeuf, the Telok Ayer steakhouse that operated from 2021 to 2025 in a shophouse, has swapped beef for matcha and shokupan. Reimagined as All Hands Café, the dimly-lit restaurant has been renovated to become a brighter, more casual café serving open-faced toast, brunch plates and matcha-based desserts.
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From steaks to shokupan
The rebrand, which began in September this year, is led by chef-partner Carlos Gan, 29, the face behind Boeuf. The eatery’s investor prefers to remain behind the scenes.
“I’m a bit sick of steaks”
Why the pivot from grilling steaks to baking shokupan? “I’m a bit sick of steaks,” Carlos admits jokingly to 8days.sg via his PR spokesman. “But jokes aside, Boeuf as an affordable steakhouse offered a unique experience to many individuals. However, we came to a conclusion that steak is not suitable for day to day eating. We wanted to pivot to a concept that is well priced and yet versatile enough for us to offer what our diners want.” Shokupan, the popular Japanese milk bread that locals love, was chosen to be the star dish ‘cos “it’s perfect for both sweet and savoury creations,” he explains.
All Hands Signature Shokupan, from $8.94
Baked fresh in-house daily, All Hands’ signature shokupan comes with both sweet and savoury toppings.
Build your own thick slice of toast with a base ($8.94) like smashed avocado or scrambled eggs, then add extras such as candied bacon ($4), garlic shrimp ($6) or parma ham ($6).
A nod to Boeuf
Breakfast items such as shokupan toasts, granola bowls and assorted pastries are served from 8am, with the lunch menu kicking in at 11am.
Matcha-focused desserts and drinks
All Hands’ dessert lineup leans heavily on matcha, with highlights like the Matcha Banana Pudding ($6.49), a pandan-infused pudding surrounded by a lightly sweetened matcha foam and Biscoff crumbs, and a Matcha Crème Brûlée ($8.49) with caramelised brown sugar and berries.
“Our matcha is sourced directly from a supplier in Nishio, Japan, a region popular for producing quality matcha. It’s ceremonial grade, we chose this specifically for its smoothness and balanced flavour profile,” says Carlos.
Limited-time free pudding and shokupan
Ahead of its official opening on 12 Nov, the café is rolling out a few promos. Until 5 Nov, diners get a free Matcha Banana Pudding with any main dish (one per person). On opening day, there’s also a giveaway of an open-faced shokupan — choose between egg mayo with sautéed garlic shrimp or smashed avocado with Scottish smoked salmon, while stocks last.
All Hands Café is located at 159 Telok Ayer St, S068614. Open daily 8am-5pm, last orders at 4.30pm. More info via Facebook or Instagram.
Photos: All Hands Café
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