Finally, A Café With Food That Tastes As Good As It Looks

The cafe is a housed in a, er, glass house tucked away in Chijmes. Everything about this place is gorgeous, from the natural light that streams through the glass walls, to the grey and blonde Scandi-chic furnishings and perfectly placed potted plants.

Beneath the coral-hued slivers of silky smoked salmon is a swathe of herby cream cheese and crunchy discs of sliced cucumber. Honestly, we can’t believe we’re raving about what is essentially simple smoked salmon and cream cheese on toast, but the deft sprinkling of salt and pepper, and the balance of textures — fresh crunch; creamy cheese; lush, salty fish — all come together to yield an open-faced sandwich that tastes as good as it looks.

This slice is so beautifully presented, you could dare someone not to 'gram it — and win. We love the dusting of coriander seed-flecked dukkah (a nutty Egyptian spice mix), which lends an earthy astringency to the creamy avocado and hummus beneath. Our only gripe? One is not enough.

This treat of house-made seed and nut butter on toast topped with caramelised bananas tastes like warm pudding. The flavours are comforting, the textures creamy. It’s like a sweet hug. We can’t believe we just said that either…

Made using the Lucky Basterd blend of beans from Brazil and Ethiopia roasted by Common Man Coffee Roasters, this cup is immensely smooth and mellow, with a hint of milk chocolate and a lovely, nutty aftertaste.

When we visited, they were serving single origin Ethiopia Danbi Uddo beans roasted by Homeground Coffee Roasters, and boy, was it good coffee. Wonderfully clean with hauntingly toasty end notes, the coffee’s quiet flavours give way to the barest whisper of tropical fruit.

A rare gem of a cafe that has as much style as it does substance. And everyone can afford their own Instagram moment here since nothing is priced above $8.

The Glasshouse: Specialty Coffee & Toast Bar is at #01-K11 Chijmes, 30 Victoria St, S187996. Tel: 9793-0234. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Sat-Sun 8am-6pm. Last orders at closing. www.facebook.com/theglasshousesg