Latest update: This cafe has closed w.e.f. Jan 2016.
This used to be a hair-salon-cum-cafe by the name of Take 2 Cafe Take 2 Saloon but as the cafe was doing so much better than the salon, it is now changed to a full-fledged cafe.
Take 2 Cafe is a family-run establishment that serves up home-style local delights like lor mee, lontong, nasi lemak, hor fun and even light bites like kaya butter toast, chee cheong fun, luncheon meat sandwich and more.
Just make your order at the counter, pay and then wait to collect your food once ready.
A hipster cafe with a homely feel. Prices are reasonable even though the cafe is located in town.
The Iced Barley Lemon (S$2) was totally refreshing unlike those in a pack or can. This was definitely homemade as I could taste that distinctive barley flavour that was made even better with an extra note of citrusy lemon. The barley water wasn’t overly thick (if over-boiled) – perfect consistency. It wasn’t overly sweet too. Really liked it.
The Traditional Braised Lor Mee (S$5.80) was filled with so much ingredients. I just liked how each individual ingredient was neatly presented on top. There were shredded chicken meat, braised pork belly, fried fritters and one whole braised egg. I loved the fritters most because they were really crunchy though I couldn’t quite tell what they actually were – tasted somewhat like flour dough or some fish paste perhaps – but they were pretty tasty. The gravy itself had a nice consistency – not too starchy – but taste wise, I thought it could be more robust. Overall, it was still one of the better braised noodles out there.
The Full Set Nasi Lemak (S$5.80) was quite a treat. Fried chicken wing, fried ngoh hiang, fried anchovies and peanuts, sunny side up, achar and keropok. Every element was delicious – chicken was crispy, ngoh hiang was flavoursome, egg yolk was runny, keropok was crunchy – what’s not to like, really. Perhaps the sambal chilli just needed that extra spicy punch – I thought it tasted a little too sweet. Rice was fragrant with a subtle coconut milk flavour. I always love a good plate of nasi lemak and this did meet my expectations of a good home-style one.
Overall, it was a satisfying meal. Will definitely come back again when I’m in the Novena area.
Take 2 Cafe
159 Thomson Road
Goldhill Shopping Centre
Singapore 307612
Tel: +65 6258 5380
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/take2cafe
Opening hours: 8.00am to 8.00pm (Mon-Sat)