Ms Skinnyfat

It makes my heart skip a beat whenever a new cafe/restaurant is added to my hood! Introducing Holqa Cafe, a new-hole-in-the-wall, blink-and-you'll-miss it cafe along East Coast Road. It's along the stretch of cafes/restaurants like Carvers & Co., Bergs Gourmet Bugers, Rabbit Carrot Gun etc. 

It's easy to miss Holqa because it's right behind the bus stop and there isn't any clear sign. People are also distracted by the new bakery that is just next door. But seek and ye shall find some comfort in this small cafe. 

The Iced Flat White ($5) was a respite to this summer heat. Strong and well balanced it was and provided the much needed boost of energy for more yoga classes. Espresso based coffees are priced between $3 and $5 (add 50c for iced versions). 

A must order here is definitely the Braised Asian Pulled Pork with 3 cheeses sandwich ($15.90).  It used to be served on a bagel bread but now much improved with a brioche bread. Braised pork jowl with Asian spices is layered next and then topped with gruyere, mozzarella and cheddar. Finally, a generous swiggle of gingered mayo.

The brioche was ahmazing and it was more like a brioche cake. This is what a brioche should be btw- buttery and layered. It's a little more airy that the traditional brioche but it was like inhaling butter and that's always a good thing. The exterior was crispy but i didn't see toast marks (did they air fry this?) But whatever it is, it's LOVE. I can finish a plain loaf easily.

That asian style pulled pork was sweet and juicy and worked well with the salty cheese and tangy mayo which had a light hint of ginger. DELICIOUS. 

The rest of the mains are well.. normal i guess. I may go with the regular Eggs Benedict ($15.90) or the Pork Burger ($18.90). Another must have here is the Sns-Ji ($9.90/6pcs), which is like a Korean fried chicken wing dish. Think secret home-made sweet and spicy sticky sauce on crispy skin.

Desserts are on offer too but there's no space left in this tummy since i hardly shared my brunch with S. Haha.

Do check Holqa Cafe out if you're in the East. I'll be back for that brioche. 

The Holqa Cafe

37 East Coast Road Singapore 428755

Tel: +65 6635 7010

Weekdays (closed Wed): 12 - 9pm

Weekends: 9am - 9pm