Another day, another new cafe added to the East Coast Plan.
The “East Coast (Café) Plan” welcomes another new addition to Katong at The Flow.
The Flow is a commercial space that also houses popular dessert shop Jin Yu Man Tang Dessert Shop 金玉满堂甜品.
If you intend check out other cafes in this Katong vicinity, there are the Michelin-recommended Birds of Paradise, C Café, Kings Cart Coffee Factory, Micro Bakery & Kitchen Red House, Birds Of Paradise, Sinpopo Brand and Homeground Coffee Roasters.
The name Ambling Turtle comes from 2 words: “Ambling” referring to a slow and relaxed pace and their geographic location at “Katong”, which refers to a species of sea turtle that is now extinct.
The 40 seater space is divided into first and second storey, with 25 seats on the ground floor and 15 seats on the upper floor.
There is apparent use of wood and earth tones, with furniture primarily custom made by local woodworker WoodVibesOnly.
Stepping inside, the first storey has a huge tree on display in the middle of the space and natural sunlight pouring through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
With wall sockets and WiFI available, the 2nd storey is more conducive for people looking for a quiet space to work.
Offering a Peranakan-inspired menu with savouries options such as Nyonya Curry Chicken ($6.50), Satay Chicken ($6.50) and Pulled Beef Rendang ($8.50), with options of Croissant/ Sourdough ($3.50) for add-on.
The Pulled Beef Rendang ($8.50) came with Achar (pickled-spicy mixed vegetables) on the sides to add a refreshing tangy punch, with chilli, cucumber slices and lettuce added to for extra crunch.
Slowed cooked for few hours, the pulled beef was soft and tender, with a distinctive ”lemak” coconut taste.
With a baker in-house, diners can expect a wider range of desserts and pastries on their menu such as Tarts ($6.50), Cakes ($7 – $7.50), Waffles ($12.50) and Soft Serve ($5.50).
Interesting local flavours include the Pulut Hitam Tart ($6.50), Ondeh Ondeh Cake ($7.50) and Pandan Waffles with chendol jelly ($12.50).
The Go Home Waffles ($12.50) is a classic pandan waffle with a swirl of coconut soft serve on the side and topped with chendol jelly, Azuki red beans and gula melaka sauce. Just like a traditional bowl of chendol dessert.
The pandan waffles was crispy on the outside, moist and dense on the inside (slightly under-cooked for some parts) with a light Pandan aroma.
The coconut soft serve was considered well-made, thick and creamy without being icy, yet the coconut taste was not too overwhelming.
Using the Lucky Bastard blend (Brazilian/ Ethiopian) roasted by Common Man Coffee Roasters, the usual espresso based drinks such as Espresso ($3.50), Long Black ($4.50), Cappuccino ($6), Latte ($6), Mocha ($6.50) and Kopi Jawa ($6.50).
Add-on options such as Iced (+$1), Oat Milk (+$1) and extra espresso shot (+$1) are available for customisation.
My cup of Flat White ($6) came with double shots of espresso with a smooth and medium-bodied, robust with chocolates and nutty taste.
The Kopi Jawa (Hot $6.50, Iced $7.50) was something that caught my attention and not as common in Singapore, with latte drizzled with Gula Jawa (sugar harvested from coconut palm) and a pandan leaf added.
I will recommend getting the iced version which was less sweet (but still very sweet) compared to their hot version.
With an interesting selection of food and desserts offerings on their menu, Ambling Turtle can be an option for those looking for a more local brunch experience.
The cafe also wanted to serve as a reminder to everyone to slow down and occasionally take an amble along your path, to savour the beautiful stories (and tarts and kuehs) that life has to offer.
Ambling Turtle
66 East Coast Road The Flow, #01-01, Singapore 428778
Opening Hours: 1pm – 9pm (Mon – Thurs), 2pm – 11pm (Fri – Sat), 9am – 10pm (Sun)
Other Related Entries
C Café (Joo Chiat)
Kings Cart Coffee Factory (Joo Chiat)
Micro Bakery & Kitchen Red House (East Coast)
Birds Of Paradise (East Coast Road)
Sinpopo Brand (Katong)
* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape who loves all things [NEW]. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
