‘Glasshouse cafes’ are not that common in Singapore, due to the space-constraints we face.
You may then wonder about this cafe… “Is this in Singapore?”
As a stand-alone building at The Alps Residence in Tampines, this is Around’s 2nd outlet, opened shortly after their first outlet in Ang Mo Kio.
Why is it called Around?
The owner explained that because ice cream scoops are round, and they are just located around the corner at The Alps Residence.
Okay…
Good news, as the building is located “around the corner” on the right hand side of the condominium, customers do not need to get through the guard house’s security.
My first encounter with a stand-alone glasshouse building was Palladium Cafe located in Johor Bahru (inspired by Jay Chou’s MV: Handwritten Past 手写的从前) with a tall ceiling, glass windows and a clean, minimalist interior.
Around reminded me slightly of that.
With a total of 8 tables indoors, the ice cream cafe offers 16 flavours at any one time, ranging from interesting and outlet exclusive ones such as Yakult Oreo, Peanut Butter & Blueberries and Cereal Milk.
Other classic flavours include Pistachio, Speculoos, Strawberry Cheesecake, Peppermint, Salted Caramel, Durian, Matcha and Nutella.
Note that Ang Mo Kio outlet on the other hand offers 12 flavours.
The ice cream scoops re priced at $4.20 for “a round”, $8 for 2 rounds, additional $1 for premium flavours, cone and/or a cup.
The Blueberry Yogurt was smooth and creamy with fruity blueberry bits.
Their Waffle ($7.90) was the highlight, thick and crispy with a choice of Nutella or maple syrup drizzle.
It had a golden-brown hue on the inside with a crispy texture, fluffy and cake-like on the inside.
Sprinkled with icing sugar and Lotus biscoff biscuit for the crunch, it could be a tad too sweet when coupled with the maple syrup drizzle.
Apart from ice cream and waffles on their menu, the outlet at The Alps Residence offers Cakes ($7.90), Cookie ($4.90) and Acai Bowl ($9.90).
Coffee drinkers can keep a lookout for their Long Black ($3.90), Latte ($4.90) and Caramel/ Hazelnut Latte ($5.50) whereas other drinks include Mocktail ($6.90), Bubble Tea ($3.90 – $5.90), Assorted Tea ($7.90 – $8.90) and Fruit Latte ($7.90).
The Mango and Strawberry Latte came with a thick layer of milk foam on the top. If you prefer something lighter, the macchiato is prepared with lesser amount of milk.
The Mango Latte ($7.90) was pleasant, with chunks of mango that were sweet and juicy.
Should you decide to head over to the Ang Mo Kio outlet instead, flavours exclusive there include Cookie Monster, 85% Dark chocolate, Lychee yogurt, Hazelnut and Avocado chocolate.
I had the Cone and Cup option (+$1) with a scoop of Cookie Monster ice cream, that came with a layer of lotus Biscoff biscuit beneath.
Their Mango sorbet was as delightful, smooth and non-icy with distinctive tropical touch whereas their matcha leaned towards the milky and sweeter side instead of being more earthly.
Being an ideal spot for the supper crowd since they are opened till 2am daily, drop by Around at Tampines or Ang Mo Kio if you are around the corner.
Around – Tampines
The Alps Residences, 115 Tampines Street 86, #01-51, Singapore 528537
Opening Hours: 12pm – 2am (Mon – Sun)
Around – Ang Mo Kio
421 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10 #01-1611 Singapore 560421
Opening Hours: 12pm – 2am (Mon – Sun)
Other Related Entries
Three’s A Crowd (Little India)
Sundays Ice Cream (Telok Kurau Road)
Desert Dessert (Ang Mo Kio)
Apiary (Ang Mo Kio)
Kind Kones (Orchard Paragon)
* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape who loves all things [NEW]. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
