Started in 2008, Singapore’s homegrown specialty coffee brand, Huggs, has over 20 outlets in the CBD.
My last encounter with Huggs was just across the street at their outlet at The URA Centre in collaboration with Epigram Books which had since closed down.
Tanjong Pagar is home to many new F&Bs lately, including Alice Boulangerie at Icon Village, Upside Down Coffee Roaster at Anson Road; Cotta, Delicatesse 巧彰 and Haven Coffee along Tanjong Pagar Road.
Their latest flagship outlet, known as Huggs Collective, is the 2nd store after opening at Thomson Plaza earlier this year.
Huggs Collective at Maxwell features a collaborative space between several brands such as Samsung, Commune, Denzy Gelato and Fitmeal.
Their largest outlet to date spanning across 3000 square feet with a dedicated members lounge, a mini-amphitheatre and a main dining hall which is pet-friendly.
Similar to the Huggs Collective at Thomson Plaza, their menu offers coffee, bakes and gelato by Denzy.
Something exclusive here is the collaboration with Fitmeal with a selection of Wraps (10 – $13.50), Rice Bowls ($15 – $18) and Salads ($15 – $18).
While their online menu features quite an extensive number of items, do check with the staff as not all items shown are available.
A good selection of cakes were shown on their menu: Burnt Cheesecake ($7.90), Pistachio Rose Cake ($6.90), Lychee Raspberry Cale ($6.90), Rainbow Cake ($6.90), Chocolate Fudge Cake ($6.90), all are unfortunately unavailable.
I ended up with the Ondeh Ondeh Cake ($6.90), a common cake these days in many places, topped with desiccated coconut with Gula Melaka drizzled coconut flakes in between the pandan sponge layers.
Though the gula melaka added a nice sweetness to it, the sponge cake could be a little dry at certain parts.
Using 2 diff blends, H-blend and K-blend, for Latte/ Cappuccino ($5.80) and M Latte/ White ($6) respectively.
The H-blend features coffee beans from Medellin and Huila, Colombia, expect tasting notes of Cocoa, fruity and floral notes.
The K-blend on the other hand is a blend of Colombia and Brazil with a medium roast.
My cup of Flat White ($5.50) using the H-blend was medium-bodied and smooth, with a darker roast and chocolatey and citrus notes that was slightly acidic.
Apart from specialty coffee, Huggs is dedicated to their “East meets West” motto, serving local Sumatra Kopi ($2.40 – $2.80) and Teh ($2.40 – $2.80).
Similar to their outlet at Thomson Plaza, the gelato are from Denzy, with Classic ($4), Premium ($5) and Specialty flavours ($5.20).
Exclusive flavours to Huggs are the Sumatra Kopi ($5) and the Yuan Yang/ Vietnamese Coffee ($5), made using their own coffee beans.
Situated within a CBD concrete jungle and a spacious area for pets to roam about, Huggs Collective Maxwell will be a conducive space for a quiet afternoon tea.
Huggs Collective
30 Maxwell Road, #01-03/04/05, Singapore 069114
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape who loves all things [NEW]. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
