There is something special about finding hidden coffee bars randomly in places where you least expect.
Pinhole Coffee Bar is one of them.
Located along Purvis Street, one will probably will walk past this hidden spot with a Chinese-worded signboard hanging at the entrance – commonly found in residential shophouses like provision shops and medical halls.
With the words “Hong An” which is the name of the owner of Pinhole Coffee Bar, one will need to look through the glass door (thankfully not through a pinhole) to know that this a full-fledged cafe with seating space.
The outdoor space somewhat reminds me of Nylon Coffee Roasters at Everton Park, with a wooden crate that houses the coffee machine with some wooden stools and benches.
As the owner enjoys photography and pinhole camera comes to mind when going back to basics, he decided to naming his newest cafe “Pinhole Coffee Bar”.
Inside, the space has a white and minimalist touch, with hints of wooden elements.
Designed with a photo studio in mind, the space is equipped with studio lamps and a plain wall for displaying photos in the future.
Their menu is concise and straightforward, offering Espresso ($3.50), Black ($4) and White ($5) for their espresso-based drinks.
Using single origin from Ethiopia roasted by Luli Roasts for their espresso-based drink, I ordered the Hello, Good Morning ($7).
This is a flight of single shot espresso with a 4oz white and a small glass of cold brewed red tea.
Cleanse your palate with the cold brewed red tea before trying the espresso, and finally the White.
The espresso was fruity with strawberry and pineapple notes, and a lingering sweeter profile with little acidity.
My 4oz White was medium-bodied and smooth with hints of strawberry jam.
Paired well with the Lemon Loaf ($5.50) baked in-house, the acidity in the lemon loaf elevated the sweetness, along with refreshing and citrusy touch.
The Lemon Loaf was moist and crumbly, with the right balance of sweetness from the icing sugar drizzled on top.
A selection of Filtered coffee ($7 – $12) from various coffee roasters such as Luli Roasts, Mame, Cata Coffee and Flip Coffee Roasters is offered here.
I like the design of the elongated bar counter which allows interaction between the barista and the customers, adding a personal touch to each cup of coffee brewed.
Customers will be able to appreciate the story behind each coffee bean and brewing method which complete the experience.
For non-coffee drinkers, there are also Chocolate ($6), Jun Tea Ferment ($8) and Artisanal Tea ($6) – Lychee Oolong, Dong Ding Oolong, Spring Seasons, Oriental Red Tea from Antea Social available.
Bringing a good selection of coffee beans from various roasters, Pinhole Coffee Bar hopes to be the ‘pinhole’ where customers can reach out to the bigger coffee world out there.
Pinhole Coffee Bar
27 Purvis Street, Singapore 188604
Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm (Mon – Sun)
Other Related Entries
Degree Celsius (Penang Road)
Void Café (Zubir Said Drive)
Balance Coffee (Balestier)
Equate Coffee (Tanjong Pagar)
Fahrenheit Coffee (Beach Road
* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape who loves all things [NEW]. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
