Anther by Glasshouse – Elusive Cafe with Fresh Bakes & Specialty Coffee

Gorgeous greenhouse-like The Glasshouse has gone beyond the tranquillity of CHIJIMES. Coffee aficionados will be happy to hear that they’ve opened another arm right smack in between bustling Outram Park and the hipster cafe ‘hood of Tiong Bahru.

Named Anther by Glasshouse, the hidden cafe is tucked away in the shadow of the giant Tan Boon Liat Building (don’t blink or you’ll miss it) in the small kopitiam next to the entrance. A short trip up the stairs to the second level will take you to the space shared with Angie’s Oyster Bar. It took a little searching on my part but I’m always happy for the chance to walk around and explore the less-ventured parts of Singapore. 

Having walked past the OG, picture-perfect Glasshouse at CHIJIMES, I had high hopes for Anther in terms of aesthetics. While the outdoor seating is spruced up with potted greenery and rattan seating – possibly to emulate Bali-type vibes, the space was a little too cramped for my liking but at least it was still airy enough that I could feel the cool breeze. Scenery-wise, I guess it couldn’t be helped that I had a wonderful view of the parking lot and concrete jungle beyond.

The menu was pretty straightforward with a focus on coffee, tea and pastries. Their speciality cuppas are brewed using beans from coffee origins Brazil and Ethiopia. Unfortunately, their collaboration with famed sourdough bakery Starter Lab came to an end before my trip there but I’ll be keeping a lookout for their next collaboration! 

I was originally gunning for the Ham & Cheese Croissant ($8) but sadly, they were all out while I was there. Not to be disheartened, I opted for the French Butter Croissant ($5) instead. After all, there’s nothing like going back to the basics when it comes to food. The buttery pastry was flaky on the outside and slightly chewy on the inside. I have a fondness for croissants with a crisp exterior so this one gets at least a four out of five in my book.

The Cinnamon Roll ($6) satiated my sweet tooth fair enough and was not as doughy as your typical roll. Slightly caramelised with a crunchy shell, the sinful treat gave way to gooey swirls of saccharine cinnamon filling inside. While delicious, I still feel like they could go easy on the oil because it was a bit too greasy for my taste. 

If you don’t fancy such a sweet option for teatime, the Sea Salt Chocolate Sable ($3) might be just what you need. I enjoy how intense the chocolate flavour was without being too cloying, and how the crystals of sea salt accentuated the cocoa. The textures were also up to par — firm but crumbly. I’m not too sure about paying $3 for just one cookie though, unless it’s just the cheapskate in me talking. Maybe if they gave me two cookies instead? 

After getting a taste of the baked goods they had to offer, it was time to take a break with a cup of coffee. They had your standard double-shot espresso ($4), black ($5), white ($5.50), piccolo ($5) and matcha latte ($7). Their brews tend to lean more towards an acidic flavour profile, but still balanced.

As a more avid tea lover, I was intrigued by the artisanal blends they had to offer, particularly the Earl Grey, Bluepea & Bergamot ($7). Props to their presentation and tea-ware used, simple and aesthetically pleasing! The taste of bergamot was not as pronounced as the fragrance of the floral component. It was a soothing blend nevertheless, and a prime choice when it comes to cleansing your palate. 

It was a tad hard to get the attention of the staff, which had me going back and forth indoors whenever I needed something.  I’d say it’s a good place for furniture-shoppers in Tan Boon Liat Building to chill and rest their feet. It also looks like a refreshing change of pace for those working from home. 

MissTamChiak.com made an anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stall featured here.

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