Do you miss Lee’s Confectionary from Jurong?
It has found its new home on Middle Road, a comfortable stroll from Bugis MRT station. But it has been reborn as “Nickel Café”.
The move was to also cater to customers who requested that they move to a more central location.
Its new moniker Nickel is a nod to the French phrase “C’est Nickel”, colloquially means “it’s perfect” or “it’s great”.
This expression is often used to describe something that is done well, in excellent condition, or just right.
In the context of the café Nickel, the name implies a commitment to quality and hopefully can brighten up their customers’ day.
Baker-owner Lee has a diploma in French pastry from Ferrandi Paris, and has gathered other business partners to boost up its coffee and drinks selection.
Currently, Nickel’s offerings are streamlined, focusing on viennoiseries and coffee till they get their back-up operations ready.
So, no cakes and plated desserts for now (I was slightly disappointed, though it has given me something to look forward to for a repeat visit).
The selection, though concise, does not compromise on quality.
The Pain Au Chocolat ($4.50), Croissant ($4), Almond Raisin ($5), and the Kouign Amann ($5) are the current stars of the menu.
The Kouign Amann, notably smaller in size than one might expect, still delivered a pleasant experience.
Its layers were crisp and buttery, with a satisfyingly flaky texture that gives way to a subtly sweet, caramelised exterior.
As it was not as large as the usual, you may find space to squeeze in one more pastry or two.
A special mention must be given to their Chocolate Souffle, a limited offering that blurred the lines between cake and souffle.
Topped with ice cream, this dessert presented a fluffy texture that was moderately light and airy akin to a souffle, but with the substance of a chocolate cake.
The chocolate flavour was considerably rich and indulgent, balanced by the cool, creamy ice cream on top.
On the coffee front, Nickel boasts a selection including Black ($5), White ($6), Mocha ($7), and a Coffee Flight ($8).
Learnt that the baristas used to be from Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee.
The espresso currently uses Fazenda Da Lagoa Estate Samba beans from Brazil, which imparts notes of red dates and chocolate fudge, creating an aromatic and well-balanced cup of medium body.
The cafe also offers Matcha ($7) supplied by Matcha Project, and a Dirty Matcha ($8).
The latter seems to be a work in progress as they are still fine-tuning the balance of flavours. I felt there still could be less of the bitterness with richer mouth-feel.
Nickel Cafe, emerging from the legacy of Lee’s Confectionary, will have more offerings in the future.
For those seeking a moment of tranquility in their day or a taste of something exquisitely crafted.
Nickel Cafe
258 Middle Road #01-01, Singapore 188987 (Bugis)
Opening Hours: 10am – 5pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon
Other Related Entries
Fore Coffee (Bugis Junction)
Moonchild (Jalan Besar)
Kyuukei Coffee (Alexandra Village)
Cafe Brera Reunion (National Museum)
Cafe Lilac (Crawford Lane)
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