The vibe: Third wave coffee company Papa Palheta further fortifies the hipster connection between java and velos with this café-retail collaboration with Coast Cycles, a homegrown brand founded by ex-national cyclist Jansen Tan. This time, rather than bike rentals (as they have at their Kallang Park outlet Loysel’s Toy, which admittedly never really took off), this is for more serious bike owners looking for a tune-up – or those in the market for a custom bike. Be warned though, a Coast Cycle doesn’t come cheap: prices start at $2,800 for a locally-designed, Taiwan-made Coastliner).
The venue's feel of guyish minimalism and naturally-lit décor is courtesy of architectural design firm FUUR Associates' Jasper Chia, who makes use of various cycling paraphernalia as design props – FUUR co-owner Dean Chew (also known as DJ Funk Bast*rd at night) also pitched in to put together playlists that vacillate between Arctic Monkeys and Bloc Party indie rock, to moodier tunes in the blues rock and deep jazz genres.
Outside along the side alleyway, there’s a bike rack which can park up to 30 two-wheelers for the visiting cyclist. At the back in the long, ground floor space, you can ride up to a bicycle repair workroom and opt in for a ‘Pamper Your Ride’ service for $28, which includes a quick tune up, frame wax, polish and gear lubrication, and a free coffee while you wait.
The drinks: Papa Palheta’s full-bodied and popular Throwback blend is the main brew here, which makes for an impressively sophisticated iced mocha ($7), mildly sweetened by a bright-tasting dark chocolate from Grounded Pleasures. The same, bittersweet syrup is also showcased on its own in hot cocoa ($5).
A rotational range of other Papa Palheta single origin blends are also hand-brewed ($6) in V60 or Aeropress contraptions and served black in flasks.
The food: Despite enlisting the expert help of local celebrity mod-Sin chef, Willin Low, the Asian-inspired food options don’t quite measure up in taste, especially given the somewhat heftier café prices. The peppery nuernberger beef sausage of the beef rendang hotdog dish ($14) doesn’t quite hold its own against the sweet oniony rendang sauce – nor the Kettle honey dijon potato chips on the side (a rather disjointed add-on).
The green curry stew ($15) looked and tasted inferior to what you can get for a fraction of its price from a more authentic Thai eatery. The Coast breakfast ($12) and Chapalang salad ($15) are also uninspired, literally providing the ingredients listed on the menu with minimal creativity in execution.
For a quicker, more satisfying bite, skip these for the sour cream cheese brioche toast ($8) with its generous toppings of honeycomb crumble and honey. But note that the kitchen closes at 5pm, so by dinnertime, all that’s available are the leftover cakes on display (from $3.50) from Papa’s sister café, Chye Seng Huat Hardware.
Verdict: For a pre-ride caffeine jolt, mid-ride hangout, or refuge for those who’ve lost their way along the East Coast Park cycling trail, Coast & Company is a good watering reprieve just a slight detour off the Siglap park connector for hobbyists. Though the food could be better, come for the sublime toast, coffee and tunes before conquering the ride ahead. Wong Pei Ting