Review: Jewel Cafe and Bar @ Rangoon Road
To say Jewel Coffee is a gem of a coffee house is a severe understatement. The homegrown artisanal coffee concept at One Shenton has undoubtedly made waves since its opening, and has quick become a daily go-to for the area’s executives.
Riding on its success, the good people behind Jewel brings us a second outlet, Jewel Cafe and Bar, at the quaint neighbourhood of Little India—where you can enjoy more of their hospitable, specialty coffee experience, and an extension menu of unique creations and comfort food to pair with.
Aside from the burger section helmed solely by owner Adrian Khong, a self-professed “burger enthusiast”, diners can expect some newfangled delights and subtle twists on classics by chef Alvin Tan—formerly of One Rochester and Les Amis.
The traditional French onion soup ($8) is kept simple and clean, as how it should be. Deftly layered with Gruyere and Emmental for that nutty and mild, pleasantly sharp taste, then Swiss cheese to hold it together makes for spoonful after gooey spoonful enjoyment of soothing onion soup and soaked crouton goodness.
For once I find myself opting for something away from the familiar ‘greens and beef’ pairing of Rocket salad with ribeye ($17). The pretty Shio-Koji Octopoke ($12)—their take on the Hawaiian raw fish salad—makes a great light bite with perfectly pan-seared, tender octopus bits with a shio-koji (fermented rice-based salt substitute) dressing given a faint wasabi zing with a creamy avocado base. Scatters of pepper add a robust crunch that accentuate the octopus.
Their affable staff may push for the OMG burger—a decadent mass of cheddar, crispy bacon, luncheon meat, USDA beef patty, onions, lettuce, tomatoes and a runny sunny-side-up—but I recommend the Port & blue cheese burger (both $20) instead. Molten chunks of aged Stilton lend a heady, cheesy hint to the deliciously tender beef patty that is topped off with lusciously sweet onions caramelised in a port reduction and Jewel’s umami ‘magic dust’—a recipe kept most secret by owner Adrian, though he lets in there are 4 ingredients to it.
The ‘magic dust’ also makes an appearance in their popular Umami prawn capellini ($22). Inspired by the local Hokkien mee, the capellini is first steamed with their homemade, aromatic crustacean oil—made from a load of prawn heads and butter—before finished to a mouth-wateringly buttery and prawny al dente, then topped with grilled prawns and bubbles of roe.
The Pan-seared watermelon steaks ($9) is another highlight from the menu. Almost as though deliberately created to team with the extremely fruity and floral Ethiopian blend that’s all the rage in the local coffee scene—I suggest the Portland black cold drip ($7), perfect in our climate—the intriguing mix of smokey, pan-seared fresh watermelon slices with balsamic glaze and sweet, homemade pineapple sorbet makes for a refreshing flourish of sensations and flavours on the palate.
Going beyond the variety of dishes and cocktails offered (their One Shenton outlet focuses mainly on quick, casual bites), the contrasting industrial chic interiors of Jewel Cafe and Bar—with striking brass and copper ceiling ornaments and clean, white tiles juxtaposed against raw concrete—offers a whole different experience, even for Jewel Coffee regulars, with their little attic of comfy seats to lounge away afternoons.
Jewel Cafe and Bar 129 Rangoon Road Singapore 218407
Tel: +65 62989216
Operating hours: Closed Mondays Tues - Thurs: 9am - 10pm Fri & Sat: 9am - 12mn Sun: 9am - 10pm
Happy hour 3pm-7pm daily