Equate Coffee – A New Cafe With a Minimalist Design in Tanjong Pagar

Busy busy busy. That’s how the lives of most whose offices are in Tanjong Pagar would be. However, in the midst of all the busyness, it’s always good to slow down for a moment and catch a breath. Maybe a coffee break? This new cafe in Tanjong Pagar Plaza that just launched on 1st March has been gaining traction ever since its soft launch week. Here we have, Equate Coffee.

With a minimalist design, the cafe is bound to draw crowds of hipster cafe hoppers. However, that’s not just the only people coming to Equate Coffee. Ryan, one of the owners shared with me the meaning and hopes behind the brand. The different mathematical symbols represent the different groups of people in the area, coming in together, and chilling over a cuppa. It’s his hope to see a convergence of different groups of people in this space, enjoying the little moments in life.

Ryan is also trying to find a balance between work and life, which explains why they are closed on Sundays. It’s a bold move to close the cafe on a weekend because that’s usually when the crowds come in. Although it may not make sense business or money wise, I am 10/10 a believer of work-life balance. Go Ryan!!

Upon entering the cafe, you will be greeted by this huge hole in the wall that looks like an entrance to a cave. It’s a real unique statement design that is not easily replicated, and I would have to commend the interior designer that pulled it off. The whole place is super white, which makes it look like a huge space but in actuality, the seating capacity in the cafe is pretty small. You have to wait for a good 15 to 20 minutes for a seat if you’re planning to visit!

My favourite part is the fact that they would call out your name when your coffee is ready. This may not be a thing for you, but this really means a lot to customers like myself who appreciate that human touch. Now, onto the food and coffee.

I had the short White ($5), Kopi Iced ($3.50), Ethiopia Oromia Guji ($8), Canelé ($4) and Mount Ondeh ($7).

The espresso-based coffee here is made using a house blend called Solid Gold. It’s their own unique blend of beans from Brazil and Sumatra which is produced in a roastery in Malaysia. The White coffee had nutty notes, which I enjoyed a lot.

It was nice to see the inclusion of a local twist in a modern cafe, with the offerings of Kopi and Kopi-O. It is a great way to introduce the new cafe culture to the older generation too! I love that the Iced Kopi was not too thick or too creamy like how we would expect the ones from the hawker centre to be. It was a nice balance between traditional and modern coffee and it did not come off too strong. It was perfectly sweetened and this will be my go-to order when I’m back!

As for filter coffee, there are two types that you can choose from. Both beans are of single-origin and they are much stronger and distinct in taste. The one I had was from Ethiopia, with tasting notes of black tea, peach and dark cocoa. It was a little fruity, and a little sour towards the end.

As for desserts, there’s only Mount Ondeh and Canelé, which are permanently on the menu. But that’s enough to keep you coming back for more! They get sold out very quickly so do come early to have your share! Of the two, I prefer Mount Ondeh. It’s not only because of the fact that it has a local twist to it, but it is also because of how it really tastes like Ondeh Ondeh.

I think they might have added some gula melaka to the cream cheese on top of the ‘mount’. I love the texture of the sponge cake which was not too dense.

The Canelé, on the other hand, had a fudgy texture. The crust was very well caramelised and it had the perfect flavours of vanilla and a very subtle hint of rum too.

It was not super sweet and its caramelised outer covering didn’t stick to our teeth despite it being very sticky! I was surprised at how soft the interior was as I was trying to split it apart.

All in all, this is a pretty chill place to catch a breather at when you’re overwhelmed with work. As you slow down, and reflect a little on life here, you may discover what the equation of life should be.

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

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