A Perfect Pour on the East Coast: A Review of pull.in Coffee, Singapore
Nestled along the vibrant and food-rich East Coast Road, pull.in Coffee has quickly established itself as a must-visit destination for coffee aficionados. In a neighbourhood saturated with cafes, this modest spot stands out not with flashy decor, but with an uncompromising focus on the quality of its brew and the warmth of its community. Sharing its space with the popular Hey Gelato, pull.in Coffee offers a unique and delightful experience for locals and visitors alike.
The Coffee: Meticulous Craft in Every Cup
The glowing reviews for pull.in Coffee consistently point to one thing: exceptional coffee. This isn’t your average cafe; it’s a place where the craft is taken seriously.
- Espresso & Milk-Based Drinks: One of the most challenging things to get right is perfectly textured milk, yet
pull.innails it. As one reviewer noted, the texturing is “excellent, which is rare in Singapore.” The house espresso uses a lighter roast, resulting in a nuanced and bright flavour profile. For those who prefer a bolder, more robust taste, the friendly barista recommends adding an extra shot. - Signature Creations: For the more adventurous palate,
pull.inoffers unique concoctions that are both memorable and delicious. The Not Quite a White is an Earl Grey-infused coffee that delivers a fragrant, tea-forward experience. Meanwhile, the Red Velvet Mocha is described as having a distinct and enjoyable taste unlike anything else. - For the Coffee Purist: Serious coffee lovers will appreciate the dedication to manual brewing. Using V60 or Origami drippers, the barista offers a selection of around eight different single-origin beans, allowing customers to explore various regions and taste preferences.
The Ambience: Community, Not Just a Cafe
The physical space at pull.in Coffee is simple and unpretentious. While it may lack powerful air-conditioning, ceiling fans keep the space comfortable enough on a hot day. The real atmosphere, however, comes from its people.
The owner and barista, Ayie, is frequently mentioned as a highlight of the visit. Described as “friendly,” “meticulous,” and “passionate,” he elevates the experience from a simple transaction to a genuine interaction. His passion is evident in every cup he serves and every conversation he has with his customers. As one regular put it, pull.in is more than a cafe; it’s the “building of a coffee loving community.” This personal touch and commitment to building relationships are what transform first-time visitors into loyal patrons.
Analysis: A Winning Formula of Quality and Collaboration
The success of pull.in Coffee can be attributed to a thoughtful and well-executed strategy. Firstly, the unwavering focus on high-quality, specialty coffee caters to a discerning market that values craft over convenience. By mastering technical skills like milk texturing and offering a wide range of single-origin beans, the cafe builds immense credibility.
Secondly, the shared space with Hey Gelato is a brilliant move. This partnership creates a symbiotic relationship that broadens the appeal of the location. A customer might come for coffee and decide to get gelato, or vice versa. It turns a simple coffee run into a multi-sensory treat, making it an ideal stop for couples, friends, or families with different cravings. This collaboration provides a solution to the classic “I want coffee, but they want dessert” dilemma, making it a destination that pleases everyone.
What to Eat & Drink
While pull.in is laser-focused on beverages, the collaboration with Hey Gelato provides the perfect food pairing.
- Coffee: Don’t miss the signature Not Quite a White or the Red Velvet Mocha. If you’re a purist, ask Ayie for a recommendation from the daily selection of drip coffee beans.
- Food/Dessert: The perfect accompaniment to a rich coffee on a humid Singaporean day is a scoop of artisanal ice cream from Hey Gelato. The combination of a hot, expertly brewed coffee and a cold, creamy gelato is a match made in heaven.
- Price: Drinks are reasonably priced between $5 and $9, which is standard for specialty cafes in Singapore and a fair price for the quality and expertise on offer.
pull.in Coffee
121 E Coast Rd, Singapore 428807
Rating: 5.0 (based on 63 reviews)
