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My Awesome Cafe Singapore: A Deep Dive Into a Telok Ayer Icon
In a city as vibrant and culinary-rich as Singapore, the cafe scene is a fiercely competitive landscape. From minimalist, industrial-chic coffee bars to lush, garden-themed sanctuaries, it takes something truly special to stand out. Tucked away in a historic shophouse on Telok Ayer Street, My Awesome Cafe does more than just stand out; it creates an unforgettable experience that blends heritage, creativity, and genuinely delicious food.
With an impressive 4.7-star rating from over 6,800 reviews, it’s clear this establishment has captured the hearts of many. But what is it that makes this cafe so… awesome? Is it the quirky, unconventional decor? The highly-praised menu? Or the service that patrons rave about? This in-depth review will explore every facet of My Awesome Cafe, combining real customer feedback with objective analysis to give you a complete picture of what to expect when you step through its doors.
A Cafe with a Story: The Unique Concept and Ambiance
The first thing that strikes you about My Awesome Cafe is its remarkable concept. Housed in what was formerly the Chung Hwa Free Clinic, the cafe has masterfully preserved the spirit of its past. This isn’t a sterile, modern space; it’s a living museum, an exercise in adaptive reuse that gives the cafe its soul. The exterior, which one reviewer described as looking “abit rundown,” is a deliberate part of its charm. It’s an unassuming facade that belies the eclectic, vibrant world waiting inside.
Stepping through the door is like entering a different era. The owners have retained many of the original fixtures, from the old clinic’s signage to the traditional Chinese medicine cabinets that now serve as a backdrop to the bar. These historical elements are thoughtfully juxtaposed with modern, industrial-chic touches. Exposed pipes run along the high ceilings, from which intricate arrangements of fairy lights and retro-style bulbs hang, casting a warm, inviting glow over the entire space.
As one patron, Varun Bakshi, enthusiastically noted, the “fairy lights and comfy chairs just make you want to stay all day.” This cozy, almost magical atmosphere is a recurring theme in customer experiences. The furniture is a curated collection of mismatched, repurposed pieces—old school chairs, vintage leather sofas, and communal tables made from reclaimed wood. The result is an environment that feels both historic and hip, a place where conversation flows as easily as the coffee. It’s a design choice that is both aesthetically pleasing and deeply meaningful, paying homage to the building’s heritage while creating a welcoming space for today’s cafe-goers.
Dissecting the Menu: A Culinary Journey Beyond the Ordinary
While the ambiance is a significant draw, a cafe’s reputation ultimately rests on its food and drinks. My Awesome Cafe offers an extensive menu that goes far beyond typical cafe fare, blending Western comfort food with Asian influences. Based on glowing customer reviews, several dishes have emerged as clear crowd-pleasers.
Signature Dishes and Crowd-Pleasers
The Awesome Burger (Duck): Perhaps the most raved-about item is the signature Awesome Burger, which features duck confit. Reviewer Wan Ying declared it “SOOO good,” praising everything from the bread’s taste and texture to the overall flavour. A duck confit burger is a bold and inventive departure from the standard beef patty, offering a richer, more complex taste profile. The slow-cooked duck promises to be tender and succulent, likely paired with complementary flavours that cut through the richness, making it a must-try for adventurous foodies.
The Pork Porchetta: Another standout mentioned with gusto is the Pork Porchetta. For those unfamiliar, porchetta is a savoury, fatty, and moist boneless pork roast, a culinary tradition from Italy. The key to a great porchetta is the crispy, crackling skin and the juicy, herb-infused meat within. Described by a patron as “out of this world,” this dish is a testament to the kitchen’s ability to execute classic, hearty European dishes to a high standard. It’s a substantial, satisfying meal perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.
Quesadilla and “Posagna”: The menu’s diversity is further highlighted by praise for its Quesadilla, which a reviewer called “pure heaven” and a “flavor explosion.” Alongside this, the “Posagna” (presumably a playful name for a pork lasagna) was also highlighted as a strong contender. These dishes showcase a commitment to robust, flavour-packed comfort food that appeals to a wide range of palates.
Sweet Endings and Caffeinated Kicks
No cafe experience is complete without dessert and coffee, and My Awesome Cafe appears to excel here as well.
Pineapple Upside-down Cake: This classic dessert received high praise from multiple visitors. One reviewer excitedly claimed it was “tooo die for!!” Another mentioned receiving a complimentary slice for a birthday celebration, describing it as “warm and delicious.” The fact that it’s served warm suggests a comforting, freshly-prepared quality that elevates it from a simple cake to a memorable treat.
Coffee: The coffee is described simply but effectively as “rich and smooth,” the “perfect pick-me-up.” In a city with discerning coffee drinkers, this endorsement suggests a quality brew that can satisfy both casual drinkers and aficionados.
The Service Spectrum: A Tale of Two Experiences
Service can make or break a dining experience, and at My Awesome Cafe, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive, yet not without a critical note that warrants discussion.
The Awesome Side: Attentive, Personalized, and Proactive Service
The vast majority of reviews paint a picture of an exceptionally warm and hospitable team. The staff, including the owner and a frequently mentioned employee named Kumar, are repeatedly praised for their personal touch. Patrons highlight how they “go out of their way to help you out pick what would be best for you.” This level of guidance is invaluable, especially with a large and diverse menu.
The team’s proactivity extends beyond food recommendations. They are noted for helping customers take group photos and for making special occasions feel truly special. Julia Chin, who hosted a private event at the cafe, commended the team for going “above and beyond with thoughtful arrangements and beautiful decorations.” Another visitor celebrating a friend’s birthday was delighted when the staff presented a complimentary pineapple cake. This consistent pattern of thoughtful, personalized service is arguably the cafe’s strongest asset and a key reason for its high ratings and loyal customer base.
A Critical Look: Addressing Service Inconsistencies
For a truly objective review, it’s essential to consider all feedback. One reviewer, Norman Leong, had a notably different experience, rating his visit a 3 out of 5. While he found the food “ok,” he described the service as “not to standard” and even “rude.” He details an incident where drinks were placed on the table without acknowledgment and felt his party was ignored in favour of a neighbouring table of “Ang mo tourist[s].”
This review, while an outlier, raises an important point about consistency. In a bustling environment like Telok Ayer, it’s possible for service to falter during peak hours or for individual staff members to have an off day. The perception of preferential treatment, whether real or perceived, is a serious concern for any establishment. While one negative review among hundreds of positive ones does not define the cafe, it serves as a crucial reminder that even the best places can have lapses. It highlights an area for potential improvement and ensures that the management remains vigilant about maintaining their high standards for every single customer, regardless of background.
The Verdict: An Objective Analysis
So, does My Awesome Cafe live up to its name? The evidence overwhelmingly suggests yes, but with a few nuances to consider.
Who is My Awesome Cafe For?
- The Foodie: With unique offerings like a duck confit burger and a well-executed pork porchetta, this cafe will delight those with an adventurous and appreciative palate.
- The Instagrammer & Ambiance Seeker: The unique “Chinese medicinal hall” decor, combined with warm lighting and eclectic furniture, makes it one of the most photogenic cafes in Singapore.
- Those Celebrating a Special Occasion: The staff’s proven willingness to go the extra mile for birthdays and private events makes it a reliable choice for creating memorable moments.
- The Heritage Buff: Anyone interested in Singapore’s history and the concept of adaptive reuse will find the cafe’s setting fascinating.
What Sets It Apart?
- Unique Concept: The masterful blend of a former Chinese clinic with modern industrial design is its most powerful differentiator.
- Personalized Service: The staff’s warmth, attentiveness, and personal touches create a sense of community and belonging that is rare.
- Bold Menu: The menu dares to be different, offering hearty, flavourful dishes that stand out from typical cafe fare.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
- Service Consistency: While overwhelmingly positive, the single critical review indicates that a flawless service experience, while typical, may not be guaranteed 100% of the time.
- Unassuming Exterior: For those who judge a book by its cover, the “rundown” look of the shophouse might be off-putting, though most will find it part of the charm.
Practical Information
- Address: 202 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 068639
- Getting There: Located in the heart of the CBD, the cafe is easily accessible via the Telok Ayer MRT station (Downtown Line) or a short walk from Tanjong Pagar (East-West Line) and Chinatown (North-East/Downtown Lines).
- Reservations: Given its immense popularity and high review count, making a reservation is highly recommended, especially for groups or during peak lunch and dinner hours.
- Opening Hours: Opening hours can vary. It is always best to check their official website or Google Maps listing for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Final Thoughts
My Awesome Cafe is more than just a place to eat; it is an institution that embodies the spirit of modern Singapore—a place where history is not just preserved but celebrated and given new life. It has successfully created a powerful formula: a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, a menu that is both comforting and exciting, and a service culture that makes guests feel genuinely valued.
While no establishment is immune to the occasional misstep, the sheer volume of glowing adoration suggests that the team at My Awesome Cafe is deeply committed to their craft. For an experience that engages all the senses and leaves you with a great story to tell, it is, by all accounts, truly awesome.
