Whether you’re young or old, trick eye illusions never fail to capture one’s imagination or, in this case: appetite! The newly opened USD (Upside Down) Cafe gives patrons an inverted perspective at the heart of Katong.
Like Alice entering Wonderland, customers will have to go through an upside-down door that transports them into more quirky trick-eye illusions.
Lift your gaze upwards to see various upside-down fixtures: dining sets, kitchen trinkets and paintings, and even toilet bowls!
That’s not all; the cafe interior is modern and well-lit for patrons to take a sip of USD’s signature freshly-brewed Ipoh white coffee as they enjoy the cafe’s whimsical design.
One of USD Cafe’s founders enthusiastically explained that the cafe uses three types of coffee blends to balance the acidity of their coffee for a pleasant taste.
Going with USD Cafe founder’s drink recommendations, I ordered the Cold Brew White Coffee ($5) and Rosy White Coffee (Cold) ($7.50).
The cold brew was thick and strong, with hints of chocolate taste throughout. I was pleasantly surprised that the coffee wasn’t as sour as other typical western brews.
While the cold brew is a good perk-me-up, a must-try had to be the Rosy White Coffee. The founder explained that the rose petals are organic, and one should smell the rose sprinkles before drinking. I can’t help but be coaxed by the sweet aroma of the rose to finish the giant cup of coffee in one sitting!
Try out the cafe’s other unique drink flavours, such as matcha, caramel and jasmine white coffee. If caffeine’s not your jazz, have a refreshing gulp of juices like honey lemon, lychee rose, and more.
Next, I ordered the popular Croissant (egg mayo & chicken) ($15.50), which comes with a salad. The egg mayo was creamy and paired well with the thin slice of chicken ham. However, the croissant could have been more buttery and soft.
The cafe also features various other brunch items like avocado, salmon, egg mayo, and more all under $16!
I ended the meal with the cafe’s highly-raved Portuguese Egg Tart ($3.50) that had a fluffy, rich custard in the middle with a thin pastry crust on the outside.
The cafe serves other desserts like the Pineapple Cheesecake ($12), Berries Chiffon Cake ($10), and Pandan Cheesecake ($9)
So, if you’re looking for a unique Instagram-worthy joint with wallet-friendly prices and great hospitality, head down to USD Cafe for a mind-bending experience!
USD Cafe
Address: 171 East Coast Road, #01-05, Singapore 428877
Opening hours: 9am – 6pm Wednesday to Monday. (Closed on Tuesdays).