I was in the Serangoon area of Singapore on a Thursday morning, finishing up a few errands near the residential estates around 15 2 Jalan Riang. I had a couple of hours to spare before my next appointment and wanted a proper sit-down meal. I had heard a few neighbors mention a hidden gem cafe called Clovelly Serangoon, so I decided to drop by and see if it lived up to the quiet neighborhood chatter.
Getting there requires a short bus ride from Serangoon MRT, or a bit of a walk if you do not mind the sun and heat. It sits right among the HDB flats, which gives it a very grounded, local feel before you even step inside.
Walking in, the space looks incredibly clean and minimalist. Large windows let in plenty of natural light, making the dining area feel bright and welcoming. Since I visited on a weekday morning, it was quiet and relaxed. I could easily imagine how this place would get packed and noisy during a Sunday brunch rush, especially since the tables are placed fairly close together.
The Big Breakfast and Handmade Pasta
I felt quite hungry, so I ordered the Clovelly Big Breakfast, which sits around $24. It is a hearty, classic plate loaded with sausages, mushrooms, toast, and eggs. The eggs were cooked beautifully, with perfectly runny yolks that soaked right into the sourdough. It is a very comforting, reliable dish. That said, it does feel slightly pricey for standard brunch fare, even if the portions are generous enough to keep you full until dinner.
I also wanted to try something from their lunch menu, so I ordered a portion of the Truffle Mushroom Handmade Pasta for about $20. It arrived smelling fantastic. The truffle aroma was clear but not overpowering, which is a balance many cafes struggle to find. The pasta itself was cooked well, keeping a nice bite, and the sauce was creamy and smooth. However, it is a very rich dish. By the time I reached the bottom of the bowl, the creaminess felt a bit heavy and one-dimensional. I would suggest sharing this one if you prefer eating with a friend.
Standout Dishes to Try If It’s Your First Visit
To wash it all down, I had an Iced White coffee for $6. It was smooth, not overly acidic, and did exactly what a good iced coffee should do on a humid afternoon.
If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss the Banana Orange Foster dessert. It features slices of mandarin orange topped with caramelised banana-infused bourbon sabayon sauce, toasted almonds, and a scoop of milky coconut gelato. The combination of creamy gelato and fresh fruit slices makes it a refreshing end to your meal.
Service and Timing: When It Feels Best to Visit
Because the cafe was mostly empty, the service felt incredibly smooth. The staff were polite, quick to take my order, and my food arrived in less than fifteen minutes. I have heard from friends that the service can feel a little rushed and scattered during peak weekend hours. If you plan to visit on a Saturday afternoon, you should definitely expect a wait time of up to thirty minutes just to get a table.
You can expect to spend anywhere between $18 and $30 per person here, depending on whether you stick to just coffee and cake or go for a full main dish. It is slightly above average for a neighborhood cafe, but you are paying for a very polished, comfortable environment.
If you want to skip the queues, the best time to visit is definitely a weekday morning or late afternoon. They operate on a walk-in basis, so arriving early on weekends is your best bet to secure a seat without standing outside in the sun.
Is Clovelly Serangoon Worth the Trip?
So, who is Clovelly Serangoon actually for? It is a great spot for a casual brunch date or catching up with a small group of friends. If you live around Serangoon or Queens neighborhood and want a dependable cafe with solid food and good coffee, this easily fits the bill.
It is probably not the place you want to host a massive group gathering, nor is it the best spot to sit with your laptop for four hours when it gets busy. I also would not suggest traveling all the way across Singapore just for this specific menu, as the food leans more toward safe and comforting rather than groundbreaking. But if you are in the area and want a reliable, fuss-free meal in a lovely setting, Clovelly is absolutely worth a visit.
For those who prefer visual references, there are plenty of videos online showcasing the ambiance and popular dishes like the soft shell crab pasta and calamari rings. You can imagine yourself enjoying the light-filled space and handcrafted pastas while scrolling through on your device.
