Housed in an industrial warehouse and hidden away in the residential part of Balestier, what looks to be a cycle shop, is actually Wheeler’s Yard. This spacious, bicycle themed cafe is a great place to chill out with friends over great food or spend a quiet afternoon reading with a cup of freshly brewed coffee.
The menu is varied, with a selection of brunch items, starters, mains and desserts as well as small plates and platters for sharing. There’s also a good selection of coffees, teas, home-made coolers, beers, wines and alcoholic shakes for those who drink. Many of the food items are Japanese such as the Mentaiko Pasta and Suki Beef Rice Bowl which I was very tempted to try when I was there, however I decided on the much raved about Chilli Crab Pasta ($17.90) which was originally a dish launched a couple of years ago specially for Singapore’s National Day and due to it’s popularity it was made a permanent item on the menu. I also ordered the Iced Chendol-Presso Ball ($9.50) which is a frozen espresso ball with pandan and gula melaka (palm sugar) and it’s served with warm milk.
Wheeler’s Yard is a self-service cafe so orders are placed and paid for at the till at the front and you’re given a buzzer so that you can collect your food and drinks when they’re ready.
Both my food and drink orders where ready within minutes. The Chilli Crab Pasta turned out to be a great choice, the spaghetti was al-dente, the chilli crab sauce was complex and flavourful dotted with curry leaves and it was nicely presented with a crunchy deep fried battered soft shell crab on top. Very tasty!
The Iced Chendol-Presso Ball was also very good. Over the past couple of years I’ve become such a huge coffee lover and it was nice to have something a little different. For those of you who don’t know, Chendol is a Southeast Asian dessert that usually consists of shaved ice topped with coconut milk, gula melaka syrup and pandan jelly. The frozen espresso ball, when melted with the warm milk, was not too sweet, the coffee used had a delicious aroma which went well with the pandan and gula melaka flavour.
Wheeler’s Yard is definitely a cafe I will go back to. Both the food and coffee there are great and will definitely make you want to return. Staff are helpful and efficient and the cafe has a nice relaxed atmosphere. There are several tables available that can be reserved for four adults or more via Chope or if you prefer you can sit on the huge communal table in the centre of the cafe.
Wheeler’s Yard
Address: 28 Lor Ampas, Singapore 328781
Tel: 6254 9128
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 11am – 10pm, Saturday & Sunday: 10.30am – 10pm, Monday: Closed
Hope you’ve enjoyed my review of Wheeler’s Yard, please feel free to leave a comment below with your own review of the cafe or if you have any questions!
