Avid coffee lover Keith Loh, who came in 1st at Singapore National Barista Championships (SNBC) in 2010, opened Oriole Coffee Roasters where coffee beans sourced from around the world are roasted. According to the website, its coffee operations are managed by John Ting who came in 1st at 2008's and 2009's SNBC. To enjoy the usual coffee beverages or Oriole specials such as double ristretto servings of Oriole espresso blend and some of their winning coffee creations, head to Oriole Café and Bar or Oriole Espresso and Brew Bar. Menus at both places differ with breakfast included in the latter, tucked away in a corner by the lift lobby on the 1st floor of Republic Plaza. It was bustling when I visited after lunch on a weekday and ordered a macchiato – could smell an aroma of roasted beans in the medium-bodied cuppa that was bitter, acidic and could not be salvaged by adding sugar.
