Oriole Coffee

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.

Still, I decided to try Oriole Café and Bar at Pan Pacific Serviced Suites on another day. Alcoholic drinks are sold at this branch, located opposite a few drinking holes like Brotzeit German Bier Bar & Restaurant, JiBiru Japanese Craft Beer Bar and Malones Irish Restaurant and Bar at 313@somerset. Was looking for small bites to go with my caffeine fix and choose prawns bruschetta over chicken tikka. The toasted baguette slices had a charred and butter aroma with a crisp outside and soft inside. On top were sweet and tart chopped tomatoes, succulent garlic prawns with just the right amount of basil and extra virgin olive oil that came well together. While I loved the starter, could not say the same of its mocha. I would have preferred more coffee in it, which tasted milky with just a tinge of chocolate taste.

Pleasantly surprised the barista somehow seemed to realise and came by to ask if my drink was ok. Indeed "award-winning baristas dedicated to the pursuit of the perfect coffee experience". Kudos to them for understanding customers' needs and the impeccable service! While waiting for my drink to be replaced, I looked around and saw that lots of wood (high laminate ceiling as well as wooden tables, chairs and stools) and metal (for example, brass chandeliers and exposed pipes) were used. Brick-like walls, leather-upholstered booth seats and outdoor furniture added warmth to the industrial-looking place with concrete floor and a long marble-top bar counter with tiled wall. Could smell the aroma of roasted beans in the new cup of mocha, which was smooth with a right balance of chocolate and milk.

Update: The branch at Republic Plaza has closed.