Three Cups Coffee Co.

Located on the 4th floor of revamped One Raffles Place (formerly known as OUB Centre) away from the hustle and bustle at the basement, Three Cups Coffee Co. is by the same three people behind espressoLAB at Bali Lane. Michael, his wife Sue and their friend Allan believe that magic happens when three special ingredients – "great coffee, d'lish food and friendship", are brought together. Customers can choose from three types of custom-roasted coffee beans and blend to be enjoyed in different ways. The former are a Signature Espresso Blend, seasonal Single Origin espresso and Single Origin Pourovers while the latter includes having it hot or iced, nude or with milk/chocolate and pourover methods such as V60, Aeropress. Affogato, cold brew and organic soy options are also available. Other items on the menu include all-day breakfast on weekends, sandwiches and wraps as well as cakes, pastries and pies.

Ngon

Located at the basement of One Raffles Place is Ngon, which means delicious in Vietnamese. With non la (the iconic Vietnamese palm-leaf conical hats) hanging from its ceiling, the place mimics a casual roadside dining in Vietnam. Having travelled across his country and sampled dishes from the north to the south, Vietnamese chef Lucas Dinh presents the best with many ingredients imported from Vietnam. To maintain authenticity, some items such as the meatballs and bánh cuõn are also handmade daily. Ordered a beef sliced phõ set that comes with a choice of coffee and lotus tea, and two deep-fried spring rolls. Beef was tender and thin flat rice flour noodles reminiscent of kway teow smooth, in an herbal broth I could not fault. Spring rolls, crispy on the outside with fillings I could not rave about, were perfect when dipped in the accompanying sauce. A tad oily, if I must nitpick.

New Kid on the Block – Jamaica Blue

Took me a while to find Jamaica Blue, which was tucked away by One Raffles Place Tower B lift lobby. The café is contemporary designed with its distinctive blue logo against lots of wood and white. Ordered a Jamaica Blue Signature^TM Blend macchiato and was asked if I preferred it long or short. Settled for the latter with just a dollop of milk foam atop the freshly brewed espresso. Jamaica Blue Signature^TM Blend, a blend of 100% Arabica beans, is a CSR Golden Bean Medal Winner so I just had to give it a try. According to its menu, Wallenford Estate® Jamaica Blue Mountain® is a single origin coffee from the prestigious Wallenford Estate in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica.