kith

Kith, as the name suggests, is a small and cosy neighbourhood cafe along the Singapore River at Robertson Quay, where the patrons and operators are like close friends and people are greeted by their first names. Even though the cafe is situated right smack in the middle of Singapore's clubbing central, it boasts of a surprisingly affordable menu consisting of a good selection of coffees, teas and deli eats. A range of artisanal ice cream is also available in a variety of trendy flavours.

The cafe is small but cosy with the interior dominated by a blackboard running along the length of one of the walls and the space is washed in ample daylight and complemented by an array of bare mirrored bulbs. The simple furniture and fittings made from plywod are adorned with strips of plywood turned on their sides such that the layers of wood are seen, forming an irregular barcode pattern ( that is so rampant in architecture and interior design now), with the warm hues of the wood are set against the white-washed walls.



On this visit, I had the wagyu burger, which technically is not really a burger. The wagyu patty was served open-faced on a whole grain toast with a bed of sweet onions and topped with melted cheese and a rocket, blue cheese salad, finished off with a dash of balsamic. The whole thing was destined for success with the promise of a good composition of flavours and textures but unfortunately, the patty (which I think is the critical component of a burger) didn't quite make the mark. The patty, though pink in the centre, was rather dry and lacking in meaty flavour that ne might expect from wagyu. The reason is likely due to the fact that the patties were pre-made and left to sit at the counter ready for the "burger" to beassembled at anytime. It would be perfect if the patty could be cooked only upon ordering, but the lack of space does not allow much actual cooking to occur in the cramped service area. (A lone electric stove is tucked at the corner beside the back door and the microwave oven is installed at shoulder height at the back of the cafe behind the counter meaning pre-made food had to be microwaved in the full view of the patrons).

I spent the afternoon sitting there doing some reading and sipping tea. I had the mint citrus tea and the last time I came, I was served a pretty excellent earl grey chai latte. I rounded off my visit with a scoop of pistachio ice cream which had delightful chunks of pistachio nuts in it.

The casual atmosphere and friendly people at the cafe makes it pleasant place to just hang out and while the hours away. It has potential for greatness but still a few steps away.



Kith
7 Rodyk Street
Watermark@Robertson Quay