When we did our Ebi Bar review earlier this year, we were impressed by the contemporary noodle bar’s umami-packed broth. So when I heard that they were launching a limited-time-only high tea with Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee, which also happens to be one of my favourite local coffee brands, I was beyond stoked.
For now, the special afternoon tea ($21.90++ per person, minimum two pax) is only available on four days, namely 4, 5, 11, and 12 December. You can choose from two seatings: 2pm to 3:30pm, and 3:30pm to 5pm. Knowing how cosy Ebi Bar’s space is, slots are super limited, so you’ll want to book in stat before reservations run out! Simply drop them a DM on their Instagram page to chope a seat.
Before you think that you’re in for an atas sesh, Ebi Bar is tucked in the basement of Cuppage Plaza, which gives the space an almost underground, gritty vibe. This afternoon tea setup is more of a casual affair with local bites, so it’s by no means a fancy or romantic experience.
Nonetheless, the highly personalised service makes up for what it lacks in ambience. Based on your taste preferences, you get to pick from four filter coffee blends, all of which have been specially curated to complement the light nibbles.
After which, a Tiong Hoe barista will brew your chosen flavour by hand, using a pourover method. The result is an easy-drinking brew that isn’t as in-your-face as an espresso-based beverage.
As I favour light and fruity flavours, my barista recommended the Ethiopia Shoondhisa, a single-origin filter roast with floral, peach, and lemon zest notes. It goes well with the two sweet items on the menu, namely the Tapioca Cake and Chocolate Cake, both sourced from an external vendor.
My dining companion was up for a stronger, fuller-bodied cup of joe, so she got the India Monsooned Malabar single-origin filter roast. A smoky and earthy brew, it’s the perfect accompaniment to the savoury items.
The Special Hokkien Noodles and Limited-Time Laksa are the main highlights of the afternoon tea, as both dishes are made in-house. The former is Ebi Bar’s signature fried hokkien mee amped up with a strong wok hei aroma, while the latter features a rich and robust laksa broth.
On the savoury end, there are a couple more light nibbles served on a platter for sharing, such as Kueh Pie Tee and Mala Shrimp Dumplings. While they’re not made at Ebi Bar, I thought they added some variety to the spread.
If you’re up for some daytime drinking, splurge on the unlimited alcohol option, which gets you free-flow prosecco, wine, and beer at a top-up of $24.80++.
For more food in the area, read our Ganko Sushi review if you’re up for sushi and sashimi in Dhoby Ghaut. Alternatively, drop by Gudsht at Orchard Cineleisure for their highball towers!
Address: 5 Koek Road, #B1-21, Cuppage Plaza, Singapore 228796
Opening hours: Tue-Wed 12pm to 10pm, Thurs-Sun 11am to 10pm
Website
Ebi Bar is not a halal-certified eatery.
Photos taken by Tan Zi Hui.
This was a media tasting at Ebi Bar.