Urban Table Review: New Seoul-Inspired Cafe With Specialty Coffee And Freshly Baked Croissants From $3.50

Urban Table brings the Korean cafe vibe to Serangoon

My favourite thing about Seoul is its cafes. A weird claim, yes, especially when Seoul is home to shopping, nightlife and food options that boggle the brain and wallet. But really, when I think of my many trips to Seoul, it is the cafes around Sinsa and Hongdae I miss the most. Korean cafes are one-of-a-kind; known for good coffee, freshly-baked pastries and being spacious hubs full of natural light, filled with eye-catching decor that demands to be on your IG feed. Now that travelling to Seoul is a fantasy, I am all the more grateful for Korean cafes in Singapore. Urban Table is one ─ a new Seoul-inspired cafe that makes me feel like I’m in Sinsa-dong, though I really am in Serangoon.

Urban Table is not the easiest to get to, but that adds to its charm. Just a couple of bus stops away from Serangoon MRT station, this offbeat address was carefully chosen by the cafe’s Korean owner, who was very specific that the cafe she opened would have the ambience of the ones she loved from back home, especially in the Gangnam she grew up in. Though barely a month old, Urban Table seems to be attracting quite a laidback crowd thanks to its fare and authenticity.

Food At Urban Table

Pastries and cakes are signatures at Urban Table, and all of these are baked fresh daily. The slices available change depending on the day, but expect classics like cheesecakes, shortcakes, quiches, croissants and the like to line the glass-walled display cases.

My colleague and I had to start our teatime off with some sweets. First, the Maple Pecan Croissant ($4.50). Flaky whorls of pastry are braided with a maple pecan glaze made from real maple syrup and candied nuts. When served toasted, this is the best way to start off your morning with a sugar high. We also ordered the Strawberry Eclair ($3.80), where an airy choux comes loaded with strawberry pastry cream that tastes uncannily like Strawberry Collon rounds. Studded with white chocolate balls and a berry glaze, this is perhaps best for families with kids as the dessert runs very sweet.

Classic pastries are also available to go with your coffee, such as the Butter Croissant ($3.50) and Pain Au Chocolat ($3.50). 

Savoury options at Urban Table are unfortunately rather lean. Currently, apart from a quiche, there is only one hot main on the menu ─ the All Day Breakfast ($14.90). A ham-and-cheese croissant is paired with a side of fluffy scrambled eggs and a house salad for a delicious meal, but not one that wows us so much that I’ll come back just to have it. Given that the cafe is new, I hope that this will increase over time so Urban Table becomes a go-to brunch spot for people in the area. It has all the makings of one, after all.

What really stands out about Urban Table is its coffee. The cafe also is home to its own micro-roastery, where a house range of coffee beans are prepared in-house. When asked the owner by she does so instead of purchasing from a general supplier, she mentioned that her love for coffee means having fresh brews at her cafe be a source of pride. Also, and much more simply ─ she just loves having the aroma of coffee perfume the space all day as it adds to the atmosphere.

The beans can be bought in 200g bags ($20), with blends sourced from major coffee growers like Kenya and Ethiopia, or enjoyed in one of Urban Table’s many, many coffee drinks.

The Filter Coffee ($7) is where you get to try their roast of the day in its full glory. Sadly, because we arrived quite late in the day, this option was no longer available, so we had a Cafe Latte ($6) and Iced Cafe Moca ($7.50). The coffees were softer, not as acidic or tannic as those we’re used to having. Much mellower without sacrificing on aroma, these are perfect coffees for casual drinkers.

Ambience at Urban Table

It’s a classic Seoul-style cafe at Urban Table. The industrial space is refashioned with chrome elements, clean lines and wood furnishings, with tons of light to make the place feel extra airy. A super comfortable spot to not just have brunch at, but to have a catch-up session with friends or some work done at.

The verdict

Urban Table wins on two fronts: it’s a gorgeous space and it has tons of potential. The fact that stepping into the cafe transports me to Seoul is a major win as the wanderlust is as real as it gets right now. When it comes to its menu offerings, everything on the menu thus far satisfies, though few stand out apart from the pastries and coffees. This is no boon though, as I expect the selection to grow as it gains traction. Give it a chance if you live in the area ─ Urban Table is definitely one to watch.

Address: 10A-E, Yio Chu Kang Road, ICB Shopping Centre, Singapore 178905
Opening hours: Daily 8:30am to 6pm
Urban Table is not a halal-certified eatery.

Photos taken by Lim An.
This is an independent review by Eatbook.