Well Collective Review: New Work-friendly Cafe In Punggol With Japanese Rice Bowls And Sandos

Well Collective at Northshore Plaza

Well Collective, the brainchild of Cassandra Tan who’s also behind Botany cafe, has opened with an inviting menu of truffle-laden eggs, Japanese rice bowls, and an extensive selection of pretty plated desserts. The space is as aesthetically pleasing as the nosh, boasting free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and even a pet-friendly patio to boot.

Food at Well Collective

While most items on the menu are available throughout the day, a handful including the Madame’s Truffled Egg Croissant ($19++) and Grandma Lee Chicken Congee ($13++) are only available till 3pm. The former, made with French butter and dough, was my favourite item on the menu. Topped with silky scrambled eggs, savoury Emmental cheese, and shaved black truffle, every bite was dreamy with rich flavours.

Just like the name of the cafe, the food here echoes the owner’s ethos of wellness with the commitment to using quality ingredients. Another dish which showcases just that would be their Barramundi w/ Miso Sauce ($28++). 

It is also a great example of healthy food that still tastes good. You get umami from the creamy miso sauce, tartness from the fresh apple slaw, and a bit of caramelisation from the Maillard brown sear on the fish and cauliflower.

Vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-intolerants alike can rejoice in the bountiful options on the menu. Available all day is the No-Chicken Katsu Sando ($19++), which uses plant-based ‘chicken’ that’s breaded, fried, and then sandwiched between thick sourdough slices. 

While it definitely looks its part as a katsu sando, I recommend staying clear if you’re looking for a sinful deep-fried chicken dish, as this tasted anything but. 

If sharing plates are more your style, an order of their Mid Wings w/ Yuzu Chilli Sauce ($13++) is a must. These deep-fried chicken wings were juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside, despite being drenched in an appetisingly sweet, spicy, and sticky sauce. 

Familiar desserts are given a Japanese flair at Well Collective. Their Sakura Cheesecake ($9++) was surprisingly light with a hint of floral notes, while the Matcha Basque Cheese Cake ($9++) was full-on with the bittersweet flavour of matcha. 

On top of plated desserts, there’s also a variety of sweet and savoury French crepes, as well as a Crème Brûlée French Toast ($19++): torched brioche bread with a dollop of fresh chantilly cream.

Ambience at Well Collective

Secluded from the city crowd, the cafe is planted right in the coastal area of Punggol, where Coney Island wayfarers and residents in the neighbourhood can all visit for their good nosh and aesthetic ambience. The nearest train station is Samudera LRT Station, which is a nine-minute walk away.

With a seating capacity of more than 20 groups of people at a time, Well Collective cafe is a little haven for some respite from work, or rest on the weekend.

Psst: the cafe also offers free Wi-Fi and power sockets around the seating areas. They are not only work-friendly but also pet-friendly, with an outdoor patio for you to sit and unwind before you go on with your daily hustle. 

The verdict

The beauty of this newly opened cafe lies more in its chill Bali vibes than anything else. While the food didn’t exactly draw raving reviews from the table, it was their attention to detail and quality of ingredients that got our nod of approval. Lucky are the people on the North-East side of the island to have a spot like this to visit and wind down.

If you’re looking for more new cafes to check out, read our Apricus Cafe review for all-day brunch, or Lola’s Cafe review for some Scandinavian vibes.

Address: 418 Northshore Drive, #02-11/12, Northshore Plaza 2, Singapore 820418
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 10pm
Tel: 6979 6442
Website
Well Collective is not a halal-certified eatery, but their food contains no pork or lard.

Photos taken by Chiara Ang and edited by Melvin Mak.
This was a media tasting at Well Collective.