The Dispensary

This is another one of those trendy cupcake places/​eateries that have popped up in good old Tiong Bahru. I would say a The Dispensary differentiates itself with their cupcakes, coffee, and sandwich offerings. You can also buy fancy jarred candies and bottled beverages as well.
It’s been a while since I’ve visited, but the one item I remember is their kaya jelly cupcake. I loved this local flavour! If I recall correctly, I’ve also tried their roast beef sandwich– not the best, not the worst, simply A-​OK.
Like all renovated spaces that take up the first floor of an old shop house, there’s always an area in the back where you can enjoy your food if you decide to stay. The space has a glass ceiling, so the natural light is quite lovely.
In regards to the other trendy eateries in the area, the bar is set pretty high by Tiong Bahru Bakery. But if you’re in a cupcake mood and don’t want to go all the way to Yong Siak, The Dispensary’s location on the main road can’t be beat.

The Nuts for Nutella is a chocolate cupcake topped with a layer of Nutella spread and macadamia nuts. Great for Nutella lovers.
The Death By Oreo is also a chocolate cupcake whipped with chocolate chip cream with a mini Oreo top. If you have a sweet tooth for chocolate, I recommend ordering this.
One place to visit if you feel like having cupcakes (they are open till rather late at night!)

A cup of latte after lunch, pretty stronge taste. nice ambient while quiet, wonder if due to it’s price, five bucks a coffee a bit overpriced.

The office is located pretty nearby, so we’ve all dropped in a few times.
Still plenty of teething issues with the staff all kinda confused. They weren’t sure about their opening hours, weren’t really able to offer much in terms of cake recommendations, and just really weren’t much help.
The coffee was… underwhelming and the fact that it’s cheaper but hasn’t supplanted TBB as my go-​to coffee place is indicative. Sandwiches were horrible. The cakes were… okay? Surprisingly unspectacular since I thought they were the draw.
Haven’t really been back after trying to coffee+cake+sandwiches, and I doubt I’ll have much reason to.

I chanced upon this café after a meeting, it was still preparing to be opened when I walked-​in. I understood that the place is a re-​modelled old Chinese medical hall so they had these gorgeous chest of drawers as the backdrop of the counter.
There were some jams for sale as well as a few very delicious-​looking cakes in the display fridge. I picked up a cup of cappuccino to go — nice creamy body and no bitterness from burnt espresso thank goodness. (Too many coffee houses are making bitter coffee now and that’s saying a lot considering I am an espresso person.) I thought I spotted a hint of butteriness in the taste profile of the coffee, perhaps from the smell of cakes, so that was cool.
Spoke briefly to the really friendly lady boss and she mentioned that the space is meant to be mostly take-​away but there are seats at the back for you to lounge in. If you are the sort who will head down to coffee houses around SG, you might want to add this to your list!