New Keong Saik cafe Elia offers a simple menu of comfort foods like grilled cheese and pancetta pasta

The potatoes dish. Photo: Elia
The potatoes dish. Photo: Elia

[Update: The cafe has closed down.]

COCONUTS HOT SPOT — Opening in an area with no lack of cosy cafes is Elia, the new bistro-by-day and restaurant-by-night concept on Jiak Chuan Road. The small, high-ceilinged and brightly-lit space seats 30 and offers a menu that’s just as tiny, with a simple selection of meats, pastas, and sandwiches.

On weekdays, those working around the Keong Saik area can drop by for a hearty lunch and a decently-priced cuppa. Coffees start from $3 for an espresso; teas by the pot go for $6; and chocolate drinks are $6.50 each.

Photo: Elia/Facebook

Try the Panchetta ($15.50), a creamy, flavorful pasta cooked in brown butter and egg yolk, and tossed with bacon; or go for the Jamon Iberico Grilled Cheese to stuff your face with three different types of cheeses in a hefty sandwich topped with a fried egg.

For a mug of steaming hot coffee or tea to go with your meal, add on $1 to your bill.

Panchetta. Photo: Elia

Other lunch options include meatballs with tagliatelle ($17.50), grilled pesto chicken sammie ($15.50) and smashed avocado BLT ($14.50).

As for the brunch menu, which is available on Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays, eggs and potatoes take the spotlight with the standard big breakfast and a dish simply called Potatoes — it’s a combination of truffle mash, roasted spuds, crispy bacon and a sunny side up.

Wagyu beef short rib. Photo: Elia

Post-sunset, a different menu takes over, with creations like grilled octopus with sautéed kale, wagyu beef short rib, and a chocolate molten cake for dessert. Nothing too fancy here, but each dish is carefully put together and definitely worthy of its place on the menu (and in your stomachs).

 

Elia is at 10 Jiak Chuan Rd, 9642-2361. Mon-Sat 9am onwards for coffee; Mon-Thurs 11am-4:30pm, Fri & Sat 10am-4:30pm, Mon-Sat 6:30pm-10:30pm.



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