COCONUTS HOT SPOT — When you think Peranakan Place, you think people milling around the row of bars with a drink in hand. It’s a popular spot to chill along Orchard Road on casual evenings; but after its recent makeover, it’s aiming to attract the afternoon crowds as well.
With the debut of Hej Kitchen & Bar (pronounced as “hey”), the alfresco space — formerly occupied by Odd One Out — has been transformed into a cheery garden-themed cafe (not the tacky kind) awash in pastel hues.
A sweet spot for tea-time lounging and people-watching, the street-side eatery creates a cozy environment with potted greens, outdoor furniture by Danish design house Hay, and little conversation cards sporting quirky, random questions on each table. Y’know, just in case you’re on a first/blind date and you run into awkward silences before dessert.
Unlike other cafes in the area, Hej opens its doors only at noon, but it stays up late. Like, after midnight late. Not surprising, once you realize it’s helmed by the same people behind all the watering holes on the stretch — including Acid Bar (which also just went through a revamp) and Alley Bar. Plus, happy hour goes from 5pm to 9pm here, with $6 house pour liquors, $8 house wines, and $10 draft beers. All the more reason to get a nice buzz going on a Friday lunch.
However, if work comes first for you, the eatery also provides a space for that, with free Wi-Fi and power points. You can even pop in to the air-conditioned Acid Bar next door and get plugged in to escape the tropical heat.
Before the hunger pangs come rumbling, keep ’em at bay with salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and meats. The menu reads rather like a typical cafe, spotlighting dishes we’re all familiar with, such as baked mac and cheese ($16), wagyu beef burger ($20) crispy buttermilk chicken with waffle ($26), and steak frites ($36) — no explanation needed.
For something to share, pizzas come in options like margherita al funghi ($24), artichoke with roasted bell peppers ($20), mushroom and bacon carbonara ($24), and Nutella banana ($9). Or if you just want to graze, go for fried snacks like crispy chicken crackling with ginger-rojak dressing ($15), luncheon meat sticks with curry mayo dip ($13), and har cheong kai wings ($12). Just be warned: You won’t be able to stop at one.
If you haven’t realized by now, this place isn’t about wacky trends or experimental creations — just hearty comfort food done well. And come November, you’ll find more brunch-style items on the line-up, as Hej pivots towards its family-friendly slant.
But fret not — even with little ones running around, you can still get a kick with the fresh fruit mojitos ($18) that come in flavors like blackberries and raspberries, cucumber, ginger and mint, and grapefruit. Or try the bartender specials: Apple Shandy ($20) is a refreshing blend of Courvoisier, apple liqueur, and lemon-lime soda that’s great for scorching days, while Ananas on Holiday ($22) brings back beach memories with its mix of gin, vodka, rum, tequila, pineapple, creme de cassis, peach, and lemon.
FIND IT:
Hej Kitchen & Bar is at Peranakan Place, 180 Orchard Rd.
6738-8828. Sun-Thurs noon-1am, Fri-Sat noon-2am.
MRT: Somerset
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