In Short: Brickfields is no-nonsense bakery-cafe that just focuses on top shelf baked breads and pastries with a menu that is packed with flavours. Stop by for a coffee, a loaf of sourdough, a sweet treat, or a croissant with provolone cheese and ham.
In the days before Central Park, Chippendale had a few cafes that provided for the locals and one of them stood out for the lines that stretched out the front door and diners spilling onto the path. That bakery-cum-cafe is Brickfields. Renowned for their amazing loaves of breads, and delightful and beautifully crafted pastries, their food menu is an always evolving and is backed up by well made coffee. Brickfields doesn’t subscribe to Instagram worthy fitouts, no neon signage, plush pink banquettes. It’s functional and utilitarian, it’s the delicious food that does the talking.
Each of the dishes we sampled championed the hard work that goes in the baking section at the back of Brickfields. First up, Sammi sought out the best looking Croissant featuring ham and provolone. A flaky croissant that’s buttery and airy. It’s richness is enhanced by the soft provolone with its salty undertones. Melted cheese mates so perfectly with the ham. It makes our job easy as Sammi dutifully polishes off her lunch without any nagging.
For my lunch, I could not resist a Smashed Avocado with crab. I loved the harmony of the flavours. Sweet notes of the crab sneak in which every bite, with the creamy and well seasoned avocado providing a solid foundation. I think what elevates this Brickfields creations over similar smashed avos is the addition of pomelo. I love the sharp citrus flavour that is injected by the fruit. Coriander and lime ensures there is dimensions of flavour.
Now here’s a shock, Mavis had a Salad! Again, Brickfield’s baked goods makes appearance in the form of toasted rye. It is mixed with cucumber, chunks of cucumber, radish and coriander. It’s a beautiful bowl that is vibrant with sun drenched tomatoes adding red pop to the salad. Mavis remarked that rye croutons add a crunchy texture with a touch of sourness. A well thought out salad that’s easy on the eye and in your mouth!
For coffee lovers, you are not forgotten at Brickfields. With a Mecca blend on hand, my Flat White was strong and robust, just the way I love it. The coffee itself is well crafted, extracted to perfection with a beautiful sweet finish.
For sweet endings, it would be almost criminal not to try one of the Brickfield’s artisanal cakes or pastries. When Mavis saw a Malaysian Kaya Cake, everything else was a distant second. Mavis grew up in Singapore and spent her childhood looking forward to visits or treats from Lanas, a Singapore bakery institution. She loved and was reminded of the lightness and chocolate goodness of Lanas’ cakes. The kaya flavour is subtle, so if you’re not familiar with kaya, do not worry, this will be like the best chocolate cake ever, trust me, I had some, and can endorse it!
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