Panda-Themed Cafe From Chengdu Opens In Somerset With Mala Coffee, Sichuan Steak And More

If you’re a fan of adorable pandas, don’t miss this: 5:59+ Cafe and Bistro, a popular panda-themed Western dining concept from Chengdu, has made its first international debut in Singapore at 313@Somerset! Sporting its signature “urban garden” vibe that has been seen across its five outlets in China, the cafe cum bistro features an all-day dining concept with an open yet cool interior.

The menu here features a variety of panda-themed creations, which mainly come in the form of beverages, and dishes that fuse Western fare with elements of Sichuan cuisine. The super-cute Bamboo Milk Tea ($9.80++) features a panda gummy peeking out from a cloud of whipped cream. Aside from its cuddly aesthetic, the green milk tea within is particularly refreshing.

We also tried the Old Chengdu Mala Coffee ($9.80++), spiced generously with dried chilli, star anise and more, without overpowering the coffee. It also came with a lovable panda gummy to float on top of the coffee.

The Seared Tuna and Avocado With Spicy Wasabi Dressing ($24++) was a delightful appetiser, with a creamy-smooth avocado base and tangy wasabi sauce supporting the light and fresh seared tuna. The Mala Beef Tongue ($26++) was extremely soft and velvety, accompanied by a peppery-sweet Sichuan sauce and spices.

It was very much atypical from other chewier beef tongue dishes. For mains, the Sichuan Pepper Steak ($39++) is their highlighted recommendation, using tender 150-day grain-fed Angus sirloin with crunchy, fiery pepper bits.

The steak went oh-so-well with the provided crushed Sichuan peppers and seasoning. Reminiscent of the popular mala xiang guo, the Mala Hot Pot Pizza ($27++) tasted exactly like what we are so familiar with, incorporating popular ingredients such as mushrooms, wood ear fungus, and chewy konjac. The Carbonara ($25++) may sound simple, but it was topped with a bright green chilli paste that lent a spicy kick.

The thick fettuccine served as a fitting vessel to soak up the creamy sauce, and the bacon bits had an enjoyable savoriness that complemented the spiciness of the green chilli. Get the Panda Mousse ($14++) for a sweet and lovable dessert to end off the meal, consisting of cream cheese and mango.

5:59+ Cafe and Bistro is located at 313@Somerset, right above Somerset MRT Station. For more great eats around the area, check out our Somerset food guide.

You might also be interested in our Orchard Road cafes guide. Address: 313 Orchard Road, #01-28, 313@Somerset, Singapore 238895 Opening hours: Fri-Sat 10:30am to 11pm, Sun-Thurs 11:30am to 10pm

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5:59+ Cafe and Bistro is not a halal-certified eatery.

Photos taken by Jordan Ong. This was a media tasting by 5:59+ Cafe and Bistro.

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