Restaurant Review: The Book Cafe

Restaurant Review: The Book Cafe

20 Martin Road
Singapore 239070

+65 6887 5430

"If you didn't know it was there, you would not see it." That was my first thought upon finding The Book Cafe on Martin Road. Hidden behind some on-going construction in the Seng Kee building, the cafe is only visible from one side, and then you just see a few tables outdoors, and could easily give up and go to cafe espressamente, right opposite. However, if you actually managed to find this truly hidden gem, you will not want to leave, and the generous opening hours (until midnight on weekends), good food and very, very comfortable interior will make it easy for you to forget time.

Comfortable cafes that are not overcrowded or overpriced are quite hard to come by in Singapore, thus I was quite pleased to find The Book Cafe and a bit reluctant to promote it further, lest it becomes too popular. There are various reasons why The Book Cafe is, simply put, fantastic.

Firstly, it's just super comfortable, that is, if you're lucky enough to snatch one of the 5 big sofas or waited around long enough for one to become available. Chairs are only so comfortable, and sitting in one for a few hours is not exactly a treatment for your behind. However, once you plunked down into the cozy comfort of the sofas, you'll have a hard time convincing yourself its time to go. Along the walls are bookshelves, and the variety and extravagance of the book selection makes sure you'll find something to pass the time in the event you didn't bring anything with you. If you prefer lighter entertainment, there are also magazines and power plugs for laptops, so you can always choose to work, study or just watch a movie. To be honest, I'm not sure exactly why The Book Cafe has such a nice, cozy, comfy atmosphere. Perhaps it's because not everything fits exactly 100% and at times the place does seem a little disorderly, which makes it extrardinarily charming in a squeaky clean and orderly city like Singapore.

Second, the food. The menu at The Book Cafe is not exactly extensive, and vegetarian/vegan options are limited. However, the food they offer ranges from decent to just finger-licking good. Must-trys are the Eggs Benedikt, the Cheeseburger (you can always opt for a small salad on the side if you don't like fries) and the Banana-Chocolate Cake. Also, The Book Cafe offers freshly squeezed juices/smoothies.


Lastly, the crowd. Whereas other cafes are target by young students occupying a table for hours to study, others are filled with families and yet another kind caters to the working crowd. At The Book Cafe, you will find a bit of everything, yet it appears they all have one thing in common: an appreciation for a good cafe. This is both in the literal sense (as the drinks are also quite decent here, for tea lovers I recommend the African blend with Roi-bush) but also metaphorically. Either it's the cafe that make the people cool and laid back, with an underlying sense of comfort and creativity, or it is the people hanging out here that create this unique atmosphere.

Quality has it's price, and The Book Cafe is no cheaper than most other cafes in Singapore. But it has three things goign for itself that make it unique: the food is very good, the athmosphere is very cozy and the patrons and staff are nice. Oh, and did I mention it's really comfortable?

5/5 Stars