Food - Penny University

Coffee is apparently something that many people need to survive. Having been part of the working class for the past 2 months though, I am kinda glad to say that I do not need that. What I need is just plenty of sleep (10 hours for optimal performance) and good food to get me through each week.

Anyway, on this lazy Sunday, I got out of bed at 12pm and lazed around playing Angry Birds Star Wars (this week's App of the Week) until I decided to meet my friend for a very late lunch at Penny University!

"Penny University is an artisanal cafe born out of a love of coffee discovered in London. We source our beans from local roasters, serve specialist cakes and bread freshly baked daily in the area, support and collaborate with local bakers and aim to be a haven for people of the East Coast and beyond."

-Penny University

Now artisanal coffee, as a trend, has been around for a while. We've seen the likes of Chye Seng Huat Hardware Store and 40 Hands pop up around the island, in "hip" neighbourhoods in the past few years, and my impression of Penny University fits in with this.

Situated conveniently along East Coast Road, near Parkway Parade and the food heaven that is Joo Chiat, it was crowded when we arrived, chock full of customers getting their fix of cake, coffee and conversation. Most of the customers were young folks, around their mid-twenties to mid-thirties. When my friend and I entered, we were a little confused because there were some customers sitting outside with no cups of coffee or food that we could see. Therefore, logically, they should be queueing up for a table as well. But there was no one to show us to a table, and given the small space (around 6m, because well, I'm an architecture student), the customers making their orders at the counter were lined up right in the doorway.

We showed ourselves to a table at the back, and my friend went to get a menu. Prices at Penny U are quite reasonable and relatively affordable. A cup of coffee or a pot of tea costs about $4, and I heard the coffee here is good. I'm not really into coffee, so I ordered a pot of my favourite Earl Grey, for $4 with free refills. We ordered a smoked salmon bagel ($8), with a poached egg ($1.50) and a carrot cake ($7.50), for the total price of $21. Quite affordable, no?

The items arrived slowly, and individually as they were prepared one by one. First came the carrot cake, which was just sweet enough without being overwhelming. The sour cream frosting was great, and though smaller in size compared to Cedele's Carrot Cake, this was a good choice.

The tea arrived next, quite a while later, and I was told to allow it 3 minutes to steep. I was also given only one glass, and asked for another. It turns out though that the pot was good for one person. Oh well. Just after 3 minutes though, the tea was not hot enough. I think tea should be steaming; not boiling hot, but steam should be rising from it, in order for its flavours to be properly enjoyed.

Meanwhile, the decoration is really nice!

Then, we waited around for about 15-20 minutes for the smoked salmon bagel. This was my main gripe with the place. I understand that it's very popular, and naturally it will take quite a while for the kitchen to prepare its orders. However, it was unpleasant having to sit there with the carrot cake done with, and enough tea for one person, while the servers rushed around.

Finally... after checking with two waitresses, my food arrived.

Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese, Oregano, Capers on Bagel ($8)

 I quite liked this sandwich. The smoked salmon was salty, and delicious without its fishiness being too overwhelming. The poached egg was also quite well done, and simply delectable on its own, or eaten with the other half of the bagel, which is what I did.

Is there anything else like it?

In all, I had quite a good experience. The food was quite good, and the prices definitely affordable. However, I think I probably will not want to visit on a weekend. I get it that it is popular, but I like my order to be served efficiently as well. Moreover, with so much chatter going on within the relatively tight space, it was not easy to have a long conversation. After all, tea and coffee are good for long, frivolous conversations, aren't they?

If you're in the area and the place is not too crowded (or if you like crowds), Penny University is worth a visit. However, it's not the type of place that I will want to visit again. And again. And again. For that, and better service, I will head to Group Therapy. More on that cafe when I visit again, hopefully soon!

Penny University Artisanal Coffeehouse

402 East Coast Road

Singapore 428997T

Facebook: Penny University

Contact No: 9008 9314

Opening Hours:

Mon - Thu: 12:00 - 23:00

Fri - Sat: 12:00 - 01:00

Sun: 12:00 - 23:00