Necessary Provisions: Aesthetic Healthy Vegetarian Brunch at Tanglin
Necessary Provisions has been around in the local cafe scene for a couple of years now, but closed their sole Eng Kong Terrace outlet back in 2018. Coming back with a new space and look though, Necessary Provisions can now be found at Tanglin, interestingly sharing the floor with SmartFit Pilates studio.
Just steps away from the bus stop opposite St. Regis Hotel, Necessary Provisions is a beyond aesthetically pleasing cafe with light wood furnishing and powder blue / grey walls, immediately invoking an intimate and cosy space.
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The colour scheme and decor actually bring to mind other new cafes on the scene, like The Bravery, a halal cafe which just reopened at Telok Ayer, and PRAIRIE, a new concept by Craftsmen Coffee at Bukit Timah.
They have very limited seats available, but offer both outdoor and indoor tables.
Speaking to the staff, they mentioned that the new Necessary Provisions menu is more in line with the pilates studio and overall vibe, and thus you’ll find healthier, light bites instead of hearty brunch dishes.
They also have seasonable bakes on the counter which are baked in-house, and we decided to have a slice of Pandan Chiffon (S$4) to share. It was light on the palette yet flavourful and wonderfully moist.
For brunch, we opted for the French Toast (S$19) and the Pomodori Tomato-dori (S$18).
The French Toast was topped with charred banana and tamagoyaki, complete with a side of maple butter. Unlike other French Toasts I have had, this was very light in taste, and slightly more savoury due to the tamago.
The Pomodori Tomato-dori is a curious dish of tomato, toast, burrata and marmalade. The flavours came together quite nicely and the two pieces of toast were delightfully crunchy.
However, and this is my biggest gripe, the portions were very small. In comparison with other brunch cafes, I would consider the size of these dishes more like starters, and for the price you pay, the food is therefore slightly disappointing.
Mind, cafe prices are creeping up these days, but there are many cafes I can think of where you’ll walk away feeling satisfied with a S$25 bill like Kream & Kensho or Forty Hands, or under S$20 with Refuel II and Fuel Plus+.
Perhaps it’s the Tanglin location, perhaps it’s to be more in line with the pilates studio lifestyle, either way, the food was a little wanting.
Over on the drinks menu though, you’ll find coffee and tea options, as well as beers and wines.
All in all, it’s an incredibly pretty cafe, and might be one to go for if you’re looking for light brunch fare and bites, but it’s not one I would save my tummy for.
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WHERE | 91 TANGLIN ROAD, #01-01, SINGAPORE 247918
