TAG Espresso Cafe Review: Coffee Specialist's 1st Cafe In Singapore Offers All-Day Brunch & Unique Brews

If you're looking for a new brunch spot to try that's in a convenient central location, head to the TAG Espresso cafe in Takashimaya Shopping Centre. This is the homegrown premium coffee brand's first café, launched after the success of its online store and boutique in Raffles City Shopping Centre.

The garden-themed cafe offers its specialty coffee as well as unique coffee flavours, coffee cocktails and a food menu including all-day brunch, light bites and desserts.

Ambience at TAG Espresso Cafe

Located at a secluded corner of the mall, TAG Espresso is a cosy and quiet 30-seater space that's perfect for a relaxing mid-day pick-me-up. The interior is also plenty stylish, with that minimalist and nature-inspired aesthetic that's all the rage in the cafe world these days. Modern materials like unfinished concrete and stainless steel add a contrasting industrial-style edge to the botanical theme.

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Coffee at TAG Espresso Cafe

The classic Espresso ($4) and Lattes ($5 - $7) might be the mainstay at TAG Espresso, but we had to try their creative iced coffees infused with with fun flavours. The Pineapple Black ($7) has the most unusual flavour profile that not everyone will like. The safer options to try are the Rose Coconut Latte ($8.50), which has a subtle floral aftertaste and fragrant burst of coconut, and the Kaya Pandan Latte ($9), a surprisingly delicious drink with comforting local flavours.

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My favourite was the Dirty Yuan Yang ($15), a unique cocktail made with coffee, red tea, Kahlua coffee liqueur and milk. The rich bitterness of espresso and sweetness of Kahlua were a harmonious combination that made for a full-bodied drink.

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Food at TAG Espresso Cafe

Available from 9am daily, the food menu has a selection of light bites, all-day brunch items, Japanese-fusion rice bowls, pasta, and burgers.

For brunch, you can't go wrong with the classic Avocado Toast ($17.90). TAG Espresso's rendition has perfectly soft-scrambled eggs and generous slices of avocado on rye bread with an earthy housemade Dukkah spice and pesto spread. Served on the side are mesclun salad and smoked salmon.

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Another brunch item to try is Fish and Chips ($24.90). The cod fish was crispy on the outside and tender inside. The highlight of this dish was the unique Coffee Lime Aioli made from TAG Espresso's Midnight Blue coffee - an addictive dip with bitter yet tangy flavours.

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The high point of the meal was no doubt the light bites including Tako Kaarage ($13.90), perfectly battered and fresh octopus marinated with shoyu, dashi, and ginger.

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Another snack or dish for sharing is the Shrimp Paste Pork Belly ($14.90), a pork belly version of har cheong gai (aka prawn paste fried chicken) topped with tobiko roe and served with mustard.

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If you're in the mood for something more substantial, go for the Smoky Fried Rice ($16.80) with smoked bacon, prawn and egg. Those who have a low spice tolerance might want to pass on this dish as it packs quite the spicy punch.

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There are two desserts on the menu including French Toast ($16.90) with a scoop of vanilla gelato, chocolate syrup on the side and garnished with vibrant edible flowers, fresh strawberries and blueberries.

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If you tried the coffee here and fell in love, you can make it at home with the TAG Espresso Coffee Capsules (from $15.90 for 7) made with 100% Arabica beans. Unlike most coffee capsules, these ones don't require a coffee machine. After emptying a capsule in your coffee cup, add water and milk, stir, and voila, you've made yourself a cup of premium coffee with zero effort.

There are classic options as well as flavoured ones like grapefruit and coconut.

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Opening Promotions

TAG Espresso is kicking things off with promotions for diners. From 20 to 28 February 2023, diners can enjoy 1-for-1 drinks in the 'Essentials' and 'Whatever' section of the menu. And for the month of March 2023, customer will receive a free TAG Espresso 2-capsule pack with every order*.

*Limited to 100 redemptions a day.

TAG Espresso cafe at Takashimaya S.C
Address: 391 Orchard Road, #02-11, Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Ngee Ann City, Singapore 238872
Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 8am - 10pm; Sat, Sun & P.H.: 10am - 10pm
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