Drawn by its funky exterior design, I was compelled to visit The Shelter, a new cafe located at the Fook Hai Building next to Chinatown Point.
Blending elements of a bar and a lifestyle cafe, this bistro offers an interesting mishmash of a menu. Local favourites like curry chicken and mee siam share space with Korean soju, but it’s the waffles and gelato that steal the show.
The array of homemade gelato choices here is extensive, boasting no less than seventeen flavours. Oddly enough, none of them were labelled during my visit, possibly because the place had just recently opened for business. I had to rely on the staff to guide me through the available options.
Eventually, I opted for a scoop of Hawthorne Gelato, a flavour I had never encountered before and thoroughly enjoyed. The first bite overwhelmed me with nostalgia, transporting me back to my primary school days when I would munch on haw flakes from the nearby neighbourhood provisions shop. This ice cream truly captures the essence of haw flakes in a smooth and creamy gelato package.
As for my choice of waffle, I decided on the mixed Charcoal & Matcha variant, which initially appeared deceptively small. However, this waffle proved to be thick and dense, and yet somehow also managed to achieve a texture that was both chewy and crispy. It reminded me a lot of The Larder’s fantastic waffle and paired beautifully with the ice cream.
In terms of ambience, The Shelter exudes a dimly lit yet pleasant atmosphere, enveloped in neon blue and purple hues. Adjacent to the entrance, you’ll find an assortment of t-shirts by local designers on display, available for purchase if any catch your eye.
Ratings
CHARCOAL & MATCHA WAFFLE: 4.5/5
HAWTHORNE GELATO: 4.5/5
Address: 150 South Bridge Rd, #01-11, the shelter, Fook Hai Building, Singapore 058727
Contact: 9672 5434
