Cups N Canvas is a small café located at 139 Selegie Road and is open to artists, students, and anyone who needs a little getaway from the hustle and bustle of being in a metropolitan city.
Upon entry, Stephanie and I were greeted with menus. Much to our surprise, the service staff didn’t wait with a pen in hand by our table. Instead, they let us take our time, gossiping as they went about their daily routine.
We then ordered the Eggs Ben-Addict ($19), which was a little disappointing. The egg wasn’t under or overcooked, and the yolk oozed out once it was cut, but it didn’t add much to the dish besides the taste of yolk. A great addition to the dish was the ham, as it gave the dish a hint of saltiness and had a strong flavor compared to the subtle flavors of the egg and bun. The bun, on the other hand, was just crispy. It didn’t really have a flavor to it. We don’t suggest going for this dish, as it’s not worth the price.
Finding Dory ($21), our next dish, was very artistically presented, and also had a subtle taste. The flavor wasn’t too strong, so it gave our palettes a rest from all of the MSG we’d been consuming throughout the day. The potatoes were a brilliant addition to the fish, as it balanced out the soft fishy taste with a familiar crispy taste. We recommend getting this dish if you’re craving the taste of fish. Grilled tomatoes were served as sides for both dishes, so if you ever do come to this café, you better like grilled tomatoes, because it is tomato haven.
But lattes are not all that’s interesting about the café. Paintings are strewn everywhere, giving Cups N Canvas an artistic edge. Looking around at the frames on the walls and the floor, Tiffany Yeo, one of the staff who has been working at the café for about four months, revealed the thoughts behind the design of the café, saying that café “wants to be different,” and “during weekends, art jamming [takes place and] teachers come to teach.”
Even though the café’s target audience are students from Lasalle and Sota – both art institutions in Singapore – Ms. Yeo adds that student regulars from other countries also visit the bistro. Moreover, she says, “the people who come here are fun. As I work here longer, I get to have this kind of relationship with them. Whenever they come, it feels like home.”
Among the 20 customers, two agreed to share their thoughts on this Cups N Canvas.
The Eye: What attracts you to this café?
Eileen Goh: I like it because it’s not chaotic. Usually on a Friday night, I come here because it’s not crowded like in shopping malls. I think it’s quite interesting that they have drawings for sale and drawing lessons going on.
Wujun Han: Her. (*Points to another customer.*) It’s also a great place to work and great being around other people. And complimentary wifi.
So despite the relatively high prices, Stephanie and I found that Cups N Canvas had a serene yet vibrant atmosphere; the perfect spot for those looking to paint and chill.
Address: 139 Selegie Rd, Singapore 188309
Phone number: 6884 6855
Hours:
Monday Closed
Tuesday-Friday 11:00AM – 10:00PM
Saturday 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
