Singapore Eats: Barracks Cafe at Dempsey House

We had the opportunity to dine at the Barracks Cafe @ Dempsey House while we were in Singapore and taste a sample of some of their most delicious plates.

Walking into House you instantly notice the avant garde decor with mis-matched chairs and unique furniture. It is surrounded by greenery, easily enjoyed through the expansive windows which makes you feel as if you’re in a greenhouse. The menus look like newspapers and are full of tasty ingredients and entrees to peruse. They have an extensive drink menu of which I highly recommend the Tiffin Punch for a delicious mixture of gin, lychee liqueur and grapefruit.

After scanning the menu I had a list of 5 – 6 things I wanted to try, and was sure would be yummy. We went for brunch so I was ready for some good breakfast food, despite the Macadamia Crusted Pumpkin Arugula Salad, Old-Fashioned American Sliders and Mushroom Risotto that were tempting me. We had 5 people at the table and between us we ordered the 7-layer Pancake, Asparagus and Poached Egg, Very Berry Stuffed French Toast, Crunch Munch Granola and a side of Taro Fries & Parsley Mashed Potatoes. We also chose the Tiffin Punch for 4, since it was so highly recommended.

The service was friendly and everyone was quick to ensure we had great service. While we waited for our food the atmosphere was casual but still sophisticated. The windows allowed plenty of sunlight through and the ambiance could be described as energized. Even the bathrooms had attitude sporting signs that read Pussycats and Cock-A-Doodles. Looking around, every sign, light fixture and chair was styled just so. Nothing matched, but everything went together perfectly.

Once the food arrived, most of the talking quieted down to a hum while we all chowed down on our food. We started with the taro fries and parsley mashed potatoes. Both delicious sides, the fries were crispy and well-seasoned while the mashed potatoes were creamy and melted in your mouth. The granola and yogurt was fully mixed with cubed fresh fruit and set on top of homemade granola. It was light, sweet and just enough food without feeling overly stuffed. The 7-layer pancake was delicious. The hazlenuts, pistachios, dried raisins and apricots were all layered between 7 pancakes, with nutella spread and a shot of maple syrup to complete the sweetness. The sweet, nutty flavor of these pancakes kept you wanting more. The mixed berry stuffed french toast when it first arrives looks like a small portion, but once you start digging in, the thick creamy filling quickly fills you up! The poached egg and asparagus is a healthy option for those watching their waistlines. With two eggs and thick asparagus alongside a bed of greens your morning will start off on the right foot. Everything we ordered and sampled I would feel confident in recommending to someone trying out the restaurant.

The food was fabulous and left me wanting to return to try out more of the menu options. The menu was interesting, the food pairing intriguing and the smell of the food coming out of the kitchen was delectable. My personal favorite was the decor and ambiance of the restaurant. I suggest getting out of your chair and walking around. Enjoy the outside greenery and the colorful funky furniture throughout the dining room. Look for the little turtles and fish in the small moat surrounding the building. Even finding the restroom was an experience unlike others.

I loved it. I want you to try it and leave a comment with the menu items you tried and a quick review on what you thought!