There's been an increased number of halal cafes popping up and Penny University has been around for the past 2 years. It's so common to see cafes popping up, but no one really knows when they close down. But Penny University is a survivor and I decided to go learn why.
It's not exactly close to any MRT station, so I took bus there and at 12pm, I was told to give my name and they said it would take at least 30 minutes for a table. I patiently waited and as other potential customers gave up waiting, my waiting time was reduced to a mere 15 minutes.
Their menu is printing in a old/washed out font and it makes it quite difficult to read, I struggled at first, but we still managed to order our food.
I read on their facebook and instagram that they now serve Fluff Bakery cupcakes, the cupcakes which I queued for an hour for! But at 12pm, the cupcakes hadn't arrived and when I left at almost 1:30pm, the cupcakes still hadn't reached. The boss himself had no clue when the cupcakes would arrive, even though I called at 830am to ask if there would be cupcakes.
Penny University is famed for their coffee, as such I decided to go with an affogato.
1. Affogato $7When the affogato was served to me, the waiter explained that the center cup was the coffee and on the left, it was gula melaka. I was like. WOAH!
As you gently pour the coffee over the ice cream, it melts the ice cream into a silky, and creamy texture and with the gula melaka, the sweetness offsets the bitterness of the strong coffee. I felt awakened as I sipped the affogato. This is some strong stuff! I enjoyed it so much I will have to order it again soon!
2. The BLAT $9.50The minced beef patty was pink in the center and was very juicy and soft. We enjoyed the sourdough toast which was very crispy and thick. The texture of the cheese was also very hard and I enjoyed the fresh tomatoes which tasted sweet.
3. English Breakfast $16 + $2.20 (smoked chicken)
I really enjoyed the poached eggs, and with sourdough toast. Definitely a more western style of soft boiled eggs with toast. Everything was pretty okay, but I did like the sausages, one was slightly spicy. The smoked chicken was slightly on the dry side, but it still tasted good.
Awesome cafes that sell baked goods, have baking classes so awesome coffee shops that sell coffee also have espresso workshops!
So after my brunch at Penny University, I feel that the key reason why Penny University is still around after 2 years it that their prices are on the reasonable side, and also because it's a halal cafe. I just wished that they would take reservations. Food wise, they're okay, and though not fantastic, with their prices.. I think they can survive a lot longer.
Supplementary Information:
NETT priced, no reservations allowed
Recommended Dish(es):
Affogato,blat
Date of Visit: Feb 28, 2015
Spending per head: Approximately $20
Other Ratings:Taste
5 |
Environment
4 |
Service
4 |
Clean
4 |
Price
4Recommend
0