Caracara Café: The coffee sip that got me

When my friend and I visited Caracara, we didn’t make a reservation. Alas, we didn’t know better. It was fully booked.

So we ended up seated on the fringes, at a slightly awkward side table beside the bar counter. We’d come here purely based on vibes: the aesthetics looked interesting on Google Maps, and we were curious. It seemed quirky. Neil Road spots usually are!

To get inside, we had to pass through a courtyard gate before slipping into the cool of the shophouse interior. The weather that day was its usual erratic self, so we skipped the outdoor seats (we’re not alfresco people in Singapore 🥵).

Inside, Caracara gives off a high-end Japandi-chill beach vibe (strange in theory, but it works). Wooden panels and pale tones meet soft, cushy Japanese-style seats. A little coastal, a little breezy and structured.

We ordered food and drinks, and honestly, at first, I didn’t plan to write about it. The brunch was pleasant enough. I had the oyakodon ($22), with shio koji-marinated chicken thigh, egg sauce, truffle, and Koshihikari rice. It sounded fancy and felt comforting, but I definitely wished it had more gravy or sauce!

My friend had the Fun Guy Sando ($18), a portobello mushroom sandwich with onion and truffle sauce on white bread. Decently done, if a little safe. We enjoyed the food, but nothing really jumped out. I figured it would be a nice enough café visit, and that would be that...

... but then we tasted the coffee (cue mysterious and exciting music).

A bit of background: I’ve always had a soft spot for quirky coffee combos. I went through a rose latte phase (albeit a little sweet), and I’ll still order a turmeric oat latte now and then (purist opinions aside). Anyhow, if it sounds interesting, I’ll try it.

I ordered the "Hot Momosha Latte" without thinking too much about it. It sounded cute, and it was one of the specialty options on the app; not listed on the physical menu.

It arrived, looking unassuming. Then I took a sip and froze. My eyes widened. The flavours were unexpectedly layered! Soft, floral, grounded, a little fruity. Later, I found out it was a seasonal special made with rare Geisha beans, grown and fermented at high altitude. The actual profile: Peach tea, vanilla, and earl grey. I hadn’t known any of that at the time. I just knew it was exceptional... delicate but bold, and easily the best latte I’ve had in a while O.O

My friend caught my expression immediately: somewhere between confusion and surprise; and then reached for her own without a word.

Hot Momosha Latte (seasonal special!)

My friend had the Aurora Americano, brewed with their signature Aurora beans. It looked simple, but the taste caught both of us off guard: bright, punchy, and layered with distinct notes of grape and rum. Not in a syrupy or flavoured way, but something more subtle and integrated. Bold, confident flavour. It turns out the Aurora beans are a house favourite, and it was easy to see why!

(Scroll through their reviews and you’ll see plenty of others raving about them too.)

We couldn’t stop going on about how unexpectedly good our coffees were throughout the meal. And the Aurora beans? If we’re being cheesy about it... they live up to the name (Aurora Lights). Bright, complex, and even a little transcendent.

Apparently, this is what Caracara is known for. The coffee, not the shock (haha).

People come back for these brews, and it’s easy to see why. The brunch may draw the crowd, but the coffee is what makes it worth remembering.

If you’re looking for a weekend hangout with serious beans and soft lighting, Caracara’s worth the visit.

Just maybe book ahead... now you know better!

Location: 77 Neil Rd, Level 1, Singapore 088903