Thinking outside the (doughnut) box with Caffe Pralet, a deli-bakery

It was a dreary Thursday afternoon when I found myself ducking into a narrow alley in Tiong Bahru, drawn by word of an unassuming bakery with square doughnuts and a cult following.

When my colleague first mentioned the café’s name, I misheard it as “prata.” You’d be forgiven for thinking the same: Pralet, prata... especially in a country where the latter is a beloved staple.

But what Caffe Pralet serves is something else entirely: a creative reimagining of comfort food, baked and fried daily, with just the right amount of personality. Inside, I was greeted not only by the soft lighting and hum of disco hits, but by trays of doughnuts that defied expectation. They weren’t round. They were square!

Check out the 'squary' spread

While their square-shaped doughnuts have only recently got their time to shine, Caffe Pralet is no newbie on the bakery scene. First started in 2006 as a café pâtisserie, the now turned deli bakery has now set its sights on serving up scrumptious sourdough sandwiches & freshly fried doughnuts in a space where people can connect.  

And I have to say they’re doing a pretty good job at that :) While I was waiting for my order to be prepared, I saw office workers coming in droves for their sweet-tooth fix, and customers who come all the way here just to takeaway boxes of doughnuts. Even secondary school students have found their new favourite haunt, chilling and chatting, and of course taking pictures of their sweets.

Our afternoon snack spread!

I was spoiled for choice across all the interesting flavour profiles of the bites and drinks but we decided to try something classic and something unconventional, so here’s what we settled on: 

We got both hot and cold drinks to try

For drinks, we got the Ice Hojicha Latte ($7) and the Hot Malt Latte ($6). The Ice Hojicha Latte boasted earthy and rich flavour notes while managing to be not overwhelming on the palate. Paired together with creamy ice-cold milk, this masterful balance will pleasantly surprise your hojicha-apprehensive friends. 

I couldn’t help but be intrigued by the Malt Latte, a combination not quite heard of, so why not give it a try? As a Horlicks and Milo lover, this drink is like the grown-up and slightly refined version of the drinks of my childhood. From a sip, you instantly get the slight taste of malt woven into the aromatics of the coffee. Interestingly, as I took more sips, I noticed that the aftertaste had become almost sweet and caramel-like. 

A must-try for all the sweet tooths

Now, onto the stars of the show, the square doughnuts! We first got the classic Triple Chocolate Fudge ($4). This indulgent 56% dark chocolate fudge spread was everything and more for chocolate lovers. Sprinkled with 70% dark chocolate shavings and toasted cacao nibs and a tinge of salt, it added depth to the otherwise singular flavour profile of the chocolate and the crunch of the toasted cacao nibs was much appreciated to contrast the fluffy and airy doughnut base. 

Smothered in flavourful chicken floss

Last but not least, my personal favourite and dare I say, my potentially favourite doughnut of all time, Fairy Dust ($4). Contrary to its loving name, this is the only savoury doughnut Caffe Pralet has in its repertoire. Upon first taste, it garnered an eyebrow-raising “Wow!” from me and my colleague. This unexpectedly cohesive blend of chicken floss and mayonnaise-like glaze served up on the signature sourdough doughnut reminds me of the classic chicken floss bread. Only now made better, because everything's better when it's served on a doughnut. 

A special shoutout to the lively atmosphere of the cafe, from the enthusiastic staff to the pop and disco music vibrating off the 4 walls (My personal favourite from the playlist was Diane Ross’s I’m Coming Out). 

Whether you’re looking for a new neighbourhood to explore or looking to jam and bunker down for a long day of WFH (they provide free wifi!), Caffe Pralet’s offering expands and breaks your expectations of what a doughnut should look and taste like. 

Do note: While there is no seating time limit, seating is limited, so do be conscious of others when you visit!

Caffe Pralet

17 Eng Hoon St, #01-04 Eng Hoon Mansions, Singapore 169767