(Closed) Prodigal Cafe – Blk 81 MacPherson Lane

(Prodigal Cafe has since ceased operations due to the block being selected by the Housing Development Board (HDB) to be under the Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS).)

Prodigal Roasters had been one of our favourite cafes ever since we had discovered them back during their initial days of opening — those who had been following us on Instagram would probably know how often we actually drop by the humble, hole-in-the-wall cafe at Yio Chu Kang.

Prodigal Cafe is a new space opened by the folks behind Prodigal Roasters — an “upgrade” with proper seating for dine-ins and a permanent hot food menu. For those who are familiar with Prodigal Roasters, the new space at MacPherson Lane (which takes over the space of now-defunct Nom Nom with much of the interior then now stripped away) is largely reminiscent of the original branch — similar minimalist vibes with elements of grey, white and wood accents, Prodigal Cafe brings the same feel as Prodigal Roasters in a larger setting. One can also choose to stand by the counter table by the window to watch the world go past while having their coffee, while bar counter seats are also available for those who prefer to watch the action in the kitchen and coffee bar area. Aside from carrying hot food, Prodigal Cafe carries a similar range of cakes and tarts as Prodigal Roasters; all baked in-house, with the drinks menu being largely familiar as well. Those who are looking to purchase coffee beans that are roasted by Prodigal Roasters would also be able to purchase them from Prodigal Cafe, with the bags of coffee beans now proudly displayed at the front of the cafe right beside the counter.

(Grilled Cheese Sandwich)

Since the hot food menu is considered the highlight of what is being offered at Prodigal Cafe, we decided to give two of the hot food items a go. One of the more popular items ever since Prodigal Cafe’s opening happens to be the Grilled Cheese Sandwich; an item which is a clear winner especially considering how grilled cheese sandwiches is a pretty comforting dish that is hard to go wrong. While many cafes do offer similar dishes, the Grilled Cheese Sandwich from Prodigal Cafe feels seemingly well-put together past that whole hype of oozy cheese in between slices of bread. For one, the toast comes pretty crisp from the grilling; it helps to create texture to the sandwich without the bread feeling particularly too thick nor still being fluffy and almost undifferentiable from the melted cheese. The crusty texture of the bread goes in harmony with the stretchy melted cheese in between whilst topped off with shavings of cheese over the top. The sandwich did not feel overwhelming nor too rich of cheesiness much to our surprise; pretty well-balanced overall with a good cheese to bread ratio. What sets the Grilled Cheese Sandwich apart from the rest here is the addition of Torched Bell Peppers; a similar function to how some places serve their variant of grilled cheese sandwich with a bowl of tomato soup on the side. Bursting with a fresh zestiness, the torched bell peppers cut through the cheesiness perfectly, creating a flavour contrast to refresh the taste buds. Arugula is being served on the side; the greens also helped to provide a break between the cheesiness of the sandwich. Very simple and comforting, with a slight twist that makes the dish their very own variant of a commonly found item; totally on point!

(Chicken Stroganoff)

Comparing the Chicken Stroganoff to the Grilled Chicken Sandwich, the former seemed to lack the visual appeal of the latter but it is still a very well-executed dish that is not to be missed. For those who enjoy their grilled chicken chop with tender meat and crispy skin, the Chicken Stroganoff is a sheer pleasure to have with its succulent meat and flavourful skin that is all crisp from the grilling. Served with creamy mix of caramelised onions and mushrooms and the bottom, the variant here also comes with three slices of bread that encourages one to mop up that tasty sauce with; the caramelised onions and mushrooms providing a sweet and earthy combination of flavours along with the cream that goes so well with the slight sweetness of the toasted bread that is spread with garlic on one side. Yet another satiating dish on their hot food menu that would suit those who are looking for a meaty dish.

(Miso Cheese Tart)

Serving up a range of bakes that is similar to what is offered at Prodigal Roasters, we picked the Miso Cheese Tart; the very first item that we had tried from Prodigal Roasters when they had just opened for business back at Yio Chu Kang/Ang Mo Kio. Still tasting as good as it was back then, the Miso Cheese Tart carries a light yet distinct hint of cheese with the cheesiness being well-complimented by the slightly saltish house-made Miso Caramel sauce; a flavour that replicates salted caramel without the intense sweetness or saltiness that some variants of salted caramel might carry.

(White)

Of course, one would be missing the point if they had come to Prodigal Cafe without having their speciality coffee. Roasting their very own beans, Prodigal Cafe was serving single-origin beans from Nicaragua as well as single-origin Garut Prengar West Java beans on the day of our visit. The White was creamy; carried a medium body with a nutty flavour with a slightly fruity finish being pulled with the Garut Prengar West Java beans.

(Dirty)

Being a regular at Prodigal Roasters, one of our favourite items to order at the Yio Chu Kang cafe was the Dirty. The Dirty is essentially cold milk served in a frozen cup, with an espresso shot being poured into the cold milk. We had our Dirty with the single-origin beans from Nicaragua; the concoction was rich and milky, kept cool for quite a while with the frozen cup. The coffee carried a medium body with a nutty and earthy flavour profile whilst being rich in flavour; a pretty good option for those who prefer a less acidic/fruity cuppa.

The folks at Prodigal Roasters had definitely come a long way with the opening of Prodigal Cafe; we would still certainly remember the day where we first discovered Prodigal Roasters, making our very first visit to check them out at their first location in Yio Chu Kang/Ang Mo Kio, enjoying the Miso Cheese Tart and the coffee whilst experiencing the hospitable vibes from the folks in that tiny, hole-in-the-wall space. We are certainly happy to see how they have since grown from Prodigal Roasters to Prodigal Cafe (Prodigal Roasters is still operating as of the day of writing), yet able to retain the vibes and energy from ever since Day 1, serving their very best to their customers with the passion and heart behind their craft from the coffee to their food; it also reminded us of our other favourite cafe, Brawn & Brains, when they first expanded and subsequently set up their second outfit named Brawn & Brains Coffee Run. While this is a big leap for the folks behind Prodigal Cafe/Roasters, we are pretty much as excited as they are for what Prodigal Cafe would bring in the future especially with right attitude and hard work from them; it is exactly the reason why we enjoy hitting new places so much for it is always rewarding to see them grow and mature as time goes on. A place in the neighbourhood, for the neighbourhood, serving simple and hearty food done well; Prodigal Cafe is a place that cafe-goers should add to the list of places to check out. We take this opportunity to congratulate the folks behind Prodigal Roasters/Cafe on the opening of their second space, as well as to wish them all the best in what has to come in their way in the future!

Prodigal Cafe
Blk 81 MacPherson Lane
#01-55
Singapore 360081

Facebook Page (Prodigal Roasters): https://www.facebook.com/prodigalroasters/