Initial negative reviews of Backstage Cafe have prevented me from visiting the cafe, decorated in an industrial, spacious way with tall ceiling, in an industrial park. But the cafe has given thought to feedback, and improved over the past year: mainly, dinner hours are extended till 9pm, and there is a new chef who insists on quality ingredients. He changes the set lunch (11am-2pm) menu regularly, at about $15 for 3 courses.

His insistence on good ingredients pays off. The roasted spring chicken ($15) came as stunning as the handsome, curly-haired waiter in the cafe–a breath of fresh air. On first bite, the fresh, not frozen, chicken presented no resistance to teeth. It had a natural sweetness that matured into the tangy Cajun marinate. This was a winner.

Equally tasty was the addictive prawn aglio olio ($15), which came with a generous number of bouncy prawns. For garlic lovers, this is a must order. Abundant in garlic, sweetened by white wine, the dish left a mild tingly spiciness.

Although we did like the taste of BBQ pork ribs ($20), it was tough. The other dishes we sampled, smoked salmon benedict ($15), and waffles ($8, additional $2.50 for ice cream), were acceptable. The coffee ($4.50-$8) wasn’t bad too, robust with hints of smoky nuttiness and chocolate, not bitter at all.

These days, newfangled cafes pay attention only to concepts, not food. But at Backstage Cafe, it is an all-rounder: delicious and affordable food; great ambience; and a handsome waiter like a movie star. Bonus: ask for complimentary parking when you spend above $20.

Backstage Cafe Singapore

158 Kallang Way, Safekeep Building #01-06, Singapore 349245
T: 6743 6893
Backstage Cafe Menu
M-Sat: 11am-9pm
Rating: 3.458/5 movie stars

Written by A. Nathanael Ho.

Thanks, Lincoln and Fion, for the invite.