Pacto by Parchmen cafe at Jalan Besar Community Centre serves up gourmet coffee, artisanal teas and delectable pastries in a stylish setting that invites you to unwind. Besides its surprising location, the cafe also impresses with its affordable prices and the added bonus of accepting CDC vouchers.
Cafe at Jalan Besar CC
Several community clubs (CCs) in Singapore now house snack shops and small eateries. We were pleasantly surprised to discover a trendy café within Jalan Besar CC in an area characterised by a mix of HDB blocks and an eclectic range of traditional businesses, including hardware stores and engineering workshops.
Pacto by Parchmen occupies a bright, minimalist space on the ground floor of Jalan Besar CC. The interior features clean lines and simple furnishings.
The compact space is roughly divided in two. One half comprises the coffee bar, counter, and food preparation and storage area. The dining area is a narrow, L-shaped space with small tables and mostly wall-side seating. The cafe at Jalan Besar CC is ideal for enjoying a quiet drink rather than a full meal. The cafe’s own Spotify playlist, “Pacto by Parchmen Brew Bar”, enhances the atmosphere with a blend of oriental-inspired music.
Menu of Pacto by Parchmen
The cafe focuses on Asian coffees and teas. The menu features specialty coffees like Double Espresso and Cortado, alongside teas such as Saitama Matcha Latte and Saitama Hojicha Latte. A selection of in-house baked cakes and pastries complements the drinks. Light bites, including Smoked Salmon Cha Soba and Acai Bowl, are also available.
The prices are very reasonable. A slice of Dark Chocolate Cake is $5 and Double Espresso is $3.30. There is no service charge and no GST.
Below is a picture of the menu of Pacto by Parchmen cafe.
Afternoon Tea at Pacto
We visited Pacto by Parchmen cafe at Jalan Besar CC for afternoon tea. We ordered a Dark Cherry Century Egg ($5) and a Luncheon Meat Puff Pastry ($4), a Matcha Latte($5) and Black Coffee ($4.30).
The Dark Cherry Century Egg was an imaginative and artisanal cake with a unique flavour profile. The light, airy mousse offered a creamy texture, while the tartness of the cherry filling balanced the richness, creating a pleasing contrast. Overall, it was an enjoyable sweet treat.
The black coffee was robust and aromatic. It had rich, full-bodied taste that was neither overly bitter nor excessively acidic. The smooth finish left a pleasant aftertaste.
The Luncheon Meat Puff Pastry featured a golden-brown, crisp crust that was both inviting and satisfying. The light, flaky layers provided a delightful contrast to the firm yet tender filling of luncheon meat. The buttery pastry had a subtle sweetness that complemented the savoury notes of the luncheon meat. It was a comforting snack option.
The Matcha Latte was served warm, and had an appealing appearance and a delightful fragrance. The sweetness was subtle, balancing the matcha’s natural bitterness. It was smooth and comforting, with a clean finish that lingered just enough to be remembered without being overpowering.
Hidden Gem in Jalan Besar CC
It sounds cliché, but Pacto by Parchmen is a true hidden gem. The space is inviting, the staff friendly, and the cakes and coffee are well worth the visit. Prices are reasonable, often lower than similar contemporary cafes, and they accept CDC vouchers, an added bonus. A reminder: the current batch of CDC vouchers expire on 31 December 2024. If you haven’t used yours yet, Pacto cafe at Jalan Besar CC is a good place to visit soon.
Ratings:
Food: 3
Service: 4
Value: 5
Atmosphere: 3
Overall Rating: 4 TOPs 
Pacto 忆缘 by Parchmen
Jalan Besar Community Centre
69 Jellicoe Road #01-05
Singapore 208737
Tel: +65 8921 7541
Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed – Fri: 8.30 am – 4.30 pm
Sat & Sun: 9 am – 5 pm
Closed on Tuesdays
Nearby MRT Station: Lavender (EW11)
The Ordinary Patrons | Real Dining Experience of Ordinary People
an independent Singapore food blog
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