Surprise Awaits in the Heartland – Refuel Cafe at Bedok Reservoir

The recent news of a surprising $52,188 monthly rental bid for a Tampines HDB clinic (see CNA Report) has ignited national debate about soaring rental costs and the evolution of Singapore’s heartland. Once considered backwaters, the neighbourhood centres of many HDB estates have transformed into vibrant destinations in their own right. These centres no longer merely serve residents’ basic needs; they now boast interesting retail shops, trendy cafes, artisanal bakeries, and hip eateries that rival their city counterparts. Refuel, in the Bedok Reservoir estate which neighbours Tampines, exemplifies this evolution: an elevated cafe that brings contemporary design and a sophisticated menu to the HDB heartland.

Refuel Cafe at Bedok Reservoir

Many may be surprised when they stumble upon Refuel at Block 744 Bedok Reservoir Road. The cafe occupies a ground-floor HDB shophouse unit. It enjoys a corner position, and its glass facades allow natural light to flood the space while also offering glimpses of the green space outside.

Refuel cafe has Instagram-worthy aesthetics. One wall is lined with wooden strip panelling, while an internal wall features rustic red bricks. Behind the counter, white tiles give a clean classic kitchen look – all of which make great backdrops for photos or videos. Sleek pendant lights give the space a warm glow. An impressive coffee machine sits on the counter, which also displays a selection of bottled drinks and cakes.

The thoughtful design makes the most of every square foot of the compact L-shaped dining area. There is a mix of seating – from small tables for solo dining to larger ones, ideal for meals with a small group of friends or colleagues.

Menu of Refuel Cafe

Refuel Cafe at Bedok Reservoir offers a diverse selection of modern comfort food with Asian-inspired influences. The menu features hearty all-day breakfast items such as eggs benedict, pancakes, and full English-style breakfasts, alongside contemporary pasta dishes like carbonara and aglio olio. The mains section showcases a fusion approach with items like miso-baked salmon, teriyaki dishes, Korean-inspired options, and honey BBQ ribs.

Below are pictures of the menu of Refuel.

Brunch at Refuel

We ordered the Croffle, Eggs & Avocado ($16.50) and Honey BBQ Ribs ($19.90) for brunch. Order can be made by scanning a QR Code. Payment can be made online or at the counter.

Honey BBQ Ribs made for an indulgent main course at brunch. The ribs were coated in a glossy, caramelised BBQ sauce with subtle honey undertones. The meat was tender and succulent, easily falling off the bone.

Served alongside the ribs was a generous portion of mixed salad, combining elements of both potato salad and coleslaw. It featured chunks of soft boiled potatoes mixed with finely shredded cabbage and carrots, all brought together in a rich, creamy mayonnaise-based dressing. This flavourful side dish offered a refreshing contrast to the richness of the ribs and was nearly as enjoyable as the main. Together, the dish delivered bold flavours and a pleasing mix of textures.

The Croffle, Eggs & Avocado was a visually striking dish. At its centre was a baked croissant pressed into a waffle-like texture. It was flaky and buttery. The miso scrambled eggs were creamy with a custard-like consistency. The dish was garnished with sliced avocado, fresh cherry tomatoes and sautéed mushrooms. Pickled onion slices added a pop of colour and a tangy contrast. The overall combination of creamy, crunchy, and tangy elements made for a well-balanced, flavourful dish. A beautifully presented plate that was enjoyable.

Waffle & Cooffee

We also had a Salted Caramel Waffle with Matcha Ice Cream ($12.80) as well as a Long Black ($4.80) Cappuccino ($5.50) and Iced Latte ($6).

The waffle arrived as a tower of thick, golden waffle squares toped with a scoop of matcha ice cream sprinkled with crushed nuts. The waffle itself was fluffy, with that good balance between crispy exterior and soft interior. The housemade salted caramel sauce was drizzled around the plate. Scattered across the plate were golden corn flakes that added an unexpected but welcome crunch, along with crumble pieces that brought additional texture and richness. The matcha ice cream was a nice cooling counterpoint to the warm waffles. The dessert dish was an indulgent treat.

The coffee was expertly brewed. Both the hot and iced versions had bold and aromatic flavours.

A Popular Local Favourite

To some, it may come as a surprise to find a trendy cafe like Refuel tucked away in a quiet corner of an HDB heartland. Some might call Refuel Cafe at Bedok Reservoir a hidden gem, but it certainly is not hidden anymore. Established in 2014, it has become very popular, often attracting queues during peak hours. They have since expanded, setting up branches in Bukit Merah and Yishun.

This is a cafe we enjoy visiting from time to time. It feels quintessentially Singaporean. A modern cafe that could easily grace the pages of a design magazine, yet sits comfortably within a heartland neighbourhood. It is a bit “atas” without being elitist, contemporary while retaining a rustic, casual charm. What’s more, it accepts CDC vouchers.

Ratings:
Food: 4
Service: 3
Value: 3
Atmosphere: 3
Overall Rating: 3 TOPs

Menu

Refuel Cafe at Bedok Reservoir
744 Bedok Reservoir Road #01-3029
Singapore 470744

Tel: +65 6448 0015

Opening Hours: 9 am – 9 pm

Nearby MRT Station: Bedok North (DT29)

Website