Singapore’s café scene has always been buzzing and one of the latest addition is Basq & Bean, a modest new spot that pairs Basque-style cheesecakes with coffee made from beans sourced in Northern Thailand. Located at Beach Road, the café aims to bring a touch of regional flavour to familiar café fare.
Basq & Bean’s concept is straightforward: Basque burnt cheesecakes, known for their caramelised tops and creamy interiors, are served alongside specialty coffees from the Thai regions of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. The pairing is meant to highlight the contrast between the cake’s richness and the coffee’s acidity.
The space itself is calm and understated, featuring light wood furnishings, soft lighting, and a neutral palette. It’s designed to be versatile and a suitable place for solo visits or casual meet-ups, though it doesn’t stray far from the minimal aesthetic that defines many new cafés in Singapore today. Still, the atmosphere is comfortable, and the staff are welcoming without being over-attentive.
Photos © Katherine Goh
The café offers a small selection of gluten-free cheesecakes, available whole or by the slice. The Original Cheesecake is the mainstay, smooth and lightly sweet, while the Dark Chocolate version adds a deeper, slightly bitter note. There’s also a Pandan Kaya flavour, which adds a local twist without overpowering the original recipe. Occasionally, the café introduces seasonal cheesecakes, such as a recent one with salted egg yolk and lotus seed paste for the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Photo © Katherine Goh
Coffee-wise, Basq & Bean serves three roast profiles that cater to different preferences:
- Cherry Blossom Shower (Light Roast) – Fruity and floral, better suited for those who prefer lighter brews.
- Toasty Glutinous Rice (Medium Roast) – Balanced and easy to drink.
- Dark Chocolate Vineyard (Dark Roast) – Heavier and more robust, with hints of wine and cocoa.
The coffee is pleasant, if not particularly distinctive, though the effort to showcase beans from Northern Thailand gives the menu a bit of regional character.
Photo © Katherine Goh
If you happen to be in the Beach Road area and in the mood for something familiar done with care, Basq & Bean is worth a stop. It may not be the next big café sensation, but it’s a decent option for a quiet slice and a cup of coffee.
Basq & Bean
85 Beach Road
#01-02
Singapore 189694
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 8.30pm
