The Pancake War: Food For Thought

Food for Thought's outlet at 8 Queen Street is the place to be if you're looking for a relief from the hustle and bustle at the nearby Bugis Village and Junction 8. Or if you're seeking an energizer after a study session at the nearby National Library. Or if you want to enjoy good food while helping a good cause: FFT does not have a service levy, but all tips go to the Give Clean Water Fund. While it does not charge for a free flow of iced water (and I don't see why any restaurant should), you are encouraged to donate $2 to Living Water International to grant an African with access to clean water.

Once you've navigated to Queen Street, locating FFT should not be a problem because it's is housed in a glass house which stands out from its surroundings. And once you've entered the place, it's difficult to resist the cozy vibe of the tastefully decorated café.

FFT's 8Q menu is more varied than that at its North Bridge Road Outlet, and what its breakfast menu, available from 9am to 5.30pm daily. I'd love FFT even more if the breakfast menu was available all day, but I'm not complaning! While the breakfast menu is not extensive, I love the idea of being able to customize your meal from a selection of fry-up items. The next time I drop by, I'm going to help myself to the brioche, thyme hashbrowns and their much-raved-about scrambled eggs with cream!

There're six other varieties of pancakes to choose from as well, such as Mixed Berries and Dark Chocolate with Stewed Cherries. If you're not a fan of sweet toppings, you can simply have them botak (i.e. plain) for an affordable $6 as well. I ordered Banana Walnut Pancakes ($10+), a huge favorite of mine. The generous portion of banana slices and walnuts are served on top of the stack by default, but you can choose to have them embedded inside like I did.

The inconvenience I faced walking to FFT in the rain (with an umbrella that persistently upturned every minute or so) was well-worth it after I had my first bite of these thick and fluffy pancakes. While just as superbly soft like Cedele's, FFT's pancakes were perfectly moist to boot. The generous portion of caramelized bananas and crunchy walnuts hidden inside made them all the more lovable.

Maple syrup is not served here, but who really cares when you have gula melaka syrup instead? Normally used in traditional desserts like chendol and Nonya kueh, the gula melaka syrup lent the pancakes a delightfully aromatic and sweet edge. An affordable but equally worthy alternative to maple syrup, surely! Oh, and did I forget to mention that the cold fresh cream which made such a lovely accompaniment to the warm pancakes is hand-whipped and not from a can?

I wish I had space for more, but the pancakes turned out to be just the right portion for an early dinner as I just had a cup of awesome ice cream at Tom's Palette. Guess the grilled vegetables and butterscotch and apple crumble have to wait for another time!


Food For Thought
8 Queen Street
Mon-Sat: 9am-10pm (Last orders from kitchen 8.50pm)
Sun: 9am-9pm (Last orders from kitchen 7.30pm)
Breakfast is served from 9am to 5.30pm daily