Lola's styles itself as a 'backyard café', and it sets to emulate that homely vibe by encouraging the use of hands to eat instead of the usual fork and spoon. Now, after a decade of slinging out tasty heart-warming fare, the Kovan stalwart unveils its latest transformation that draws from the same pages as its second outlet in Holland Village. Clean and minimalist come to mind when describing the Scandi-inspired interiors which make for cosy vibes and great photos.
And with the new space comes brand new plates of hearty nosh. Sink your teeth into the Tsukune Sando ($17) where fluffy tamago is stacked with a juicy grilled chicken tsukune patty, crunchy pickled daikon, textures of cabbage and rounded off with a furikake aioli. Or savour the Spicy Tomato Crab Rigatoni ($28), where tubes of rigatoni hold chunks of blue swimmer crab in a garlicky tomato sauce – Singapore chilli crab fans, you'll love this.
In the sweets section, there are new creations of Lemon Basil Cheesecake ($8) and Lychee Rosewater Cake ($8.50). Though it is the Strawberry Pistachio Tart ($9) that stole our hearts with its nutty decadence. The cafe will also feature a new seasonal single-origin coffee alongside its robust house blend of Brazilian and Indonesian beans (from $5).
Being at home also means having your pet with you, and accordingly, the café welcomes your fur pals at its outdoor seating area. And of course, who could forgo the signature Honey Paprika Crispy Wings ($13) that shot Lola's to fame? Other fan favourites that still have their place on the updated menu are the hearty Lola's Breakfast ($28), Pulled Pork & Avocado Eggs Benedict ($16), healthy Miso Salmon Grain Bowl ($18) and the plethora of whimsical desserts.