Telok Ayer at lunchtime moves fast. Office lanyards, takeaway bags, people half-walking, half-running back to their desks.
Then there’s 202 Telok Ayer Street, where the old Chinese signage still hangs above the door. It doesn’t look like a cafe from the outside. It looks like the clinic it used to be.
When I stepped in, the street noise fell away, replaced by warm vibes that instantly brought a sense of calm.
My Awesome Café Singapore: A Clinic That Kept Its Name
My Awesome Cafe sits inside the former Chung Hwa Free Clinic, a Traditional Chinese Medicine institution set up here in 1952. The original facade and Chinese characters were kept when the cafe moved in. The building’s history wasn’t painted over. It’s simply part of the meal and adds to the awesomeness of the experience.
Franck Hardy is one of the people behind it. He still answers reviews online under his name, showing how much he cares about the business and its community. The cafe calls itself a meeting of East and West, and once I sat down, that made sense.
Ground Floor Impressions: Lanterns, Antiques, and Steel
The cafe takes up the ground floor of a three-storey conservation shophouse. Red lanterns hang overhead. Chinese antiques sit beside reclaimed furniture, exposed concrete, and industrial steel tables.
Nothing matches, and I think that’s the point. Much of the decor is recycled or upcycled. It feels collected over time rather than designed in a week.
Upstairs is Above Awesome, a private dining space for events and celebrations. It isn’t extra seating for walk-ins.
At peak hours, it gets loud. Voices bounce off the concrete. If you want a quiet corner, I recommend going earlier in the day.
What’s on the Awesome Cafe Menu
This is a cafe, bistro, and bar in one. The menu runs all day, from brunch through late-night food. I found salads, burgers, wraps, platters, oven-baked dishes, and desserts. There’s coffee too, plus cocktails, wine, and beer.
It leans French and European in spirit. Still, I wouldn’t call it a French restaurant. It’s broader and looser than that.
If your day is more about the cup, browse our post on Best Cafes for coffee lovers.
The Pozza
This is the dish I keep thinking about. It’s the cafe’s own take on pizza, built on a potato-based crust. It’s thin, crisp at the edges, and more filling than it looks.
There’s also a Yogic “Chicken” Pozza with Ashwagandha on the gluten-free menu. Recent diners speak warmly of it, and I agree it hits the spot perfectly.
Duck Confit Burger (around S$28)
French shredded duck confit on a brioche bun, buttery and rich. It’s generous and not a light lunch.
It’s also where value starts to feel uneven. I found the premium burgers a bit too bread-heavy for the price. At this price, the filling has to carry the bun.
My Awesome Salad (around S$17)
The salad comes with smoked salmon and a mix of meats and vegetables. Menu listings mention herb chicken, Parma ham, roasted pumpkin, and tomato. It’s a gentler choice when the burgers feel like too much.
Not everyone loves it. I noticed the chicken was a little dry. Toppings can change, so I recommend checking with the staff.
Pulled Beef Burger with Scrambled Eggs
A popular item that brings together the best of breakfast and lunch, this burger is served with fluffy scrambled eggs that add a buttery, creamy texture. It’s a dish that hit my cravings and left me happy.
Home-Baked Pineapple Upside Down Cake (around S$6–S$6.50)
This small cake is a nod to the Peranakan pineapple tart. Bright fruit sits on soft sponge. It’s a quiet way to end, and it’s the cheapest thing on the table.
A Gluten-Free Menu Worth Mentioning
The dedicated gluten-free menu is one of the main reasons I think people come back. It covers the pozza, burgers on gluten-free brioche, tacos, and desserts.
If you have coeliac disease, I suggest talking to the staff about cross-contamination before you order.
The People Behind the Counter
Service is the part reviews mention most. The staff explained the menu, suggested dishes, and worked with my dietary needs when they could. I noticed several regulars name servers they’ve come to know.
That warmth was easy to feel here. It didn’t seem rehearsed.
Opening Hours and Practical Notes
Address: 202 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068639
Getting there: A short walk from Telok Ayer MRT
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 11am–12am; Sat 10:30am–12am; Sun 10:30am–10pm. Confirm on Google before you go, since the website doesn’t list fixed hours.
Reservations: WhatsApp +65 8798 1783 at least 24 hours ahead. Same-day walk-ins are accepted when there’s space.
Budget: Roughly S$25–S$40 per person
My Verdict on This Telok Ayer Classic
Not every dish here hit perfection for me, and yes, some prices might feel a bit on the higher side. The lunch hour buzz can get pretty loud, too.
But what truly sets My Awesome Cafe apart is the soul of the place. I was dining in a space that remembers its past—you eat beneath lanterns where people once lined up for medicine. It’s a rare kind of charm that wraps around you.
This spot felt just right for groups looking to share good times, gluten-free diners who appreciate thoughtful options, visitors curious about old Singapore, and anyone who just loves a room full of character. The glowing reviews and heartfelt comments from fellow diners only confirmed that this is a place where many find joy and comfort.
For more places, visit Best Cafe Singapore.
FAQ
Where is My Awesome Cafe?
At 202 Telok Ayer Street, inside the former Chung Hwa Free Clinic, near Telok Ayer MRT.
Who owns My Awesome Cafe?
Franck Hardy is one of the founders who hope to bring great vibes and awesomeness to every guest.
Does it have gluten-free options?
Yes, there’s a dedicated gluten-free menu. Coeliac diners should ask about cross-contamination.
Do I need to book?
Booking 24 hours ahead via WhatsApp is recommended, especially for groups. Walk-ins are welcome when there’s space.
What should I order first?
Start with the pozza, then share the Home-Baked Pineapple Upside Down Cake. Many agree these dishes bring the best experience.
