Cafe Manna serves all-day brunch in a former chapel

If you consider yourself a brunch enthusiast then you most certainly should not miss out on Cafe Manna, a picturesque cafe sitting on the slopes of Mount Sophia.

Helmed by folks behind The White Tiffin and Manna Pot Catering, the cafe concept, which began in March this year, is gaining popularity for its aesthetic decor and visually appealing drinks.

Yet, it’s not just about the ambience — its all-day brunch offerings are equally compelling reasons to visit and linger.

Dining with peace of mind

It is, admittedly, a bit of a walk to get there.

If you’re looking to work up an appetite, it’s a ten-minute uphill hike from Dhoby Ghaut MRT station to the doorstep of this aesthetic cafe. Alternatively, you can drive up — there’s also ample free parking for diners — or just take a cab.

Once you catch sight of this beautiful chapel facade, you’ll know you’re in the right place — its inviting exterior exudes a tranquil ambience that offers a welcome escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. 

In case the signage “The Secret Haven” confuses you, the place where Cafe Manna stands typically functions as an event space known as the former, for events such as weddings.

On days when The Secret Haven isn’t holding special events, the Cafe Manna team runs the space as a cafe. 

It was used as a chapel by Trinity Theological College, up till 2001 when the college moved to a new space in Upper Bukit Timah, hence its iconic features such as the stained glass windows. 

Given its dual-purpose as an events venue and cafe, it’ll be wise to remember to check its social media channels for cafe closure dates, or just drop them a ring. 

If your choice is to sit inside (which we would if we were you, given the unrelenting weather), the interior makes for a picture-worthy moment, complete with its high ceilings and intricate stained glass windows. 

Enhanced by ample natural light, the cafe’s carefully arranged modern Scandinavian furniture exudes minimalist charm, too.

There are also seats on the porch, outdoor camping style, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee al fresco. 

Trying Cafe Manna’s menu

We thoroughly enjoyed Cafe Manna’s rosti with sausage and egg (S$18.90) — the rosti was crispy and went well with the accompanying juicy pork sausage. There’s also a dollop of tangy sour cream on the side, as well as sunny side-up eggs, both of which, when combined, add a bit of a velvety finish to the rosti. 

If you’re team eggs when it comes to brunch staples, then definitely get its baked shakshuka with chorizo and sourdough (S$19.90). Cafe Manna’s rendition is exactly what you’d expect a good shakshuka to be — brimming with flavour, thick and aromatic. It also comes with two chunky slices of toasted sourdough, making it quite a robust brunch item (we’d share if we were you!). 

Want to end your meal on a sweet note? Its acai bowl (S$14.90), topped with granola, cookie butter, and fresh fruits, strikes a perfect balance of flavours without being too sweet. 

Most acai bowls come loaded with toppings, but we liked that this one allows the main ingredient — acai — to shine, with just enough complements such as the savoury cookie butter.

If there’s more in your dining party, Cafe Manna’s menu also comes with plenty of yummy sides to share, such as the umami-laden “loaded” tater tots (S$15.90) with mentaiko mayo and tobiko, and the tangy buffalo wings (S$15.90).

Beyond its aesthetically plated mains and sides, Cafe Manna’s drinks, too, rise to the occasion. 

Its coffees are brewed by AM Coffee, an up-and-coming brand founded by two brothers who started as home-based bakers. All coffees are brewed with its exclusive Nine AM blend, a medium roast of Ethiopian and Colombian beans, which come with a fruity and balanced flavour profile.

Right off the bat, its bandung rose latte (S$7.50), is a local-inspired specialty drink that looks as good as it tastes. 

You’re advised to take a big gulp of the drink, served iced, and consume both the sweet rose-scented foam and coffee base in one mouth. While most bandung drinks tend to be cloyingly sweet, we liked that the addition of bandung and rose petals gave a subtle fragrance to the coffee, without overpowering the drink. 

If that local-inspired drink struck a chord, then you should also try its newly introduced ondeh ondeh latte (S$8.50). It comes topped with a pandan-infused salty foam and coconut flakes, as well as gula melaka syrup drizzled into it. It’s sweet, indulgent and makes for a good dessert as it does a caffeine perk-me-up. 

We hear the  tiramisu latte (S$8.50) is also a popular choice, though we didn’t get to try it this time. 

If you’re looking for a cafe with a difference for weekend brunch, Cafe Manna will more than fit the bill. The space fills up quickly on the weekends, so make reservations ahead if you can. 

This was a hosted tasting.

On the hunt for more brunch spots? Pay a visit to Summer Hill for the brunch trolley buffet or enjoy the bakes and cakes at Ling’s Patisseries.

Do explore the GrabFood Dine Out service for awesome deals.

You can also book a ride for your weekend brunch at Cafe Manna at Mount Sophia.