Newly opened To:You cafe at Kembangan is a space for the people

To:You welcomes everyone with open arms. Its co-founder, Laura, 28, envisions a space where people wouldn’t visit just once, but would feel comfortable returning to time and time again.

On a particularly hot afternoon, she noticed a mother and her child lingering outside the cafe, seeking shade from the heat. She invited them in, reassuring them that they didn’t need to make a purchase. 

“Might as well enjoy the aircon, since it’s already on, you know?” she says.

This simple gesture perfectly embodies what To:You stands for — an easygoing, comfortable and welcoming space. More than a cafe, it is a place built for the community, as its name suggests.

There’s more than meets the eye at To:You: It was never just about business.

To co-founder Laura, it’s about timing and purpose, and is testament to her determination to live life to the very fullest.

It’s been quite the journey for her thus far, she tells us. At 12, she was diagnosed with a bone tumor, and had to balance school life with the gruelling chemotherapy. After that, she struggled with her studies and ended up in a vocational school. Yet, it was during this phase that she discovered her true passion — the food and beverage industry.

Having overcome the difficult chapter, she describes it as a “second chance” at life — one that led her to where she is today. 

Her life philosophy is: If she thinks she can do it, then she will indeed do it and will follow through with unwavering perseverance.

The cafe’s deep green hues and warm lighting creates an inviting atmosphere, while the skylight ceiling at the back allows for natural sunlight to pour in — perfect for casual conversations or a quiet, productive afternoon. 

Outside, the outdoor seating area exudes a laid-back charm, offering an ideal spot to enjoy the fresh air under some shade and a cup of coffee. And it’s pet-friendly, too.

There is certainly a feel-good energy to the space, one that reflects the heart behind it.

Stunning and yummy dishes

Laura is no stranger to the F&B industry, having been a part of it for over 10 years and working in a range of positions, including front-of-house and managerial roles.

The menu at To:You leans toward familiar brunch fare, such as eggs, bread and comforting soup, with subtle Japanese influences woven into each dish.

The To:You breakfast (S$20) is a hearty spread of eggs, butter croissant, grilled tomatoes, chicken sausage, potato puffs, sauteed mushrooms, and a fresh mesclun mix.

The highlight of the dish is the perfectly runny scrambled eggs topped with ebikko that go well alongside the flaky croissant — crisp on the outside, yet soft and buttery inside. 

One of To:You’s more popular dishes, the ume shakshuka (S$18) is a fusion take on the Middle Eastern classic. It features fermented spicy ume (plum), tomatoes, slow-cooked 64°C eggs and ricotta, and served alongside olive oil focaccia.

The dish is bold, yet balanced, with the tartness of the ume helping to cut through the rich creaminess of the poached yolks and cheese. The focaccia, sturdy yet pillowy, soaks up every bit of the shakshuka, stealing the show and making each bite deeply satisfying.

Light, crunchy, and bursting with flavour, the crispy cauliflower (S$10) is an addictive side dish. Coated in a delicate tempura batter and drizzled with sweet sauce and chili oil, it delivers a satisfying contrast of textures.

Meanwhile, the accompanying wasabi mayo dip is smooth, slightly sweet, and subtly spicy, which ties everything together, though the dish is plenty flavourful on its own.

For those with a sweet tooth, To:You’s selection of desserts is worth a try, too. The matcha lava (S$13) features a matcha azuki lava cake, butter sand, florentine, matcha ice cream and edible flowers. 

As you cut into the matcha azuki lava cake, a rich, ooey gooey matcha filling pools into the bed of matcha ice cream underneath. For an added layer of crunch, break the crisp florentine biscuit for that balance of sweetness and depth.

This earthy treat leans on the lighter side, and avoids being too jelak (overly rich). If anything, it would benefit from slightly stronger matcha notes, but that didn’t stop us from polishing off every last bite.

Coffee choices galore

If you’re hankering for coffee, To:You has a pretty wide range. We settled on two unique options: the sea salt cold foam latte (S$7) and the pistachio cold brew (S$8).

As a whole, the flavours seemed mild and relatively muted, especially against the strong aroma from the beans. The sea salt cold foam latte was smooth with a subtle saltiness, while the pistachio cold brew carries a hint of nuttiness.

Nonetheless, the coffee itself is well-brewed, strong, and satisfying.

Final thoughts?

There is one thing clear from our visit: It is a space for the people, for the community. From its warm, welcoming atmosphere, to its carefully crafted menu, there is a sincerity in the experience that sets it apart in Singapore’s rapidly growing cafe scene.

To:You is currently in its soft launch phase, though, with an official grand opening slated for next month.

For the latest food news, read our stories on Koki Bakery & Brew Bar and its creamy scrambled eggs and Tomatillo Mexican Food and Bar, a new taqueria at Esplanade.

Enjoy up to 50% off when you dine with GrabFood Dine Out.

You can also book a ride to To:You for the Japanese-inspired brunch fare.