When people talk about breakfast, brunch or cafes, the first place that comes to mind is always Wild Honey. Therefore I'm going to give this place a solid, wholesome review (: This is because I feel that they are one of the few places that dedicate their efforts into giving you, the customer, the best breakfast experience possible. Their all-day breakfast is available at both their outlets, at Scott's Square and Mandarin Gallery. However, there are certain menu items that are only available at either one of the two outlets, and there are occasional daily specials as well. Wild Honey is definitely a one-stop joint to experience breakfasts from all over the world, and they are particular about their presentation as well. Each picturesque dish is definitely instagram-worthy on its own, and looks even better on a DSLR or after some post-editing. Lastly, you are GUARANTEED a quality breakfast each time as they maintain high standards when preparing your food.
Both cafes are generally vibrant and noisy, with the nondescript furniture at Mandarin Gallery giving it an extra homely feel. However, seating space between tables and at tables is rather tight, and it can get slightly uncomfortable in big groups. Carrying bulky items is definitely not a good idea as you're highly likely to bump into someone or something. However, it's definitely very cosy and good for a romantic date as the lighting is dim. If you're meeting a friend, however, I would definitely recommend you to go for their outlet at Scotts Square. For starters, the ceiling is much higher and the space is very much bigger. It still retains it's cosy feel but I find seating here much more comfortable (BACKRESTS!) as most of the chairs are spacious and for the ladies, you can place your bags behind you rather than on the floor. The service here is also great in general, although you can see that some staff are markedly more enthusiastic than their lacklustre counterparts. However, it can get a little hard to get the attention of the servers during peak hours (12pm-2pm) but other than that, no big issue. If you are queueing, be prepared to wait up to an hour to get your seat, especially on weekends.
The Wild Honey menu items are named after their country of origin, which really gives a straightforward, no-nonsense approach that I like, instead of giving names that are hard for the common man to grasp.
Wild Honey Bread Basket
Such a pretty basket of bread! An assortment of bread that can be shared by up to 5 people, it's a good way to start the meal if you're hungry and can't wait for your mains to arrive. I would advise you to ask for sharing plates and try their different freshly-baked breads as each has its own individual taste and textures. Condiments include butter, chocolate sauce, raspberry jam and a zesty lemon jam.
Norwegian
Poached eggs on wheat toast, wrapped with Norwegian smoked salmon and grilled asparagus, topped off with Hollandaise sauce and salmon roe. This pretty much looks like the cousin to the European (pictured below later), but the Norwegian replaces ham with smoked salmon, which is a match made in heaven. Furthermore, the salmon roe bursts with flavour when you bite it, and really every bit of this dish tastest great. The eggs are poached perfectly and do not taste too rubbery (which often is the case) and I like to let the yolk ooze out onto the toast to make it more moist. A must-order for those who love salmon.
European
2 poached eggs on toast, wrapped with imported Italian ham and drizzled with Hollandaise sauce, topped with sauteed mushrooms. Although this is perhaps one of their other more ordinary offerings (the other being the English), the ham is seasoned well and has the right amount of saltiness to go well with the runny eggs. Similarly, I like to soak my toast in the yolk before eating it. The sauteed mushrooms are also tasty and it's one of the little things that make the European more special. I generally prefer Hollandaise sauce with salmon dishes, but it worked well with this one.
English
Scrambled eggs, back bacon, pork sausage, baked beans, grilled vine-ripened tomato, breakfast potatoes and 2 slices of Wild Honey's signature brioche. As I mentioned in another post, I like to try the "big breakfast" that each restaurant has to offer, and although I have to say the English is good, it's definitely not one of Wild Honey's better dishes. This is no fault of theirs, but I feel that the wide range of other alternatives doesn't make this a first choice for many diners. That being said, the bacon and sausages are delicious. The breakfast potatoes are also well done, and the baked beans go well with the scrambled eggs on toast. I loved the vine-ripened tomato which was grilled to perfection, and it is extremely juicy. Vine-ripened tomatoes are certainly a class above your ordinary tomato or cherry tomatoes. Parents, feed your kids with this to start them on vegetables (: Wild Honey's brioche is probably the best around, but 2 slices of it might be too much for the conservative eater to finish. Do order this on your first visit to Wild Honey though, English breakfasts don't get much better.
Tunisian
I'm just going to lift the description off Wild Honey's website as I doubt I can do justice to this dish with my mediocre judgment of its ingredients. Sizzling pan of spicy shakshouka (tomato, red onion, pepper chilli), studded with Chorizo sausage, crowned with 2 fried eggs, signature brioche and Israeli salad. Sounds funky doesn't it. The Israeli salad is simple, with cucumbers and tomatoes inside but I don't find this exceptional. This is best eaten by just tucking into the stew directly, and dipping the brioche as and when you feel like it. I don't find this dish that spicy, and it's certainly edible for those who don't like spicy food. The Chorizo sausage, however, might be a put off for people who aren't a fan of sausages as it has a strong meat flavour, and tastes a bit like salami.
Spanish Hash
Diced Chorizo sausage, corned beef and potatoes, with poached eggs in Hollandaise sauce, and with ciabatta bread. I had this recently when I met up with a friend and I have to say I was a little envious of her Norwegian. The dish tastes great, but it can get a bit monotonous after eating corned beef and potatoes for the majority of the dish. I also wish that there was more Hollandaise sauce (despite my claim above that I prefer Hollandaise sauce with salmon). I think my main grouse was that by ordering this, I deprived myself from having my favourite brioche at Wild Honey. However that is my personal bias for the brioche, and looking back objectively, ciabatta was probably the better choice to match the dish. The bread was filling, and so was the rest of the dish. Definitely one for the big-eaters.
Boulevard St Michel
Baked Spinach Souffle, Savoury french toast with double-baked cheese, grilled back bacon, slowroasted vine-ripened tomatoes, and poached egg with cheese batter. My current favourite dish at the moment, due the assortment of flavours and colours that this dish offers. The spinach souffle is tasty, and is a good complement to the back bacon which is a little on the salty side. The spicy tomato chutney goes best with the Parmesan coated poached egg, as well as the souffle. The vine-ripened tomatoes, like its counterpart in the English, is extremely juicy and this juice explodes in your mouth when you bite it. The portion of the french toast is decent enough such that this dish is filling, but not to the point that you'll feel bloated.
Breakfast Hangover Sandwich
Club sandwich with back bacon and scrambled eggs, served with breakfast potatoes. Don't feel like having one of Wild Honey's breakfast sets? This is a safe choice for most people, as you can't go wrong with bacon and scrambled eggs. The serving of breakfast potatoes is also substantial, and extremely well-seasoned. Your meal here is also well presented, and can be shared by 3 people for a light appetiser in place of the Bread Basket mentioned above.
Paris Valrhona Bittersweet Hot Chocolate
This is probably the best Hot Chocolate that I know of. Needs no introduction, just sweet hot chocolate that has just enough of the taste of bitter cocoa to keep true chocolate lovers satisfied. The marshmallow on the side is a nice touch, and it's super squishy. I wish I had more of them to go with my drink. On my must-order list each time unless I am in a desperate need of caffeine.
Macchiato
Wild Honey's coffee is perhaps it's weakest selling point, with the coffee being good, but not something to come back for. This is because it lacks a strong aroma and a unique taste that will make you come back wanting more. That being said, the macchiato was well prepared with the right level of milk and foam.
Cafe Mocha
Can't decide whether to have either the Paris Valrhona Bittersweet Chocolate or the macchiato? Why not both? Enter the Cafe Mocha, which is well-balanced between being a comfort drink for chocolate lovers and giving the caffeine kick that many people need to get their day going. However, I would still stick to the Bittersweet Chocolate if you really want a wholesome chocolate drink as the chocolate flavour is simply better without the caffeine.
Bostok
A weekend-only dessert, Wild Honey's signature brioche is dusted with almond flakes, icing sugar and jam. It's a simple, homely dish that is guaranteed to satisfy. Well, expect maybe for the price tag. For it's price, I would probably venture into Wild Honey's other dessert offerings in the future. This goes very well with the Bittersweet Chocolate though.
Wild Honey is, and probably will continue to be my favourite breakfast/brunch in the near future. Although prices are bit on the high side, it's definitely worth saving up for (Eat biscuit lo!). Eating here is not merely a consumption of food, but the enjoyment of a beautiful breakfast experience. Do push the boundaries of your comfort zone and try new dishes each time as every dish is pretty much good, if not excellent. If you are going in larger groups, you should definitely make reservations at the Scotts Square outlet, where the Verandah is available for large groups. Furthermore, you can book the same Verandah, which overlooks Orchard Road, for private functions. Good for meet-ups, first dates, family meals, and even business meetings. If you haven't tried Wild Honey before, you're really missing out.
Expect to pay: $25-30
Scotts Square
6 Scotts Square
#03-02
Mandarin Gallery
333A Orchard Road
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