Working Title Café

Working Title Café is established by the same company behind The Shophouse Hostel – The Black Hole Group. Situated on the first level of The Shophouse on Arab Street, Working Title shares space with the reception of the hostel. The café’s titular name came from its conceptualisation and launch all within a month, and while still in the midst of discussing on a name, its founders have decided upon the ‘working title’ until this day.

The café’s interior is an eclectic mix of décor, from its wooden furnishing emanating a rustic vibe to an industrial style of dim hanging lamps and whitewashed wall. Portraits of monochrome art were displayed on the wall, adding to the dark yet relaxed ambiance as well. While the seating area in the café is cosy with limited number of seats, an additional dining area is provided behind the café for those who prefer the brilliant afternoon light and open-air concept.

Working Title is renowned for its menu, providing a wide variety of food such as pizza and ice-cream burgers, churros, and desserts. The café provides craft beers for alcohol-lovers while the food served in the café are made with Halal-certified ingredients; each dish are prepared meticulously for its patrons. While passing by the cafe, it had been the dessert rack that had caught my eye. Placed conspicuously at the entrance, the slab of cakes and tarts an attraction, I had selected the Lemon Meringue and Chocolate Ganache tarts at once.

The tarts served by Working Title had thick and crumbly crusts, and was considerable in serving. The Lemon Meringue tart was rich in flavour, with the citrusy filling in copious amount. The tart was acerbic in taste and provided a piquant treat for the senses. The Lemon Meringue tart was garnished with a layer of toasted marshmallow, the saccharine taste of melted sugar providing a pleasant respite from the caustic taste of lemon. While those with sweet tooth may not prefer this zesty treat, those who love citrus fruits should definitely give this a try.

The Chocolate Ganache tart was made with a 77% dark chocolate, and I had to assert that this tart was a dulcet delicacy. Sprinkled with chocolate powder, the ganache filling was rich and creamy in texture. The ganache was similar to the lava cake pastry, the thick chocolatey cream trickling out in delight as I cut a small portion of the tart. Although the dark chocolate ganache filling was slightly bitter, it had a velvety taste. Lingering with a rich cocoa aftertaste and a light sweetness, it was an ambrosial indulgence to a chocolate lover such as myself.

Meanwhile, it was indeed the rich filling of both the tarts that enabled me to fully enjoy every taste of my desserts – generous in serving, Working Title spares no expense to indulge their patrons.

Working Title provides the perfect spot for afternoon tea. With its strategic location within Arab Street, the café provides a great venue for one to take a break from sightseeing and shopping. With an extensive curation of menu items, unique renditions of the usual staples, hipster décor, and contemporary art, the café is perfect for the young at heart to visit.