Hey, Faithfuls! If you’ve ever walked past 111 Somerset, it probably looks pretty empty and unassuming from the outside, especially overshadowed by the bustling 313 Somerset. But don’t let appearances fool you—there are actually some hidden gems inside, including cosy cafes like Hvala, Lucine By Luna, and Cafe Usagi.

The newer kid on the block, Rise Bakehouse, has been around for a little over a year now. You might recognise the name from their first outlet in Potong Pasir, known for their bakes and gelato. This second outlet, though, is much more spacious. Taking over the spot where Glyph Supply Co used to be, Rise Bakehouse boasts tall ceilings, pastel pink walls, and Instagram-worthy mirrors It’s definitely got that cute, airy vibe perfect for a chill day out.

One of their signature items is the Brown Butter Waffles. I was craving something savoury, though, so I went for the Honey Soy Garlic Fried Chicken Waffle (S$17.90). Dang, the waffles were perfectly crispy, and the chicken was packed with umami, kind of like Korean fried chicken, topped with sesame seeds for that extra crunch. The honey syrup added a nice sweet touch, and the combo was super satisfying and filling.

As for the bakes on display, they honestly look too good, almost like props from a movie set. Definitely made for the 'gram but they also tasted just as good as they looked.

I tried their Strawberry Cheesecake Teacake (S$7.90), which is apparently one of their most popular items. It’s a soft strawberry sponge with homemade strawberry jam, dried strawberry chunks, and golden crumbles of digestive biscuits. The cream cheese frosting on top, along with a fresh strawberry, completed the look. When I cut into it, I was pleasantly surprised to find crushed graham crackers inside the cake, which added a nice salty crunch to the crumbly, dense texture. My only gripe was that the cheesecake element could’ve been stronger, as the cheese flavour was a bit mild, but overall, it didn’t disappoint.

We also went for two other cakes: the Black Forest Cake (S$8.50) and the Mango Coconut Cake (S$8.80).

The Black Forest Cake is a classic done right, with layers of dark chocolate sponge and a generous filling of black cherry jam. The jam had a lovely tartness that balanced the rich chocolate perfectly.

The Mango Coconut Cake, on the other hand, was such a pretty, summery dessert. The light, fluffy mango sponge was layered with fresh mango, coconut flakes, and coconut chantilly cream, all decorated with hand-piped daisies for that cheerful vibe. Both cakes were incredibly fluffy, and honestly, some of the best I’ve had in a while.

Of course, we couldn’t leave without trying some of their speciality drinks. I ordered the Injeolmi Cream Latte (S$8.50), which is made with roasted soybean powder and topped with sweet Korean rice cake mochi. I loved the three mochi sticks on top, but I wished the rice cake flavour had been stronger—it was quite subtle. Still, it was a great drink that wasn’t too sweet, which is always a win.

We also had the Pistachio Oat Honey Cream Latte (S$8.50), made with Oatly oat milk, honey, and crushed pistachios. The drink was green-hued, so I expected the pistachio flavours to stand out more, but sadly, I mostly tasted the milk. The honey was also faint, which was a bit of a letdown since I was hoping for a bit more sweetness.

With its inviting, relaxed ambience, Rise Bakehouse is a great spot to unwind if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the main Somerset and Orchard areas. It’s just a short walk away from the busier side of town, and perfect for catching up with friends or just chilling the day away.

Thanks for reading my Rise Bakehouse Somerset review, and see you next post!