In today’s world, many of us love finding unique cafes with nice decoration, mainly to share on our social media pages. Luckily, there’s a place in Suntec City that’s perfect for this – a cafe that goes by the name ‘Downstairs’.
What makes Downstairs stand out is its old-school theme, similar to the communal areas known as ‘void-decks’ found in Singapore’s housing estates.
The entire experience at Downstairs revolves around this idea of shared eating spaces. Right from the moment you step in, you’re greeted by order kiosks that look like old-fashioned telephone booths, giving you a sense of stepping back in time.
Even the menu board, designed to resemble the entrance sign of a housing estate carpark, adds to the feeling of nostalgia.
It’s a throwback to the days when a casual game of football in the void deck was a common sight. Intrigued by this unique concept, I and a few friends decided to try out this cafe, run by the well-known brand, Song Fa Bak Kut Teh.
Downstairs has an exciting menu featuring a fusion of Taiwanese and local flavours. Today, I’m going to share my thoughts on some of their dishes.
Our team last updated this article on 6th July 2023.
Curry Chicken
Image Credit: Official Instagram Profile Of Downstairs
The first dish on the menu that caught our attention was the Curry Chicken, which we had the option to pair with either white rice or a bun.
Given the simplicity of the dish’s name, we weren’t quite sure what to expect, but we eagerly placed our order, opting for the white rice pairing.
As the dish arrived at our table, the aroma of the curry immediately tantalised our senses. The rich, deep orange curry was generously poured over the white rice, with chunks of tender chicken and potatoes peeping out. It was a sight that definitely stirred our appetites.
Taking the first spoonful, we were delighted to find that the curry was a perfect blend of flavours. It had a mild heat to it, balanced out with a subtle sweetness that we assumed came from coconut milk.
The chicken was soft and well-cooked, absorbing the curry’s flavours, which enhanced each bite.
The white rice served its purpose brilliantly, providing a neutral base that allowed the curry’s distinct taste to shine through. It soaked up the curry, ensuring that every spoonful was packed with flavour.
Chicken Chop Hor Fun
Image Credit: Official Instagram Profile Of Downstairs
The second dish we sampled at Downstairs Cafe was the Chicken Chop Hor Fun. It’s a dish that brings together a hearty piece of chicken chop with the delicate flavours of a popular noodle dish, Hor Fun.
As the dish was served, the first thing that caught my eye was the generously-sized chicken chop, perfectly grilled and glistening atop a bed of glossy, flat rice noodles. The smell of the grilled chicken and the savoury aroma of the Hor Fun combined to create an enticing scent that made us eager to dive in.
The chicken chop was a hit – well-seasoned, juicy, and with a lovely seared exterior that added a delightful crunch. It was a comforting, familiar component that complemented the soft, silky textures of the Hor Fun.
The Hor Fun, slippery smooth and doused in a light yet flavourful gravy, was a joy to eat. Each strand of noodle was evenly coated with the sauce, giving a balanced taste with every bite.
The gravy, despite its delicate flavour, was rich enough to hold its own against the robust taste of the chicken.
Macaroni Soup
Image Credit: Official Instagram Profile Of Downstairs
In the quest to recapture the flavours of our past, we opted for the Macaroni Soup at Downstairs. This humble dish is deeply entwined with our memories of childhood, particularly our grandmother’s kitchen where she used to make it for us after school.
The sight of the bowl brought back memories. In it was soft macaroni, delicate spring onions and lean ham slices, just as our grandmother used to make.
The sight alone took us back to the days spent around her kitchen table, eagerly awaiting this very dish.
When we tasted the soup, it was like being back in our childhood home. The macaroni was cooked to perfection, and the broth was comforting.
It felt like our grandmother had made it herself, the taste was that authentic. The ham added a touch of savouriness, and rounded out the dish nicely.
Kaya Butter Toast Bun
Image Credit: Official Instagram Profile Of Downstairs
To conclude our culinary journey at Downstairs Cafe, we decided to indulge in a classic pairing – the Kaya Butter Toast Bun with their black coffee.
A quintessential element of local cuisine, this combination took the simple concept of breakfast and transformed it into something delightful.
The Kaya Butter Toast Bun arrived first, perfectly toasted and generously spread with a layer of sweet kaya jam and a slice of butter.
The toast was golden brown, with a satisfying crunch when you bit into it. The kaya, with its sweet, coconutty flavours, paired beautifully with the salty creaminess of the butter, creating a contrast that was simply divine.
Soon after, the black coffee was served, steaming and aromatic. The bitterness of the coffee was a perfect counterbalance to the sweetness of the Kaya Butter Toast Bun, complementing the flavours in a way that was pleasantly surprising.
As we savoured the toast and sipped the coffee, it felt like a perfect morning in a cosy corner cafe. The experience was not just about the food and drink, but also about the atmosphere, the conversations, and the leisurely pace at which we enjoyed our fare.
Conclusion
In summary, Downstairs in Suntec City offers a unique experience that combines nostalgia with a modern twist. It takes you on a journey back in time with its old-school void deck theme and communal dining atmosphere.
Whether it’s the retro phone booth-style order kiosks or the menu board that’s reminiscent of a housing estate car park sign, every detail contributes to its unique charm.
The fusion cuisine, combining Taiwanese influences with local flavours, is an intriguing mix that invites curiosity. Each dish we tried provided a unique taste adventure, brought to life by the familiar surroundings.
Managed by the well-known Song Fa Bak Kut Teh brand, the quality of the food and service is excellent, adding to the overall enjoyable experience.
Overall, a visit to Downstairs is much more than just a meal. It’s a step back into simpler times, a reminder of a past that many of us hold dear. But it’s also a testament to how those cherished memories can blend seamlessly with our modern lifestyle, creating a fresh yet familiar experience.
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about our visit to Downstairs. If you’ve been there, I’d love to hear about your experience. What were your favourite dishes?
Did you enjoy the void deck theme as much as we did? Please feel free to share your thoughts and feedback. Your views can help others decide whether to give Downstairs a try.
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The featured image and other images used in the article are adapted from the official Instagram Profile Of Downstairs.
