Mean Bean & Wicked Grind

By Dejiki on June 7, 2014 in Food, Photos, The Café Tour

Tucked in the middle of (almost) nowhere, Mean Bean & Wicked Grind is a true hidden gem at Beach Road. It’s just a few minutes from Haji Lane.

It was not easy to find this place without instructions. Mean Bean is at The Plaza – within PARKROYAL on Beach Road – a tiny hotel mall. Simply ask the hotel staff where The Plaza is, and walk around until you see this board.

This petite cafe is the brainchild of Kimberley Yeo, a well-travelled entrepreneur. Her cafe rotates bakers regularly, so frequent patrons get the luxury of sampling desserts from all around Singapore at just one spot.

The decor, I’d say, is “hopscotch-homely”.

The menu went through many amendments, and not everything is available all-day everyday. Best to check with the staff or the cafe’s facebook page.

The cafe didn’t have sausages that day, so I couldn’t try their famous $5.50 Bangers & Mash. I settled for hotcakes instead. It’s a bit on the pricey side, but well, this is comfort food.

Hotcakes with Banana, Strawberry and Honey Nut Granola – $9.90

Mean Bean & Wicked Grind - 14 / Iced Latte

Iced Latte – $5.50

It’s clear that this place is designed for photos. Just follow their Facebook page or #MBWGSG on Instagram and you’ll know why.

Apart from the delightful plates (most fanciful I’ve seen so far) and trays, there are many random props lying about.

There are only four seats inside this (very cozy) cafe. The seating outside, while still indoors, is lacking on ambiance. At least MBWG serves their brunch and desserts on lovely decorative plates.

I don’t foresee MBWG to be a big bustling spot. Instead, it’s like a friend’s home where you can revisit often and be surprised with new cakes and pastries each time.

Getting there

From Bugis MRT (EWL)
Take Exit C and walk towards Raffles Hospital Building. Cross the junction at Ophir Road and North Bridge Road, heading towards Bali Lane. Either walk inside (Bali Lane) or out (Ophir Road) until you reach the crossing at Beach Road. Cross the road, then Parkroyal is just a short walk to the left.

From Haji Lane
At the Southern end of Haji Lane (where all the street paintings are), you should see Parkroyal across the road. Turn left and head for the traffic crossing at Ophir Road. Cross the road, then Parkroyal is just a short walk to the left.

From Nicoll Highway MRT
Get out from Exit A, walk along the overhead bridge towards The Concourse. Once you see Beach Road, do not continue on the overhead bridge further, but keep left and walk into the Concourse instead. Get down to street level via the stairs at Concourse (you’ll be on the other side from the whole Haji Lane district) and walk towards Parkroyal, which will turn up on your left.