BELLY UP Reviews Singapore's Dog-Friendly Cafes: Old Hen Kitchen
Disclaimer: This is an independent review and we have had no commercial relations to Old Hen Kitchen or Old Hen Coffee. Having tried thousands (yes, thousands) of cafes globally, we hope to bring you the most objective take on dog-friendly cafes and restaurants in Singapore through our adventures with our (furry) friends.
Old Hen Kitchen at Owen Road started off in 2016 as an offshoot of Old Hen Coffee at Rangoon Road. This quaint cafe decorated with an industrial theme, set-up in an open kitchen, has expanded its seating capacity most recently to the unit to its left. The establishment now takes up both 125 Owen Road and 127 Owen Road, with a total of approximately 50 seats; 20 seats more than before, by our estimation. There are now an additional 8 seats next door in their alfresco dining area that can accommodate dogs, or pets in general, as we have confirmed with their staff.
The Space
The dog-friendly cafe, situated in Little India, is able to accommodate about 8 to 10 customers dining in with their dogs (or cats). However, due to government restrictions on covid-19, the actual number may be fewer.
The alfresco dining area is decked out with christmas decorations now, with a christmas tree slightly taller than one metre, positioned in a corner for photos if you wanted to take any. The tree is great for photo-taking with dogs because it is shorter than a full-sized tree, which allows you to capture it’s full height with your pup.
We enjoyed the cosy space that was well-shaded and ventilated, and our furry friends definitely appreciated that it was cool, even on a hot afternoon.
The Menu
Old Hen Kitchen has updated their menu over the years we have been there. They regularly offer a large selection of breakfast and proper mains, up to a total of 18 mains and a variety of desserts and sides. One of their most popular items includes the Chilli Crab Fries ($12), which you can either order as a side, or upgrade to if you ordered the Fish & Chips ($18).
Our all-time favourite, which has been a mainstay on the menu, is their Avocado On Toast ($15). An outstanding combination of sliced avocado and avocado puree on toasted sourdough, complemented with soft boiled eggs, topped with pumpkin seeds, chilli oil, and dukkah.
We also had their Portobello And Bacon Aglio Olio ($16.5) & Breakfast Plate ($18.5), which were both brilliant for a good brunch on the weekend.
To satisfy our sweet tooth, we shared a slice of Banana Loaf and a serving of the Orange & Berries Tea Cake. The Banana Loaf, warmed up, will be one of the best desserts to top off your dining experience with Old Hen Kitchen. If you have tried better Banana Loaves, do write in to us to let us know ;)
To finish our meal, we had a Hot White Coffee ($4.5) and Cold Brew White Coffee ($6.5). Both were exceptionally brewed to suit a balanced flavour profile. The roast was not too dark, which rounded off well with the silky milky texture it had. Although Old Hen Kitchen and Old Hen Coffee are both famous for their Cold Matcha Milk ($7), we are not fans of a milky matcha drink as we prefer something more bitter and harsh (I know, we are difficult to please).
Some other items that we have tried before, and will definitely recommend; the Chicken Chazuke ($16.5), the Pork Belly Rice Bowl ($18.5), and the Mochi Pancake Stack ($15).
The Experience
The staff were very friendly with our dogs, which was a plus and a surprise as they could not accommodate pets due to regulations on their space previously.
We were greeted and brought to our seats, and looked after from beginning to end. Also, Old Hen Kitchen does not charge a service charge, which was a pleasant surprise for us. The staff will help you with most service items, except for water which you can help yourself to.
We had an exceptional afternoon when we were there, and we hope to go more often with our pups in the future.
The Details
Old Hen Kitchen
125, 127 Owen Road, Singapore 218931
Opening Hours: 10AM – 5PM Everyday, Closed Tuesdays.
Parking: Worcester Rd HDB Carpark (>50 parking lots)
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xo
Nellie