The Lab SG: We Experiment

They do things their way, in a stylized hipster fashion that defies everything that has been tried and tested. They experiment with new elements... like being located in one of the smaller streets in Kampong Glam and having a sprawling fifteen feet long personalized grafitti right outside their wall. You probably wouldn't notice it if you were to enter by their main door. Or so I thought was their main door. Customers are guided to enter through a covert side door at the alley, as if they were accepted into an underground subculture. It's pretty cool and unconventional, and I liked the idea. But before that, to earn a spot in their dinner crowd, you have to bear the queue.. while sitting on overturned revamped beer cartons. The whole experience of being at The Lab begins even before you enter.

Being one of the up-and-rising halal cafes in town, one-month old The Lab cafe oversees a predominantly Muslim crowd in its 30-seater space. Its popularity is evident by the queue at seven in the evening. We waited for nearly half an hour for a table, but luckily there was entertainment like taking photos with their graffiti wall and the occasional check by the service staff. I'm not sure what happens during rainy days given that the queuing area is non-sheltered. Advice: go early!

The Lab sports an evident and dedicated theme throughout their space that are true to their name. Amber glass jars, conical flasks, beakers are strategically positioned all over. It felt like a well-decorated haunted house with the theme of mad scientists with soothing popular beats being played in the background.

Their desserts rest on their cake displays, including paleo lemon pies with honey meringue and sea salt brownies. Gluten-free and grain-free without refined sugar - they don't forget about keeping it real and different in every part of their cafe. German bretzels are high on their list as entrees with the choice of salted caramel or chocolate dip. If you're feeling more than only peckish, The Lab offers many more entrees and salads for your choosing. The best part? The food there is priced very affordably, with the large serving of their signature must-try Heisenburger:

Burgers often won't be on my plate, unless they are as highly raved as these Heisenburger ones ($12.90). With an excellently made beef patty that is knitted tight yet retains moisture and scatters softly in every bite, I have to say it's one of the most value-for-money burgers, ever. Did I mention that there is an additional firmly-textured, cheese-laced bacon slice stuffed between the perfectly toasted buns? What's more, you get a good serving of sweet potato fries on the side which can rival truffle fries any day.

You will be reminded of Science experiments in your schooling days if you were to order the iced drink options with (huge!) beakers and syringes, but the hot matcha lattes and yam lattes were more impressive in their execution. I especially loved my matcha latte which had a smooth finish and an indulging even composition of matcha and coffee. Well, it depends what your priorities are - taste or everlasting Instagram photos? Your pick. 

The Lab SG