Tea Cosy by Eclectic Attic: Savouring Eccentricity

Reviewed by : Deyana

Eclectic Attic's name is remarkably appropriate. Both a vintage shop and a cafe, everything you see in this outlet is for sale. Take anything home, from vintage dresses to the tables in the cafe section of the place. You can even buy the porcelain plates you eat out of. Eclectic Attic has revamped itself recently with the addition of a café aptly named Tea Cosy, with a menu for lunch, dinner and high tea. Serving European cuisine, the cafe's menu includes delicacies like foie gras and caviar, adding finesse to eclecticism.

The décor here is intentionally messy, making the place feel like an attic. A little crammed and cluttered, the cafe area is barely noticeable amidst all the objects in the place. Ironically, this adds to Eclectic Attic's charm. With streamers hanging across the ceiling and cushioned carriages for chairs, the place is a treasure trove that moves you back to the time of European aristocracy. There is also a touch of Peranakan culture in the place, with coasters and books in the design of old Peranakan tiles. The interior of Eclectic Attic makes the dining experience there more than just gastronomical.

Sip in the vintage atmosphere by starting with a cool drink. The Lemonade & Raspberry Sorbet Float ($6.50), the café's own eclectic creation, is cool and refreshing. Made from sugar-free raspberry sorbet and homemade lemonade, the drink exudes sweet and sour tastes in moderation. The best part is, the drink is served extremely chilled.

If you are feeling slightly apprehensive over trying exotic European cuisine, then sample similar yet smaller portions at Eclectic Attic. The Pan-fried Foie Gras Taster ($11.95) lets you give goose liver a shot by placing small slabs on a porcelain spoon. Topped with pineapples and aragula leaves, the slightly oily foie gras melts in your mouth and mixes with the juices from the pineapple and aragula to create a bitter-sweet combination. One of the café's most popular dishes, the Foie Gras Taster invites most diners to try the main-course version of the dish.

Another of Eclectic Attic's signature dishes is the Braised Duck Pasta ($14.95), also one of their unique creations. This fusilli dish comprises braised duck, sundried tomatoes and thick, spicy-sweet gravy. However, the duck is a little too tough and the gravy too sweet. Despite this, the Braised Duck Pasta is worth a try because of the sheer uniqueness of it.

High tea is one of Eclectic Attic's specialties. Its Hi-Tea Supreme Set ($19.95) offers two different selections, the Seafood Set and the Non-Seafood Set. The Seafood Set includes baguettes with smoked salmon and caviar, a prawn cocktail and other small bites. The set is not fantastic and the smoked salmon is not too fresh and very fishy. However, it is better than the Non-Seafood Set, which includes the café's Savoury Baked Mushrooms, a cold, salty snack. Both sets give you a choice of sweets, either mini scones or cakes. The cakes come highly recommended, especially the rich, sweet brownies.

For an after-meal drink, try the Minty Chocolate Coffee ($6.85), which is made of Crème de Menthe and Café mocha. The drink is presented with brown, green and white layers, but turns into a slightly unpleasant olive green colour when stirred. A favourite among Eclectic Attic's regular customers, the drink tastes like mint chocolates and does not have a strong coffee taste. Hot yet tingling, it is a little too sweet but nevertheless addictive.

Service here is good. Friendly and personalized, plates are replaced regularly with a broad smile. The staff give you recommendations depending on your tastes and invite you to have a look around their vintage shop as well.


Eclectic Attic is a charming place filled with interesting items. In addition, it has a fascinating concept. However, the café portion is too crowded, making getting in and out of your chair a difficult task. The food, meanwhile, is only average. Still, try Tea Cosy for an unconventional dining experience.

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