Tolido’s Revisited after 8 years
It all began when Megan woke up one day with a craving for rosti. Earlier in the year, we had an incredible rosti at Padbury’s in Perth, and she was hoping to relive that experience. We had no idea where to find the best rosti locally, but after some online sleuthing, she stumbled upon one served at Tolido’s Espresso Nook. I hadn’t visited the café in quite a while, though we did feature them back in 2014 for their Kopi Latte. At the time, I had no idea they served such a good rosti. Seeing that they’re still thriving after all these years was a delightful surprise!
The Rosti is Very Good!
So, we headed down on a busy Sunday morning and found the place packed – which was a good sign. When the rosti finally arrived, we weren’t disappointed, or maybe just a little. The rosti was excellent—crispy on the outside, moist and flavorful on the inside. It is easily the best Megan had found in Singapore. But it still didn’t quite top the one we had in Perth which was way crispier! That remains the gold standard for us.
That said, the rosti is still very good. The platter was simple but well-executed, with a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg and tasty Johnsonville Smoked Bratwurst. Our only other gripe was that the sour cream could have been a bit more tart. 4.25/5
All Day Breakfast
Here are some of the other dishes from their all-day breakfast menu.
We also enjoyed their French toast! They use a lovely brioche that’s nicely soaked in egg custard all the way through—just as it should be. The stout-glazed bacon was a nice touch. Though I’m not sure the reduced stout added much difference to the flavour. Still, it’s a simple dish, expertly executed, and worth the visit if you’re craving classic French toast. 4.25/5
We were really looking forward to the pandan pancakes, but unfortunately, they didn’t quite hit the mark. While the pancakes themselves were light and fluffy, the coconut ice cream lacked depth, and the gula melaka syrup could be more intense. Incorporating local flavors to this classic breakfast dish is a great idea though. I think a touch of butter or extra virgin coconut oil could just be the thing to bring it all together. 3.5/5
They Do Great Coffees Too
When I first visited Tolido’s back in 2014, I was struck by how they incorporated a touch of Singaporean flair into their menu. One standout was their “Kopi Latte,” now known as Bullet Proof Coffee. It’s a creation by Douglas that blended butter and coconut oil into milk and espresso. The flavour was meant to evoke the taste of traditional kopi, which is often roasted with butter and sugar.
Over time, the name morphed into Bullet Proof Coffee, as regulars started ordering it after gym sessions. As you may know, Bullet Proof Coffee became a big trend in the US a few years ago, especially among the keto crowd looking for a carb-free energy boost in the mornings!
Lisa vividly remembers her first taste of the Sea Salt Caramel Mocha right here at Tolido’s! They were probably one of the first cafés to introduce this new flavoured mocha. That was 10 years ago in 2014, and it’s great to see it still on the menu. 4/5
About Tolido’s Espresso Nook
It’s heartwarming to see this charming eatery still thriving after 11 years. Tolido’s was founded by Douglas along with his parents, Tony and Linda, who used to run the popcorn stand at the Omnitheatre since 2008. During that time, they crossed paths with John, and together, they launched Tolido’s in 2013.
The name “Tolido” is a tribute to this family partnership and is a composite of the names Tony, Linda, and Douglas. And the “Nook” actually refers to the little cozy corner with a cabana that used to be located at the back of the restaurant. Unfortunately, that was dismantled earlier this year due to a change in ownership of the unit.
It is also good to note that most of their kitchen crew has stayed with them since day one. Their camaraderie and passion are evident in every dish that comes out of the kitchen! It’s true, happy cooks make happy food!
Conclusion
Great place for all-day breakfast and a cup of coffee! Located along a row of HDB shops, this is the only place that is buzzing with activity in an otherwise sleepy neighbourhood! That means you can use your CDC vouchers here too!
