If you’re looking for a cosy café in the Katong–Joo Chiat area, Prairie by Craftsmen is worth checking out!
The café has a beautiful ocean-blue theme and seats around 40, with both an air-conditioned indoor dining area and a pet-friendly alfresco space, making it a great brunch spot whether you’re catching up with friends or bringing your furry companion along.
House-made Rosti & Sausage ($22++)
This was probably the most generous portion of the meal! The rosti was beautifully crispy on the outside while remaining fluffy inside. It paired really well with the light, tangy sour cream, which helped to balance the richness. The pork bratwurst was thick, juicy and satisfying, and they kindly allowed us to swap the sunny side up for scrambled eggs. The scrambled eggs came as a huge slab and were creamy and runny just the way I like them.
Teriyaki Chicken Sando ($18++)
The shokupan was incredibly soft and fluffy, lightly toasted to give it a crisp exterior without being overly dry. Inside was a thick piece of tender, well-marinated teriyaki chicken that was juicy and packed with flavour. The generous amount of chopped cabbage added a refreshing crunch, while the karashi mayo brought everything together nicely. It was surprisingly filling and is probably best shared unless you’re really hungry! This was one of the choice of main for the $20++ lunch set.
Umami Prawn Kombu Pasta ($24++)
As someone who loves kombu pasta, I came in with high expectations. While the tiger prawns were large, fresh and perfectly cooked, the sauce wasn’t quite what I expected. It was much more watery, almost like a light gravy, and I personally would have preferred it to be thicker and creamier with a stronger umami depth. It reminded me more of a dry ban mian tossed in soy sauce than the rich kombu pasta I had in mind. It was still savoury, but I felt the flavour could have been bolder. The portion also felt slightly small for the price.
Iced Latte
We had this as part of the lunch set. Made with 100% Arabica beans from Craftsmen Specialty Coffee and served as a double ristretto, it was smooth, balanced and easy to drink without being overly bitter.
Overall, the food was enjoyable across the board, with generous portions and good quality ingredients, although there wasn’t a standout dish that would make me immediately return just for it. Prices are on the higher side, but the Lunch Set from $20++ offers pretty decent value if you’re looking for a relaxed café lunch in Joo Chiat. Definitely a lovely space to unwind, especially if you’re looking for a pet-friendly café in the East!
Also pictured are my Smoked Salmon Bagel and my friend’s Salmon Mentaiko Donburi from our visit in October 2022.