Sprucing Up NTU

There’s a new cafe on the block. Melissa Teh checks out this new hangout designed with style but priced reasonably enough for students looking for a treat.

By Melissa Teh

PHOTO: PHAM QUYNH ANH

Here’s great news for those looking for a cosy space to take a breather and fill their bellies — the newly opened Spruce café has started operating since its soft opening on 13 Feb. Located just behind the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, the café’s official opening is slated for mid-year.

While the café has a limited indoor seating, the open air dining area allows students to enjoy fresh air while still being shaded from the sun.

Spruce’s outdoor water feature, minimalistic black colour scheme and wooden flooring add up to its sophisticated look.

Although the menu is slightly pricier than regular canteen food, Spruce is well worth the occasional splurge because of its food quality. As Spruce offers a deal of $2 for a hot latte or cappuccino with any purchase of food, it is possible to get a decent meal for under $10.

It also offers a variety of ready-packed food for students who want to eat on-the-go or order takeaway. Chilled options such as pastas, salads and sandwiches abound. Warm meals are also available, from pasta to local delights like chicken briyani ($5.50) and nasi lemak ($4). Patrons can also heat up their food at the microwave oven in the cafe, as and when they like.

Drinks include bottled ones like Snapple ($3.20) and soft drinks like Stewart’s Fountain Classics ($3). Fresh fruit and tiramisu are available for dessert seekers.

PHOTO: PHAM QUYNH ANH

While some of food options are a little pricey, there are items worth every dollar. The unique Greek Tomato Pasta ($6) is served chilled in a generous portion and well-seasoned with onions and herbs. The pasta, cooked al dente, is also served with Greek feta cheese. While this might be an acquired taste for some, the feta complements the pasta, fresh cherry tomatoes and cucumbers in a mix of starchy, creamy and crunchy textures.

PHOTO: PHAM QUYNH ANH

The café also sells baked goods like cupcakes, cookies and muffins –– making it the go-to place for sweet treats in school. A good choice would be the Red Velvet Cupcake ($3) –– moist, soft and served with a generous portion of light cream cheese. While the cupcake satisfies a sugar craving, it is not too sweet, making it easy to finish in one sitting.

PHOTO: PHAM QUYNH ANH

Lastly, for a drink, the iced Latte ($4.50, if bought on its own) serves as the perfect pick-me-up in between classes. Its light aroma refreshes and promises to keep lethargy at bay.
The staff are friendly and more than willing to recommend food choices, and they go the extra mile to add simple latte art to the hot coffee they serve. Overall, Spruce is a lovely new place to eat and chill on campus, as long as you are lucky enough to secure a seat.