Let’s be honest, Singapore is a coffee haven. From local kopi stalls brewing up fragrant cups to swanky cafes boasting single-origin beans, there’s a brew for every mood and budget. So, when Tim Hortons, the iconic Canadian coffee chain, set up shop here, I was curious. Could this international giant carve a niche in our saturated market? Intrigued, I ventured in for a taste test, eager to see if the hype surrounding the “Iced Capps” and those bite-sized donut holes lived up to the buzz.
Tucked away in the bustling heart of the CBD, the Tim Hortons at One Raffles Place feels like a little oasis for busy office workers. The sleek interior offers a comfortable haven to escape the mid-morning (or afternoon!) slump. Whether you’re grabbing a quick “Double-Double” at the counter or snagging a table for a solo coffee break and a scroll through your phone, the atmosphere is perfect for a fast recharge before tackling the rest of your day.
The Coffee Heaven!
We were specially invited to try Tim Hortons’ new Maple Iced Capp Series, no stranger to the Canadian menu, but a fresh and I must say much welcomed seasonal addition to our local menu. Fresh off its success in Canada, this duo of icy treats brings a taste of the Great White North to Singapore. Each boasts a unique twist on the classic Iced Capp (Cappuccino), a creamy, blended coffee drink that’s a Tim Hortons staple. The Maple French Vanilla Iced Capp promises a decadent combination, while the Maple Macchiato Iced Capp leans towards a more subtle sweetness, quite surprising i must say!
The Maple French Vanilla Iced Capp was a revelation. The aroma itself was intoxicating, in a good way of course, a warm embrace of maple syrup and vanilla mingling with the cool scent of coffee. The first sip was a party in my mouth – the smooth coffee base held its own against the rich sweetness of maple and vanilla. It’s definitely on the sweeter side, but for those with a sweet tooth, like me, it’s pure bliss.
If you’re looking for a lighter option, the Maple Macchiato Iced Capp might be your perfect match. The maple adds a subtle sweetness without overpowering the coffee, and the creamy macchiato swirl creates a delightful textural contrast. While not as intensely sweet as the French Vanilla, it still offers a satisfying maple kick.
Tim Hortons isn’t just about their famed coffee beverages. They also boast a selection of fresh-baked pastries, perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth alongside your coffee break. Unlike some cafes that pre-bake their pastries, Tim Hortons takes pride in making everything in-house. This means you might wait a touch longer for your order, but the reward is undeniably fresh. Two of their newest seasonal offerings caught my eye: the Honey Crullers and the Apple Fritters. Let’s see if these lived up to the promise of delicious, made-to-order goodness, and there is only one way to do so; to try them out!
The Honey Cruller was a textural delight. Its twisted shape offered a satisfyingly crunchy exterior, giving way to a light and airy dough within. The honey glaze added a touch of sweetness, but overall, I found the flavour to be a bit on the plain side. It felt like it could have benefited from a more prominent honey presence.
In contrast, the Apple Fritter was a symphony of flavours and textures. The golden-fried dough was light and fluffy, studded with tender chunks of apple that delivered a distinct, sweet-tart punch. A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar added a warm, aromatic touch, making each bite a delightful explosion of taste and texture. While the honey crueller was pleasant, the apple fritter clearly stole the show with its bolder and more balanced flavour profile.
Tim Hortons: A Unique Experience You Cannot Miss!
All in all, my visit to Tim Hortons was a delightful exploration of familiar favourites and exciting new offerings. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado seeking a classic “Double-Double” or a curious foodie wanting to try the exclusive Maple Iced Capp series, Tim Hortons offers something for everyone. While the menu might have some overlap with its Canadian stores, the local twists and commitment to fresh-baked pastries make it a must-visit, even for those who’ve already experienced the Tim Hortons charm back in Canada. So, the next time you need a caffeine pick-me-up or a sweet treat, don’t hesitate to step into this little Canadian haven with stores all across Singapore!
Stay tuned for their national day promotions dropping real soon!
Tim Hortons Singapore Locations
Be sure to check out their website.
JEM
50 Jurong Gateway Road #01-47
Singapore 608549
Daily: 10.00 a.m. – 10.00 p.m.
Suntec City
Suntec City Mall, 3 Temasek Boulevard, #01-314
Singapore 038983
Daily: 8.00 a.m. – 10.00 p.m.
Jurong Point
1 Jurong West Central 2, #01-26F/G Jurong Point
Singapore 648886
Daily: 8.00 a.m. – 10.00 p.m.
One Raffles Place
1 Raffles Pl, #01-11/12
Singapore 048616
Daily: 8.00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m.
Vivo City
VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, #01-207
Singapore 098585
Daily: 9.00 a.m. – 9.00 p.m.
NEX
NEX, 23 Serangoon Central, #01-10
Singapore 556083
Daily: 10.00 a.m. – 9.00 p.m.
Pasir Ris Mall
7 Pasir Ris Central #02-64
Singapore 519612
Daily: 10.00 a.m. – 10.00 p.m.