Pull-Tab Coffee 拉环咖啡

Those whom have been following the happenings around the Singapore F&B scene via social media would probably have heard quite a fair bit about Pull-Tab Coffee that had recently opened at The Metropolis in Buona Vista. These folks had taken over the former premises of the now-defunct McCafé kiosk just across from the McDonald’s outlet there. For those whom have not heard of Pull-Tab Coffee before, these folks are a brand hailing from Hangzhou, China, and the brand does have an international presence with an outlet known to be in New York City as well. Despite being an establishment that seemingly operates out of a takeaway kiosk unit, Pull-Tab Coffee does has its own dine-in area that is tucked right at the back of the takeaway kiosk; this is an area that features patio-style furniture that comprises of six (6) tables; three (3) catering to patrons visiting in pairs, while the other three (3) catering to patrons visiting the establishment in groups of four (4) pax. Pull-Tab Coffee’s namesake does seem to come from their line-up of Pull-Tab Drinks — these do come with bottles with pull-tab bottle caps. That being said, one of the drinks that perhaps brought Pull-Tab Coffee to fame is their line-up of Aerofoam Coffee. Other beverages in their menu are being categorised into Creative Special and Classic sections, while they also do serve light bites like Butter Toast and Ice Cream Popcorn (to be made available in due time).

Considering their roots being an establishment that hails from China, we weren’t expecting too much with the Kaya Butter Toast that Pull-Tab Coffee has to offer — these does come in what seems to be a microwavable paper bag that is lined with wax; patrons would need to tear the paper bag to retrieve the Kaya Butter Toast within. The Kaya Butter Toast does come with the brown toast that one would typically expect out of the usual Kaya Butter Toast that is served at establishments such as the likes of Ya Kun Kaya Toast; the emphasis here seemingly being on the extremely thick slabs of cold butter that comes in between. The toast does come reasonably crisp around most parts though there are some bits that still felt a little limp. There was a slight over-emphasis on the butter here with the savouriness of the butter sometimes taking over the notes of the sweet, pandan-infused coconut jam that would typically be the centre of attention. Slicing the toast into squares does make them an easy-to-have snack however.

We also got to try the Banana Aeropress Coffee which his available in both hot and iced options — the staff did recommended that the way to best enjoy the Banana Aeropress Coffee is to have it iced however. The Aeropress Coffee does seem to be similar to that of a microfoam that has been whipped to a very fine texture that is creamy yet airy — the flavours being similar to that of the whipped coffee layer that comes atop the typical Dalgona Latte where the caffeine adds a thick, bitter note with a slightly sweet finish at the end. The Banana Aeropress Coffee does seem to feature the use of banana-flavoured milk that carries a note that hints of banana essence; the concoction likely working better with the Aeropress Coffee being mixed into it rather than to have it in its distinct layers much like a macchiato / milk foam / cheese cap offering typically found at a bubble tea stall. Considering how their menu is designed, Pull-Tab Coffee does seem to be an establishment that is pretty much coining on trendy offerings to make its mark all across the world — it would be interesting to see if Pull-Tab Coffee would be able to draw the crowds using the very same appeal in time to come. That being said, it does offer the working class within the area a rather interesting option for hipster beverages whilst also serving up familiar light bites such as the range of Butter Toast for a quick bite for something a little different from the usual.