More than just a café, the newly opened Average Service at Jalan Besar isn’t trying to impress you with over-the-top theatrics or gimmicky trends. Instead, it leans into something more subtle – the beauty of the everyday routine, the moments we often overlook.
Founder Jerls Su envisions the space as a creative hub, a place where people can gather, linger, and connect over food that feels both familiar and unexpected. It’s not about grand gestures; it’s about elevating simple pleasures into something worth remembering.
We got the chance to taste a few of Average Service’s food and drink offerings, so let’s dive into what exactly makes this hot new cafe above average!
Drinks
Baby Blu Matcha Latte
We know Singaporeans love their matcha, so take note of the Baby Blu Matcha Latte! The ceremonial-grade matcha used here is the real deal, delivering smooth, earthy richness without a trace of bitterness. It’s perfectly balanced, neither too thick nor too watery, striking that golden ratio of creaminess and clarity.
But what really sets this apart is the lavender milk infusion. Floral notes can be tricky—go too heavy and it tastes like you’re drinking a candle, too light and they disappear entirely. But here, the lavender plays a supporting role, gentle yet noticeable, adding a touch of calm sophistication to every sip.
Rating: 9/10
Strawberry Cold Foam Matcha Latte
Strawberry and matcha are two flavours that, in theory, should work like a charm. And to its credit, the Strawberry Cold Foam Matcha Latte gets some things right. The strawberry flavour is clear, distinct and genuine – none of that artificially flavoured syrup here! As we mentioned earlier, matcha holds its ground, offering that signature earthy depth without being overpowered by the fruitiness. On paper, it’s a solid pairing.
But my issue lies in the texture—the cold foam is just a little bit too grainy for my liking. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s enough to make you notice. The drink still delivers on flavour, but it lacks the seamless smoothness that could have made it a must-order. Still, if you’re a huge strawberry matcha fan, this is worth at least a try.
Rating: 6/10
Honey Wild
The Honey Wild blends gin with white ginger pear tea, wild mint, and lemon ginger honey, promising a layered mix of herbal, fruity, and spiced notes, though it also comes with a mocktail variant. While the ingredients suggest a balanced interplay of warmth and freshness, the mocktail version, which I had, leans a little bitter, which didn’t quite work for me. The honey and mint add some brightness, but overall, it felt slightly off-balance – not unpleasant, just not my thing.
Perhaps the gin version brings a smoother, more cohesive depth, but as a mocktail, it lacked that extra something to make it shine. If you enjoy bold herbal flavours with a touch of bitterness, this might be worth a try. For me though, the bitterness didn’t quite agree with me, but I can see why someone else would like it!
Rating: 6/10
Flower Boogie
The Flower Boogie is a drink that knows exactly what it wants to be – delicate, elegant, and beautifully floral. A blend of vodka, strawberry champagne green tea, flower blossom, and lychee essence, it delivers a lovely, lilting bouquet of flavours. Even though I tried it as a mocktail, it remains light and effortlessly drinkable, with the floral notes floating gently alongside the subtle fruitiness.
What makes this drink stand out is its graceful balance, never too sweet, never too overpowering. The floral elements feel intentional rather than perfumy, and the lychee essence adds just the right amount of brightness. It’s the kind of drink you can sip slowly, enjoying how each note unfolds. Whether you’re after something elegant or just a refreshing non-alcoholic option, this one is an easy favourite out of the drinks at Average Service for me!
Rating: 8/10
Food
Bread and Butter
Some cafés treat bread and butter as an afterthought. At Average Service, it’s a main course! The sourdough brioche arrives golden and crisp, boasting just the right balance of crunch and airy softness. But the real stars here are the house-made butters, each one bringing its own personality to the table.
First, the furikake butter, which is nothing short of a revelation. It’s deeply umami with a uniquely fishy edge, the kind of flavour that lingers in the best way possible, making you wonder why all butter doesn’t taste like this. It’s for sure my favourite and one of the most memorable things on the menu!
Then there’s the truffle butter, bold and unmistakable, delivering that luxuriously rich truffle intensity. Love it or hate it, it makes its presence known. And finally, the chilli butter, the quietest of the three, but don’t underestimate it. At first, it’s subtle, almost elusive, but then the heat creeps in, warming the back of your tongue with a slow, satisfying burn.
Rating: 9/10
Scallion Croissant
At first glance, the Scallion Croissant looks like a classic croissant – golden, flaky, and perfectly layered. But take a bite, and you realise this isn’t your standard buttery pastry. Stuffed with scallions and enriched with pork lard, this croissant leans savoury, rich, and unexpectedly hearty. It’s a fusion of French technique and Chinese flavours, and somehow, it just makes sense.
The scallions bring a fresh, mildly sharp contrast to the deep umami of the pork lard, creating a filling that’s both fragrant and indulgent. Instead of the usual airy, delicate interior, this croissant has a bit more chew, and a little more weight, which makes for an intensely satisfying bite. This would’ve been a personal highlight for me if the filling had just a bit more moistness!
Rating: 8/10
Mentai Handkerchief Pasta
The Mentai Handkerchief Pasta is a masterclass in texture, starting with the pasta itself – delicate, impossibly thin sheets that fold into themselves like silk! Unlike heavier kinds of pasta that rely on thick sauces to carry the dish, this one keeps it light but deeply flavorful, allowing the richness of the mentaiko butter to take centre stage. Each bite is briny, creamy, and just bold enough, coating the pasta in a way that feels indulgent but never overwhelming.
The balance between the sauce and the bacon is perfect too, creating a buttery, oceany richness that clings perfectly to the pasta’s folds, complemented by the decadent, fatty pop of bacon! It’s a dish that feels deceptively simple, but the more you eat, the more you realise just how well thought out it is.
Rating: 9/10
Average Rice with Grilled Salmon
The Average Rice with Grilled Salmon takes inspiration from a meal that Average Service founder Jerls Su once had in Bali, blending couscous, red rice, and barley into a base that’s far more complex than your standard bowl of rice. The mix brings an earthy, nutty depth, with a slightly chewy bite that keeps things interesting. It’s hearty without feeling heavy, a thoughtful twist that sets it apart from the usual grain bowls.
The grilled salmon though, while cooked well, leans a little plain. It could use a marinade or a touch more seasoning to really shine. That said, its buttery flakes pair nicely with the grain mix, offering a clean, simple contrast to the more textured base. It’s a dish that’s almost there in my opinion – a little extra seasoning or sauce, and this could easily be a standout.
Rating: 7/10
Average Chilli Egg Toast
With its fluffy Australian-style scrambled eggs, a sprinkle of feta, and delicate chilli strands on top, the Average Chilli Egg Toast seems promising at first glance. The eggs are soft and well-executed, and the feta adds a necessary hit of salt, and crumbly texture but beyond that, the dish doesn’t do much to stand out. The chilli strands, while visually appealing, don’t bring enough heat or depth to make a real impact and leaves the overall flavour profile as mild and somewhat forgettable.
In a menu full of boldness, this is the least distinctive dish – not necessarily tasting bad, just underwhelming. To be completely honest, it was quite a slog finishing this dish, as the toast and eggs were just so plain in comparison to the rest of the Average Service menu, without much by way of taste or texture to distinguish itself. In addition, the price is pretty eye-watering, so it’s not really even worth getting just to try.
Rating: 5/10
Thick Slab Bacon
The Thick Slab Bacon is a monument to excess in every sense of the word. At a hefty 180g, the thick slab of bacon is the kind that demands your full attention; rich, smoky, and unapologetically fatty. Every bite is a perfect balance of crisped edges and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, the kind of decadence that makes you forget about everything else on the table. Paired with the same sourdough brioche and soft eggs, it turns a simple breakfast into something blissfully hedonistic.
Of everything on the menu, this is the standout, the must-order, the one you dream about long after the meal is over. It’s bold, it’s excessive, and it leaves no room for restraint, but that’s exactly what makes it my unequivocal favourite. If you’re going to have bacon, you might as well have it like this!
Rating: 10/10
Average Maple Toast
For those with a sweet tooth, the Average Maple Toast is a dream come true. This caramelised honey toast is baked and torched to golden perfection, creating a beautifully crisp, slightly bittersweet crust that cracks under the weight of your fork. Inside, it’s impossibly soft and fluffy, soaking up just the right amount of maple syrup without becoming soggy. The house-made whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast, making each bite feel indulgent yet balanced.
It’s the kind of dessert that feels simple but delivers big on satisfaction. Not too sweet, not too heavy – just dangerously easy to keep eating. If I weren’t already full, I could have easily put away five slices myself! A really complete, delicious dessert, though I do feel it can become a touch overwhelming at the end of a meal, given that it’s quite a lot to get through for one person.
Rating: 8/10
Strawberry Shortcube
The Strawberry Shortcube is a delightful play on contrasts! Sweet yet tart; airy yet indulgent. A bright, clear strawberry compote cuts through the richness, its natural fruitiness shining against the smooth white chocolate mousse. Inside, the fluffy vanilla chiffon adds a delicate softness, making each bite feel effortless. The one area where I do feel it falls a little short is that the white chocolate shell is a little bland compared to the flavours within, but it’s still a very well-executed dessert!
What makes it stand out is its balance. The mousse is rich but never heavy, the chiffon light but still satisfying, and the strawberry remains the star. It feels refreshing rather than cloying, something you could eat after a full meal and still crave just one more bite.
Rating: 8/10
Hazelnut Valrhona Chocolate Cube
For those who love dark chocolate like me, the Hazelnut Valrhona Chocolate Cube is pure satisfaction. The Valrhona dark chocolate shell sets the stage, creating a crisp exterior that cracks beautifully to reveal the layers within. Inside, the dessert unfolds like a textural masterpiece – velvety chocolate mousse, deep hazelnut crémeux, airy chocolate chiffon, and a feuilletine crunch that ties it all together. Each layer brings something different, yet they all work in harmony to create a rich, luxurious bite.
Despite its decadence, the cube never feels too dense. The dark chocolate is pronounced but never overpowering, blending seamlessly with the nutty depth of the hazelnut elements. It’s indulgent, refined, and a must-try for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted chocolate dessert.
Rating: 9/10
The Cafe Space
And that’s been the food at Average Service! While we’re here, I want to give a shout-out to the music! There’s a certain magic in walking into a café and immediately wanting to Shazam the playlist. A mix of hip-hop, funk, and R&B, the music here sets the perfect laid-back but effortlessly cool atmosphere.
Not just that, I also want to give credit to the design philosophy that went into this place – it’s a well-thought-out environment that invites conversation, creativity, and community. The interior balances warmth with modern, dynamic energy, using sustainable materials like Loqa tiles, handmade in Thailand from recycled materials, and Panelogue wood-based panels.
The sunken conversation pit serves as a focal point for community-driven events and creative workshops, while the open kitchen bar seating fosters an immersive dining experience, bringing guests closer to the craft behind each dish. It’s a space that feels as intentional as the food – welcoming, engaging, and always evolving.
Would we come back for the vibes alone? Honestly, yes!
Overall Thoughts
From indulgent, over-the-top bites to beautifully crafted desserts and cocktails, almost every dish here feels like it has a little extra personality, whether that’s in its bold flavours or playful textures.
The space of Average Service itself hums with the same creative energy, making it just as much a place to hang out as it is to eat. So call it “average” if you want, but between the thick slab bacon, chiffon cakes, and great drinks, you’ll probably leave thinking the exact opposite.
Average Service
📍Location: 315 Jln Besar, Singapore 208973
⏰Opening Hours:
- 8.30am – 12am
- Lunch Service: 11am – 3pm
- Dinner Service: 6pm – 9pm
If you’re hungry for a truly above-average dining experience at Average Service, you can find out more by following them on Instagram! I’ll definitely be back, so see you there!
Photos by Grace Lee of the DANAMIC Team. Additional visuals courtesy of Average Service.