Moonchild Cafe: A Stellar Brunch in Jalan Besar

Jalan Besar has always been an interesting part of Singapore to explore, with its old shophouses, hardware stores, and little eateries scattered along the streets. It’s not somewhere I’d immediately think of for brunch, which made finding Moonchild Cafe at 351 Jalan Besar all the more interesting.

Behind its entrance is a spacious, beautifully designed café that brings something a little different to this part of town.

A Bit of Background — Meet Moonchild Cafe

Moonchild opened in November 2023, joining the same café family as Atlas Coffeehouse, Columbus Coffee Co., Neptune and Supernova. If the names sound like they have something in common, that’s because they do! Moonchild continues the group’s little tradition of naming its cafés after celestial themes.

There’s also more to the menu than brunch. Moonchild serves coffee made with beans from Singapore’s Sinister Coffee Roasters, alongside a wine selection featuring natural, organic and biodynamic bottles. It’s a nice mix, especially if you’re visiting later in the day rather than dropping by for breakfast.

Sneak Peek — A Look Inside Moonchild

Moonchild is surprisingly spacious, with a bright interior that takes inspiration from Japanese and Scandinavian design. Wooden tables, decorative tiles, and a large tree in the middle give the café plenty of character. I particularly like how everything comes together without making the space feel too busy.

As for seating, you’re spoilt for choice:

• Cosy booths: A good choice for couples or friends catching up over brunch.

  
  

• Counter seats: Ideal if you’re dropping by for coffee on your own.

  
  

• Regular tables: Suitable for small groups sharing a meal.

  
  

• Covered outdoor seating: A lovely option for anyone bringing their pets along.

  
  

One thing I’d keep in mind is the noise. When Moonchild gets busy, the music and conversations can make it harder to chat comfortably. I’d suggest visiting outside the popular brunch hours if you’re hoping for a more relaxed catch-up.

Moonchild’s Brunch Picks

Rosti with Cheese Frank & Sunny Eggs

I’m quite particular about my rosti, especially when it comes to getting that crispy exterior without losing the softness of the potatoes inside. Moonchild’s version delivered a lovely contrast, with golden rosti, a savoury cheese frank, and sunny-side-up eggs. Breaking into the yolk and letting it run over the potatoes was easily my favourite part.

The combination worked well for breakfast, although I found it slightly less filling than some of Moonchild’s other mains. Still, it’s a satisfying choice when you’re craving a proper breakfast without going overboard.

The Brunch Score: 8/10 — A satisfying mix of potatoes, sausage, and eggs that makes a lovely late breakfast. It kept me happy through the morning, though a little something extra wouldn’t hurt if you’re skipping lunch.

Potato Stack, Smoked Salmon & Poached Eggs

I’ve always enjoyed smoked salmon with poached eggs, but swapping the usual toast for layers of crispy potato made Moonchild’s version especially enjoyable. The hollandaise added a lovely creaminess, while the caper vinaigrette brought just enough acidity to balance the richness of the salmon and eggs.

My favourite part was getting a little of everything in one forkful, particularly when the runny yolk mixed with the potatoes. My only question is whether the potato stack provides enough food for someone skipping lunch.

The Brunch Score: 7.5/10 — Deliciously satisfying without being overly filling. The salmon, eggs, and potatoes make a lovely breakfast combination, but I found myself wanting a little more to carry me through lunchtime.

Pork Dan-Dan Scallion Noodles

The noodles were easily one of my favourite savoury picks. The knife-cut noodles had a satisfying chew, while the combination of pork, mushrooms, vegetables, and scallion sauce brought plenty of savoury flavour. I particularly enjoyed how the sauce coated the noodles without making them feel too heavy.

The Sichuan pepper was milder than what you’d expect from traditional dan dan noodles, which worked nicely for brunch. I personally enjoy a little more heat, but the balance of flavours made this an enjoyable dish from start to finish. It’s also a great alternative when you’re craving something other than the usual eggs and toast.

The Brunch Score: 9/10 — A filling combination of noodles, pork, and vegetables that easily satisfies as both breakfast and lunch. The chewy noodles and savoury sauce make this one of my top picks for a late brunch.

Scallop Rose Mafaldine

The Scallop Rose Mafaldine was a nice change from the usual brunch dishes. I particularly liked how the ridged pasta picked up the creamy tomato sauce, giving each forkful plenty of flavour. The scallops added a lovely seafood element, although I found the sauce a little richer than I usually prefer earlier in the day.

It’s definitely more of a lunch dish than breakfast, but that’s part of the appeal. The pasta makes for a satisfying meal, especially when you’re hungry enough to skip the usual eggs and toast.

The Brunch Score: 8.5/10 — Filling enough to cover breakfast and lunch, with a creamy sauce that makes it particularly satisfying. A little rich for an early morning meal, but a great choice for a late brunch.

Something Sweet — Caramel Carrot Cake

I’ve always had a soft spot for carrot cake, so Moonchild’s Caramel Carrot Cake was an easy choice for dessert. I particularly liked the balance of warm spices and cream cheese frosting. The sweetness wasn’t overwhelming, and the slight tanginess of the frosting complemented the cake nicely.

I enjoyed it most with coffee, which helped balance the sweetness after a savoury brunch. It’s a lovely way to finish the meal, especially if you prefer cakes that aren’t excessively sweet.

The Sweet Score: 10/10 — A lovely finish to brunch and much appreciated after a savoury dish (a fitting score for my favorite cake)

The Little Logistics

A few things to keep handy before heading over to Moonchild Cafe:

The Details	What You Need to Know
📍 Find Your Way	351 Jalan Besar, #01-01, Singapore 208988
🕘 Opening Time	Sunday–Thursday: 9am–7pm; Friday–Saturday: 9am–10pm. Open daily. Last orders are 30 minutes before closing
📅 Save a Seat	Book at least one day ahead. Weekend and public holiday reservations are limited, but walk-ins are welcome. Reserved tables are held for 15 minutes.
👥 Bringing the Whole Gang	For groups of more than eight, phone them here: +65 6592 4755.
🐾 Furry Friends	Pets are welcome at the outdoor tables, but not inside the café.
🚇 Getting There	Bendemeer (Downtown Line) and Farrer Park (North East Line) MRT stations are both within 1 km.
🚗 Coming by Car	Look for parking around Sturdee Road or Beatty Road.

The Good, The Tasty & The Rest

Moonchild is a lovely choice for anyone who enjoys a little variety with their brunch. The menu has plenty to explore, from crispy rosti and poached eggs to Asian-inspired noodles and pasta. I especially appreciate having those options when meeting friends who can never agree on what to eat!

It’s also a nice spot for catching up over coffee, and the pet-friendly outdoor seating is a bonus for furry owners. Just keep in mind that it can get rather lively during busy hours, and the prices aren’t exactly on the cheaper side.

For me, Moonchild’s appeal comes down to its interesting food choices and welcoming space. If you’re like me and enjoy exploring different places for a weekend catch-up, there’s plenty more to explore at Brunch Cafes SG. You might just find your next brunch spot!

— Stella Yeo