The East Coast Road stretch is lined with cafes and bars, and Good Intentions is the latest addition to the area’s extensive list of bistros. Fun fact: Good Intentions was founded by the team behind goodluckgoodluck (formerly Good Luck Beer House) and Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall; so you can definitely expect great things from their latest venture.
Situated along the main stretch of East Coast Road, Good Intentions is a cosy two-storey café-bar with something for everyone. Step into the main bar area on the first floor, where you’ll find 12 rotating craft beers on tap, as well as their exclusive offerings of Cask Ale beers; one of which is always a craft beer from one of Singapore’s most popular craft breweries, Brewlander.
Then, wander further into the cafe to check out their snug little nooks, great for chilling with friends or reading a book with a pint. On the second floor, you’ll be greeted by a brightly-lit space with long picnic-like tables and benches, quirky artwork and leafy green plants – this space is great for groups and gatherings.
Cask Ales
You may be wondering what a cask ale is. These are basically unfiltered beers that are transferred into casks, carbonated, sealed and then undergo fermentation in the cask itself. And because the beers still have yeasts that are ‘alive’ in them, the fermentation occurs, making the carbonation gentler, giving the beers a rounder mouthfeel, and the beers have a slightly more complex flavour and aroma profile.
Trust us, it makes ALL the difference in the world. You have to try a cask ale to taste it for yourself! These beers are best enjoyed slightly warmer, at around 8 to 12°C. The only downside is that each barrel is only good for no more than 72 hours before the beer sours, but we doubt there’ll be any issues with emptying the barrels before they spoil since they’re so popular amongst hopheads!
Cocktails & More
If craft beers ain’t your thing, how about a cocktail? Good Intentions also has a list of uniquely-created craft tipples. We got to try their seasonal Prosperous Chinese New Year Cocktails (CNY is long over, sorry folks)! But pretty sure you can always request for a special order 😉
The Liue Long Long is a Pear Highball made with the Classic Laddie, Manuka Clover Mead, pears, quince and pandan. The pear aromas and flavours were strong, yet not overly sweet, and the notes of pandan were pleasantly distinct and went well with the rest of the ingredients.
The Elixir Sour is a Flower Sour that’s made with Botanist Gin, Chrysanthemums, Hawthorne and citrus. Interestingly, this sour wasn’t made with egg whites, yet the foam lasted really long. Lovely floral notes and just the right amount of tartness from Hawthorne and citrus.
Forever Early is Good Intention’s take on a Coconut Collins, made with Botanist Gin, Cacao White, peach, jujube and coconut. Refreshing and not overly sweet.
Of course, Good Intentions also has non-alcoholic drink options such as teas and a great coffee programme too!
Food at Good Intentions
With so many F&B establishments along East Coast Road, Good Intentions is definitely a strong contender for both excellent food and drink offerings.
Our favourite was the Steak & Fries ($22), an Aussie rump cap steak with Asian chimichurri and thick-cut fries. Not only is it affordable for the portion, it was also cooked to a lovely medium-rare and was seasoned perfectly.
Good Intentions makes their signature Fish & Chips ($20.50) with a market-fresh snapper, thick-cut fries and a dill tartare – a wise choice with the snapper, which was very fresh, fleshy and moist. The lightly seasoned, thin batter allows the freshness and flavours of the fish shine through nicely.
Vegan friends fret not, you’ve not been forgotten! Good Intentions also has some vegan options, and we tried their Shakshuka ($14) in both versions.
The original Shakshuka has chorizo, while the vegan-friendly version features grilled zucchini and peppers instead. Both dishes are made with peel tomatoes, spice, eggs and come with a baguette.
Our verdict: The Chorizo Shakshuka was bomb! But the vegan option was equally outstanding, with elevated flavours of smokiness from the char on the zucchini and peppers.
If you’re in the East Coast area, do give Good Intentions a shot! Whether you’re popping in for coffee, a pint, or to fill your tummies, they’ve got it all and more. The affordable price points of all the dishes and drinks are also a plus 💯
Address: 45 East Coast Rd, Singapore 428765
Opening Hours: 10am — 10.30pm (Wed – Mon), 4pm — 10.30pm (Tue)
Nearest MRT Station: Dakota
Disclaimer: We were guests of Good Intentions, but all opinions remain our own.
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