Cafe Tujoh draws crowds for its lively atmosphere and Instagram appeal, and those who pre-book and get spiced dishes nailed down report smooth, attentive service. However, walk-ins face spotty quality: fried chicken tastes aged, pasta lacks flavour despite marked spice levels, and portions disappoint against the premium pricing. Staff demeanour swings from warm to visibly annoyed, especially during closing hours, and several reviewers flagged dismissive or curt conduct that soured what should have been relaxing meals.
The kitchen shows skill when effort is made (smoked duck pasta, gnocchi on good days), but execution is uneven across orders placed on the same visit. Newcomer ownership has been cited as a reason for these growing pains. Parking is scarce, and casual walk-up ordering feels deliberately obscured despite posted instructions.
Recent shift: A pattern of frustrated one-star reviews citing food inconsistency and staff rudeness emerged prominently within the past month, contrasting with earlier visits where atmosphere alone drew praise. Recent five-star bookings suggest experience improves with advance orders, but walk-ins increasingly report disappointment.
Most diners praise the relaxed setting and food quality, with many returning for the comfortable atmosphere and decent portions. Recent complaints centre on inconsistent execution, particularly with signature dishes like fish and chips, and occasional oversights in beverage preparation that leave some feeling short-changed.
Staff charm and creative cocktails keep people coming back to this upstairs spot near Happy Mansion, where the beef bourguignon and pork ribs earn consistent praise. Yet execution falters: a 40-minute wait for pasta with no barista on shift, dishes that disappoint, and service that swings from warm to forgetful. On the right night, worth lingering; on the wrong one, you'll regret the time invested. Menu draws diners seeking romance and Instagram moments, from smoked duck to mapo tofu lasagne, though truffle fries feel mass-produced. Cocktails shine (smoked cinnamon latte stands out), but ambition without consistency leaves some feeling short-changed. Visit for the vibe and wine knowledge, but manage expectations on execution.
Blue Dahlia draws people for its refined nyonya cooking and less-sweet kuih that taste genuinely traditional, but execution wavers. During peak hours the cafe becomes chaotic: tables turn over slowly, orders mix up or miss items, and kuih sell out by 3pm despite opening until 10pm. Staff can feel dismissive when the crush hits, and prices exceed portion size by most accounts. Come early or off-peak if you want a calm experience and full choice. The newer location is roomier and prettier than before, with strong coffee and standout items like sago gula melaka and curry laksa when fresh. Laptop use is discouraged during lunch hours, and seating rules favour diners over solo workers. Parking remains a friction point in this Seksyen 17 spot.
Last updated 2026-08-12
