Penny University @ Wisma Geylang Serai
1 Engku Aman Rd, Singapore 409923 #01-06
Easygoing cafe dishing up breakfast sets, brunch & finger foods, plus coffee, juice & kombucha.
$15 · Muslim Owned · Cafe · Western · Chicken · Dessert · Vegetarian · Beverages · American · Fusion · French · Mexican · Beef · BBQ · Mediterranean
Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
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Sorted by Relevance - 38 Reviews
t kn
Rated 5.0/5.0 a month ago
Very nice new cafe! Aesthetic, good food and coffee, good music & vibes.
Sebastian Leng
Rated 1.0/5.0 2 months ago
This place is seriously understaffed as they have only 4 staff. 1 Barista (the manager), 1 kitchen crew, 1 waitress and 1 washing crew. The waitress was so passive that she turned her back when we stepped in to the cafe instead of bringing us to a table. We ordered at 9.20am, drinks came wrong twice. Only 1 out of 3 of my ordered food came at 10.10am when the cafe is not even full. Saw other table customers who came later getting their food before us. Went over to check my order at 10am and the manager said it's in the midst of making. Requested to cancel my other food orders at 10.20am when I realised that the kitchen crew has not even prepared our food yet. The manager even insisted that our order is in the midst of cooking. He only gave in when I pointed out that the waffle machine is empty when my waffle order was not even served. The Turkish eggs served also lack lustre as compared to their bugis outlet. Kitchen crew also lacked hygiene practice as he went to take order at the POS system (it is an open kitchen) and he went back cooking with his bare hands without washing his hands. The manager took another 10 minutes to process my refund because there were other customers also processing their refund. It was to my dismay that the manager claimed that he will only refund me the food prices excluding the service charge as he claimed that he had already served us. Why should I be paying for service charge on food items that were not served?! Not wanting to drag out any further as I have 2 hungry kids, I took the refund and went elsewhere for breakfast. This cafe has many appalling problems that needs to be ironed out before they can even start serving people. You will be better off at their bugis outlet where service is much better.
khaizal md
Rated 2.0/5.0 2 months ago
Ambience is nice , my food and drink was very slow . I ordered another drink and i waited like another 30mins to get my drink . I saw a few customers up and leave asking for refund due to the long wait . I will give another chance to come again with my partner as I knew this place just open up . Hopefully it will get better.
Mazuin Idris
Rated 1.0/5.0 in the last week
Waited for awhile before our food came because they were clearly understaffed. The one handling food orders and barista took turns to take order as there was no cashier. So when the one handling food took orders, food prep had to stop and everything got delayed. Barista was just barista-ing (who was the manager by the way). Out of our 4 food orders, 3 came about the same time while the last one unfortunately didnt come even after 3 times we went over to ask on the status only to find out the server sent it to the wrong table. We were already frustrated by then (more than 1hr wait) so we asked for a refund and the manager scolded the server infront of us, blaming her that he had to refund us out of his own pocket. And then an apology that was so insincere, showed zero empathy. Understand that it isnt easy being in F&B, but if you are a manager of the outlet, take ownership n be sincere to even be working there. Food was also so-so.. We left dispppointed especially after so long that we had not been patronizing Penny U, this is definitely not the kind of welcoming back experience we were expecting.
Hui Ling
Rated 1.0/5.0 in the last week
I have visited Penny University before and was excited to visit this new outlet in support of one of my favourite local cafe establishments but this is by far the most disappointing experience. Firstly, they were clearly understaffed and the barista and kitchen staff had to double up as cashier. So while they were doing so, the prep for drink and food orders had to stop. The other service crew in the cafe appeared passive and avoided helping us whenever we tried to approach them for assistance, such as getting a table or menu from them. We were TWICE served beverages meant for another table. The first cup we took a sip and realise it was wrong so they had to redo. As for the second wrongly served cup, just by the look and smell of it, we knew it was the wrong order and we alerted the staff. We were shocked to see this cup was simply transferred to the correct table without addressing potential contamination, raising significant red flags about hygiene practices. Hygiene lapses were further observed as the kitchen staff, after taking orders at the cashier, returned to the open kitchen to prepare food without handwashing or wearing gloves – a significant concern given the cafe's open kitchen concept. Back to our food order, we first approached the barista/cashier when the wait for our food surpassed 45 minutes, and when we discovered that a table that arrived way after us had already received their orders first. The staff assured us that our food is being prepared and finally after 15 minutes, we received the Turkish Eggs but it was lacklustre. The eggs were meant to be poached eggs but it turned out to be more like undercooked half boiled eggs. The sourdough bread that came with it was also not toasted. I couldn't bring myself to finish everything. After the Turkish Eggs was served, nothing else came. We approached the barista/cashier to asked about our remaining items and he assured us that they were already being prepared. 15 minutes later, we noted that the waffle machine was still empty so it was evident that our order was not prepared so whatever he was saying was a lie. Frustrated that we have waited for more than an hour, only to receive 2 coffees and Turkish Eggs, which our two toddlers were unable to consume, we decided to request for a refund and get breakfast for the kids somewhere else. The refund process was another ordeal. While we were refunded for the items not served, the corresponding service charge for those items was not refunded. When questioned, the curt response from the barista/cashier was puzzling, stating, "We have served you already." We did not receive the items and hence, why are we paying service charged for the items not served? This raised concerns about the transparency of their billing practices and the passive-aggressive attitude from the cashier was also uncalled for. I think the request for refund was reasonable considering we have endured more than an hour's wait, given false assurance that our food was on the way, received subpar food, and have two very hungry and fussy kids in tow at that moment. What was most disappointing was that there was not a single apology by any of the staff throughout our time there despite all these issues faced. Adding insult to injury, several hours after consuming the food, I experienced an upset stomach – a disconcerting aftermath of what was meant to be a leisurely dining experience. In conclusion, this experience at Penny University's new outlet was a far cry from the positive encounters I had enjoyed at their other locations. The litany of service issues, hygiene concerns, and billing discrepancies has left me questioning the standards and commitment to customer satisfaction at this particular establishment.
Wani Madelina
Rated 5.0/5.0 2 months ago
Who knew kimchi with cheese all grilled in sourdough bread would be amazing! Kudos for that as well as the amazing Ethiopian filtered coffee and white. Coffee standards still unfaltered. The team is cheerful and inviting. A debunk of others' previous reviews. I understand that this is the teething period from a soft launch. Hopefully, the cafe will regain back its confidence of the brand and be the next hit. Will visit again next time.
Joel Lim
Rated 4.0/5.0 a week ago
Didn’t read the reviews before coming but it was a pleasant experience. Baked eggs was nice, coffee was good.
Elle
Rated 5.0/5.0 a month ago
Ive been patronising Penny University for so many years @ East Coast outlet and this is my first time here at new location Wisma Geylang Serai! Great Ambience and great service! Food is great as usual, love the squid ink fried rice and Moules Frites, got myself Sakura Blossom drink, my all time favourite waffles and Cheese burnt Basque! Their New Cold Brew Drink is to go for. Love the milky taste fresh brewed bottled coffee. My experience is Definitely a full 5 star!
Farina AAN
Rated 4.0/5.0 a month ago
Love the ambience and the service from the team. Food is delicious, we ordered the squid ink fried rice and duck ragout pasta! Disappointed in the homemade tea as its served in a short glass. Unable to quench the ramadan thirst.
Fredster Freddie
Rated 1.0/5.0 4 weeks ago
We ordered aglio olio for 16 dollars. I dont mind the price if it was cooked well. Pasta was bland and had no flavour profile. I also ordered waffles which was normal but my main complain is the reuben sandwich. It was very salty because of the cured beef. I understand that cured is salt..but it overpowered the whole sandwhich..anw Total i spent around 71 dollars with 1 drink. Counter staff was friendly however when we arrived certain tables was still not clean. Im quite disappointed that i paid so much for food that is mediocre.
Fayyadh Samsubahar
Rated 5.0/5.0 a week ago
Nestled within Wisma Geylang Serai, Penny University exudes a charming ambiance that instantly captivates. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the warmth of friendly smiles. The rustic decor and cozy seating make it the perfect spot to unwind or catch up with friends. The menu boasts a delightful array of culinary delights, from hearty breakfast options to delectable pastries and sandwiches. Each dish is crafted with care and bursts with flavor, showcasing the cafe's dedication to quality ingredients and culinary expertise. But it's not just the food that shines at Penny University; it's the overall experience. The attentive staff goes above and beyond to ensure your visit is nothing short of exceptional, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk in. Whether you're in need of a caffeine fix, a satisfying meal, or simply a welcoming atmosphere to relax in, Penny University delivers on all fronts. It's a hidden gem in Wisma Geylang Serai that leaves a lasting impression, making it a must-visit for any cafe enthusiast.