SWELL by Vamos JB
I first heard about this café from a friend and decided to give it a try and I’m glad I did. We ordered the Shakshuka with toast, mainly because it was something new to us, and it turned out to be absolutely delicious. The real highlight was the sourdough toast: incredibly soft and airy on the inside, yet perfectly crunchy on the outside.
I loved the toast so much that on my second visit, I ordered their grilled cheese sandwich. The portion was huge and very satisfying, but the tomato sauce that came with it tasted a little like canned tomato sauce, which was a slight miss for me. The fish and chips were pretty decent as well. What stood out most was that they use freshly cut potatoes instead of frozen fries, which made a noticeable difference.
Moving on to the drinks—since I don’t drink coffee, I went for their kombucha, and it did not disappoint. I tried both the grapefruit and green tea kombucha, and I absolutely loved the green tea one. The grapefruit kombucha had a distinct bitterness from the grapefruit, which wasn’t really my preference, but it was still fairly enjoyable. My friend, who ordered coffee, mentioned that it was decent too.
Food & Drinks Ordered (Ratings):
Shakshuka with Toast: 4.5/5 ⭐️
Fish and Chips: 4/5 ⭐️
Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Tomato Sauce: 3.5/5 ⭐️
Grapefruit Kombucha: 3/5 ⭐️
Green Tea Kombucha: 5/5 ⭐️
Dirty Matcha: 2.5/5 ⭐️
Gula Melaka Latte: 3.5/5 ⭐️
Overall, Swell by Vamos is a solid spot with great bread, generous portions, and refreshing non-coffee drink options. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.
If you're curious about what else Swell by Vamos has to offer, I recommend exploring their full menu which includes tasty sandwiches, fresh juices, and specialty coffee options. On my visits, I found that the café puts real effort into using fresh ingredients, particularly in their sides like the fish and chips made with freshly cut potatoes rather than frozen fries. This small detail makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture. For non-coffee drinkers or those looking for something different, the kombucha selection is impressive. The green tea kombucha was my favorite, offering a refreshing yet gentle taste, while the grapefruit flavor had a sharper bitterness that some might find a bit strong. They also serve unique lattes such as the gula melaka latte, which provides a local twist worth trying. From a cozy atmosphere standpoint, Swell by Vamos combines a relaxed vibe with friendly service, which adds to the overall dining experience. For those who enjoy hearty breakfast or brunch options, their shakshuka with sourdough is a standout, balancing comfort food with a slightly exotic touch. In summary, whether you’re stopping by for a light drink, a filling sandwich, or a flavorful breakfast, Swell by Vamos offers a diverse menu that caters to varied tastes with an emphasis on quality ingredients and fresh preparation.
