Singapore has no dearth of themed cafes and restaurants and I plan to explore as many as I can. There are unique and extraordinary franchises exclusively in the Republic. One such awesome themed cafe is Singapore’s very own Central Perk.
David Crane and Marta Kauffman are two names that will remain immortal in the history of international sitcoms forever because these two gave the world the gift of a show called F.R.I.E.N.D.S
This show is my best friend since school days. I have binge-watched it at least more than 50 times (not exaggerating). So, obviously, I had to go to Central Perk.
If you are a F.R.I.E.N.D.S addict like me and cannot get enough of the Ross-Rachel drama, the Mondler love or Phoebe’s strangely beautiful personality, you have to visit the Central Perk Cafe. Located in Central Mall on 1 Magazine Road, this place is a treat for F.R.I.E.N.D.S fanatics. I went there some time back and I fell in love with it. First of all, this is the world’s only authentic Central Perk franchise outside of America, so obviously they have got most of the details correct.
As I enter the cafe, on the left hand side I find the ‘Ross Zone’. A poster of Unagi adorns the wall and small dinosaur skeletons with books lay decorated on the shelf. Right next to the ‘Ross Zone’, on the opposite side of the wall is Rachel’s wedding dress from the pilot and her cheerleader dress is framed on the wall.
I move forward to find the ‘Team Phoebe’ zone. It has everything – the guitar, a furry smelly cat and Gladys! It is just perfect, takes me back to all awesome Phoebe moments. It also has Phoebe’s mom’s skull (like not her mom’s, the one that belonged to her Mom -remember?)
F.R.I.E.N.D.S is more than just a sitcom, it is a show that is as integral part of many of our lives. It feels amazing to walk inside a world that brings the show alive.
As I move further, the next segment is even more awesome. It has three parts. On my left is Monica’s apartment recreated with flawless detailing (except the refrigerator missed magnets). Even her chef clothes, the trivia board and PacMan machine are kept in her apartment. In the center is a small merchandise area with cups, hats, posters, magazines, t shirts, post cards and pillows on display. Where as on my right side is the hall from Chandler’s apartment, with of course the fooseball table, Hugsy, Pat – the dog, the painting from the wall among other items.
After almost an hour of exploring the apartments section, I realize I haven’t even entered the cafe yet. I walk in to the cafeteria and it is awesome. The orange couch, the sofa by the window, the coffee machine, coffee mugs – everything is perfect. On a big screen in the cafe, The One In London Part 1 is playing. Me and my friends settle on a table and we order. I order a Phoebe flavored F.R.I.E.N.D.S Puccino with fries.
Some Basic Tips –
- If you want to sit on the Orange Couch, call beforehand and reserve it.
- Do not go there for the food, go there for your love for the show. (I am not saying the food is bad but I am saying that it is overpriced.)
- You must go at least once, it is worth it.
- The merchandise is good but slightly expensive.
