Did Kampong Glam really need another hipster cafe? Nope, but it could do with one more reliable joint serving good, consistent coffee.

Which is why I am making an exception for newest kid-on-the-block The Hangar, of whom Pav Khialani is the brains behind.

Khialani - the former co-owner of popular Telok Ayer sandwich and coffee stalwart Sarnies - certainly knows a thing or two about brewing a top-notch cuppa.

The cool DIY decor (Khialani made most of the furniture by hand) and cramped interior plays up on the overused industrial theme just a tad, but for the most part, the vibe is laidback with just the right touch of bonhomie.

Grub-wise, brace yourself for the usual brunch suspects, but there are also a few surprises on the short menu. Sheikh's delight ($18, a slow-cooked lamb shoulder spiced stew) and chicken casablanca ($14) both looked interesting, but were unfortunately not available during my visit.

Why not order straight off the chalkboard menu above the bar, which lists five fusion sandwich selections.

I plumped for the veggie option: a delightful lotus root croquette and refreshing homemade mint dressing ($10) rendition clasped between crispy artisanal sourdough, but was sorely tempted by the other options - including the signature Bangkok beef ($11), lemongrass grass-fed steak mixed with caramelised onions and mushrooms, and the kazuya katsu special ($10), a breaded chicken katsu that comes with wasabi mayo.

Pair your sarnie with a robust, perfectly-balanced flat white ($5) and you've got the best of both worlds - a reasonably-priced brunch by today's cafe standards in a hip neighbourbood.

And if you're still mourning the recent news of a ban on shisha, there's at least some comfort in nursing a java at night. The cafe's opening hours are set to extend when a dinner menu, featuring grilled tapas dishes, debuts in two weeks.

Where: 25 Arab Street Nearest MRT: Bugis
Open: 8am-5pm (Mon, Wed-Fri), 10am-7pm (Sat & Sun)
Tel: 6291 0127 Info: www.facebook.com/thehangarsg