Sculpting in Time

It's all about the cakes in this film-buff-inspired cafe
Noteworthy for: The Gugong branch has a small terrace overlooking the lively square between the Drum and Bell Towers.

Talk of the town: The name comes from Russian filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky's autobiography published in the 80s.
Sculpting in Time, locally known as SIT, is popular with students and freelance professionals alike thanks to its homey atmosphere, frothy cappuccinos, free wi-fi and English-speaking staff. The Gulou and Fragrant Hills branches of this popular chain are ideal places to wile away a Sunday afternoon.

The cafe has unmissable Western sandwiches and salads, but the true draw is the indulgent cakes. Creamy concoctions like mocha cake and the tri-colour blueberry cheesecake are a few of the many options. The walls are adorned with movie posters and thoughtful and silly messages from past patrons, and there is a good variety of books for those who crave a moment of calm.