The Cheese Ark - 49 Stirling Rd

As a frequent patron of cheese shoppes across several countries on multiple continents to include Europe, N.America, Japan and the UK, I have the following comments to make about this business: 1. Their selection of European mountain cheese is rather underwhelming. 2. Compared to other Singaporean cheese shoppes, they overcharge for their cheese by at least 25% if not more. Measuring with a kitchen scale, I independently confirmed they weighed both the cheese and the paper packaging they wrapped the cheese in, and then charged me for the weight of both. This amounted to a 5% surcharge on top of their already substantial price premium. 3. At purchase, they wrap the cheese haphazardly — it isn’t remotely air tight. While a forgivable sin, at least one of their competitors vacuum seals their cheeses. For the price premium paid here, and given Singapore’s heat and humidity, they could’ve at least included an ice pack. 4. They don’t allow taste testing any of their cheese. Worse still, they’re unwilling to sell less than 200g of each and every cheese you buy from them, regardless of how much cheese you’re buying in total. E.g. they won’t sell you 100g of a cheese you’ve never heard of before, even if you’re buying hundreds of grams of other cheese. In summary, their prices are bad, their cheese selection is subpar, and their packaging is subpar. I struggle to think of a worse cheese shoppe I’ve been to, and I can’t think of a cheese shoppe I’ve been to with worse customer service.

"Wash hands immediately" screamed a sign on the glass door. Feeling a little intimidated by the 'order', we hurriedly did so before stepping in...and this served as a prelude to our experience indoors. Similar to some reviewers' episodes, we were served by the lady owner. As we expressed that we were new to artisanal cheeses, we were hoping for some recommendations or knowledge from the expert, all we get were some curt n cold answers (just like the temperature inside). i also felt as though we had asked stupid questions. To be fair, some of the cheeses we got in the sampler platter were nice, but we wouldnt be too willing to pay for the service here.

We love Little Farm, they have Gocery, Bakery and Restaurant,,❤

I believe that Cheese Ark brings in the cheeses with the best tastes and stories to my mind in Singapore at the moment. As for service, when I first started going, it was daunting and possibly scared not so much of the monger but perhaps of the fact that I was taking a lunge into unique cheeses. I don’t think any education of any food item can be done in the short time one expects to purchase food, eg cheeses. So perhaps, buy some based on the monger’s recommendation, try it and if it’s not for oneself, move on. If it is, then you’ll have found a keeper in the Cheese Ark. and slowly, you’ll learn more about the cheeses and the monger.

Visited this place as I wanted to try some premium cheese since I usually get my cheeses from the neighbourhood supermarket. I stepped into the shop hoping for an education and recommendation from friendly staff but felt snubbed by the lady there for not knowing much about cheese. She wasn't really willing to explain much and was unwelcoming and not friendly but u may hv a difference experience! It may not be her all the time... tho another friend encountered the same on another occasion, unfortunately.... Hopefully they have more helpful staff members as well.

Almost missed this shop as the store front doesn't have its name on it. Great place to get good quality cheese. The Cheese Ark also offers crackers, fruit and nut and wines to go with the cheeses. The owner is passionate about her products and offers great recommendations. The cheese made from raw goat's milk, sundried tomatoes and herbs is really good. Can't wait to dig into the Aged Gouda I bought as well.

Great cheeses, poor service. I’d been to The Cheese Ark a few times prior to the pandemic and really enjoyed their selection of cheeses. Was able to finally pay a visit again as it’s far from home, and was sadly served by a lady who was rude and condescending. She seemed slightly annoyed that I didn’t know exactly what I wanted, but isn’t that the main point of coming to a cheese specialty shop? Feeling slightly inadequate for my lack of knowledge in cheeses now, she walked me through their latest selection of hard and soft cheeses and waited for a response. I asked if there was sampling, as this was my experience a few years ago. She curtly told me that they no longer have it. Understandably so, as Covid has changed business operations but I definitely did not appreciate the condescension I received. Midway through, another lady (if I’m not wrong is the owner) - a much nicer one - stepped in to give us recommendations on the portioning size when we were deciding on the cheeses to get, and was a lot more patient in answering any questions we had. Would I return again? Maybe. As I’ve said, I enjoy their cheeses. But I’ll definitely look up other shops now where I would feel more welcome as an alternative.

Tempted to give a 1 star to keep this place under wraps. But the secret is out and everyone seems to be getting their cheese from here now. Here lies the best cheese in Singapore. Get them before they are gone!