The Day I Finally Said Yes to QR Codes (And Why We're Still the Same Lilac Oak)

We finally got QR Codes. The one thing I said I'd never do.

If you've been following our journey for a while, you might remember that just about a year ago, during one of the radio interviews we were fortunate enough to be invited to, I said something I felt very strongly about.

I didn't want QR code ordering in my café.

I really, really didn't.

And if I'm being completely honest... a part of me still doesn't.

For the longest time, I've always felt that QR ordering was... cold.

You walk into a café. You sit down. You scan. You order. You leave.

No "Hello."

No "How's your day been?"

No recommendations because we know you'll probably love this month's special Blueberry Earl Grey Waffle.

No conversations about your holidays, your children growing up, your new jobs, your pets, or simply the weather outside.

That was never the café I envisioned.

When I first dreamt of Lilac Oak, I imagined a space filled with warm conversations, happy chatter, comforting plant-based food, and people connecting with one another. A place where strangers become familiar faces, and familiar faces slowly become friends.

Technology was never meant to replace that.

So... what changed?

Well... this weekend, we finally introduced QR ordering.

And surprisingly, I think it's one of the better changes we've made.

Not because we suddenly fell in love with QR codes.

But because we found a way to make it work for our community.

Why We Changed

1. Our POS system is leaving Singapore.

After five wonderful years together, the POS system we've been using since day one is exiting Singapore.

Which meant we had no choice but to migrate everything.

If we're already making one huge operational change, it felt like the right opportunity to rethink how we could serve everyone better.

2. Every POS company was telling me the same thing.

During the search for a new system, almost every vendor proudly demonstrated kiosks, QR ordering, self-service...

And every single time I'd reply,

"We don't really need that."

Because honestly...

I still believed people came to Lilac Oak for the human experience.

Not another screen.

3. If we're changing, let's make it meaningful.

If we were going through the hassle of changing systems anyway, I wanted something that genuinely benefited the people who've kept us going for the past five years.

You.

Our regulars.

The families who celebrate birthdays here.

The office crowd who pop by every week.

The customers who discovered us once... and somehow never really left.

One thing that mattered greatly to me was introducing a proper rewards programme.

Something simple.

Something that says thank you.

Every dine-in visit now lets you earn points that can be redeemed later—our little way of giving back to the community that has supported us for five years and beyond.

You've supported us all this time.

It's about time we returned the favour.

4. The reality of running F&B in Singapore.

If you've visited us often enough, you've probably seen it.

Sometimes there are two of us.

Sometimes just one.

One person taking your order,

Making your coffee,

Cooking your pasta,

Preparing your waffle,

Packing takeaway orders,

Washing dishes,

Running between the kitchen and the counter.

F&B manpower has never been easy in Singapore, and like many small businesses, we've felt it too.

We're still trying our best to hire.

But until then, perhaps QR ordering can help on those especially busy days—allowing you to place your order while we continue preparing everyone else's meals, without making you wait too long at the counter.

If it helps us serve you a little faster when we're stretched thin...

Then maybe it's worth trying.

What Hasn't Changed

This is the important part.

Because despite the new QR codes around the café...

We're still us.

You can absolutely still order at the counter.

Please do.

We genuinely enjoy chatting with you.

Tell us about your day.

Ask us what we're baking this weekend.

Share your travel stories.

Or simply say hello.

Our paper menus?

They're staying.

There's something comforting about flipping through a physical menu that we'll probably never let go of.

You'll still hear us saying,

"Hello! Welcome!"

"Thank you!"

"See you again soon."

"Have a lovely weekend."

Those little interactions matter to us.

And of course...

Our food remains exactly what you've fallen in love with over the past five years.

Our vegan bakes.

Our waffles.

Our gelato.

Our sandwiches.

Our mains.

Our coffees.

Our matcha.

Our cakes.

Our recipes remain the same—if not even better—as we continue learning, improving and growing.

Because technology can change.

But our food and our heart shouldn't.

So... When Should You Use the QR Codes?

Honestly?

Whenever it makes life easier for you.

Use it if...

• You're not really feeling chatty that day (we all have those days).

• We're occupied and you don't want to wait at the counter.

• You'd rather order quickly and get back to your conversation with friends.

• You're grabbing takeaway and the café is packed—we've even placed a QR code outside so you can order while waiting.

• You'd like to place an advance takeaway order for later pickup on the same day.

  
  

In fact, if you work nearby and often order lunch with your colleagues, we'd love to help.

Drop us a WhatsApp or DM, and we're happy to create a unique QR code just for your office group.

We'll even prepare a corporate-priced menu for your team.

Everyone can submit their orders in advance, and simply pop by to collect everything later that day.

Less waiting.

More lunch breaks actually spent enjoying lunch.

But If You Want Human Interaction...

Please...

Come order with us.

We'd genuinely love to see you.

We'd love to chat.

We'd love to recommend something new.

We'd love to hear what's been happening in your life.

The only thing we ask is for a little patience if we're having one of those solo-shift days.

Sometimes we're rushing between the kitchen and the coffee machine, and we might not get to chat for as long as we'd like.

But please know—

We're always thankful you came.

Still Your Same Old Lilac Oak

Five years ago, we opened our doors hoping to create a little corner where good food could make people happy.

Today, we're introducing QR ordering.

But that's all that's changing.

We're still your same old Lilac Oak.

Still serving Happy foods brought to you by plants.

Still believing food brings people together.

Still hoping this little café can continue growing—for another five years, and hopefully many more beyond that.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

We'll see you soon—whether it's over a conversation at the counter, or through a little QR code on your table.

With love,

Chloe

Founder, Lilac Oak