New cafes and restaurants in October 2018
Image adapted from: Eatbook
We’ve got a series of blueblood restaurants opening this month – celebrity chefs like Marco Pierre White and Justin Quek are certainly stirring up Singapore’s dining scene. But we also have plenty of other cafes and restaurants who’ve just opened their doors: look forward to Keisuke beef sukiyaki, Bee Cheng Hiang’s dine-in space, and a My Little Pony pop-up cafe.
Here are 20 new cafes and restaurants in October 2018 to try:
– Cafes –
1. Dumpling Darlings – poached pear & smoked duck dumplings
Image credit: @dumpling.darlings
Dumplings are a must at Chinese restaurants, but it’s only at Dumpling Darlings where these unassuming bites become the star of the show. The kitchen’s run by the same folks behind brunch hotspot Lola’s Cafe, so you know you’re already in good hands.
There’s certainly nothing run-of-the-mill about the dumplings here, since the range contains original flavours you can’t try elsewhere. If you’re puzzling over what to order, get the Dumpling Platter of 15 ($20) – it comes with 3 dumplings each of The Original, Veggie Mandu, Momo Curry, Fried Pierogi (European dumplings), and Smoked Duck.
Image credit: @emily_ehs
End off your meal with Dessert Dumplings ($8) – you’ll be fighting over these 5 dumplings since they’re generously filled with poached pear and cream cheese. There’s a pleasant blend of textures, since the crisp skin pairs well with the silky smoothness of the filling. Each serve comes with a scoop of Tasmanian Honey Ice Cream on the side too.
Address: 44 Amoy Street, Singapore 069870
Opening hours: Mon to Thu: 11:30AM-3PM, 6PM-10:30PM, Sat: 6PM-2AM (Closed on Sundays)
Telephone: 8223 9249
2. Hej Kitchen & Bar – cafe fare with a fusion twist
Image credit: @hejcollective
Here’s a cafe you can hit up once you’ve done all your shopping – Hej Kitchen & Bar is an alfresco joint that’s tucked in a cosy corner just off Orchard Road. The Swedish word “hej” is pronounced as “hey”, and is representative of the cafe’s casual atmosphere – no airs whatsoever.
Image credit: @thechoyalicious
It’s not just pasta and sandwiches here. They also deal out Singaporean-influenced dishes like Nasi Goreng Istimewa ($18) and Har Cheong Kai Mid-Wings ($12). They make their pizzas fresh, in flavours like Margherita Al Funghi ($24) which comes with a scattering of mushrooms and truffle oil.
Address: 180 Orchard Road, Singapore 238846
Opening hours: Sun to Thu: 12PM-2AM, Fri to Sat: 12PM-3AM
Telephone: 6738 8828
3. Ocha Fresh Thai – avocado rolls & red snapper tom yum soup
Image credit: @ochafreshthaisg
We like our Thai food, but we’re simultaneously trying to avoid an overload of spice, oil, and chilli. But at Ocha Fresh Thai, #eatclean becomes all the more attainable with dishes like Grilled Chicken & Cashew Nut ($10.50) and Avocado Summer Roll ($3). Especially when you can opt for Wholegrain Rice and Grilled Tofu.
Image credit: @ochafreshthaisg
But there’s no harm in indulging in one of our Thai favourites every now and then, such as their Tangy Tom Yum Soup (from $12.50) – it comes with kway teow, king oyster mushroom, and a choice between prawn or red snapper.
Address: 182 Cecil Street, #02-16/17 Frasers Tower, Singapore 069547
Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 10AM-8PM, Sat: 10AM-12PM
Telephone: 6304 3292
4. Chulove Cafe – savoury churro sandwiches
Image credit: @chulovesg
You know the churros craze hasn’t died down completely, since Chulove Cafe is receiving a whole lotta love from us. The churros are straight from the fryer, so they’re both piping hot and crisp at the same time. Besides standard toppings like chocolate sauce, cinnamon, and sugar, they also offer varieties like peanut, pistachio, and coconut.
Prices start from $3 for a Long Churro, or you can get easy-to-eat Mini Churros (from $3.20) which come in a cup with a complimentary sauce of your choice.
Image credit: @chulovesg
Those craving something savoury can try their Churro Sandwiches ($5.90), with flavours like Tuna & Avocado and Salmon & Sour Cream.
Address: 1 Harbourfront Walk, #01-98 VivoCity, Singapore 098585
Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 10AM-10PM
5. My Little Pony Pop-up Cafe – big breakfast & purple katsu burger
Image credit: Eatbook
Kumoya’s infamous for their themed pop-up cafes, and now, get ready for another great wave of nostalgia with the launch of the My Little Pony Cafe. The food here comes splashed out in rainbow colours, in particular, Magic Friendship Rainbow Big Breakfast ($24.90). Ready yourself for giant serves of rainbow bread, chicken and beef sausages, turkey bacon, chicken ham, and if that isn’t enough, a heap of scrambled eggs and hash browns too.
Image credit: Eatbook
Other mains offered include the Twilight Sparkle Soaring Skies Chicken Katsu Burger ($22.90), which comes with purple wings soaring from the equally-purple bun.
There’s also a huge range of My Little Pony merch for you to bring home, from plushies to hair accessories.
The My Little Pony pop-up cafe will be at Kumoya from 27 September to 30 December 2018.
Address: 8 Jalan Klapa, Singapore 199320
Opening hours: Tue to Thu: 12PM-9:30PM, Fri to Sat: 12PM-10PM, Sun: 12PM-9:30PM
Telephone: 6297 3727
6. Amber Ember – savoury and sweet jaffles
Image credit: @jolztx
Amber Ember is a cafe straight out of a magazine centrefold. There’s something perfectly symmetrical about every little detail, from the pink wall trimmings to the neatly-aligned bar stools. And yes, you can expect the same level of perfection in their food.
Image credit: @amberembersg
They’re known for jaffles – an Aussie-style dish that simply means fully-enclosed toasties, with fillings like Truffled Shrooms ($11), Pablo’s Beef ($10), and Chocobanana ($8). All savoury jaffles come with a choice of sides: Purple Sweet Potato Mash, Purple Cabbage Apple Slaw, and Buttered Mash Potato.
Why would you pick regular mash when you can get it in a striking purple shade?
Image credit: @xd_nat_t
Other dishes to try include their Asian Risotto ($10) which comes with purple rice porridge and braised pork, or the Fu Yong Eggs ($11) – a Chinese-style omelette with mushrooms and spinach.
Address: 730 Upper Serangoon Road, #01-01, Singapore 534613
Opening hours: Mon, Wed-Fri: 8AM-5PM, Sat to Sun: 9AM-6PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
7. Fung Kee Hotdogs – Swiss cheese hot dogs & champagne
Image credit: @ezzyreed
Anyone who’s had late-night cravings often find themselves at McDonald’s, but now with Fung Kee Hotdogs, you’ve got another food joint to satisfy those 12AM hunger pangs. But be warned: it’s at the fourth floor of Orchard Towers, which is infamously one of Singapore’s sleazier buildings.
They’ve got 3 choices here: Original, Swiss Cheese, and Vegan – all priced at $8. While toppings and sauces like mustard, ketchup, and crispy onions are complimentary, you can choose to add on Remoulade (aiolo-based French condiment, $1), Secret Sauce ($1), Boston Pickles ($1), and Szechuan Chilli ($3).
Image credit: @fungkeehotdogs
And the best thing about this late-night joint? They serve up cocktails like Negroni ($14) and Gin & Tonic ($12), which reportedly pack a punch. Those who fancy a more atas drink can pair their hot dogs with a glass of Champagne ($18) too.
Find other good food in Singapore’s sleaziest buildings here.
Address: 400 Orchard Road, #04-23 Orchard Towers, Singapore 238875
Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 7PM-1AM
Telephone: 6909 6295
8. Black Fairy Coffee – popcorn latte & salmon poke bowls
Image credit: Black Fairy Coffee
Few cafes emphasise their coffee as much as Black Fairy Coffee does – most are usually backed-up with a lengthy menu filled with brunch fare. Instead, this coffee joint offers up drinks like Popcorn Latte, Matcha Latte, and Hojicha Latte.
But that’s not to say they don’t serve up tasty food too.
Image credit: @xp11
They often have a selection of cakes, croissants, and even Black Fairy Signature Salmon Poke Bowls (from $10) – that come with smoked or fresh salmon, and a mix of fresh veggies like sweet corn, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes.
Address: 131 Tyrwhitt Road, Singapore 207553
Opening hours: Mon to Sat: 10AM-11PM, Sun: 10AM-5PM
Telephone: 6909 3518
9. Three Buns – beef rendang burger & miso fries
Image credit: Eatbook
Originally housed under the same roof as Potato Head Folk, Three Buns has since left to set up their own burger joint at Robertson Quay. And boy, are we excited.
They’ve got burgers like Da Cheese Master ($15) which comes with double cheddar, charred onions and a black Angus beef patty, and Trufello ($15) for vegetarians, which comes with twice-cooked portobello mushrooms and truffle aioli.
Image credit: Eatbook
Those looking for a gourmet burger can try Three Buns’ take on a beef rendang burger. Besides coconut mayo and coconut buns – kudos for authenticity – Red Man Burger ($28) comes with sous vide beef cheeks that have been simmering in a rich rendang gravy for 24 hours.
Image credit: Eatbook
They also offer sides that you’re technically meant to share, but you’ll want to have them all for yourself, like their Miso Dirty Fries ($9, loaded fries with miso bearnaise sauce) and Beets By Drye ($10, butternut squash and roasted beetroot).
If there’s ever a time to pay complete disregard to your calorie count – this is it.
Address: 60 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238252
Opening hours: Tue to Fri: 5PM-12AM, Sat to Sun: 10AM-12AM (Closed on Mondays)
Telephone: 6909 7838
10. Bee Cheng Hiang Grillery – mozzarella katsu & DIY sliders
Image credit: @deeniseglitz
At last, we can have piping hot bak kwa with Bee Cheng Hiang Grillery’s new dine-in space – you can sit down and enjoy tapas-style dishes like Mozzarella Katsu ($10) and Gourmet Enoki Roll ($9.5).
It goes without saying that the menu was largely inspired by bak kwa, with each dish featuring one of Bee Cheng Hiang’s specialty bak kwa like the Golden Coin (Pork) or Chicken Coin (Chicken).
Image credit: @hailey.ysl
Try the DIY Sliders ($14), which come deconstructed on a large platter for you to assemble on your own. Ingredients include toasted buns, caramelised onions, fried quail eggs, house-made sambal mayo and the choice between pork or chicken bak kwa.
They also have a wide range of drinks, from Iced Caffe Latte ($5.50) to TWG French Earl Grey ($7), with a wine list if you so desire.
Address: 1359 Serangoon Road. Singapore 328241
Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 9:30AM-10:30PM
Telephone: 6291 5753
– Restaurants –
11. Pita Tree Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar – kebabs and lamb shank briyani
That kebab stand you saw while strolling by Ngee Ann City? No worries, it’s still there, but now they’ve expanded into a full-blown restaurant so you can enjoy your kebabs and wraps without fear of any gravy dripping onto your shoes. Enter Pita Tree Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar, a restaurant that knows its Mediterranean roots inside and out.
Image credit: Eatbook
The menu’s filled with all things yummy, from Chicken Kubideh (ground chicken kebab, from $12) to Paidakia Lamb Chops ($32). All grills and meats are served with your choice of rice, fries, or flatbread. We recommend the Arabic Lamb Shank Biryani ($38/2 people), which comes with tender chunks of lamb, saffron rice, carrots, and raisins.
Address: 14 Lorong Telok Boat Quay, Singapore 049027
Opening hours: Mon to Thu: 11:30AM-11PM, Fri: 11:30AM-12AM, Sat: 3PM-12AM (Closed on Sundays)
Telephone: 6532 2098
12. Baek Jung – K-BBQ & kimchi stew
Image credit: @baekjungsg
We’re already split for choice when it comes to Korean restaurants in Singapore, and now Baek Jung’s opening has added another one to the mix. It’s still worth a try: they do up classic Korean dishes like Beef Seok-Seol Bulgogi ($19) and Pork Kimchi Stew ($25).
But if you’re after the K-BBQ experience, you can order sets like Pork Set ($50) for pork belly, pork collar and steamed eggs, or Beef Set ($70) which comes with sirloin, premium ribs, and LA rib.
As an opening promotion, they’re also offering 1 free bottle of soju when you make a weekday reservation.
Address: 72 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 048460
Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 11:30AM-2PM, 5:30PM-10:30PM, Sat to Sun: 3PM-10PM
Telephone: 8409 3569
13. Esora – premium ingredients like uni & foie gras
Image credit: @rasyphus
Here’s a fancy restaurant that you’ll want to save for the next special occasion: Esora, Kappo-style (ceremonial) Japanese space that’s set in one of the quaint shophouses along Mohamed Sultan Road. It’s run by the trusty folks behind revered restaurants like Odette and Tanjong Beach Club, which means the food will be top-notch in terms of presentation and taste.
Sashimi done 5 ways.
Image credit: @terenceongwh
They’ve only got 2 menu options, 7-course ($188) or 9-course ($248), which reads a lot like pricey or pricier – but rest assured: they use super premium ingredients like foie gras and uni so you’ll be getting your money’s worth. There’s also a tea pairing menu (from $38), featuring a tea blend that pairs perfectly with each course.
Address: 15 Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore 238964
Opening hours: Tue to Sat: 7PM-9PM (Closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Telephone: 6365 1266
14. AGIT Dining & Bar – spicy cold noodles & tofu stew
Image credit: @blancheeze
Not everyone enjoys being smothered with the smoke of grilled meats at K-BBQ restaurants, but at AGIT Dining & Bar, you can still get your Korean fix without the charred scent clinging to your clothes. And it’s a solid dinner choice too, since they offer up plenty of traditional Korean fare, from Spicy Cold Noodle With Egg ($12) to Seafood Tofu Stew ($28).
If you’re looking for comfort food, they also dish out staples like Bibimbap ($12) and Ramen ($6).
Address: 1 Irving Place, #01-23, Singapore 369546
Opening hours: Mon to Sat: 11:30AM-10PM (Closed on Sundays)
Telephone: 9698 2913
15. The English House – fish and chips & rack of lamb
Image credit: @theenglishhousesg
The English House is Marco Pierre White’s first foray into Singapore, and you’d think for a celebrity chef restaurant, that the entire menu will be filled with atas dishes that you’ll need the help of Google Translate to understand. But that’s not the case – instead, the menu’s filled with regular ol’ British food like fish and chips, lamb racks, and meat pies.
Image credit: @msposhnos
Yet, what looks unassumingly like comfort food is far from the microwavable sausage rolls and meat pies that we’re used to. Instead, their Fried Fillet of English Turbot – in other words, fish and chips – is made with a prized fillet of Turbot which is otherwise known as the “King” of the sea.
Other dishes include Mr Lamb’s Shepherd’s Pie ($48) which is seeping with gravy, and Honey Roast Belly Pork Marco Polo ($68) – crispy pork belly over a hefty amount of wok-fried hor fun.
Address: 28 Mohamed Sultan Road, Singapore 238972
Opening hours: Mon to Sat: 6PM-12AM (Closed on Sundays)
Telephone: 6545 4055
16. SKAI – smoked salmon & wagyu steak
When you’re dining at SKAI at Swissotel The Stamford, you’ll feel on top of the world – 70 floors up is a long way up, indeed. You’ve got sweeping views of the entire Marina Bay skyline, but also a ton of good food to feast on. With dishes like Loch Fyne Smoked Salmon Fillet ($64) and Australian Wylarah Wagyu ($120), it’s a treat for a special occasion.
For a more affordable day-to-day splurge, they also have Set Lunches with mains like Yellow Fin Tuna and Iberico Secreto, priced at $39/2-courses and $45/3-courses. And of course, try a cocktail from the fully decked-out drinks menu, we’re eyeing the Camu Camu ($25) – a Peruvian pisco brandy that comes with soursop, hibiscus, lime, and camu camu (Brazilian berry) itself.
Address: 80 Bras Basah Road, Level 70 Swissotel The Stamford, Singapore 189560
Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 12PM-2:30PM, 6PM-10PM, Sat to Sun: 11:30AM-3:30PM, 6PM-10PM
Telephone: 6339 7777
17. Fook Kin – char siew, roast duck & siew yoke
Image credit: @mervynchua
Fook Kin is a cheeky name for a roast pork restaurant, but we’re not surprised since it’s opened by Class 95 DJ duo The Muttons. Decor-wise, they’ve got it covered with neon lights and sleek industrial-style finishings. But food-wise? They’re on solid ground too.
Image credit: @sallywonggg
They’ve paired up with Roast Paradise, with one of the chefs coming over to lead the kitchen, so you know their roast will be both succulent and oozing with savoury goodness. To sample their specialties, try the Caramelised Char Siew (from $6.80) and Roast Duck (from $12). They also offer Golden Crackling Siew Yoke (from $6.80) that comes with a delightfully crackling skin.
Besides their roast, they also have Minched Pork Noodles ($3) and Triple Happiness Tofu ($9.80) – the beancurd comes with century egg, ikura, and salted egg.
Address: 111 Killiney Road, Singapore 239553
Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 11:30AM-9:30PM
Telephone: 9786 7396
18. Art Restaurant – aged rice risotto & veal belly
Image credit: @diaryofjun
Once Osteria Art, but now simply just Art, this restaurant charges into Singapore’s dining scene with classic Italian dishes. But they’re far from the simple homey dishes you’ve come to expect from Italian cuisine: instead, it’s a white tablecloth restaurant that you’ll definitely have to get dressed up for.
Image credit: @chloe_0208
They’ve got a curated selection of mains with the likes of Veal Belly With Sweetbreads ($42) and Seabass with Eggplant Cannolo ($45). But interestingly, it’s the appetisers portion of the menu we’re gushing over – with complex dishes like Scampi Tortellini ($48) and Aged Rice Risotto With Bone Marrow ($38).
Address: 55 Market Street, #01-01, Singapore 048491
Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 12PM-2:30PM, 6:30PM-10:30PM, Sat: 6:30PM-10:30PM (Closed on Sundays)
Telephone: 6877 6933
19. Beef Sukiyaki Don Keisuke – wagyu & chuck eye roll
Image credit: @pearlzeng
Here’s another Keisuke joint to get excited about: Beef Sukiyaki Don Keisuke. But no gloriously soupy bowls of ramen this time, instead, they’re offering up fresh sukiyaki beef that’s cooked right in front of your eyes.
Image credit: @kennethkho
The meat will be sliced, presented, and prepared based on order – so you can expect tasty strips of beef accompanied with ingredients like Shimeji mushrooms, tofu, and shirataki (white yam) noodles.
They’ve only got 2 options here: Kiwami Wagyu Sukiyaki Don ($29.90) and Beef Sukiyaki Don ($13.90). The former is the obvious draw, and the wagyu beef comes with plenty of marbling, but the latter is a satisfying beef bowl in itself with US Prime Chuck Eye Roll.
Address: 11 Kee Seng Street, #01-01 Onze @ Tanjong Pagar, Singapore 089218
Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 11:30AM-2:30PM, 5PM-10PM
Telephone: 6535 1129
20.JustIN Flavours of Asia – foie gras dumplings & lobster Hokkien mee
Image credit: @meaneggs
This month’s teeming with celebrity chef restaurants – JustIN Flavours of Asia is another one added to the mix. With Justin Quek showing off our local fare in Marina Bay Sands, you can expect dishes like Singapore Chilli Crab (Market Price) and Fish Head Curry (Market Price).
Their Hokkien noodles come with chunks of lobster meat.
Image credit: @jiaa.weii
But for a more interesting take on local cuisine, try Chef Justin’s Signature Foie Gras Xiao Long Bao ($25) or Chef Justin’s Signature Wok Fried Live Maine Lobster Hokkien Noodle ($39). After all, it’s premium ingredients like foie gras and maine lobster that elevates it a step beyond our favourite hawker centres.
Address: 10 Bayfront Avenue, Bay Level, L1-83 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018956
Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 11:30AM-12AM, Sat to Sun: 11AM-12AM
Telephone: 6688 7722
New restaurants in Singapore
You’re probably still playing catch-up with last month’s new restaurants, but there’s just not enough time in the world or money in the bank. Pick out a few that have caught your eye – like Fook Kin’s mouth-salivating roast or Three Buns’ beef rendang burger – and set aside some time to pay these eateries a visit.
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