April feastings abound
We’re finally a quarter of the way through 2016! If you’ve managed to stick to your dietary resolutions for the year, congratulations. But if you’re like me and have resolved to seek out the glorious establishments which provide us the ambrosia we’re desperately hunting for, look no further.
We’ve hunted down 20 of the newest cafes and restaurants for you, and the food is as delectable as it gets. We have everything from the cheapest chirashi dons to char siew chilli fries, all compiled into what might be the most comprehensive list yet. Make your reservations now, you won’t want to miss these 20 spots!
Cafes
1. Aiskilin
Source Waffle with Ice Cream Roll ($9.90)
There’s are few things better than ice cream on waffles but I’m willing to bet that ice cream rolls might be one of them. The only problem with ice cream and waffles was the lack of customization in your ice cream. At Aiskilin the options never end – you can choose from 13 different flavors with interesting ones like Avocado and Passion Fruit. It’s the new age of ice cream rolls and Aiskilin definitely has it all sorted.
Aiskilin
Address: 215 Upper Thomson Rd, Singapore 574349
Tel: 9681 8610
Opening Hours:
12PM to 11PM (Tuesday to Thursday)
12PM to 2AM (Friday)
10AM to 2AM (Saturday)
10AM to 11PM (Sunday)
Closed on Mondays
2. WORD.
Source Churros Platter ($12)
With the flood of new cafes in Singapore, we constantly have to ask ourselves if there’s anything special that these new establishments have to offer. WORD is the latest halal cafe on Upper Thomson Road and they definitely have a good grasp on what diners want. See exhibit A, a platter of churros fit for a queen, paired with gula melaka, caramel and chocolate.
The interior of WORD has an extremely laid back vibe with an industrial old-school feel. The walls are beautifully painted and the purposeful use of wood creates a warm and cozy ambience which is perfect for food pictures. Coupled with delicious food, WORD is making heads turn already; check it out now before the crowds take notice!
WORD.
Address: 906P Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 787110
Opening Hours:
11AM to 12AM (Tuesday to Sunday)
Closed on Mondays
3. Kitchen by Food Rebel
Kitchen by Food Rebel is a brand new health cafe offering almost entirely organic food. They even have “Meat Free Mondays” for people who love their greens. Try their Thai Lemongrass Quinoa Salad ($16) which brings the familiar tastes of Bangkok and combines it with nutty flavors of quinoa. You can even get coffee brewed with organic butter and coconut oil, which boosts your immune system and gives you a caffeine at the same time!
Kitchen By Food Rebel
Address: 28 Stanley St, Singapore 068737
Tel: 6224 7088
Opening Hours:
8AM to 6.30PM (Weekdays)
Closed on Weekends
4. Mingle Mangle
Just when I thought I had seen it all when it comes to ice cream flavors, Mingle Mangle pulls out the weirdest ones like Chilli Crab and Pepper Crab ($4.80 per scoop). Reinventing the idea of savory waffles, Mingle Mangle almost dares ice cream enthusiasts like myself to try their ridiculously outrageous flavors.
If savory flavors aren’t your thing, they also have wacky creations like Pineapple Tart and Watermelon Soju. Or up your connoisseur level and go for their White Truffle or Black Truffle flavors, made from actual truffles! While most of us might not have the budget to afford a whole truffle, a scoop of ice cream at $4.80 per scoop definitely seems manageable.
Mingle Mangle
Address: #02-07, 476 Upper Serangoon View Rd, Singapore 530476
Tel: 9727 6111
Opening Hours:
12PM to 10PM (Tuesday to Thursday & Sunday)
12PM to 11PM (Friday to Saturday)
Closed on Mondays
5. The Providore
The Providore takes the idea of a pop up restaurant/cafe and goes completely nuts with it. Instead of renting out a space in a mall, they have decided to build a restaurant from scratch in the middle of Raffles Place. The new flagship store for the Providore sports high ceilings and a full glass exterior, allowing natural light to flood the warm and comforting interior.
The food at the Providore is outstanding as well. They have retained classic favourites like the Lobster Mac’ and Cheese ($25.50) while introducing new menu items like the Roasted Chicken Leg ($26.50), served with couscous. The Providore is also open on weekends even though it’s in the CBD, so grab a friend and head down to check out what the hype is about!
The Providore
Address: 7 Raffles Place, Singapore 048625
Tel: 6533 1352
Opening Hours:
8AM to 11PM (Monday to Saturday)
9AM to 6PM (Sunday)
6. Bingki Korean Dessert Cafe
At the height of the Korean Bingsu craze, we bring you Bingki Korean Dessert Cafe. If you’re looking for a bingsu which isn’t overly sweet yet packed full of flavor, Bingki might the place you’ve been yearning for all this time. The Green Tea Bingsu ($14) is the standout for me, the matcha flavor is accentuated by a slight milkiness which works wonderfully with the grated ice. The highlight was the absence of the condensed milk which made the whole dessert much more palatable.
And I haven’t even gotten to the best part yet: this cafe is open 24/7. So if you somehow have a bingsu craving at 5am, you now know where to go to scratch that itch.
Bingki Korean Bingsu Cafe
Address: Blk 7 Tanjong Pagar Plaza #01-106, Singapore 081007
Tel: 6443 5435
Opening Hours:
24/7 Daily
7. Workspace Espresso
For fans of eating lean and green, Workspace Espresso is the latest fix for a hearty and healthy meal in the CBD. Their bowls provide a balanced meal which is not only nutritious but also pack a whole lot of flavor. Try their Stamina Bowl ($16.30) which comes with perfectly cooked seabass, miso chilli eggplant, the result is a crunchy, well seasoned delight which will please even the pickiest of diners.
Workspace Espresso
Address: Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3 #01-08, Singapore 018982
Tel: 6446 5795
Opening Hours:
7.30AM to 8PM (Monday to Friday)
Closed on Weekends
8. Style X Style Vibes Cafe
Many local celebrities have opened F&B outlets before, Daniel Ong and Jaime Teo opened Twelve Cupcakes in 2011 and many other celebrities have followed suit. Fast forward to 2016, and Mediacorp veteran Sharon Au has launched her very own cafe serving up simple cafe grub with local twists.
Style X Style Vibes Cafe is still in its early days when it comes to their food and beverage selection, however it’s definitely above average already. With dishes like their Ondeh Ondeh Cake ($6.90) which you have to try to believe, you might even bump into a local celebrity along the way.
Style X Style Vibes Cafe
Address: Media Gallery, Level 3, Mediacorp Campus, 1 Stars Avenue, Singapore 138507
Opening Hours:
7AM to 10PM (Weekdays)
9AM to 10PM (Saturday)
9AM to 6PM (Sunday)
9. South Union Park
I don’t often order pasta in cafes, and when I do, you know they’ve done something right. It’s so easy to get pasta wrong and many cafes I’ve visited commit the cardinal sin of not cooking their pasta al dente. The Butternut Tagliatelle ($17) at South Union Park came stuffed with sweet roasted butternut squash and was coated in aromatic burnt butter sauce. It was to die for, and I would gladly travel from Serangoon to Kembangan again just to have this.
South Union Park
Address: 101 Jalan Kembangan, Singapore 419139
Tel: 9061 8703
Opening Hours: 11.30AM to 10PM (Daily)
10. Characters Cafe
If we can’t have Gudetama cafes, then Characters Cafe will have to suffice. This newly opened concept cafe at Dhoby Ghaut specializes in themed meals and creating an authentic ambience for the characters they are trying to promote. Before the meal starts, you can even watch 3D interactive shows and hug giant life-sized plushies to satisfy your inner fandom. The characters rotate on a monthly basis so if you’re not keen on Rilakkuma and Doraemon, there’s plenty more to come!
You’ll also need a ticket to claim your meal from this cafe, tickets start from $19.90 this month. The prices also vary per month depending on the characters and what merchandise they provide with the meal. You won’t be able to get tickets at the gate, so be sure to get your tickets online at this website!
Characters Cafe
Address: Dhoby Xchange B1-36, Singapore 238826 (Dhoby Ghaut MRT)
Opening Hours:
11AM to 9PM (Sunday to Thursday)
11AM to 10.30PM (Friday to Saturday)
Restaurants
11. Alati
Source Horiatiki Salad ($22)
Hailed as the purveyor of “divine” Greek cuisine, Alati have made a statement for themselves despite being so new to the restaurant scene in Singapore. The food here is unpretentious and as authentic as it gets. Every dish feels like something you would get out out of a classic Greek kitchen – it’s comfort food for the masses, with more focus on the taste than the plating.
The interior of the restaurant is nothing to scoff about either. The clean colors of white and blue transport diners to the Aegean Sea where Chef Sotsous Dimitrios sources all his seafood from. The minimalist look gives the restaurant a spacious yet cozy ambience, reminiscent of days spent lounging by the beach.
Alati
Address: 73 Amoy St, Singapore 069892
Tel: 6221 6124
Opening Hours:
12PM to 2PM (Weekday Lunch)
6PM to 12AM (Monday to Saturday Dinner)
Closed on Sundays
12. Portico Prime
After the success of Portico at Alexandra Road, Chef Nixon has opened his brand new upmarket restaurant aptly named Portico Prime. The new European fine dining venue constantly pushes the limits of creativity and innovation, with new and improved versions of classic Portico dishes.
The crowning gem of Portico Prime however, has to be their newly launched high tea sets. With only 30 sets available per day, this high tea set comes with some of the most beloved Portico dishes in degustation form. The highlights definitely would be the Deconstructed Black Forest and the Bandung Tart which were spectacular bites of food.
Portico Prime is also having a special launch price for their high tea sets, which are available at $38++ instead of the usual $48++. The high tea sets are available from Tuesdays to Sundays, 3pm to 5pm.
Portico Prime
Address: 10 Dempsey Road, #01-20, Singapore 247700
Tel: 6474 7427/9114 1926
Opening Hours:
11.30AM to 3PM (Lunch)
6PM to 10.30PM (Weekday Dinner)
6PM to 11.30PM (Weekend Dinner)
Closed on Mondays
13. Keisuke Kani King
Source Crab Broth Ramen With All Toppings ($18.90)
Last month, we featured Keisuke Lobster King, this month we’re taking it up a notch and introducing it’s crustaceous brethren – crab. Keisuke Takeda, the chef and owner of the popular chain used crab ramen to win the title of Ramen Champion in 2011. He has since seen riveting success in the local ramen scene ever since opening his first store in 2010.
The broth is classic Keisuke style, rich and full of lovely umami flavor. It packs a hefty seafood punch from the many hours of simmering crabs, chicken bones, herbs and vegetables. It does feel lighter as opposed to the lobster based broth from its sister restaurant, however it’s still a great bowl of ramen worth queuing for.
Keisuke Kani King
Address: #01-03 Cathay Cineleisure, 8 Grange Rd, Singapore 239695
Opening Hours:
12PM to 3PM (Lunch)
5PM to 10PM (Monday to Thursday Dinner)
5PM to 2AM (Friday to Sunday Dinner)
14. Sushiro
I love a good bara chirashi don, and Sushiro is my go-to spot for one. Not only is it one of the better chirashi dons I’ve had in my life, it also only costs a mere $12.80. That’s right you can get a bowl of chirashi don for under $15, and I know what you’re thinking, but no it isn’t April Fool’s Day yet.
If you’re looking for ambience and a nice quiet place to hang out with your significant other, you’re better off making a reservation at Alati. But if you’re keen on scratching that Japanese food itch that you’ve been having for the last week, and you don’t want to burn a hole in your pocket, look no further, Sushiro’s got your back.
Be prepared to queue if you’re making your way down though. Sushiro only has 14 seats and unless you plan on doing takeaway, you’ll have to wait for your turn patiently.
Sushiro
Address: Thomson Plaza #01-113F, 301 Upper Thomson Rd, Singapore 574408
Tel: 9450 1020
Opening Hours:
11.30AM to 2.30PM (Lunch)
6PM to 9.30PM (Dinner)
Closed on Tuesdays
15. Fat Saigon Boy
Fat Saigon Boy reinvents the idea of comfort Vietnamese food and puts a new and refreshing twist on it. Dishes like Fried Soft Shell Crab Sliders ($10++) made with mantous instead of regular burger buns, creating a east meets west vibe which carries through the entire meal.
If you’re sick of the classic Beef Pho, Fat Saigon Boy has a differing take on that with their Duck Pho ($15++). This bowl of soupy goodness comes with both roasted duck slices and smoked duck slices as well. It was light, refreshing and comforting, the perfect rainy day food.
Fat Saigon Boy
Address: 14 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069694
Tel: 6221 6784
Opening Hours:
11AM to 3PM (Lunch)
6PM to 10PM (Dinner)
Closed on Sundays
16. Sakurazaka
Shabu Shabu has been steadily growing in popularity, so much so that my family now prefers the Japanese version over the Chinese one. Sakurazaka is the newest restaurant to make its entrance into the Shabu Shabu scene and boy does it stand out.
Source Shabu Shabu sets start at $48 per pax
Besides having the standard Shabu Shabu fare, Sakurazaka provides diners with a hot stone to cook their meats at the start of the meal. Heated to 150 degrees, this stone cooks the thin slices of meat in seconds. After a quick dip in sauce made from raw eggs, sukiyaki sauce and spring onions, an assault on all your taste buds is guaranteed.
Sakurazaya
Address: 24 Greenwood Ave, Singapore 289221
Tel: 6463 0333
Opening Hours: 6PM to 10.30PM Daily
17. Opus Bar and Grill
The Hilton Hotel’s very own Opus Bar and Grill claims a spot on our list with their brand new menu specially catered for carnivores like myself. The restaurant even sports a “grill pod” which allows customers to see the searing of meats and seafood over hot coals, resulting in a beautiful smoky smell which tantalizes diners.
The piece de resistance has to be the Australian Tagima Wagyu ($88 for 220g). Accompanied by a selection of premium salts, the perfectly cooked steak had just the right amount of marbling and fat to elevate the flavors of the salts. The mushroom truffle sauce was impeccable as well, giving the dish another dimension of flavor.
Read our review of Opus Bar and Grill here!
Opus Bar and Grill
Address: Hilton Hotel, 581 Orchard Road, Singapore 238883
Tel: 6737 2233
Opening Hours:
6.30PM to 10.30PM (Dinner)
11.30AM to 3PM (Sunday Brunch)
18. Kai Garden
With a chef that’s cooked for the likes of Chow Yun-Fatt and Jay Chou, Kai Garden has set the standards for fine Cantonese dining in Singapore. The restaurant’s decor speaks volumes of the standards which it holds itself to, sporting a refined ambience fit for royalty.
A must try on their Family Favourites menu has to be the Baked Whole Eggplant with Special Sauce ($18). The texture of the eggplant was done just right, without it being overly soft and slimy. Topped with pork floss and spring onions, the special sauce gave the eggplants a new breath of life, creating a myriad of flavors in my mouth.
Read our full review of Kai Garden here!
Kai Garden
Address: 6 Raffles Boulevard, #03-128A/128B, Marina Square, Singapore 039594
Tel: 6250 4826
Opening Hours:
11.30AM to 3.30PM (Weekday Lunch)
11AM to 4PM (Weekend Lunch)
6PM to 11PM (Dinner)
19. Crystal Jade Prestige
With every year comes a brand new concept restaurant from Crystal Jade, and 2016 isn’t any different. 2016 introduces their brand new high end dining spot – Crystal Jade Prestige. Positioned different from previous outlets like Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao, this new venture has the atas feel that most fine dining establishments boast.
Their signature dish is the Roasted Baby Suckling Pig rolled with Black Truffle Pearl Rice ($20 per piece). A roulade of crispy suckling pig wrapped around al dente grains with the texture of risotto rice, infused with truffles and abalone sauce. It’s sinful and indulgent, but worth every single calorie and dollar spent.
Crystal Jade Prestige
Address: 8A Marina Boulevard, Marina Bay Financial Centre #02-01, Singapore 018984
Tel: 6509 9493
Opening Hours:
11.30AM to 3PM (Weekday Lunch)
11AM to 3.30PM (Weekend Lunch)
6PM to 10.30PM (Dinner)
20. Redpan
A lot of buzz has been going on about this brand new restaurant which opened in Marina Square on the 9th of March. You might have seen some of their creations making waves on the social media. They may not be the most photogenic, but dishes like Prawn & Hae Bi Hiam Pasta ($15) and Char Siew Chilli Fries ($7) are sure to attract some form of attention.
If there’s one thing you have to try on their menu, it’s the Matcha Roll. It does not stinge on the cream and the cake itself is soft and pillowy, yet has a nice chewy bite to it. If you’re not a fan of matcha, they have other flavors like Ondeh Ondeh and Rainbow as well!
Redpan
Address: Marina Square #02-03/04, 12 Raffles Blvd, Singapore 018961
Tel: 6255 5850
Opening Hours:
9AM to 10PM (Weekdays)
11AM to 10PM (Weekends)
Go forth. See, eat and conquer!
The world is your oyster, and along with it comes the promise of delicious food. It would be a cardinal sin to deprive yourself of such delectable goodies, just make sure you keep an eye on your waistline and your wallet. When you and your friends are planning your next makan outing in April, make sure you pull up this list and try someplace new; you might just find your new favourite food haunt!
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