Prepare your tummy for a feast this August
Image adapted from: EagleWings Loft
We Singaporeans may be complaining about the sweltering heat now, but the monsoon season will come before we know it. Soon, with wet socks and cold feet, we’ll be shivering in offices and lecture halls. But like polar bears, we could start conserving some useful tummy blubber in time for the cold season – and here are 20 new cafes and restaurants to prepare for it.
Cafes
1. Lickety
Image credit: @jcc900804
Lickety is not your run-off-the-mill ice-cream cafe – instead of the usual waffles to accompany your icy scoops of goodness, they’ve got waffle cones, and crispy Hong Kong-style egglet waffles (from $8.90 with ice cream) in flavours plain, red velvet, and half-and-half. And to match their kitschy pastel decor, they’ve got a load of fun toppings like swirly gummies, mini marshmallows, and rainbow candy sprinkles.
Image credit: @licketysg
From Coconut & Taro to Earl Grey & Fig, ice cream enthusiasts will find joy in the variety of flavours offered ($4.50, single scoop) .
Address: 34 Bussorah Street, Singapore 199452
Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 12PM-10PM
Telephone: 6291 7670
Website
2. Kara Cafe & Dessert Bar
Image credit: @karacafesg
The people behind Sogurt have blessed us with a new eatery – this time, serving mains such as grain bowls and pasta. Taking over Soghurt’s flagship store at Bukit Timah Road, Kara Cafe & Dessert Bar provides a fresh alternative to West-siders for that weekend brunch date.
Image credit: @karacafesg
Fish lovers will enjoy the Tempura Fish Kimchi ($16) – crispy fish fillet served with creamy avocado, Japanese edamame and cucumbers, over a fragrant bed of Japanese garlic rice. Grilled toasties like the Truffle Shroom Pesto ($16) are also available for a quick yet filling lunch fix.
Address: 617 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 269718
Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 11AM – 10:30PM
Telephone: 6468 8940
Website
3. Yummo Chow SG
Image credit: @zanthrea
Set in a row of hipster cafes,Yummo Chow SG’s white exterior blends into its minimalistic surroundings, making it almost unnoticeable. Step in and you’ll find an interior just as clean, with European influences.
Image credit: @yummochowsg
Cooked with only top grade ingredients, the Soft Shell Crab Burger ($19) holds a generous portion of juicy deep fried crab drizzled with spicy mayo and topped with seaweed strips.
Image credit: @yummochowsg
For dessert, we hear that the Tempura Ice Cream ($13) is a must-try. Coated with a crispy batter, the soft bun encases an oozing vanilla ice cream centre, served with salted caramel sauce.
Address: 13 Purvis Street, Singapore 188592
Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 12PM – 3PM | 5:30PM – 10PM
Telephone: 6873 1295
Website
4. EagleWings Loft
Image credit: EagleWings Loft
With a wooden interior and lifebuoys all around, nautical-themed EagleWings Loft mimics the experience of dining in a ship – minus the seasickness.
Image credit: @eaglewingsloft
Despite the luxurious feel, their Italian-Asian cuisine remains safe for our wallets. At an affordable price of $20, the Lobster Submarine offers a freshly poached lobster in a hearty broth of tobiko, cubed cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and pineapples.
Image credit: EagleWings Loft
Breakfast options are also available. Some of these include Full Steam Ahead ($16), a classic English breakfast platter, and the Port-Side Pancakes ($10) which come with fresh berries, chantilly cream, and icing sugar – perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
Address: 9 King Albert Park, #01-14/33/34/56/57 KAP Residences Mall, Singapore 598332
Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 10.30AM-12AM | Sat-Sun: 8.30AM-12AM
Telephone: 8151 7777
Website
5. CATfeine
Contrary to its name, CATfeine is no cat cafe. Instead, the acronym stands for “coffee and tea” – the passion for which spurred its founders on in the creation of this cosy lounge.
Image credit: @bigbachhoof
Watch out – their exotic range of coffee flavors may just put you in overdrive. From the earthy and lavender-infused Floral Latte ($6.80), to caramel popcorn-flavoured Popcorn Capp ($6.80), their unique selection will have you feeling ready to conquer the world.
Image credit: @jdroar
If you aren’t in the mood for a cuppa joe, kick off your day with their buttermilk waffles instead. Their fragrant Honey B ($12.50) is served with butter and honey, caramelised bananas, sea salt caramel ice cream and biscuit crunch – a wonderful tango of sweet and savoury.
Address: 182 Jalan Jurong Kechil, #01-50, Singapore 596152
Opening hours: Mon, Wed – Friday: 8AM – 8:30PM | Sat – Sun: 9AM – 9:30PM
Telephone: 9818 4693
Website
6. Tachihara Coffee
If you’re a fan of kopitiam egg-and-toast breakfast sets, but don’t wish to put yourself in a sweaty situation before work, hit up air-conditioned Tachihara Coffee for your morning fuel.
Image credit: @suann84
Conveniently situated in the CBD, this cosy cafe serves generously buttered toast (from $2), and boiled eggs in light shoyu sauce, topped with bonito flakes – a Japanese-style alternative to our fave traditional brekkie.
Image credit: @hiro0281
No time to sit down for a meal? Grab their pre-packed pastries and flavoured pound cakes for just $2.60 for a meal on the go.
Address: 9 Raffles Boulevard, #01-6 Millenia Walk, Singapore 039596
Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 7:30AM – 9:30PM
Telephone: 6265 4108
Website
7. FIVE-TEN
Here’s one for lobang-seekers: named after its concept, FIVE-TEN only sells food priced at $5 or $10, giving perfect bang for your buck.
Image credit: @sylvestertf
With tender braised pork belly simmered in a flavourful dark sauce, the Lu Rou Fan ($10) is a simple but timeless classic, topped with an onsen egg for extra indulgence.
Image credit: @dktan
Beef rice bowls usually come at a hefty price of $15 and above, but over here, Steak, Rice & Egg ($10) will allow you to satisfy your cravings with a pan-seared medium rare sirloin, all without burning a hole in your wallet.
Address: 237 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058786
Opening hours: Tue – Sat: 10AM – 10PM | Sun: 10AM – 2:30PM
Telephone: 6924 7352
Website
8. Be My Guest Cafe
We’ve all heard of linguine, spaghetti and fettuccine, but what about mee kia as pasta? At Be My Guest Cafe, Western and local favourites come together – so if you’re ever craving for both, you’ll know where to go.
Image credit: Be My Guest
Slightly spicy with a sweet aftertaste, Lion Prawn Mee Kia ($13.80) is served with succulent prawns and QQ noodles, aglio olio style.
Image credit: @bemyguestcafe
Chilli crab is a local favourite, so it’s no surprise that their Chilli Crab Pasta ($14.80) is highly raved among customers.
Address: 1 Irving place, #01-20 Commerze @ Irving, Singapore 369546
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 11:30AM – 8:30PM | Sat: 11AM – 8:30PM | Sun: 11AM – 8PM
Telephone: 9221 4405
Website
9. Three’s A Crowd
Image credit: @3sacrowdcafe
Their name says Three’s A Crowd, and as selfish as this sounds, we fully agree. You’d think that a sinful treat like their gourmet milkshakes are made to share, but once presented with these OTT milkshakes teeming with toppings, you’ll be wanting one all to yourself. And we don’t blame you.
Image credit: @3sacrowdcafe
Crispy golden brown Waffles ($6) are available too, along with an ice cream bar with various homemade flavours such as BaileyCoco and Thai Milk Tea (from $3/scoop). Tea addicts will love the Kris Grey for its distinct earl grey flavour.
Image credit: @3sacrowdcafe
Address: 802 Tampines Ave 4, Singapore 520802
Opening hours: Mon – Thurs: 11:30AM – 11PM | Fri: 11:30AM – 12AM | Sat: 11AM – 12AM | Sun: 11AM – 11PM
Telephone: 6702 0700
Website
10. Growler’s Craft Beer & Bistro
Whaddup, alcohol-lovers – at Growler’s Craft Beer & Bistro, everything is fried in beer batter.
Image credit: Growler’s Craft Beer & Bistro
Tucked in a corner of Tampines, this low-key bistro is perfect for chilling at with your squad, without the crowds and sky-high prices of town. Tap Beers start from $10, and air tight jugs are provided so the good ol’ ale doesn’t go flat as you talk the night away.
Image credit: @growlerscraftbeer
Drinking isn’t advised on an empty stomach, so pump the night up with some cafe grub. The Salted Egg Yolk Chicken Burger ($19) comes in a sesame bun, with a beer-battered chicken patty and of course, a hearty load of salted egg yolk sauce.
Address: 37 Tai Thong Crescent, Singapore 347862
Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 12PM – 10PM
Telephone: 8353 9572
Website
Restaurants
1. Amó
At Amó, pizzas are baked in an open kitchen, with an almond wood-fired oven that adds a subtle nutty taste in the pizza dough.
Image credit: @amorestaurantsg
Their signature pizza Stracciatella, Prosciutto, Rucola & Fig Vincotto ($29) has a light crisp base spread with marinara sauce, topped with prosciutto, rocket salad and sweet vinaigrette – a heavenly combination.
Image credit: @emily_ehs
As the pizzas are a little on the small side, they work great as starters if you’ve got a large appetite. For something more filling, go for the Spaghettoni with Boston Lobster & Tarragon ($78) that’s good for two. Grab a friend and enjoy that whole kilogram of lobster well-soaked in spicy bisque.
Address: 33 Hongkong Street, Singapore 059672
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 12PM – 3PM, 6PM – 11PM | Sat: 6PM – 11PM
Telephone: 6723 7733
Website
2. Birders (鳥人)
Image credit: @rachelxie
While this restaurant’s kanji translates to 鳥人 (bird man), a Chinese profanity, Birders doesn’t take their food lightly. Specializing in chicken yakitori, they also serve other delectable Japanese bites such as Curry Croquetas ($10) and the highly-raved Egg Tempura ($8), a deep fried oozy lava egg.
Image credit: @birderssg
From the usual Thigh ($3.50) to the more uncommon Tail ($4), all cuts are served on skewers with different condiments and sauces to best bring out the taste of each part. Arguably the best one, the Oyster ($4.50) is tender and lightly seasoned with an umami flavour.
Address: 55 Tras Street, Singapore 078994
Opening hours: Mon – Thurs: 6PM – 12AM | Fri – Sat: 6PM – 1AM
Telephone: 8748 4585
Website
3. Blue Lotus Chinese Noodle Bar
If the sight of hand-pulled noodles and stacks of steamed dumplings excites you, Blue Lotus Chinese Noodle Bar will be right up your alley. Situated in Science Park, this Chinese eatery offers affordable la mian and dumplings.
Image credit: @larvitar
A spin off from the classic shredded chicken noodles, the Grilled Soya Chicken Drumstick Noodle ($12 set lunch) comes with a whole drumstick, tenderly grilled and marinated in sweet soya sauce.
Image credit: @bluelotus_sg
A complimentary tea egg comes with every set lunch, but that doesn’t give you an excuse to miss out on their Xiao Long Baos ($9) – wrapped in a thin dough, they threaten to spill with soupy goodness.
Address: 2 Science Park Drive, #01-26 Ascent, Singapore 118222
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 11:30AM – 3PM | 5PM – 10PM
Telephone: 6988 0880
Website
4. The Bird Southern Table & Bar
The hype for Chicken N’ Waffles isn’t dying anytime soon, and The Bird Southern Table & Bar has jumped on the bandwagon too. It isn’t just any new kid on the block, though; they bring a Southern flavour to all their dishes, and hold a special 100-year-old recipe for fried chicken.
Image credit: @singaporeliciouz
In this case, we feel that the egg comes before the chicken. Start your meal off with an appetiser of Deviled Eggs ($14), where the yolk is infused with dill, chives and smoked trout, piped into delicately sliced whites and finished off with an indulgent topping of ikura.
Image credit: @biwaco20
In their Chicken ‘N’ Watermelon ‘N’ Waffles ($45), cuts such as chicken wings and drumsticks are served instead of the usual chicken thigh. This combination may raise some eyebrows, but the spiced watermelon cubes bring a refreshing sweetness.
Address: 10 Bayfront Avenue, #01-82 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018956
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 11AM – 4PM | 4PM-2AM | Sat – Sun: 10AM – 4PM
Telephone: 6688 9959
5. Nouri
Nouri is the place for you to nourish your soul with art on a plate. Influences for their dishes are taken from all around the world – from Asia to Africa to Europe – and everything is beautifully plated.
Afro-Brazillan Fritter, served in turmeric & coconut curry. Available in 5-course Lunch Set. Image credit: @estella2406
In a home-style concept, chefs work at a central table visible to diners. Order the 5 Course Lunch ($85) or 5 Course Dinner ($140), and you can expect some epic Masterchef moments as they whip out dishes in front of you.
Image credit: @gosnellsmeadasia
For a less indulgent meal, a Teishoku-style menu is available too – where all dishes in the course are served together as a set. Pick from dishes such as Fish ($40), Steak ($42) and Vegetable ($28), the Chicken ($36) is roasted in a bois boudran sauce, and served with artichoke puree & spiced brown butter and hasselback potatoes.
Address: 72 Amoy Street, Singapore 069891
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 11:30AM-3PM | 6PM-12AM | Sat: 6PM-12AM
Telephone: 6221 4148
Website
6. Catchfly
Image credit: @catchfly.sg
Catchfly is an American cocktail restaurant with unique drink concoctions – perfect for a date night out. The all-time favourite, Honey Badger ($22) sets the mood right with its rosemary-infused bourbon, blended with yellow chartreuse and a dose of lemon, ginger, and honey.
Image credit: @fundamentally_flawed
But that’s not all. The bar also serves dishes that complement its lively beverages, such as the Hanger & Kale ($29) – steak marinated in a robust barbecue sauce, served with sauteed kale, pine nuts and beet puree.
Address: 12 Ann Siang Road, Basement, Singapore 069692
Opening hours: Mon – Thurs: 6PM – 1AM | Fri – Sat: 6PM – 3AM
Telephone: 6222 7183
Website
7. PANKO
The word Panko refers to Japanese golden brown breadcrumbs, usually coated over juicy meat – and that’s exactly what this restaurant specialises in.
Image credit: @pankosg
As Singapore’s very first kushikatsu restaurant, it offers an alternative to the yakitori scene. There’s a delightful variety of skewers such as Scallops, Ebi and Silken Tofu ($2 – $8), all waiting to be lusciously coated and fried.
Image credit: @the_xw
Complimentary chawanmushi, soup and dessert are provided with every lunch set, but if you’re a fan of Chirashi Dons, go for the ala carte Kaisen Bara Chirashi Don ($18) instead. Delicately sliced into cubes, the raw fish is fresh and accompanied with salmon caviar that will pop with a burst of brininess in your mouth.
Address: 33 Arab St, Singapore 189197
Opening hours: Tue – Sat: 11:30AM – 12AM | Sun: 6PM – 12AM
Telephone: 6291 3323
Website
8. Coriander Leaf Grill
If you’re a stickler for comfort, get your BBQ fix at Coriander Leaf Grill instead of DIY-ing it. Offering both traditional and modern charcoal grilled dishes to munch on, you’ll have great time with family and friends without the worry of cleaning up or smelling like a kebab afterwards.
Image credit: @kevin_the_hiak
Served in a rack, the Baby Lamb Chop ($38) comes with harrisa, yoghurt and pickled onions. The racks are viciously fiery, but the yoghurt will cool off your palette to gear you up for yet another bite.
Image credit: @ksherena
With two thick slabs of chargrilled chicken thigh the Harrisa Chicken Burger ($20) is defo a value for money buy. Served with tomato chutney and jalapeño salsa, this sassy burger is top on the hot list.
Address: 12 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069692
Opening hours: Lunch: Mon – Fri: 12PM – 2:30PM | Dinner: Mon – Sat: 6:30PM – 10:30PM
Telephone: 6222 7276
Website
9. Bakalaki Greek Taverna
Tiong Bahru is a place that’s commonly featured for hidden gems, and the new Bakalaki has secured itself a spot among them. Using only traditional ingredients imported from Greece, this restaurant provides an authentic taste of its homeland.
Image credit: @onehungrybird
Similar to lasagna, the Moussaka ($25.90) uses the base of sliced eggplants, layered on succulent ground beef and a creamy roux. Topped with cheese, it’s a dish that you can’t go wrong with.
Starting from $23.90, their juicy Grilled Skewers include a variety of sausages, chicken yiro and kebabs, and comes with a side of homemade pita bread. Be sure to try their special Tzatziki sauce!
Address: 3 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 168891
Opening hours: Mon – Thurs: 6PM – 10PM | Fri – Sun: 12PM – 2:30PM | 6PM – 10PM
Telephone: 6836 3688
Website
10. Jjigae Jjigae
Translated to “army stew” from Korean, the dish Jjigae Jjigae is a hotpot served with fresh meat and seafood. Located in the CBD area, the place is perfect for office workers to end the night over a comforting and hearty stew.
Image credit: Jjigae Jjigae
The Collagen Jjigae starts at $19.90 for 2 – perfect for couples or BFFs to share. Ingredients in this wholesome bubbling mix include thinly-sliced pork, cheddar cheese and enoki mushrooms.
Image credit: Jjigae Jjigae
Another noteworthy dish would be its Riceballs, priced at a range of $5 to $10.80. From options such as Crab Meat & Roe or Bulgogi Beef, they’re all served deconstructed for you to enjoy moulding on your own.
Address: 5 Raffles Place, #B1-65 Raffles Xchange, Singapore 048618
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 11:30AM – 9:30PM | Sat: 11:30AM – 3PM
Telephone: 6221 9801
Website
Dieting is not an option this August
The cold is slowly but surely seeping in, so wave goodbye to any existing diet plans – ‘cause we need good food to help build our personal body heat packs. With these 20 new eateries, hibernation may even come early – in the form of food comas.