New food finds in Singapore in April 2018

Image adapted from: Eatbook

Nope, we’re not pulling an April Fools’ prank on you. No matter how March has treated you, it’s never a crime to treat yourself. After all, there’s no better way to unwind than with a satisfying meal to tell yourself to chin up and keep going.

From refreshing smoothie bowls to hearty hotpots, these 20 new cafes and restaurants are bound to give you a quick pick-me-up.

– Cafes –

1. Hei Kim Cafe

Image credit: @heikimcafe

Hei Kim Cafe’s cosy boutique setting will definitely help ease any pent-up stress over the week. Try out their tarts ($4) which have been receiving lots of love lately, with flavours like Frangipane Raspberry and Salted Caramel Chocolate.

A small corner of the shop selling local knick knacks by xhundredfold
Image credit: @kiasukia_

They also serve up classic brunch fare like Scrambled Eggs & Toast ($7) as well as Bolognese Pasta ($9) that’ll warm up your belly.

Address: 285 Changi Rd, Singapore 419764
Opening hours: Thu-Tue: 10AM-7PM (Closed on Wednesdays)
Contact: 9475 8397
Website

2. Black Tap 

Image credit: @blacktapnyc

Newsflash: NYC’s iconic milkshake and burger joint is coming to town this year.

Originally opened in New York City, Black Tap is known for their Cake Shakes – massive monster-sized milkshakes piled high with cake, ice cream, and candy. Singaporeans will soon be able to get a taste of these over-the-top concoctions in flavours like Cotton Candy and Cookies and Cream at their upcoming MBS outlet.

Image credit: @blacktapnyc

But that’s not all. Calling all burger fanatics: their famous All-American Burger, crafted by Michelin-starred chef Joe Isidori will also be available at the MBS branch.

Address: 10 Bayfront Avenue, #L1-80, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018956

3. Totti Candy Factory

Image credit: @yu_ito_0203

If you’ve walked the streets of Harajuku in Tokyo, you might’ve noticed the snaking lines for a particular cotton candy stall. Totti Candy Factory has finally graced our shores with their gigantic Amemura Rainbow Cotton Candy ($10).

Image credit: @totticandyfactory

This place is definitely any sweet tooth’s snack haven and the entire store is bright and whimsical. Once you step in, you’ll notice a colourful row of Pick N Mix candy for you to DIY your own bag of sweet treats.

Address: 1 Northpoint Drive, Northpoint City South Wing #01-135, Singapore 768019
Opening hours: Daily: 11AM-10PM
Website

*Note: Totti Candy Factory will be at Northpoint only till the end of May so visit them while you can! 

4. Liberty Coffee Bar

Image credit: @heahz

The older generation of cafe hoppers might remember this gem of a coffee bar that only opened once in a blue moon at Rangoon Road. After officially closing its shutters and a four year disappearance, Liberty Coffee Bar is finally back with their signature drinks and some grub too.

Image credit: @gurkhason

Try the classic Flat White ($5) that has a nutty and chocolatey touch, unlike their other brews which leave a sharper aftertaste. Another new item on their menu is the Hot Butt Sub ($13). Hey now, hide your blushing cheeks – it actually makes for a satisfying morning bite alongside your cuppa’, with slices of Cuban-style pork, jalapeño and caramelised onions.

Address: 387 Jln Besar, Singapore 209002
Opening hours: Tue-Thu: 10AM-6PM | Fri: 10AM-8PM (Closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Contact: 6926 7600
Website 

5. Tokidoki Cafe

Image credit: @kumoya_singapore

Calling all Tokidoki fans: Kumoya is back with another pop-up character cafe concept and this time it’s the world’s first Tokidoki Pop-up Cafe. You can expect splashes of colour all over, and decor featuring your favourite Tokidoki characters like Donutella and Unicorno.

Image credit: @tokidokiclub

Try the Stellina Sunny Morning Unicorno Magic Breakfast ($23.90) – the Tokidoki version of a classic English breakfast.

Address: Kumoya @ 8 Jalan Klapa, Singapore 199320
Opening hours: Tue-Thu: 12PM-9.30PM | Fri-Sat: 12PM-10.30PM | Sun: 12PM-9.30PM (Closed on Mondays)

*Note: Tokidoki Cafe will only be open until the end of June this year. 

6. HRVST at Kilter Avenue 

Image credit: Kilter Avenue Facebook

Kilter Avenue is pretty much every gym junkie’s fitness enclave – it’s a cafe, gym and a bar all at the same time. Their cafe counterpart HRVST serves up vegan nosh for a clean eating session after hitting the gym. And yes, even their bar grub is vegan friendly.

Image credit: @miles_smiless

Tuck into guilt-free dishes like this Pumpkin Taco Shell ($12) filled with chickpea, lentil, quinoa and wild rice, as well as other mains like Pumpkin Gnocchi in Tom Yum Broth ($16).

Image credit: @kilter.avenue

There’s no better way to recharge after an intense workout than with a refreshing fruit smoothie bowl. From 10AM to 3PM on weekdays, you can grab one of the four smoothie bowls ($8) available here. This one’s Power Up, a mixture of banana and mango in yogurt and almond milk, topped off with coconut flakes and chia seeds.

Address: 6A Shenton Way, OUE Downtown Gallery, #05-01, Singapore 068815
Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 7AM-11PM | Sat: 9AM-12PM (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: 6920 7500
Website 

7. Cotton Dreams 

Image credit: @cottondreams.co

Cotton candy bubble tea will no longer be that rare drink you only find at carnivals. Now that the fairytale-esque themed Cotton Dreams has opened at Scape, you can get your sugary milk tea fix at $3.50 and add on $2.80 for either white, pink, blue or green cotton candy.

Image adapted from: Cotton Dreams 

Throw some alcohol into the mixture if you’d like – Cotton Dreams serve fruity concoctions like Lychee Tea with Gin and Passionfruit with Malibu at $11.90 each.

Address: 2 Orchard Link, Scape #02-18D, Singapore 237978
Opening hours: Daily: 11AM-9PM
Website 

8.  Farm & Fables

Cured Norwegian Salmon ($17.90)
Image credit: Farm & Fables

Farm & Fables is a new addition to Savourworld at Science Park, home to over 20 food outlets and bars. The casual Italian eatery is simple and chic, with classics like Caesar Salad ($11.90) and Wild Forest Mushroom Soup ($11.90).

Image credit: Farm & Fables Facebook

A quirky Japanese-Italian twist on pasta, the Sakura Ebi Capellini ($13.90) is cooked with homemade crustacean oil and topped off with bonito flakes – classy or confusing, you make the choice.

Address: 2 Science Park Dr, #01-27, Singapore 118222
Opening hours: Daily: 11.30AM-2.30PM | 5PM-9.30PM
Contact: 6265 0992
Website

9. DreamWorks KouKou Cafe

Note: This cafe has since closed down

Image credit: Eatbook

Themed cafes have been popping up all over and here’s another one to add to your list. DreamWorks KouKou Cafe is sure to bring up bouts of nostalgia, with some of our favourite childhood movies weaved into dishes.

Image credit: Eatbook

Dig into the Signature K.B.P ($13) which stands for kong bak pau. The buns are embellished with a Marty and Alex (from Madagascar) design, and are stuffed with tender braised pork. The Night Fury Steak Rice ($18.50) is also another favourite because of how the black rice is shaped like Toothless from How To Train Your Dragon.

Address: 201 Victoria Street Bugis+ Level 5 #05-04/05/06
Opening hours: Daily: 11AM-10PM
Contact: 6634 2682
Website 

10. Rakki Bowl at Candour Coffee

Image credit: Eatbook

Nestled within Candour Coffee, Rakki Bowl is a new addition to this cafe concept, serving up delish donburis alongside a coffee bar. Manicurious is also located within the same joint – because who knew that good ol’ manicures, rice bowls and coffee would go so well together?

Image credit: Eatbook

You know their stuff is good when people have been raving about how there’s more meat than rice in this Truffle Wagyu Don ($12.90). A soft, gooey onsen egg sits in the middle, surrounded by perfectly marbled slices of melt-in-your-mouth wagyu.

Address: 41 Beach Road, #01-01, Candour Coffee, Singapore 189680
Opening hours: Daily: 12PM-3PM | 6PM-9.30PM
Contact: 8818 8198
Website 

– Restaurants –

1. Haru 

Image credit: @harusingapore 

Haru will give you a clean eating fix in the East. While their lunch menu consists of rice bowls like the Miso Sake Salmon ($10), they specialise in Korean-Japanese inspired Chazukes, served during dinner. Chazuke is a traditional Japanese dish where hot bonito kelp broth is poured over cooked rice, giving it an added aroma.

Image credit: @chiaayennn 

The Poached Lobster Chazuke ($23) is definitely the star of the show here. It’s drizzled with shoyu and stuffed with lobster roe and spring onions, with an accompanying hanjuku egg and crunchy bamboo shoots. Add in the kelp broth and bam, instant comfort food.

Address: 100 Guillemard Rd, #01-06, Singapore 399718
Opening hours: Mon: 11AM-3PM, 6PM-9PM | Wed-Sun: 11AM-3PM, 6PM-9PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Website

2. Caffe Fernet

Caffe Fernet’s al fresco dining area
Image credit: @irenho

Another classic Italian restaurant has popped up, and this time, it’s at the Customs House, with a stunning view overlooking Marina Bay. Caffe Fernet offers a fresh take on Italian fare and cocktails for a night out after a hectic week in the CBD.

Image credit: @blueskiescottonclouds 

Try the Spicy Rigatoni ($26) – the perfectly cooked pasta holds a firm bite and is drenched in a thick, rich sauce with smoked ricotta cheese and fennel sausage.

Image credit: @blueskiescottonclouds 

Meet San Mario ($21), one of Caffe Fernet’s craft cocktails – made with with Ketel One Vodka, verjus, green pear and dill. The pear adds a refreshing, fruity splash to the mixture while the dill throws in a herby touch.

Address: 70 Collyer Quay, Customs House #01-05, Singapore 049323
Opening hours: Mon-Thu: 5PM-12AM | Fri: 5PM-2AM | Sat: 11AM-2AM | Sun: 11AM-5PM
Contact: 9178 1105
Website

3. ToriYard

Image credit: @smudgie

ToriYard is a new Yakitori joint nestled within Bishan Park. The new upscale izakaya serves up classic grilled skewers (around $3) along with sakes or other house pours.

Image credit: @toriyard

Popular among customers is this homemade Tsukune (chicken meat patty, $8) with an onsen egg dipped in a light teriyaki sauce. After breaking the gooey yolk, dip a chunk of the meat in the silky mixture – it’s sweet and salty at the same time.

Image credit: @jnn.r

Another crowd favourite is their Onsen Tamago Cocktail ($20), which comes with a chunk of foie gras soaked in dashi stock. To top it off, the savoury drink comes with crisp nori flakes and spring onions.

Address: Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, 1380 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, 569930
Opening hours: Mon and Wed-Fri: 11.30AM-2.30PM, 6PM-10.30PM | Sat-Sun: 11AM-2.30PM, 6PM-11PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: 9296 5988
Website

4. Nipong Naepong

Image credit: @makanarts

Korean food fanatics, this one’s for you: Singapore’s first Jjampong (seafood noodle) speciality restaurant Nipong Naepong is now open for business. Enjoy Korean dishes with an Italian twist here – their Vongole Ppong ($16.80) is especially popular because of how the springy noodles complement the savoury garlic-based soup with a hint of white wine.

But if you’re looking for an authentic taste of Jjampong similar to those you see on mukbang channels, try their Cha Ppong ($15.80) – classic spicy Jjamppong loaded with mussels, squid, prawn and quail eggs.

Address: JEM #01-16, 50 Jurong Gateway Road, Singapore 608549
Opening hours: Daily: 11AM-10PM
Contact: 6262 4078
Website

5. Xiang Tian Xia Hotpot

Image credit: @elenebubu

Because one can never have too much of hotpots. Xiang Tian Xia Hotpot is no newbie to the hotpot game, with 500 outlets in the world in places including China, New York, and now, Singapore. They’ve long won the hearts of hotpot fanatics with their highly customisable soup bases and wide array of meat.

Image credit: @jennifer_yeo

You can mix and match your soup bases, choosing two ($18) or three ($22) out of the seven flavours available. A mix of the Tomato Broth ($14) and Hot And Spicy Broth ($20) is an all-time favourite combination. While the Hot And Spicy Broth gives a numbing, pungent kick to your taste buds, the Tomato Broth counters it with its mild, tangy flavour.

Address: Clarke Quay, River Valley Rd, #01-06/07 3B, Singapore 179021
Opening hours: Daily: 10.30AM-4AM
Contact: 6265 9777
Website

6. DePizza

Chilli Crab Manzza
Image credit: @that_dex

Instead of the usual bar hopping shenanigans at Boat Quay, pop by DePizza for a change. They’re a new pizzeria that does the classics like Pepperoni ($18) and Hawaiian ($21) right, while incorporating cheeky local twists in their pizzas.

The Chilli Crab Manzza ($26) for instance, comes with generous chunks of real crab meat and chilli crab sauce, sitting on a fluffy deep-fried mantou base. They even have flavours like Nasi Lemak ($24) and the resoundingly local Gu Lou Yok (sweet and sour pork, $26).

Address: 35A Boat Quay, Singapore 049824
Opening hours: Mon-Thu: 11AM-10PM | Fri: 11AM-12AM | Sat: 4PM-12AM (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: 6588 1359
Website

7. Claypots Full Circle 

The charming and dimly-lit exterior of Claypots Full Circle
Image credit: @shaasabtu

Unlike what their name suggests, Claypots Full Circle cooks up Mediterranean seafood with a Southeast Asian twist, so you can expect bouts of spices, herbs and familiar flavours when you tuck into their dishes.

Image credit: @claypotsfullcircle

This Pan Seared Red Emperor topped with charmoula (seasonal price) comes with a dose of rosemary and a side of potatoes.

Image credit: Claypots Full Circle Facebook 

Keep your eyes locked on their social media, because Seafood Paella ($16 per serving) is served randomly during weekday lunches and only a limited portion is available. That is, once this glorious plate of Paella is gone, it’s gone!

Address: 103 Amoy St, Singapore 069923
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 10.30PM-12AM | Sat: 6PM-12AM (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: 6203 2203
Website

8. Ginza Kamo Soba Kyudaime Keisuke

Image credit: @esth3r_esth3r

Not your ordinary ramen shop, Ginza Kamo Soba Kyudaime Keisuke specialises in duck broths instead of the usual pork-based ones. The Hybrid Duck Broth Ramen ($14.90) is thick and rich with a strong gamey taste. If you’re not into such strong flavours, opt for the clear broth that will be lighter on your palate.

The premium Irish duck meat itself promises to be tender, but make sure you try the fried yuzu meatballs that are partially submerged in the broth – they’re juicy, savoury and adds a refreshing bite to the rather heavy soup.

Address: 16A Lor Mambong, Level 2, Singapore 277677
Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 11.30AM-2.30PM, 5PM-10PM | Sat-Sun: 11.30PM-10PM
Contact: 6463 4344
Website

9. Mr Shengjian

Image credit: @jonnyboyeats

If you haven’t heard of Shengjian Bao… wyd? It’s a popular breakfast mantou in Shanghai, filled with pork and soup, then pan-fried. You can expect Mr Shengjian’s Shengjian Baos ($12.50 for 6) to have a thin, lightly crisped skin. Be careful though, the flavourful broth is piping hot and will ooze out once you bite into it.

The Kimchi-stuffed Shengjian Bao is also popular because it’s crunchy and has a tangy and spicy bite to it
Image credit: @jonnyboyeats

Image credit: @that_dex

The classic Sirloin Noodles ($7.50) is served in a spicy beef broth that packs a punch, alongside tender beef slices and springy noodles – a must-try since it’s affordable yet filling.

Address: 8 Liang Seah St #01-01, Singapore 189029
Opening hours: Daily: 11.30AM-8.30PM

10. Umi Nami

Image credit: Eatbook

Psst, here’s a secret we’re letting you in on: Japanese rice bowls at  $10 nett, with no GST and service charge. Don’t bypass Umi Nami’s humble storefront and simple interior because their glorious bowls of Bara Chirashi Don ($10) come with generous, thickly cut servings of sashimi.

Bara Chirashi Don
Image credit: Eatbook

Plus, a pint of Asahi Beer at this Holland Village establishment goes at $7 only, which is a steal considering how it’s comparable to regular happy hour prices at most bars.

Address: 8 Lorong Mambong, Holland Village, Singapore 277674
Opening hours: Daily: 12PM-3PM, 6PM-12AM
Website

Feast away at new eateries in April

In the blink of an eye, we’re already one quarter through the year. Well, each month may come and go, but we all know that food is forever. Gather your fam and friends at one of these food joints for a catch-up that’s long overdue, and treat yourselves to a well-deserved meal. Happy April!