Embark on a foodie adventure this April
March has been a gruelling month – there hasn’t been a single public holiday and some of us are already dying for a breather. And what better way to loosen up than to indulge in everyone’s favourite activity – eating?
Go on a food hunt and nom your worries away this April – skip your usual hangout spots and explore these new eateries that will leave you with nothing less than a happy belly:
Cafes
1. Le Castella
Source: @lecastellasg
Originating from Taiwan, Le Castella is making its way to our sunny shores this April. Known for their fluffy cakes filled with gooey cheese, these sweet treats are bound to give you the most satisfying foodgasm.
Source: @lecastellasg
Just like the initial hype for any famous cheesy food, expect snaking queues when Le Castella arrives at Tampines 1. Still, the long waiting times will be worth it once you get your hands on these warm slices of heaven.
Address: #B1-32 10 Tampines Central 1, 529536
Website
2. Coco Chanel Pop-up Cafe
I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m one of those basics in love with cafe-hopping and the latest lipsticks. For all my comrades, this will be the place for you to reconcile your identities as a foodie and a self-proclaimed makeup guru.
Coco Chanel will be launching a pop-up cafe from 8 – 16 April at the Dhoby Ghaut Visual Arts Centre. While you sip on your coffee, play around with Chanel’s new makeup collections – Les Indispensables De L’été and the fresh line of Rouge Coco Gloss.
Address: Visual Arts Centre Singapore, 10 Penang Road, #01-02 Dhoby Ghaut Green, Singapore 238469
Opening hours: 11AM – 8PM daily (from 8 – 16 April only!)
Website
3. Cafe Football
Source: @hookbup
If forcing yourself to stay up til 3AM to catch a football match has become a routine for you, Cafe Football is the place to be. No more squeezing with a million others at a coffeeshop or Macdonald’s and craning your neck to catch a glimpse of the telly during live matches.
Catch exciting football showdowns at this cosy cafe nestled in Woodleigh as you tuck in to either Western or Asian cuisine. Popular dishes with tongue-in-cheek names include Good for Giggsy (braised lamb shank, $18) and Referee Kayu (chicken satay, $12) which guarantee to leave you with a satisfied tummy.
Source: @ayshardzn
This elusive establishment is situated within The Arena, a new sports park with fitness facilities and a spanking football field – so you can burn off the calories after a satisfying meal at the cafe. In fact, head down on 1st, 2nd and 8th April to catch the CF Cup – where you could bump into EPL and Man-U legends Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs, who hold partial ownership of the cafe too.
Address: 48 Woodleigh Park Singapore 357844
Opening hours: 9:30am – Midnight Daily
Website
4. Philly Shack
Source: @chocolatetbasil
Each time we watch American movies, we gawk at the tasty-looking grub they devour at diners that don’t exist here. But with the inception of Philly Shack, you can get a classic American-style dining experience right here in Singapore.
Make a beeline for the Philly Cheesesteak ($17 for Original, $19 for Fully Loaded) stuffed with a generous portion of ribeye steak and dollops of cheesy goodness. Wash everything down with PS Spiked Shakes ($13++), a crowd fave with a substantial amount of alcohol added to the sweet milkshakes.
Situated at Clarke Quay, it’s a go-to spot for you to fill your tummy before you party the night away. Since they’re open til 2am on weekends, you could also visit for a comforting meal after you’ve downed a pint too many.
Address: 3A River Valley Rd, #01-01B, 179020
Opening hours: Sunday – Tuesday: 12PM to 11PM, Wednesday – Saturday: 12PM to 2AM
Telephone: 6837 0675
Website
5. Leng Leng Ice Cream
At first glance, Leng Leng Ice Cream may come across as any typical dessert store in Singapore. But we did a double take when we realised this little joint serves ice cream in an old-school fashion, taking patrons down memory lane.
Take your pick from a variety of flavours (from $3.20 a scoop), including Earl Grey and Gula Melaka. Choose to have your cold treat served with a sugee waffle ($3.50), rainbow bread, or a thin pandan waffle ($1.50) that you could wrap up like a taco. What’s good, Buzzfeed?
Finally, adorn your dessert with toppings such as the wang wang biscuits and iced gems that were the highlight of our childhoods.
Address: 116 Changi Road, #01-11 Singapore 419718
Opening hours: 12PM – 9PM Daily. Closed on Wednesdays.
Website
6. Black Mamba Yogurt
Source: @dimasjb276
Black Mamba Yogurt has joined the saturated market of frozen yogurt chains in Singapore, but that doesn’t stop it from giving their competitors a run for their money with their signature Charcoal Frozen Yogurt (from $2.90).
If you’re sourcing for something more than just plain froyo, pair it with either a Chocolate or Matcha Lava Cake ($7.90). The waterfall of mouthwatering lava oozing out from the cakes is bound to sate even the most hardcore sweet tooth out there.
Source: @rainraineeataway
And of course, no froyo is complete without chunky toppings. Select your faves from a wide variety, including the Brownie Brittle and cubes of Watermelon, before digging into the cup of delish soft serve.
Address: 600 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh #01-08A, 600@Toa Payoh Singapore 207557
Opening hours: 11AM – 10:30PM Daily
Website
7. Monument Lifestyle
Source: @that_dex
Retail store Monument Lifestyle has been around for quite some time, but they’ve recently expanded and introduced a cafe within their premises. Sip on a cup of coffee or tea as you enjoy some Artisanal Toast in a multitude of flavours, including Apple ($6.50), Lemon Curd ($6.50) and Avacado ($9.50).
Source: @monumentlifestyle
While you’re there, take some time to admire their Poursteady Coffee Machine (worth more than $10k!), a fully automated gadget concocting your beverages which has been said to be more thorough and precise than a sergeant during stand-by bed.
After your scrumptious meal, make your way around the retail store itself and snag anything from apparel to scented candles.
Address: 75 Duxton Rd, Singapore 089534
Opening hours: 8AM – 7PM Daily
Website
8. VendCafes at Lakeside and Ang Mo Kio
When the first VendCafe opened under a HDB block in Sengkang, it generated a lot of buzz. Helmed by only vending machines, it proved to be a novel and intriguing concept that attracted people from all over the island.
Now, VendCafe has collaborated with SMRT to bring two new installments to Lakeside and Ang Mo Kio MRT stations. Set to commence operations in late April, residents around those two areas will be able grab a quick dinner for cheap before heading home after work.
9. Crackerjack
Source: @lennardy
Open from early hours in the morning till midnight, Crackerjack can sate your appetite anytime, whether it’s for brunch or during late-night escapadea. The Lentil Mushroom Scotch Egg ($20) and Brandt Bavette Steak ($28) have received rave reviews, so be sure to try them if you pop by.
If you’re not in the mood for something savoury, opt for the Funnel Cake ($14), a hot fave commonly found at carnivals in USA. Topped with banana slices, candied bacon, amaretto cream and drizzled with caramel sauce, it’s bound to delight your tastebuds.
The place is always buzzing with life and activity. Source: @janecryan
When night falls, the place transforms into a classy bar – perfect for a girls’ night out. Scan through the extensive menu of drinks, and give fun ones such as the Fro-Zay (slushed rose wine $19) a shot. You can even grab your pals for a game or two at their shuffleboard.
Address: 43 Tg Pagar Rd, Singapore 088464
Opening hours: 8AM – 12AM Daily. 10AM – 4PM on Sundays.
Telephone: 8121 1462
Website
10. Route Sixty Six
Route Sixty Six is the new kid on the block, literally. Tucked away in Bedok, you can find this dessert place under an unassuming block of HDB flats. Rows of glorious ice-cream in flavours like Rum & Raisin and Honey Lavender will greet you the moment you step into the spacious store.
Source: @lynettelyy
Go for either the Buttermilk, Charcoal or Red Velvet Waffle for $6.90 and complete your afternoon snack with some ice cream at $3 per scoop. Couple that with a cuppa and you’re in for a sweet treat. If you’re looking for a new place to chill with your homies or hold a meeting, this is the perfect place to be.
Address: 412 Bedok North Ave 2 #01-122 Singapore 460412
Opening hours: Closed on Mon. Tues – Thurs: 12PM – 10PM, Fri / Sun: 12PM – 11PM. 12PM – 12AM on Sat.
Telephone: 9752 0054
Website
Restaurants
1. Atmastel
South Beach Avenue, a new stretch of retail stores and eateries, is the up-and-coming hotspot for the cool kids in town. One of the noteworthy tenants is Atmastel, an Italian restaurant boasting way too many pasta dishes on their menu.
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Source: @matteofabbian
Pizza-lovers – aka everyone – are also up for a treat. Devour all-time faves such as the Black Truffle ($48) to satiate your truffle cravings. Prices may be rather steep, but considering that the restaurant is helmed by Head Chef Andrea Tarini with a 3-Michelin-star background, you can bet that these dishes are worth spending on.
Address: South Beach Avenue, 26 Beach Road #B1-22, 189768
Opening hours: 11:30AM – 10PM Daily. Closed on Sundays.
Telephone: 6581 0085
Website
2. Don Ho Social Kitchen and Bar
Source: @xinlinnn
Don Ho prides itself on an East-meets-West concept, and small dishes are categorized into 3 groups – Land, Earth and Sea. You can find meat dishes, vegetable-based dishes, and seafood in the respective categories, so even if you’re a picky eater there’s bound to be something that will cater to your palate.
Recommendations include the Pair of Pork Cheek Char Siu Sliders ($20), complete with kimchi, and chilli mayo complementing the juicy meat sandwiched between the sweet buns.
Source: @lamaisonpierrefrey
With walls donning greenery and soft lights hanging low, you’ll be transported away from the urban city and straight into the calm wilderness.
Address: Keong Saik Road 1, #01-05, The Working Capitol Building 089109
Opening hours: Closed on Sun / Mon. Tue – Sat: 6PM – 12AM.
Telephone: 6223 5001
Website
3. Teppanyaki Hamburg Nihonbashi Keisuke Bettei
Another masterpiece by Keisuke? Sign me up! This time, instead of ramen, Teppanyaki Hamburg Nihonbashi Keisuke Bettei’s concept revolves around piping hot hamburg steaks. If you’re unsure of what to order on your first visit, give the Triple Cheese Prime Beef Hamburg Steak Set ($20.80) a shot.
The cheese pull in this one is irresistible, so cave in to your addiction and savour the cheddar, mozzarella and parmesan oozing out of the meat. You even get free-flow eggs and unlimited access to the salad bar, which features more than 20 items for you to pick from.
Source: @_stanleeey
After the protein-packed meal, wash everything down with the Green Tea Cola ($3.80) or the Sakura Cola ($3.80) – the latest addition to the drink menu. These drinks are a rarity and exclusively available at Keisuke outlets only, so be sure not to miss out!
Address: 72 Peck Seah St, Singapore 079329
Opening hours: 11:30AM – 2:30PM, 5:30PM – 10:00PM Daily.
Telephone: 6908 4348
Website
4. 25 Degrees Burgers, Wine and Liquor Bar
Source: @25degressinsingapore
If you’ve been to Bangkok or America you may have chanced upon this chain before. Hailing from sunny LA, 25 Degrees has finally arrived on our island so check it out the next time you’re in town!
Source: @25degreesinsingapore
One can never have too many burgers. At 25 Degrees Burgers, Wine and Liquor Bar, you even get to customise your own. Unleash your inner food connoisseur: include your choice of meat, cheese, extras like caramelized onions and a waterfall of sauce to tie your burger masterpiece together.
There’s also a lunch special from Mondays to Fridays (11am – 3pm). For only $18, you get a signature burger, crisp fries and half a pint of beer or soda. Shiok.
Address: 200 Middle Rd, Singapore 188980
Opening hours: Mon to Thur: 11AM – 1AM. Fri / Sat: 11Am – 2AM. Sun 11AM – 9PM.
Telephone: 6809 7990
Website
5. Garang Grill
Source: @cherylteokl
If you’ve been a loyal fan of New Ubin Seafood, you’re in for a treat. Make your way down to Garang Grill, a pop-up version of the original restaurant that will be in operation for 3 months – until 25th June 2017.
Pamper yourself by digging into a portion of BBQ St Louis Pork Ribs or Freshly Shucked Pacific Oysters with Vietnamese dressing ($11 for 3 pcs). For pasta lovers, dive straight in for the Smoked Pork Carbonara ($18). You may feel a tinge of guilt for the excessive amount of carbs you’ll be ingesting, but all the extra calories will be so worth it.
And let’s face it: no meal is complete without dessert. For a refreshing twist from ordinary cakes and ice cream, make a beeline for the Mao Shan Wang Crème Brûlée.
Address: 15 Swan Lake Avenue, Singapore 455711 (It’s at Slake Bar + Kitchen)
Opening hours: 11:30AM – 3PM, 6PM – 10:30PM Daily. Closed on Mondays.
Telephone: 9245 0184
Website
6. Firebake
Source: @m.a.y.y
Calling all bread lovers, it’s time for new haunt, Firebake, – a woodfired bakehouse and restaurant that specialises in freshly homemade bread. Spot the woodfired ovens nestled behind the counter and be in awe as you witness the painstaking baking process.
Priding themselves on traditional European baking techniques, the skilled bakers churn out warm loaves of bread using the red-bricked ovens – a refreshing change from the metal machines that we are so reliant on nowadays.
Source: @fat_fuku
Order from a choice of White, Rye, Wholemeal or Fruit Sourdough Loaves. ($8 – 13) for your carb fix. If you find that a tad too plain, go for the Small Plates or Shared Plates as well. Sate the aspiring fitspo in you by going for the Woodfired Pumpkin Salad ($13) or Charcuterie Platter with assorted bread, pickles and Norwegian butter ($20).
Address: 237 E Coast Rd, Singapore 428930
Opening hours: 6PM – 10PM Daily. Closed on Mondays.
Telephone: 6440 1228
Website
7. Menya Sakura
Source: @i_hz
It seems like Singaporeans just can’t get enough of ramen. Menya Sakura is a new store that has emerged in Singapore’s Japanese food scene and for just $10.90, you can purchase a bowl of flavourful Tonkotsu ramen.
Alternatively, give the Tsukemen ($14.90) a go. Unlike the typical ramen soaked in piping hot broth, you dip the dry noodles in a separate bowl of soup.
Source: @hayato.yoshida
Situated in the heart of the food stretch at Clarke Quay, it gives you a clear and scenic view of the Singapore River as well. It may very well be the next go-to spot for dinner dates so head down before the crowd gets unbearable.
Address: 69 Boat Quay, Singapore 049857
Opening hours: 11:30AM – 10:30PM Daily. Closed on Sundays. .
Telephone: 9469 3366
Website
8. K-Tower
Source: @mightyfoodie
Paris may have the Eiffel Tower what we have ain’t too shabby either – K-Tower’s impressive 9-Tier Seafood Tower ($298 for 8 – 10 pax) is a pinnacle of happiness, featuring stacks and stacks of glorious seafood. Drawing inspiration from the popular 9 Layer Seafood dish in Korea, the seafood galore is bound to blow your socks off.
Their array of seafood is ridiculous, with a spread including prawns, lobsters, crabs and abalone. Choose a broth (additional $10) from a selection of seafood, kimchi, ginseng or army stew and your feast will be complete.
Address: 74 Amoy St Singapore 069893
Opening hours: 11:30AM – 2:30PM, 5:30PM – 10PM Daily.
Telephone: 6221 9928
Website
9. Salmon Samurai
Source: @yellowtoes
In the hustle and bustle of working life, we usually just grab whatever’s convenient for lunch. This usually culminates in a routine diet of greasy chicken rice or MSG-laden fishball noodles. But this doesn’t always have to be the case when you have Salmon Samurai – a new addition to the CBD.
Those who work around the area can now have a hearty meal – minus the guilt. From just $9.90, customise your own salmon donburi with a choice of mixed grain brown rice, udon, or a salad as your base.
Source: @andey
Besides the salmon, spice up your meal with half an avocado ($1.50), an onsen egg ($1) or ebiko ($1). If you’d rather go for one of the pre-prepped items on the menu, try out the Warrior Maki ($9.90), packed with brown rice, cucumber and crabmeat, salmon sashimi, topped with garlic mayo and chicken floss.
Address: 74 Amoy St Singapore 069893
Opening hours: 11:30AM – 2:30PM, 5:30PM – 10PM Daily.
Telephone: 6221 9928
Website
10. 創 (Sō) Ramen
Source: @alchymist
Another new contender has popped up in the ramen scene. Sō Ramen is beginning operations at its flagship store in Nex today and we get to enjoy a 1-for-1 ramen promotion for the weekend (31 March – 2 April only)! There isn’t much information available about this greenhorn yet, but we can’t wait to give it a shot.
Address: Nex 23 Serangoon Central, 556083 #B2-58
Telephone: 6634 4089
Website
Indulge in new treats this April
With so many cafes and restaurants springing up across the country, it’s going to be hard not to get tempted this April. Cave in to your cravings for anything from fluffy waffles to a comforting bowl of steaming hot ramen. It’s time to grab your best buds and head down to these places before everybody flocks to these newfound gems.