If there’s one thing we Singaporeans do with a passion, it’s got to be eating. From hawker centres to fine-dining restaurants, there’s no lack of dining options in our little red dot. But what’s a foodie to do if he’s looking to cook up an exotic feast with artisan produce?
Your answer is in this list of 11 gourmet markets. These places also have a dining area for you to try their food before deciding if you want to take home their produce.
With over 30 unique stalls housed in 30,000 square feet of space, you’re bound to be spoilt for choice at PasarBella, Singapore’s first permanent farmers’ market. PasarBella puts a roof over a plethora of traders offering mostly European Cuisines like meat, seafood, fresh produce, craft beers and wines.
PasarBella lives up to its name of being a “beautiful market” with hued walls, soft lights and quickly paintings. In fact, this vibrant hideout is so pretty it made it into our list of ulu places worth taking a road trip to.
Address: 200 Turf Club Rd, Singapore 287994
Most would be familiar with Marche’s concept: Patrons are given a Marche Card to make purchases at the various stalls available. The card accumulates credit every time a purchase is made. Patrons can then make payment according to the amount recorded on the card at the end of the meal.
Apart from this convenient concept, fans of Marche also rave about being able to pick their own foods and have them prepared on the spot.
Address: Various outlets, check here for details
The concept of housing food, retail and art under one roof stemmed from owners’ visions to reshape the local supermarket experience. Apart from enjoying a leisurely brunch at the cafe, ingredients from the day’s menu are available for pick-up over the counter for patrons who wish to cook at home.
Other items for sale include specially curated bakewares and cooking apparatuses which might inspire you to put on your baking gloves again. SPRMRKT also showcases different art pieces from time to time for public enjoyment and/or for sale.
Address: 2 McCallum Street, Singapore 069043
Latching on to the latin wave in Singapore is BoCHINche, the latest culinary experiment conceptualised by the people at the Spa Esprit Group. Spanish for “ruckus”, BoCHINche opens up our palates to a lesser-known cuisine in Singapore – Argentine fare.
While meats are more synonymous with Argentinian food, BoCHINche gives patrons greater freedom by offering seafood and vegetable items on its menu. On the shelves are of course, Argentine spices, as well imported European goods ranging from gourmet meats to canned yellowfin tuna.
Here’s what we got up to the last time we were there.
Address: 22 Martin Road, Singapore 239058
Best known as a pioneer in the Singapore brunch scene, Jones The Grocer has also gained popularity for being one of the best Australian gourmet food retailers in Singapore. With features like a delicatessen offering an extensive range of meats to a walk-in temperature-controlled cheese room, Jones The Grocer keeps its promise of delivering high quality products to its customers.
Look no further if you’re hunting for the perfect gift for your chef friends as Jones The Grocer provides a good range of cooking-related gifts and as well as an assortment of hampers in stores.
Address: Various outlets, check here for details
You might have brushed the store aside because of its ordinary-looking storefront but never judge a book by its cover. Sakuraya Fish Mart is a firm favourite amongst Japanese food lovers due to the freshness of its produce.
Diners can choose the cuts of sashimi they prefer and have them sliced and prepared on the spot. We hear their noodle items are pretty good too.
Address: Various outlets, check here for details
Wine connoisseurs can indulge in this gem of a wine bar. Aside from a generous collection of wines specially selected from all over the world, Wine Connection also provides wine tasting services, where customers can engage them to hold wine tastings at their desired venue.
The most popular of the five dine-in outlets is the Tapas Bar & Bistro at Robertson Walk. The largest outlet offers a dining experience replete with starters, mains and of course, a good selection of wine. If that’s not quite enough, pop over next door for some affordable cheeses and cold-cut platters tailor-made to suit your palates.
Address: Various outlets, check here for details
I remember the hype when Dean & Deluca first announced its arrival on our shores. Casting light on the new and unknown in the world of food, Dean & Deluca has quickly garnered its fair share of fans. The American fine foods purveyor imports a variety of gourmet foods including Russian teas. multi-coloured sugar crystals and charcuterie items.
On top of a wide selection of salads and hot dishes, the 50-seater cafe at Orchard Central is the only outlet in the world that serves all-day breakfast. Breakfast for dinner, anyone?
Address: 181 Orchard Rd, Orchard Central, #04-23/24, Singapore 238896
Truffles are one of my greatest weaknesses – I can never resist a good plate of anything truffle.
If you’re like me, Oh Deli will satisfy your endless cravings. Oh Deli imports a good range of truffle products including truffle oil and truffle mustard from The Truffle and Wine Company, the first trufflière in Manjimup, Western Australia.
While you’re there, do take the opportunity to savour some of their imported meats and other fresh produce. Other goods Oh Deli imports include fresh produce and wine from the Southern Forests region in Western Australia.
Address: 421 East Coast Road, Singapore 429008
With a central aim of offering natural foods to its consumers, Balanced Living makes a good starting point for diners looking to switch to a healthier lifestyle. Apart from a raw food cafe, Balanced Living also offers detox programmes, health consultation services, as well as organic foods and supplements.
Everything at Balanced Living is done the healthy way. This includes health food classes as well as an online store selling health-related books and homeopathy solutions. Internationally trained healthcare practitioners at Balanced Living can also provide customised care for specific health or nutrition concerns.
Address: 779 Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 269758
Nylon Coffee Roasters is a little bistro tucked away in a housing estate. Though set up more as a takeaway joint, Nylon Coffee Roasters does offer very limited seating for those who need an immediate cuppa fix.
Nylon Coffee Roasters has a well-stocked coffee inventory ranging from coffee beans as well as accessories for making yourself that perfect blend. Customers are encouraged to grind their own coffee beans after purchase. If you think that’s too much work, well, you’ve gotta work for good coffee.
Address: 4 Everton Park, Singapore 080004
We hope that this list has given you a better idea of the places to go for some not-so-Singaporean food. Do you know of any other similar places? Let us know in the comments below!
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