Ditch your diet this December
Image adapted from: @charissagoh
Once again, the most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner, which can only mean one thing: feasts, and more feasts!
From a Cartoon Network-themed cafe that’s gonna take you back to your childhood days to Singapore’s first arcade-bar, here’s a list of new cafes and restaurants to spend quality time at with your friends and fam this holiday season:
CAFES
1. Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory
Image credit: @raidyourhead
Famed for its range of delicate cheese cookies, Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory has finally made its way to Singapore and serves up an amazing Hokkaido Soft Serve too.
To savour the best of 3 worlds, we’d recommend the Cow Cow Sundae ($8.50) – which comes with a choice of soft-serve in either milk, cheese, or combination of both flavours, a small slice of their pillowy cheesecake, and a camembert cookie.
There’s also a selection of cookies, cheesecakes, and roll cakes packaged nicely in boxes, which make the perfect gift for house parties this holiday season.
Address: Raffles City #B1-73, 252 North Bridge Road #B1-73, Singapore 179103
Opening hours: 11AM-9:30PM, Daily
Telephone: +65 92488476
Website
2. Carrotsticks & Cravings
Image credit: @carrotsticksandcravings
While there are many cafes in Dempsey, Carrotsticks and Cravings takes the spotlight from its neighbours because it’s one of the few eateries there that serves up tasty brunch dishes with gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free and vegetarian options.
Some of their offerings include Breakfast Berry Parfait ($14), Meredith Goats Cheese with Thyme Roasted Mushrooms on Sourdough ($18) and Green Falafel Bowl ($20).
The cafe is helmed by an expat mom from Melbourne and you can find some of her recipes here. Those with an interest in cooking can also join her cooking classes held in the studio next to the cafe!
Address: 75E Loewen Road, Singapore 248845
Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 8AM-3PM | Closed on Sun
Website
3. Minions Cafe
Image credit: Eatbook
If you’ve downed countless cones of banana soft-serve ice cream since the Minion invasion at McDonald’s a few months ago, and still haven’t had enough – visit the pop-up Minions Cafe that’ll be open from now till 31 January 2018.
While there, look forward to feasting on minion-themed food items that are almost too cute to eat – such as the Minion’s Great Escape Cream Stew ($20.90) and S’more & Minion’s Ice Cream ($16.90). And if that still isn’t enough to feed your minion obsession, you can cop exclusive Despicable Me 3 merchandise here as well!
Address: 181 Orchard Road, #03-23/24/25, Orchard Central, Singapore 238896
Opening hours: 11AM-9PM, Daily
Telephone: 9082 8281
Website
4. Beriwell
Image credit: @jolztx
Beat the heat by swinging by Beriwell for some icy cold treats! This Hawaiian-inspired cafe will have you transported to beach holiday mode almost instantly with its coconut tree paintings, wooden tables, and rattan chairs – giving you super chill vibes as you chow down on healthy desserts like smoothies and açaí soft-serve.
Image credit: @dxjude
You can choose from 3 different flavours for their Superswirl ($6.90 for small with 2 toppings, $9.90 for large with 4 toppings) – Açaí, Coconut Majik or The Twist.
Note: If you happen to work around Katong area, you can grab a cuppa here for just $2 from Monday to Friday, between the hours of 9AM-11AM!
Address: 19 East Coast Road #01-01, Singapore 428746
Opening hours: 9AM-11PM, Daily
Website
5. Lumine
For the uninitiated, Lumine is a Japanese departmental store that has recently opened its first retail store outside of Japan here in Singapore. Apart from housing chic Japanese fashion brands, this outlet also comes with a dainty in-house cafe decked in pastel pink and rose gold.
Though the cafe doesn’t have a selection of food on their menu, it’s still a great stopover point for when you need a break from sifting through an endless array of clothing racks. They serve the usual tea and coffee, but we’d recommend going for their Fruit Parfaits – in refreshing flavours like Melon Medley ($18.90), Berry Blush ($12.90), Tropical Blast ($12.90).
Address: Clarke Quay Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street 02-20, Singapore 059817
Opening Hours: 11AM-10PM, Daily
Website
6. The Wired Monkey
Image credit: @thewiredmonkeysg
The first thing you’ll realize the moment you step foot inside this cafe off Little India is its eccentric, yet cosy layout – with beanbags plonked on a raised platform, and a psychedelic hand-drawn mural occupying the entire wall.
Image credit: @misginginly
The dishes at The Wired Monkey match the quirkiness of its layout too. Expect tasty grub like the Falafel Burger ($12), and Chix Belado on Toast ($12). Their Wired Gado ($8) is a great option if you’re looking for something lighter on the palate – an Indonesian salad with fried tempeh, veg, and garlic crackers all slathered in peanut sauce dressing.
Address: 5 Dunlop Street, Singapore 209335
Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 1PM-8PM | Closed on weekends
Telephone: +65 9022 0194
Website
7. Gong Cha
Image credit: @rayfoodstatus
Bubble tea lovers, rejoice! After a six-month hiatus, Gong Cha has finally made a comeback with its timeless best-sellers, Taro Milk Tea, Earl Grey Milk Tea and Milk Foam Alisan Tea.
And if you’re feeling a lil’ adventurous, go ahead and try some of their new flavours – like Purple Sweet Potato Milk Tea and Brown Sugar Fresh Milk Oolong.
For those who love Gong Cha but haven’t got a chance to get your hands on them because you aren’t a fan of queues, you’re in luck. They’ll be launching new outlets in National University of Singapore University Town and Westgate Mall between January and February 2018!
Address: SingPost Centre, 10 Eunos Road, #01-141A/141B, Singapore 408600 (Paya Lebar MRT)
8. Fifty50
Image credit: @fifty50sg
Whether you’re a vegetarian or meat lover, you’re bound to find something that’ll strike your fancy at Fifty50. This cafe prides itself on its healthy nosh infused with Asian flavours – such as their Linguine Chilli Crab ($13.50) or Curry Chicken Wrap ($11.50). Vegetarians can opt for the Penne Pumpkin Pasta ($11.50) or Zucchini Hummus Wrap ($10.50)!
While the seating area is quite compact, it’s still a great space for a quick catch-up sesh with your buddies. And if you could use a midday pick-me-up, stop by between 3pm to 5pm to enjoy their 1 for 1 coffee promotion!
Address: 11 Kee Seng Street #01-04, Onze@Tanjong Pagar, Singapore 089218
Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 8AM-5:30PM | Closed on weekends
Telephone: +65 8126 5271
Website
9. CN Cafe By The Soup Spoon
Image credit: CN Cafe By The Soup Spoon
CN Cafe will have all the 90s kids screaming internally with excitement as they’re greeted by characters from We Bare Bears, The Powerpuff Girls and Adventure Time the moment they step inside.
This themed cafe will take you back to the good ol’ days, with themed dishes including a Powerpuff Potpie, We Bare Bears Angus Beef Ribeye Steak and Ben 10 Baker Fries & Meatballs.
With TVs around the cafe screening some Cartoon Network faves and a dedicated cartoon sketching corner, this place is bound to give an enjoyable dining experience to kids and adults alike.
Address: 83 Punggol Central, #B1-12, Waterway Point Mall, Singapore 828761
Opening Hours: 11AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: +65 6928 3043
Website
10. Kindred Folk
Image credit: Kindred Folk
Lazy afternoons are meant for ice cream and waffles at Kindred Folk. This two-storey ice cream cafe even has a hammock parked right at the corner of the cafe for you to relax in.
Image credit: Kindred Folk
Located at the new King Albert Park Mall, Kindred Folk serves up unique homemade flavours like Watermelon Kalamansi Sorbet, Matcha “Gao”, and Wasabi, which can be paired with fried mantou, charcoal waffles and cones, or with cakes!
If you’re feeling peckish, this cafe also offers an array of interesting fusion pastas for $15 and some finger food. Plus, students in the area can enjoy their Lunch Sets (U.P. $12.90) at just $9.90!
Address: 9 King Albert Park, #01-09, Singapore 598332
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu: 12PM-10PM | Wed: 12PM-10:30PM | Fri-Sun: 12PM-11PM
Telephone: +65 6385 9254
Website
RESTAURANTS
1. Level Up
At Level Up, Singapore’s first-ever arcade-bar, you’ll be chugging down beers, feasting on bar bites, and battling it out in a game of Puzzle Bobble, King of Fighters, or the classic fave, Metal Slug all at once.
We couldn’t get enough of their Typhoon Tater Tots ($12), topped with nacho cheese and soy crumbs. If you’re looking for something more filling, go for their tender Short Ribs ($25) and Mini Asian Sliders ($15) instead.
Read our full review on Level Up here!
Address: 3A River Valley Road, #02-04, Clarke Quay, Singapore 179020
Opening hours: Mon-Thu: 5PM-2AM | Fri-Sat: 5PM-3AM | Sun: 2PM-11PM
Telephone: 6266 2276
Website
2. FOMO
Image credit: @fomosg
FOMO is a newly open hip food court housing a total of 7 eateries – Poke Doke SG, Chops Grill & Sides, My Wholly Seafood, The Don Pizza & Pasta, Kakak Kentang, Kane Mochi and Zamza.
Image credit: @carolyneee
One of the must-try dishes here is Mr Wholly’s Seafood Nasi Lemak Ambeng ($79, $139), a sharing platter that offers Louisiana-style seafood in combo baskets with a local twist.
Address: 38 Sultan Gate, #01-01 Singapore 198486
Opening Hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Website
3. Bayswater Kitchen
Image credit: @bayswaterkitchen
Soak in the calming views of Keppel’s marina as you devour in an array of seafood dishes at Bayswater Kitchen. Staying true to its seafaring theme, this family-friendly restaurant is decked out in blue and white, with wooden furnishing. Plus, this eatery comes with ping pong and foosball tables so you can work off your meal afterwards.
Image credit: @etfonehome
For starters, we’d recommend ordering the Whipped Cod’s Roe ($9), that comes served with crispy flatbread. As for the mains, Fisherman’s Feast ($35) will treat you to a generous serving of linguine topped with lobster, prawns, mussels and seasonal fish served in a deep skillet!
Address: 2 Keppel Bay Vista, Marina at Keppel Bay, Singapore 098382
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 11:30AM-3PM (Lunch) | Mon-Fri: 6PM-11PM (Dinner) | Sat: 6PM-11PM | Closed on Sun and Public Holidays
Telephone: +65 6776 0777
Website
4. OMU Singapore
Image credit: @kona_eats
Sate your cravings for Japanese Omurice at OMU. Over here, each Omurice comes with tomato fried rice, sautéed chicken and mushroom, and a thin layer of omelette blanketing the rice. Take your pick from 5 different sauces – Tomato, Demiglace, Curry, Cream or Japanese – and accompanying ingredients like chicken cutlet, cream croquette, sausages or seafood.
One dish worth trying is the Demiglace Sauce Omurice with Pork Cutlet ($14.80). And if you wanna go for their Lava-style Omelette, you just have to top up an additional $2!
Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard #01-301A/301B West Wing, Suntec City Singapore 038983
Opening hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: +65 98340079
Website
5. Hafudog
Image credit: @hafudog
If you love a great hotdog, hit up Hafudog. Straying away from the typical ketchup-and-mustard combo, they’ve taken theirs up a notch with variations like Bahn Bao ($8) – a Vietnamese-inspired hotdog slathered with hot mayo, pickled carrots and daikon. Over here, you’ll get to take your pick of either a farmhouse chicken sausage or kurobuta pork.
Address: 35 Robinson Rd #01-03, Singapore, 068876
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:30AM-6:30PM | Closed on weekends
Telephone: +65 6203 1011
Website
6. Avorush
Dishing up all things avocado, Avorush is the cafe for those who are big on healthy nosh. This avocado-concept cafe offers a wholesome variety of both classic and reinvented avocado dishes – like toasts, smoothies, salads, and açaí bowls.
Image credit: @zenith86albion
When you order the Vegan Stack ($6.50), you’ll be treated with avocado set atop a slice of sourdough toast together with beetroot and hummus. Beyond toasts, Avorush also serves up açaí bowls and organic coffee as well.
Even the chairs here are green in colour to match the avocado-filled menu! Image credit: @avorush
Address: 12 Marina View, #02-23 Asia Square Tower 2 Food Garden, Singapore 018961
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:30AM-5PM | Closed on weekends
Telephone: +65 82514776
Website
7. La Pepa
Image credit: @lapepa.sg
When you find yourself craving for some Spanish food, pop by La Pepa – a hidden gem nestled in the middle of the CBD area. From scrumptious tapas to seafood and traditional roasts, they serve up an impressive range of Spanish dishes – you name it, they have it.
Image credit: @sungoddesstarot
This tapas bar and restaurant keeps it classic with their good ol’ Spanish comfort food, with one of the favourites being Squid Ink Paella – bomba rice soaked in squid ink and topped with seafood with a fresh aioli drizzle.
Address: 10 Gemmill Lane, Singapore 069251
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 12PM-Late | Sat: 6:30PM-Late | Close on Sun and Public Holidays
Telephone: 9633 6536
Website
8. Wolfgang’s Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener
Image credit: @tony_kobayashi
Meat connoisseurs, you now have a new hangout spot at the Intercontinental Singapore Robertson Quay. Wolfgang’s Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener has a reputation for its dry-aged steaks and some of their steak selections include the New York Sirloin ($99), Rib Eye Steak ($118), and Porterhouse Steak – for 2, 3, or 4 diners ($185, $275, $360).
Image credit: @wolfgangsteakhousesingapore
Regardless of the steak you choose, all cuts – from rib-eye to the filet mignon – will arrive at your table piping hot with a beautiful caramelized crust on the outside and perfectly pink tender meat on the inside. It can get pretty crowded so making a reservation here is highly encouraged!
Address: 1 Nanson Road #02-01, Intercontinental Singapore Robertson Quay, Singapore 238909
Opening Hours: 11:30AM-11:30PM, Daily
Telephone: ＋65 6887 5885
Website
9. The Local Box
Image credit: @food.ally
It’s not everyday you get to dabao your meals and devour them from an oyster pail – but you’ll get to do that at The Local Box. Putting a twist to familiar local dishes, they replace fried chicken wings in Nasi Lemak with chicken satay chunks, and roasted chicken in Chicken Rice, with salted egg chicken. The best part? These dishes are all going for just $5.50 each.
To wash down all that food, go ahead and order from their interesting range of bubble tea flavours – Iced Nutella, Iced Pineapple Thyme, and Iced Earl Grey.
When you and and your colleagues are too lazy to leave your chairs to grab a bite, take comfort in the fact that they take large group orders and deliver right to your office! Just make sure you place your orders here one day in advance!
Address: 8 Enggor Street #01-05, Singapore 079718
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 7:30AM-6PM | Closed on weekends
Telephone: +65 8303 0362
Website
10. Merci Marcel
Image credit: @kellyesque
Merci Marcel is as close as you’ll get to an authentic French dining experience without getting on a flight. New to the Tiong Bahru enclave, this laid-back bistro makes for the perfect spot for weekend catch-ups, complete with great music.
Image credit: @gueeenbee
The Marinated Crab Tartine ($18) comes with a good portion of well-seasoned crab meat and half an avocado topping toasted sourdough bread. If you’re craving for more, just go straight for their organic egg offerings, like the Poached Eggs ($22) that comes served with avocado, pomegranate and portobello mushroom!
Address: 56 Eng Hoon Street, #01-68, Singapore 160056
Opening hours: 9AM-11PM, Daily
Telephone: +65 62240113
Website
‘Tis the season to be feasting
With the holiday season upon us, it’s time we put our feets up and let our hair down as we indulge in everyone’s favourite activity a.k.a feasting! Although December is time for Christmas festivities, it doesn’t have to be all about turkey, mashed potatoes and ham. Go ahead and treat your loved ones at these new eateries for year-end get togethers!