Categories: Food Guides

20 New Cafes And Restaurants in December 2018 – $6 Wine, Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari Tent, & China’s OG Cheese Tea

New food places in Singapore

Image adapted from: Eatbook

This December, it’s all about getting into the holiday spirit and feasting at the new food joints that have opened their doors. Your diet can wait – save the new year’s resolution for next month. From China’s most popular cheese tea to Thailand’s Bib Gourmand chicken rice, here are 20 new cafes and restaurants we’re excited to try:

– Cafes –

1. Scrambled – scrambled egg burgers

Their brioche buns are ordered from Michelin-starred restaurant Burnt Ends.
Image credit: @foodforfoong

Scrambled eggs are often pigeonholed as a breakfast dish, but burger joint Scrambled dishes out Scrambled Egg Burgers (from $7.90) any time of the day. And if you’ve ever pondered over the question of how you like your eggs, your answer will always be scrambled after trying these. They’re done superbly well here – creamy but with a fluffy consistency.

They also offer Steak and Eggs ($16.90).
Image credit: @heydenyja

Besides the Signature Egg, which is undoubtedly glorious with hashbrown and loads of cheesy goodness, they also have varieties like Spam & Cheese ($8.90) and Smoked Salmon ($10.90). The former comes with a splash of curry ketchup, and the latter, a mentaiko mayo.

Address: 12 Gopeng Street, #01-33/34 Icon Village, Singapore 078877
Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 11:30AM-8PM (Closed on weekends)
Telephone: +65 6221 0289 

Website 

2. Easy Noodles Bar – handmade ramen and tortellini

Image credit: @mio_1223

The noodles at Easy Noodles Bar are all made purely from scratch – whether it’s ramen or stuffed tortellini, they’re all fully handmade. The dishes here are clearly Asian, but there’s no sole focus on one cuisine so you can expect a mishmash of Japanese, Chinese, and Singaporean flavours.

Image credit: Easy Noodles Bar

They offer a large range of dishes like chicken broth-based Yang Chun Noodle ($4.80) and Angus Beef Noodle ($12.80). Their Lamb Foreshank ($15.80) – braised in red wine with tender chunks of meat falling off the bone – comes highly recommended.

Address: 20 Foch Road, Singapore 209261
Opening hours: Mon to Sat: 11AM-12AM
Telephone: 8581 3521 

Website

3. Go-ang Chicken Pratunam – Bib Gourmand Thai chicken rice

Image credit: Eatbook

As Singaporeans, we’ve patted ourselves on the back for having the world’s best Hainanese chicken rice. But Bangkok’s Go-ang Chicken Pratunam’s chicken rice has a Bib Gourmand pegged to its name. And we can try it for ourselves now, since they’ve opened their first Singapore branch in NEX.

Image credit: Eatbook

A plate of Single Portion Chicken is priced at $4.50, much steeper than its Bangkok counterpart at THB40 (~S$1.7), but those who’ve headed down describe the chicken as perfectly poached with a tender bite.

Another plus side is that you can load up on other Thai dishes like Stir Fried Basil Chicken with Kai Lan ($8) and Chai Poh Omelette ($6.50).

Address: 23 Serangoon Central, #B1-05/06 NEX, Singapore 556083
Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 11AM-10PM 

Website

4. DOHKIE – edible cookie dough

Image credit: @dohkie.sg

Anyone who’s ever baked a batch of cookies know how difficult it is to resist digging into raw cookie dough. But DOHKIE is serving up edible cookie dough that’s been safely processed – that is, their flour is heat treated and raw ingredients like eggs are removed.

Image credit: Eatbook

Choose from classics like Original Chocolate Chip, Brownie Batter, and Cookies & Cream. There are even quirkier flavour like Lemon Tart and Birthday Cake. The batter comes solid and stiff, but you can add a scoop of soft-serve ($2.50 more) on top for a complementary blend of textures.

Image credit: Eatbook

1 scoop of cookie dough here starts from $4.

Address: 2 Havelock Road, #B1-26 Havelock II, Singapore 059763
Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 11:30AM-9:30PM 

Website

5. Heytea – China’s most popular cheese tea

Image credit: @m1ndyyl

As China’s most popular tea brand, you know that Heytea is worth heading down for – especially since they’re the OGs who kickstarted the cheese tea craze. Try their signature King Fone Cheezo Tea ($5.50). It’s brewed with oolong tea leaves and topped with a frothy layer of cheese foam.

Image credit: @jolzyx

Other special drinks include their Jade Matcha Cheezo Tea ($5.90) and fruity blends like their Very Strawberry Cheezo ($8.70). For added novelty, they’re also serving up Durian Ice Cream ($4.80) and Salted Egg Yolk Ice Cream ($4.80) – all special flavours that can only be found in Singapore.

Address: 2 Orchard Turn, #B4-29 ION Orchard Mall, Singapore 238801
Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 10AM-10PM 

Website

6. Stack SG – halal gourmet sandwiches

Image credit: @_naititu

This halal joint is offering up massive beasts of a sandwich, in which you can look forward a generous amount of ingredients spilling out from some artisan dough.

Image credit: @estheralexis

The menu offers up solid options: Sloppy Joe ($11) comes with chili beef stuffed in a pullman loaf, and Chunky AF ($15) has a unique combination of lamb meatballs and peanut butter hummus in a garlic bagel.

Image credit: @shnackadelic

It’s not all savoury bites either, with sandwiches like Sleepy Nonna ($9), which is french toast loaded with banana, nutella, and crushed oreos.

Address: 4 Jalan Klapa, Singapore 199316 (within Camelia & Co.)
Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 10AM-6PM
Telephone: 6904 8117 

Website

7. Cultures Specialty Coffee – Japanese rice bowls

Image credit: @justin_lim88

While Singapore’s cafe scene has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, we’re still excited by newcomers like Cultures Specialty Coffee. This one’s mostly for the work crowd since it’s in the middle of the CBD: they deal out rice bowls that’ll help fuel you through a long work day. Options include Wagyu Beef Don ($19.90), Salmon Mentaiko Don ($18.90), and Nyonya Pork Don ($15.90).

Image credit: @sengpoheats

Image credit: @tigerlovesfood

Their coffee is made from beans roasted by Common Man Specialty Coffee, and they’ve got standard brews like Latte ($5.50) and Flat White ($5.50). But what we’re really interested in? Magic ($5.50) – a white coffee with supposedly the perfect ratio of coffee to milk.

Address: 2 Marina Boulevard, #B1-04 The Sail @ Marina Bay, Singapore 018987
Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 8AM-6PM (Closed on weekenda) 

Website

8. TBB Safari – Tiong Bahru Bakery’s safari-themed tent

Image credit: Eatbook

Tiong Bahru Bakery’s newest concept is quite the wildcard. What with it being housed in a massive tent and dishing out organic fare, TBB Safari bears little resemblance to their other bakeries. It’s got major African safari vibes with foliage and wooden decor – inspired by the owner’s recent trip to Botswana.

Image credit: @minmin_tabemon

While they’ve got TBB’s regular menu of baked goods, this new joint is offering up unique drinks and dishes like their Tumeric Latte ($6.50) and Rolled Oats with Sesame and Pineapple ($8.80). If you’re after their signature croissants, they also offer pastries like the Ham & Cheese Croissant ($7.50) and Brie & Roasted Mushroom Croissant ($8.50).

Image credit: Eatbook

And unlike other alfresco experiences in sunny Singapore, TBB Safari brings it up a notch with eco-friendly coolers that keep the temperatures down to a cool 25 degrees. The canvas tent is rainproof too, so you can enjoy the sound of thundering rain while staying dry.

Address: 130E Minden Road, Singapore 248819
Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 8AM-5PM
Telephone: 6877 4876 

Website 

9. The Green Ducklings – fusion cafe

Image credit: @thegreenducklings

Fusion food is always a huge hit in Singapore, and it’s not any different at new cafe The Green Ducklings. They offer unusual dishes like Fried Carrot Cake with Nacho Cheese ($5.90) and Shrimpy Seaweed Fries ($5.90), but also cafe usuals like Meatball Pasta ($15.90).

Image credit: @saltyaaron

There’s also a takeaway counter serving up baked goodies like Lemon Meringue ($2.90) and Blueberry Cheese Tart ($2.90).

Image credit: @blooperscreations

Address: 302 Beach Road, #01-06 The Concourse Skyline, Singapore 199600
Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 8AM-8PM
Telephone: 9664 1518 

Website

10. Churreria La Lola – popular churros chain from the Philippines

Image credit: @alymeetsworld

There’s nothing like biting into a piping-hot golden churro that’s generously dusted with sugar and cinnamon. Churreria La Lola, The Philippine’s popular churro chain has opened their first Singaporean branch at Clarke Quay, and will be serving up their Classic Churros with a choice of dips (signature, chocolate, matcha, yam, and cream cheese).  

Image credit: @beatrizisabel

To try a range, you can mix 3 flavours for $9.30. And for those feeling adventurous, there’s a Singapore-exclusive Pork Floss Churro with Cream Cheese.

Address: 6 Eu Tong Sen Street, #01-27 Clarke Quay Central, Singapore 059817
Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 11AM-11PM  

Website 

– Restaurants –

11. Rubicon Steak House – Japanese wagyu steak and hamburg

Image credit: @rubicon_steakhouse

Rubicon Steak House’s hearty, meaty dishes are undoubtedly worth splurging on. You wouldn’t expect it from this hole-in-the-wall diner, but they’re dishing out quality Japanese meat. Try their Hokkaido Wagyu Steak ($31) for a hefty 180g slab of meat or the Hokkaido Beef Hamburg ($15.80) for a lighter but equally satisfying choice.

Image credit: @rubicon_steakhouse

Although they’re first and foremost a steakhouse, their Pork Cutlet Plate ($15.80) is also worth a try, and you have a choice between garlic bread or rice with your tonkatsu.

Address: 200 Upper Thomson Road, #01-04 Thomson Imperial Court, Singapore 574424
Opening hours: Tue to Sat: 11:30AM-3PM, 5:30PM-10PM, Sun: 5:30PM-10PM (Closed on Mondays)
Telephone: 8303 4075 

Website

12. Komyuniti – sharing plates in Orchard Road

Image credit: @komyunitisg

There are plenty of hidden gems in Orchard and there’s no need to grudgingly seat yourself down in another mainstream chain – especially with the opening of YOTEL’s new restaurant Komyuniti.

Image credit: @komyunitisg

The food here is made to be shared with dishes like Salmon Poke ($13), Beef Tartare ($14), and Butter Poached Slipper Lobster ($16). Their drinks are equally tasty, with unique concoctions like KOMpliment ($18, butterfly pea-infused gin) and Chaussettes ($18, truffle vodka).

Image credit: @komyunitisg

Address: 66 Orchard Road, Level 10 YOTEL Singapore, Singapore 238904
Opening hours: Sun to Thu: 6:30AM-11PM, Fri to Sat: 6:30AM-12AM
Telephone: 6866 8000 

Website

13. Preludio – monthly themed menus

Iberico pork shoulder and grape tomatoes following a monochrome theme.
Image credit: @ibericostorreon

Another fancy fine-dining restaurant to add to your list is Preludio, which sets itself apart by having a new menu and theme every month. Last month featured a “monochrome” theme, and the menu was kept simple but with complex flavours – ingredients like balsamic vinegar, caviar, and hand-crafted butter were woven in.

“Rags to riches” – squash gnocchi with a generous topping of white truffle.
Image credit: @mapazzion

Lunch starts from $68 for 4 courses and dinner starts from $168 for 6 courses.

Image credit: @preludio.sg

Address: 182 Cecil Street, Frasers Tower #03-01/02, Singapore 069547
Opening hours: Mon to Sat: 11:30AM-10PM
Telephone: 6904 5686 

Website

14. Telok Ayer Arts Club – Mediterranean and Asian fusion

Tomatoes & Tofu comes with white miso and shitake pesto.
Image credit: @telokayerartsclub

Telok Ayer Arts Club isn’t merely a dining space – as its name suggest, it’s also an arts club. But there’s nothing pretentious about it either. Like a quirkier version of our neighbourhood community centres, it’s simply a place for people to enjoy good food and music. Of course, there’s also an exhibition area that regularly showcases the work of local artists.

Image credit: @telokayerartsclub

Foodwise, you’ll be enjoying a mishmash of Mediterranean and local flavours with  Mediterranean Couscous ($15), Seafood Fettuccine ($25), and Tomatoes & Tofu ($14).

The Passion Cooler has fresh passionfruit, citrus, egg white, and honey.
Image credit: @telokayerartsclub

Address: 2 McCallum Street, Singapore 069043
Opening hours: Mon to Sat: 11AM-11PM (Closed on Sundays)
Telephone: 6221 0712 

Website

15. The Botanic – fusion sharing plates in Raffles City

Image credit: The Botanic

The Botanic has taken over a prime corner of Raffles City and chances are, you’ll notice it soon with its pastel green exterior and quaint alfresco setup. The menu fits the restaurant’s aesthetic perfectly, with an array of plant-based sharing dishes.

The Chendol Pavlova comes with fresh fruits like coconut, mango, and jackfruit.
Image credit: The Botanic

Flavours here are primarily Asian with a twist of Middle Eastern, with dishes like Caramelised Organic Bungalow Pork Belly ($22) and Harissa Spiced Spatchcock ($29). There’s also plenty for vegetarians and vegans to choose from, from Grilled Halloumi ($22) to Pressed Tofu ($16).

Even their desserts are fusion: we’re eyeing the Chendol Pavlova ($12) that’s loaded generously with fresh coconut, mango, and jackfruit.

Address: 252 North Bridge Road, #01-22A Raffles City Shopping Centre, Singapore 179103
Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 12PM-11PM
Telephone: 6837 0995 

Website

16. Restaurant JAG – Michelin-starred French chef

Image credit: @mitsueki

Here’s one classy fine-dining restaurant to save for a special meal: Restaurant JAG, led by a French Michelin-star chef. You can choose between 5 ($98), 7 ($168) or 10 ($218) courses, but whatever it is, you’ll be treated to a bevy of delicate dishes like Hokkaido Scallop, Foie Gras, and Brittany Turbot.

Image credit: @restaurantjagsg

No doubt that it’s for special occasions only, since it’s the sort of place that dole out cheese platters for dessert and exquisite door gifts on your way out.

Address: 76 Duxton Road, Singapore 089535
Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 12PM-2PM, 6PM-11PM, Sat: 6PM-11PM (Closed on Sundays) 

Website

17. The Mast’ of Mozzarella & Co. – Italian cheese joint famous for buffalo cheese

Image credit: The Mast’ Singapore

All cheese lovers know that there’s no such thing as too much cheese. Hailing straight from Italy, The Mast’ of Mozzarella & Co. is all about the cheese – gooey, hard, crumbly, they’ve got it all. Their menu also offers up plenty of other Italian fare.

Image credit: The Mast’ Singapore

Try the Tris di Bufala ($28) for buffalo cheese in three ways: truffle-stuffed, pesto-stuffed, and mozzarella. Other dishes on the menu include pizza, flatbread, stuffed bread – really, anything that goes well with cheese.

Address: 182 Cecil Street, $01-05/08 Frasers Tower, Singapore 069547
Opening hours: Mon to Sat: 10AM-10PM (Closed on Sundays) 

Website

18. The Wine & Gourmet Friends – wine from $6 and Asian tapas

Image credit: @william.seah

A glass of wine? Much needed after a long day. And that’s exactly what you’ll be getting at The Wine & Gourmet Friends – they’ve got over 300 different wines and a glass starts from just $6. Pair either a red, white, or sparkling with their wide variety of Asian tapas which include tasty bites like Luncheon Chips ($8) and Crab Wonton ($12).

Their Lamb Trio ($30) comes with lamb kofta, lamb rendang, and rosemary grilled lamb rack.
Image credit: @makeyourcaloriescount

For a heartier meal, they also have mains like Rosedale Ruby Pure Australian Beef (from $12/100g) and Braised Lobster Noodle ($78 for 2 people).

Address: 48 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089859
Opening hours: Mon to Sat: 12PM-11PM, Sun: 12PM-9PM
Telephone: 6224 1982 

Website

19. Mythz & Myths – experimental menu that changes every 3 months

Tender bone marrow, as part of an 8-course omakase.
Image credit: @shu55min

There’s no fixed menu at Mythz & Myths – it’s experimental and varies every 3 months or so. A different music soundtrack will also be swapped out to offer an entirely new ambience. With an eight-course dinner menu ($138), you’ll be leaving yourself in the hands of the chef – previous dishes have included plates of Hamachi Crudo (yellowtail sashimi) and Hokkaido Snow Beef.

Image credit: @jleewoohoo

Their cocktails are equally experimental and make use of fresh fruits, herbs, and spices. Try the Cosmic Bloom ($22) for a splash of gin and white wine that’s mixed with a refreshing blend of lemon rosewater.

Address: 50 South Bridge Road, #01-00 CMO Building, Singapore 058682
Opening hours: Tue to Sat: 5PM-12AM (Closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Telephone: 9733 4377 

Website

20. Bacchanalia by Vianney Massot – Michelin-starred tasting menus

The Foie Gras Symphony – a complimentary amuse bouche.
Image credit: @singaporeliciouz

Bacchanalia by Vianney Massot serves up dishes so finely presented[d] that they could only be described as works of art. The chef comes from the now-defunct two Michelin-starred L’Aterlier Joel Robuchon so you can be sure that the food here is French cuisine in all its finery – but with small dashes of local flavours.

Besides, it has a Michelin star of its own.

Scallop ravioli with caviar – all in a frothy kumquat emulsion. 
Image credit: @terenceongwh

There’s no a la carte menu, but fixed tasting menus for both lunch and dinner. The Five-course Lunch Degustation ($158) and Seven-course Dinner Degustation ($298) might be pricey but comes loaded with fancy ingredients like caviar and white truffle.

Image credit: @bacchanaliasg

Address: 39 Hong Kong Street, Singapore 059678
Opening hours: Tue to Sat: 12PM-2PM, 6PM-9:45PM (Closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Telephone: 6909 6360 

Website

Restaurants to try in Singapore

Since November, plenty of new restaurants have opened their doors. From Tiong Bahru Bakery’s safari-themed tent to a cookie dough joint, our stomachs will be filled to the brim this December.

Pailin Boonlong

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