Feast non-stop February
Adapted from source: @theforbiddenrebel
Our official CNY long weekend has just passed, but CNY isn’t technically over yet, and this gives us more reason to treat ourselves and our loved ones to good food. And just because February is the shortest month of the year, that doesn’t mean our rate of feasting is declining anytime.
Besides, Valentine’s Day is approaching so it’s time to start planning your special day with bae – a sumptuous meal is mandatory. Whether you’re opting for a casual day out, or an atas date night, this list of 20 new cafes and restaurants will for sure, help you to score points with the other half!
Cafes
1. Hattendo Singapore
Source: @hazeldiary_
Even if you’re not a fan of bread, Hattendo is a game-changer. A popular bakery brand from Japan, their deceptively simple-looking buns come in 5 flavours: Custard, Whipped Cream, Matcha, Azuki Beans and Chocolate ($2.50). We’re diggin’ the matcha buns, especially since cheap matcha snacks don’t come by easily.
Devour the soft, fluffy buns when they’re fresh from the oven. A bite sees cream filling oozing out – be careful not to squeeze the bun or things will get messy. Located in Tanjong Pagar Centre with a dine-in concept, this is an alternative to the usual cafe or hawker centre fare for you CBD folks.
Address: Tanjong Pagar Centre, 7 Wallich Street, #01-05, Singapore 078884
Opening Hours: 10am – 9pm (weekdays), 10am – 8pm (weekends)
Website
2. Foxhole Cafe
Source: @foxholecafesg
Hougang residents rejoice – you finally have an atas coffee shop in your hood with the opening of Foxhole Cafe. Minced beef packed beneath layers of flat pasta sheets, enveloped in an abundance of thick ragu sauce, makes up their signature Lasagne ($14.90). And you wouldn’t miss out on Foxhole Signature Yakult Soda ($6.90), a superb blend of the prebiotic cultured milk drink and sprite – a potential Instagram darling for sure.
Address: The Midtown Residences, 1189 Upper Serangoon Road, #01-18, Singapore 534785
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (closed on Tue)
Telephone: 6385 5587
Website
3. LeTAO Singapore
Source: @emily_toh
Cheese tarts have finally found themselves a strong contender. LeTAO, also hailing from Hokkaido, has arrived in town with its legendary cheesecake. Famous for their Double Fromage cheesecake ($28, 12cm) directly air-flown from Hokkaido, those who’ve tried it have waxed lyrical about its melt-in-the-mouth texture.
This masterpiece of a cake is made of 3 types of cheese – Italian mascarpone, camembert, and cream cheese. The top layer is light, creamy unbaked cheesecake, while the bottom layer consists of baked cheese. Besides cheesecake, LeTAO also stocks bite-sized snacks like Royale Montagne Chocolate Pieces ($12, 9 pieces).
Address: ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, #B1-K7, Singapore 238801
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm
Telephone: 8799 3551
Website
4. Gohan Cafe by Kacyo
I can never resist anything Japanese – chirashi don in particular. That’s why Gohan Cafe by Kacyo, which offers a plethora of Japanese rice bowls at wallet-friendly prices is particularly attractive. Their bestseller is Barachirashi Bowl ($18), that’s packed with copious amounts of raw fish and salmon roe, served with salad and miso soup.
Source: @gohancafe
Also, check out the Japanese Wagyu Sushi ($38, 5 pieces) here. This is the first time we’re seeing raw beef on rice! Though this dish leans on the pricier side, you should still give it a try for a novel experience.
Address: Aperia Mall, 12 Kallang Avenue, #02-07/08, Singapore 339511
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3pm, 5:30pm – 10pm
Telephone: 6702 4589
Website
5. An Acai Affair
Source: @anaciaffair
An Acai Affair isn’t just any dessert cafe blindly hopping on the superfoods trend. The 3 owners set up the cafe to raise awareness about the health benefits of acai, and you wouldn’t have guessed they’re only 20-year-olds. #Lifegoals right there.
Their acai bowls and smoothies are served in coconut bowls or cups, and most of you will choose the former for aesthetic photo purposes. Get their signature, Tropical Coconut Bowl ($6.90), where acai and fresh cut fruits are tossed in a young coconut husk. You’ll also get to pick your sauces – honey, cookie sauce or peanut butter – and additional toppings (from $6.90).
Address: 101 East Coast Road, Singapore 428796
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm (Mon to Thu), 12pm – 11:30pm (Fri), 10am – 11:30pm (Sat), 10am – 10pm (Sun)
Telephone: 9792 0837
Website
6. Salt and Delight
Source: @juicyfingers
Not a newbie in the pastry business, the owner and patisserie chef of Salt and Delight has been selling her Entremet cakes (multi-layered mousse cakes) online since 2015. Get a slice of heaven with Matcha Mandarin Orange ($7.50/slice), the crowd favourite here. An exquisite cake made of matcha mousse and mandarin orange gel, this is one refreshing flavour that you don’t come across often.
This multi-talented baker is also a trained barista, so you can look forward to sipping on coffee, and indulging in pretty pastries in this quaint cafe stowed away in an ulu part of Kovan.
Address: Space@Kovan, 9 Yio Chu Kang Road #01-02, Singapore 545523
Opening Hours: 11am – 7pm (Tue to Sat), 2pm – 6pm (Sun)
Telephone: 6909 0140
Website
7. Marble Bistro
Source: @marblebistro
We daresay that Marble Bistro takes food experimentation to another level. Their attention to detail in every dish is commendable, and it’s no surprise since their chefs hail from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. Deviled Eggs ($8) looks out-of-the-world, even eccentric. This dish isn’t the usual stuffed egg, whereby the egg white is packed with flavoured egg yolk. Instead, the spiced egg yolk is piped into a pesto cone in Marble Bistro’s rendition.
Even their drinks are exotic. Mushroom Macchiato ($6.50) could be easily mistaken for black coffee. Smooth and rich in savory mushroom essence, this cuppa joe’s foamy top coat isn’t just milky foam, but also infused with truffle.
Address: 6 Everton Park, #01-18, Singapore 080006
Opening Hours: 11.45am – 5pm, 6pm – 9pm (Tue to Sat) | 11.45am – 3pm (Sun)
Telephone: 9795 7262
Website
8. Matcha Project
Source: @iamminx2
Located at The Sail @ Marina Bay is Matcha Project, a takeaway cafe which only sells matcha beverages and desserts. For pure matcha indulge, choose from Matcha Shot ($5 / $6.50), Houjicha ($5.50) and Genmaicha ($5.50). But if you prefer milky matcha drinks, then go for Matcha Latte ($5.50).
Source: @the_xw
They’ve also recently launched Matcha Soft Serve ($5 / $6.50), which is smooth and rich in matcha, yet not cloying. As there’s limited seating in the shop, we wouldn’t mind enjoying the desserts by the sea side, watching the world go by.
Address: The Sail, 2 Marina Boulevard, #B1-08C, Singapore 018987
Opening Hours: 8am – 6pm (Mon to Fri), 10am – 5pm (Sat)
Telephone: 9223 0245
Website
9. Pick A Boo
I’m sure we’ve all felt the pinch when paying for expensive meals in Orchard. So when affordable cafe options like Pick A Boo spring up in town, we jump at the chance of dining there. With everything on the menu under $10, give a try at the recommended dishes of Teriyaki Seafood Aglio Olio ($7.30), Dirty Fries ($4.50) and Waffles & Ice Cream ($4.90). Plus, there’s no GST and service charge – more motivation for you to pop by when you’re in town.
Check out the full review of Pick A Boo on Eatbook.
Address: Lucky Plaza Asian Food Mall, 304 Orchard Road, #B1-38, Singapore 238863
Opening Hours: 9am – 10pm
Website
10. Yogurtland
Source: @rainraineeataway
At Yogurtland, relive your childhood as you make multi-coloured art out of swirls of frozen indulgence. With over 200 froyo flavours like Original Tart and Sumatra Coffee, and 33 toppings available, just imagine the crazy number of possibilities! This American froyo chain’s froyo is made of pure Californian milk, is antibiotics-free and gluten-free. Priced according to weight ($3/100g), agar-ation skills will be put to the test here, as you try your best to not spend a bomb.
Address: Suntec City, 3 Temasek Boulevard, #B1-165/166, Singapore 038983
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm
Telephone: 6338 2848
Website
Restaurants
1. Ippudo X Kuro-Obi
Ordering is super fuss-free at Ippudo’s first takeaway ramen outlet in Asia. First, choose the flavour of your ramen: Kuro-Obi ($12), Cha-Obi ($9), Shiro-Obi ($8) or Aka-Obi ($10). Then decide if you want a soft, normal or hard texture for your noodles. Finally, indicate the intensity of your soup and the amount of oil, and opt for toppings of garlic or onion if you fancy.
For a spicy kick, opt for Aka-Obi ($10). Chicken stock is flavoured with chilli oil, a dollop of hae bee hiam (dried shrimp sambal) and minced meat. All these, coupled with al-dente noodles, makes a comforting bowl of ramen that you can slurp in the comfort of your office, if you dabao back for lunch.
Get a full review of Ippudo X Kuro-Obi’s ramen on Eatbook.
Address: Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue, #B2-54, Singapore 018972
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 11pm
Website
2. MEET
Source: @zihtay
The punny restaurant name is a confirmation of MEET’s identity as carnivore’s paradise. You can expect glorious meat dishes like Honey Spiced Roasted Chicken ($18), a whole roasted chicken that can easily feed 3 to 4.
Source: @the_xw
Another sinful meaty dish is Caramelised Miso Pork Belly ($15). Complemented by Granny Smith apple, seed mustard, white onions cooked with sherry vinegar, and honey mustard, this dish is reminiscent of sio bak, only sweeter. But for those who still need their veggies, you can still get your greens from dishes such as French Bean With Garlic ($5).
Address: City Square Mall, 180 Kitchener Road, #02-37/38, Singapore 208539
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 9:30pm (weekdays), 11am – 9:30pm (weekends)
Telephone: 6909 0568
Website
3. STRAY by Fatcat
Source: @nathanielneo
The CNY long weekend has just flown by, but that doesn’t stop us from delighting in more lo hei. Sitting in the heart of town is STRAY by Fatcat by the same folks behind FatCat Ice-cream Bar, who once dominated #sgfoodporn with its charcoal waffles with salted egg yolk sauce.
Continue the CNY festivities with your fam by opting for Yu Sheng Bowl ($20), which puts a contemporary spin on the usual large-plate yusheng. And end off your meal with their Instagrammable desserts, Keep Popping ($12 for 3) that features flavours like Osmanthus with lime mojito and rum, Lychee with rose, Blood Mandarin with Shirazi lemon.
Address: Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road, #04-22A/23, Singapore 238896
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm
Address: 6835 7317
Website
4. Kin Moo
Source: @chutoro
You ‘eat pork’ at Kin Moo – because that’s what the restaurant name means. The first Thai boat noodles shop in Singapore to offer Baamee Haeng Cha Kang Rao ($7.50) or Thai braised knuckle noodles, you could say their signature is the Thai rendition of Bak Chor Mee.
Another must-try is BaaMee Moo Dang ($6.50) or Thai Wanton Mee, served with pork lard, shallots, fried garlic, as well as plump, juicy wontons.
Address: 2 Tan Quee Lan Street #01-02 Singapore 188091 (Bugis MRT)
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Telephone: 9767 7784
5. Thirteen Duxton Hill
Source: @blueskiescottonclouds
Pleasant surprises are always welcome, and Thirteen Duxton Hill knows this for a fact. The menu at this contemporary bistro-bar is switched up daily, depending on what catches the chef’s eye at the local market. And that’s why the menu is handwritten – old-school, yet showcases Melbourne Chef Fiechtner’s creativity.
Get a taste of modern Australian fare when you opt for Corn, Prawn Head Butter & Croissant ($16). Baby corn is doused in fragrant prawn butter sauce, sprinkled with cocoa, and paired with a crispy croissant. If it isn’t on the menu though, try anything else to discover yet another exciting dish whipped up by this innovative chef.
Address: #01-01, 13 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089597
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 3:00pm, 6:00pm – 11:45pm (Thursday & Friday) | 10am – 3pm (Saturday), 10am -5pm (Sunday)
Telephone: 9054 1435
Website
6. Mukshidonna
Source: @gniynayy
Popular Korean tteokbokki chain, Mukshidonna, has arrived on our shores, landing itself in Downtown East’s new dining wing. We bet you’re already salivating at the sight of those chewy rice cakes swirling in orange piping hot broth. What’s more, you’re free to spam ingredients like chicken sausage, sliced beef, cheese, mushrooms or mussels ($3 each) in the mix.
At an affordable price of $13.90 per person (minimum 2 pax), this is the perfect place for cozy gatherings with friends. At the end of your meal, it’s highly recommended that you get fried rice ($5) to soak up all of that thick broth.
Address: 1 Pasir Ris Close, E!Avenue, #02-324, Singapore 519599
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10pm
Website
7. Atmastel
Source: @msginginly
Helmed by a head chef from a 2 Michelin-starred restaurant, Atmastel boasts of an open kitchen, pizza bakery, a crudo bar, and a wine retail zone. With a wide offering done Mediterranean style – from salads, to pasta and pizza, you’re in for a feast here.
They have a set lunch option whereby you simply top up $5 to any main to enjoy a choice of salad or soup, plus a cup of homemade iced lemon tea. As for dessert, try Passionfruit Creme Brulee ($12.90), which is a beautiful concoction of custard cream, chocolate soil and passion fruit granite with almond tuile.
Address: South Beach Avenue, 26 Beach Road, #B1-22, Singapore 189768
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10pm
Telephone: 6581 0085
Website
8. Tok Tok Indonesian Soup House
Source: @fitrirstyles
Tok Tok Indonesian Soup House is the place to be when you’re craving for Indonesian street food. A soup specialist, this restaurant serves up belly-warming soups like Soto Betawi ($8.80) or Beef Soup, and Sop Buntut ($9.50) or Oxtail Soup, perfect for chilly rainy days.
Ayam Penyet ($8.80), with fried chicken skin oh-so-crisp and fine, will go well with your soups. Other must-tries include Siomay Bandung ($6.80) or Mixed steamed fish dumplings, and Indonesian Chocolate Cheese tart ($2.80).
Address: 313@Somerset, 313 Orchard Road, #B3-10, Singapore 238895
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm
Website
9. The Garage
Source: @nomadthegallant
We’re not surprised at the overarching garden theme in this eatery, since it’s nestled in Botanic Gardens. And interestingly, The Garage’s 2-in-1 concept sees a cafe, Bee’s Knees on level 1, and a restaurant, Botanico on level 2.
Source: @the_xw
We can’t take our eyes off Lemon Rosemary Tart ($7). Golden-glazed dollops of meringue deck the lemon curd, while rosemary peeks out from above – all of this sitting on a crusty tart. Definitely eye candy material for the Insta-game. Besides desserts, you can also get your mains such as Tiger Prawns Linguine ($18) here.
Address: 50 Cluny Park Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore 257488
Opening Hours: Bee’s Knees 10am – 6pm | Botanico 6pm – 10pm (Wed to Sun)
Telephone: 9831 1106
Website
10. Nanjing Impressions
Source: @amie.hu
Stepping into Nanjing Impressions feels like you’ve just entered an ancient Chinese movie, from the traditional lanterns hanging off the ceiling, to the use of traditional Chinese cutlery. Ranked among the top 10 restaurants in various parts of China, this is the restaurant’s first foray into Singapore
Some of its signatures include Jinling Noodles in Light Soy Broth ($6.80), and Steamed Glutinous Rice with Pork ($13.80). Be sure to ask for their super shiok chilli oil sauce to go with your dishes, because you won’t find it on the table.
Don’t go without ordering Baby Rooster Stew with Special Sauce served with Crispy Sesame Bun ($23.80). Well-marinated chunks of chicken sit on a bed of piping hot soy sauce, served with crispy sesame buns resembling you tiao. Go ahead and mop up all of that savory sauce with the buns.
Address: Plaza Singapura, Orchard Road, #04-46 to 51 & 68, Singapore 238839
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon to Sun)
Telephone: 6352 7877
February, Fed-bruary, Fat-bruary?
With that food baby carried over from stuffing our faces with pineapple tarts during CNY, we begin to wonder if this life of eternal gluttony is getting out of hand. But then again, it doesn’t hurt to treat ourselves from time to time.
Plus, the thrill of stumbling upon new, delectable grub is what makes life worth the living. So go on and eat all you want, but remember to stick to your New Year resolution of exercising regularly. You’ll be safe that way.