New restaurants to try in Singapore
Image adapted from: Bistro 8
This June, a new medley of restaurants and cafes has made it onto our must-try list. A Sichuan noodle joint, riverside skewer bar, and heartland chocolate cafe are just a few new eateries that caught our eye. From $40 lobster rolls to A5 wagyu burgers, here are the top 20 new food joints that we’ll be treating ourselves to this month:
– Cafes –
1. Obsessive Chocolat Desire Cafe – ice cream and waffles
Image credit: @qingxiangsqx
Obsessive Chocolat Desire (OCD) Cafe is a dream come true for those with self-proclaimed chocolate addictions. But this cosy cafe in Ang Mo Kio is more of an ice cream parlour than a dessert house. It’s got a solid selection of 16 ice cream flavours – 5 of them have varying degrees of chocolatey goodness:
- Ecuador 40% Milk
- Belgium Dark 50%
- Brazil 72% Dark
- Africa 85% Dark
- Madagascar 33% Milk
Image credit: @qingxiangsqx
The chocolatiest of them all? Undoubtedly, the Signature Africa 85% Dark which comes with a slightly sticky texture. If you’re keen on trying a non-chocolate flavour to refresh your palate, they also do up favourites like vanilla and salted caramel.
It’s $3.60 for a Single Scoop, $7 for a Double Scoop, and an additional $1 for a cone. Add a fresh buttermilk waffle for $4.
Address: 529 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10, #01-2353, Singapore 560529
Opening hours: Sun – Thur 12PM-10PM | Fri – Sat 12PM-1AM
Telephone: 9008 9726
2. Cheeky – brunch fare at Tanjong Pagar
Image credit: @cheeky_allday
There’s no shortage of trendy cafes in the Tanjong Pagar area but Cheeky stands out for its concise menu. While some might bemoan the lack of choice, top chef Gordon Ramsay did once suggest in Kitchen Nightmares that chefs sticking to one-pager menus serve up the best food as ingredients tend to be fresher.
The Cheeky Burger comes with aged cheddar and pickled slaw, along with a side of curly fries
Image credit: @the_xw
And with dishes like the Cheeky Burger ($12) and Smashing Arvo ($14), this is one joint that knows its classic brunch fare inside out. They also dole out sides like Sambal Crab Scramble ($10) and beer-battered Fried Pickles ($6).
Address: 74 Neil Road, Singapore 088839
Opening hours: Tue – Fri 10.30AM-6.30PM | Sat 9.30AM-6.30PM | Sun 9.30AM-4.30PM
Telephone: 6220 0491
3. %Arabica – coffee joint from Kyoto
Image credit: @pi3ng
We’ve been waiting months for %Arabica to open their doors in Arab Street. This cafe hails from Kyoto and is known to serve up quality coffee. While they’re still undergoing construction, their Instagram page suggests that they’ll be opening shortly.
Image credit: @arabica.journal
Stark white walls and marble tiles, all in a light-filled space – no doubt that all Instagrammers will be flocking here soon. But with freshly-roasted beans from all around the world, countries like Japan, Guatemala, and El Salvador, it’s worth heading down for a try.
Address: 56 Arab Street, Singapore 199753
To open by June 2019.
4. No Milk – rooftop bar that serves fish soup
Image credit: @spadely
Fish soup was never quite in trend: there’s only so much you can do with a bowl of clear soup and fish slices. But No Milk begs to differ. As the name goes, there’s no milk whatsoever in their fish soup – it makes for a subtly sweet broth where you can taste the freshness of the fish.
With neon signage, this Teochew fish soup joint is sure to draw in plenty of millennials
Image credit: No Milk
They’ve got various renditions: Sliced Mackerel ($6), Fried Sea Bass ($6), or Mixed ($7), and you can choose between white rice, brown rice, porridge, or noodles. If fish soup doesn’t strike your fancy, they also have Western mains like Tequila Marinated Angus Beef ($24) and Beef Rendang Tagliatelle ($16.80).
Address: 19 Pahang Street, Singapore 198615
Opening hours: Mon – Sat 11AM-10PM (Closed on Sun)
5. Ms Durian – durian desserts
Most have strong feelings about durians – they either love or hate the king of fruits. But now that it’s durian season, we’re sure to see plenty haggling their way at roadside fruit stalls – these are the ones who’d appreciate Ms Durian, a cafe specialising solely in durian desserts.
Image credit: @tspoflove
Try the Durian Mousse Cake ($8.50), a vanilla sponge that’s topped with fresh durian and a light drizzle of gula melaka. They also have several desserts that are infused with the creamy flavour of Mao Shan Wang, such as the MSW Ice Cream Puff ($3) and MSW Durian Cake ($12).
Address: 51 Upper Serangoon Road, #01-70 Poiz Centre, Singapore 347697
Opening hours: Mon 2PM-10PM | Tue – Sun 12PM-10PM
Telephone: 6962 0057
6. Gram Cafe & Pancakes – jiggly souffle pancakes from Osaka
Image credit: @tyk101
We can’t help but swoon at the thought of souffle pancakes, which are fluffy and jiggly, all at once. While famous Osaka joint Gram Cafe & Pancakes has yet to open their doors at VivoCity this month, we’re still eagerly counting down the days till we can try their Premium Pancake Stack.
Image credit: @mollyeatallday
Each pancake is a satisfying 4cm thick, and the stack comes topped with a generous dollop of butter, syrup, and whipped cream. Menu prices aren’t released yet for Singapore, but if they’re anything similar to Japan’s, then this dessert is priced around JPY950 (~S$11.95). They’re also known for their novel range of toppings, with everything from scrambled eggs to tiramisu.
Address: 1 Harbourfront Walk, #02-110/111 VivoCity, Singapore 098585
To open by June 2019.
7. BurgerLabo – Wagyu A5 and black Iberican pork burgers
Image credit: @kelvinhungry
Simply put, burgers aren’t gourmet food. But BurgerLabo comes pretty darn close with their zealous use of Wagyu A5 and black Iberian pork – you wouldn’t see such fancy ingredients in any other burger joint. Their standout burger? The Basic Burger (from $23), which contrary to its name, is far from basic.
The beef patty is entirely made from premium cuts that you’d expect from a white tablecloth restaurant: Black Angus beef neck, Japanese ribeye, Wagyu A4 tenderloin, and Wagyu A5 brisket. It comes with the “works”, meaning tomato slices, lettuce, American cheese, and their house-made bone marrow butter.
Image credit: @burgerlabo
They also have a solid selection of other mains, such as the Lobster Roll ($38, 90g American lobster) or the meatless Almost Burger ($20) which features the recently trending Impossible meat.
Address: 41 Malan Road, Singapore 109454
Opening hours: Tue – Thur 5PM-11PM | Fri – Sat 5PM-2AM (Closed on Sun & Mon)
Telephone: 6694 0940
8. Wishes Cafe – ice cream parlour at Macpherson
The pink sakura tree makes the perfect IG backdrop
Image credit: @chiouling_
There’s no need to venture to town with the recent influx of heartland cafes – Wishes Cafe is another new opening smack-bang in Macpherson. While they’re more of an ice cream parlour than a traditional brunch cafe, ice cream flavours go beyond classic vanilla with Japanese Sweet Potato, Pistachio, and Avocado.
Image credit: @snapase
A scoop starts from $3.50, and goes perfectly with a warm Buttermilk Waffle (additional $3). Those craving savoury bites can also try their Mala Chicken Wings ($5.80 for 6), which comes spiced with Sichuan chilli and peppercorns.
Address: 36 Circuit Road, #01-414, Singapore
Opening hours: Tue – Fri 11AM-10PM | Sat – Sun 11AM-11PM (Closed on Mon)
9. Chico Loco – Mexican food at Telok Ayer
Image credit: @wcommunications.sg
It’s not easy finding food that’s both healthy and tasty, and that’s when Mexican joint Chico Loco steps up with their spit-roasted chicken. It’s run by the same folks behind Super Loco and Luca Loca, and while they’re not about green juices and eating clean, their chicken is organic, hormone-free, and free-range.
This is undoubtedly their prime dish, and comes generously basted with flavourful herbs and spices. They offer it in Quarter Serving ($9), Half Serving ($17), and Whole Serving ($32).
Image credit: @christiantan808
Other dishes worth trying include their Chicken & Egg Sanga ($13), a delish mix of chicken chorizo, egg, and hashbrown, and the Hot Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich ($13) for its spicy fried chicken and hot sauce mayo.
Image credit: @christiantan808
Address: 102 Amoy Street, Singapore 069922
Opening hours: Mon – Thur 8AM-10PM | Sat 5PM-12PM (Closed on Sun)
Telephone: 9738 7828
10. Lalune Croissant – croissants and bubble tea at Somerset
Image credit: @jeanhojiak
Lalune Croissant is a tiny kiosk at Somerset@313 that offers up exactly what Orchard Road was missing: an array of sweet and savoury croissants. While the range isn’t quite the same as authentic Parisian croissants, the ones here are still flaky with a crisp outer layer.
Choose from unusual flavours like Apple Cinnamon ($3.90) or Black & White ($$3.90), which comes with both milk and white chocolate.
All bubble tea concoctions come in jars
Image credit: @julovessashimi
There’s also a solid selection of bubble tea, with flavours like Dirty Milk Tea ($4) for its brown sugar mix and Peach Milk Tea ($3.50).
Address: 313 Orchard Road, #B3-48A 313@Somerset, Singapore 238895
Opening hours: Mon – Sat 8AM-10PM | Sun 8AM – 8PM
Telephone: 9833 5112
– Restaurants –
11. Burger & Lobster – London’s famous lobster rolls
There’s no need to book your flights to London to try Burger & Lobster since one just opened in our very own Jewel Changi Airport. The menu’s fairly straightforward, where you’ll get to choose between mains like burgers, lobsters, or lobster rolls.
The Original Lobster Roll ($40) has been popping up like crazy on our social media feed, and we can see why – it comes with generous chunks of lobster meat between a buttery brioche roll. It’s also a significant amount cheaper than Bangkok’s Burger & Lobster, where 1 roll is priced at a hefty THB1500 (~$64.80).
Like with all other hyped Jewel Changi eateries, expect a queue that takes longer than 1 hour here.
Address: 78 Airport Boulevard, #05-203 Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore 819666
Opening hours: Mon – Sun 9AM-3AM
12. Chuan Hung – Sichuan rice noodles
Image credit: @ssssimt
Mala isn’t the only Sichuan dish that’s making its rounds in Singapore – these handmade Sichuan rice noodles from Chuan Hung have received quite the fanfare too. Choose from soup bases like clear, red, and vine pepper – they all have a hearty broth and slippery rice noodles.
Image credit: @chuanhungnoodle
There’s a range of toppings for you to add on: Braised Pig Intestines ($5.50), Marinated Egg ($2), and Braised Beef ($5.50) are just a few of the options available. You can also choose to share small plates like Fried Crispy Pig Intestines ($5.50) that are served with Japanese leeks and Braised Eggplant ($4.50).
Image credit: @chuanhungnoodle
Address: 51 Telok Ayer Street, #01-01, Singapore 048441
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 10AM-3PM, 5PM-9PM | Sat – Sun 10AM-9PM
Telephone: 9755 1058
13. The Feather Blade – steak by ex-Flat Iron chef
Image credit: @suivezcheryl
It first started out as an 8-week pop-up steakhouse but The Feather Blade is now here to stay as a permanent fixture along Club Street. They’ve only got the one main dish on the menu: 200g of flat iron-cut steak, priced at $21.
Image credit: @thefeatherblade
While the iron-cut is known as a “lesser” cut compared to tenderloin and ribeye, the steak here comes delightfully pink having been sous-vide to a medium-rare level. There’s also a burger for those in the know – the Handshake Burger ($21), an off-the-menu item that’s limited to no more than 15 orders per day.
Pick from sides like spinach, mushrooms, onsen egg, or potatoes – each priced at $7.
Address: 90 Club Street, Singapore 069458
Opening hours: Tue – Sun 5.30PM-1AM (Closed on Mon)
14. Clove – poke bowl and seafood buffet at Swissotel
Image credit: CLOVE
There’s no shortage of buffets in Singapore: Korean BBQ, hotpot, seafood – you name it, our little red dot has got it. But with Clove, a new all-day hotel buffet in Swissotel The Stamford, there’s a little something for everyone.
We’re most excited by The Poke Bar, a station where you can fill up on unlimited salmon and tuna poke. It even includes typical poke bowl toppings like cherry tomatoes and pumpkin seeds, along with more atas proteins like beef shank and poached shrimp.
Image credit: @swissotelthestamford
The buffet also includes a Seafood Bar where you can load up on a range of seafood – both cooked and sashimi-style. There’s also a solid cheese selection, live noodle station, and wok-fried dishes.
Prices start from $55/adult for the lunch buffet.
Address: 2 Stamford Road, Level 2 of Swissotel The Stamford, Singapore 178882
Opening hours: Mon – Sat 12PM-2.30PM, 5.30PM-10.30PM | Sun 12PM-2.30PM
Telephone: 6431 6156
15. Sa Tae Bak – riverside skewer bar
Image credit: @sataebak
Alfresco dining isn’t a likely habit of Singaporeans – we much prefer enjoying the cool breeze of an aircon instead. But with Sa Tae Bak’s location right by Geylang River, you’ll get a natural gust of wind plus a delish range of grilled skewers. Choose from items like Quail Egg with Mentaiko ($2), Pork Belly with Onion ($2), and Enoki Bacon ($2.50).
They also offer Cold Tofu with Century Egg ($3), which comes with silky smooth tofu.
Image credit: @sataebak
With late night hours and highballs at just $6, it makes for a casual hangout to unwind after work.
Address: 511 Guillemard Road, #01-57 Grandlink Square, Singapore 399849
Opening hours: Mon – Sun 6PM-12AM
Telephone: 9727 5567
16. Igokochi Dining Bar – Japanese omakase and izakaya
Image credit: @seahlc
Omakase menus make for memorable occasions, times when we tell the chef “I’ll leave it up to you” and simultaneously handover our money and blind faith. At Igokochi Dining Bar, it’s not any different – their dinner omakase starts from $68/person for a 7-course meal.
This may include anything from a selection of fresh sushi to izakaya-style dishes,but whatever it is, we can be sure that our bellies will be filled.
Image credit: @desngo
If you’re not keen on being surprised by the chef’s selection, then there’s also a reasonably priced Izakaya menu, starting from 3 dishes for $14.90. Choose from the likes of small dishes like Agedashi Tofu, Tako Wasabi, and Smoked Kamo (duck).
Address: 1 West Coast Drive, #01-98/99, Singapore 128020
Opening hours: Mon – Sat 11AM-2PM, 5PM-11PM (Closed on Sun)
Telephone: 6963 9430
17. Sama Sama by Tok Tok – Indonesian food at Jewel Changi
Image credit: @samasamasg
Say Jewel Changi and everyone instantly thinks of a few selected eateries – namely, Shake Shack and Burger & Lobster. But there’s an ample choice of quality food joints beyond, like Indonesian restaurant Sama Sama by Tok Tok.
Image credit: @assortedrubberbands
With an array of Indonesian dishes, this is one place that serves up Javanese street food like deep-fried veggie fritters Bala Bala ($8.50) and fried spring rolls Lumpia Goreng Bogor ($9.50). They also do tasty rice dishes like the Nasi Kuning ($18) which comes with marinated galangal chicken, stir-fried vermicelli and sliced omelette – with a hefty dollop of spicy sambal on the side.
Sama Sama by Tok Tok directly overlooks the Forest Valley, so it almost feels as if you’re dining in a nature reserve.
Address: 78 Airport Boulevard, #03-225/226 Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore 819666
Opening hours: Mon – Sun 10AM-10PM
Telephone: 6904 3971
18. Charcoal Grill & Salad Bar Keisuke – grilled fish with salad buffet
We’ve come to expect great things from the Keisuke name – they’ve taken over Singapore’s ramen scene and now, even mastered the art of grilling seafood at an affordable price point. With Charcoal Grill & Salad Bar Keisuke, there’s an entire lineup of grilled fish for you to try.
Salmon Belly ($16.90), Miso Marinated Halibut ($18.90), Teriyaki Salmon ($15.90) – whichever your choice, each grilled slab of fish comes with miso soup, onsen egg, and a bowl of fluffy Japanese rice. You’ll also have free access to the salad bar buffet, where you can load up on pasta salad and scrambled eggs.
Address: 60 Paya Lebar Road, #B1-16 Paya Lebar Square, Singapore 409051
Opening hours: Mon to Sun 11.30AM-2.30PM, 5.30PM-10PM
Telephone: 6241 8588
19. Ho Fook Hei – Cantonese soy sauce chicken soaked in rose wine
Image credit: @insta_eatssg
Everyone has a favourite chicken dish, but Ho Fook Hei’s soy sauce chicken is bound to be a favourite of many – it’s poached in a mixture of soy sauce and Chinese herbs, before being soaked in rose wine for a light floral scent. You can try it with Chicken Noodles ($7.80) for an individual portion, or go all out with Half ($18) or Whole ($34) servings.
Image credit: @whatthefeasts
This Cantonese restaurant at Great World City also serves up roasted meat like Honey Glazed Black Barbecue Pork Belly ($13) and fish dishes like Cod Fillet Steamed with Old Ginger Sauce ($24.80).
Address: 1 Kim Seng Promenade, #01-141 Great World City, Singapore 237994
Opening hours: Mon to Sun 11.30AM-3.30PM, 5PM-9.30PM
Telephone: 6219 2262
20. Bistro 8 – $28 late-night buffet at Cineleisure
Image credit: Bistro 8
A dinner buffet in the middle of town at $28/person: it almost sounds too good to be true. Add in the late-night hours – it closes at 6AM! – and you’ve got yourself a new favourite hangout spot. There are over 60 dishes to try, ranging from fresh seafood to stir-fried dishes.
Image credit: @andylouistabris
Certain dishes are only available for weekend buffets ($38/person) – you’ll want to call in advance to see if they’ll be dishing out premium seafood like oysters, crab, and prawns.
Address: 8 Grange Road, #08-01 Cathay Cineleisure, Singapore 239695
Opening hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-6AM
Telephone: 6756 3113
New food to try in Singapore
These 20 new cafes and restaurants have undoubtedly piqued our interest – we’re already making plans to try several. From Sichuan rice noodles to a Japanese specialty coffee shop, June 2019 has no shortage of good food.