We’ve come to the halfway mark of the year and I gotta say, I’ve given up my new year’s resolution of halving my calorie intake. No regrets though, #foodisbae.
Watch out, because your love list – and maybe love handles – are expected to grow this month. From whimsical cafes with quirky creations to Japanese desserts, you won’t be short of new foodie hangouts to try this May.
Step into a whole new world at Enchanted, a cafe oozing fantasy and whimsy, and of course, a menu of super chio items.
The Sorcerer’s Elixir ($9.90) is a must-try – for its presentation at least. A sparkly purple drink perched on a stone dish, it’s surrounded by wisps of “smoke” for an extra dreamy feel. Those without sweet tooths may find it a little too sweet, but all for the ‘gram, right?
Expect your usual cafe grub to be spruced up too, as with the Ngoh Hiang Burger ($18.90) and its unique water chestnut crunch. With fairy lights and knick-knacks adorning the wooden shelves, the cafe’s interior itself is picture-worthy too.
Here’s Eatbook’s review on this new food gem!
Address: 88 Rangoon Road, #01-04, Singapore 218374
Opening Hours: 10AM-10PM (Tue), 12PM-10PM (Wed & Thu), 11AM-11PM (Fri), 10AM-11PM (Sat), 9AM-8PM (Sun)
Telephone: 8813 1086
Source: @jason.han_bkk
Singaporeans have always had innovative ways of eating our ice cream – such as with wafers or bread. This new hole-in-the-wall joint offers another alternative – fat scoops of ice cream sandwiched between crispy choux puffs for $3.90. Mmm.
This joint does not originate from Hokkaido, but rather from our neighbours across the Causeway. Smack in the middle of Haji Lane, this makes for a great afternoon pick-me-up after sweating it out for that winning OOTD.
Address: 35 Haji Lane, Singapore 189224
Opening Hours: 12PM-8PM (Mon – Fri), 11AM-8.30PM (Sat & Sun)
Caffeine addicts, Starbucks has heard your prayers.
The next time you’re on a late night study binge, head down to Singapore’s only Starbucks Reserve Coffee Bar and treat yo’self to the ultimate coffee experience. Open any time, any day of the week.
Look out for the Black Eagle espresso machine, a state-of-the-art coffee brewer that promises immaculately smooth coffee. Other coffee brewing methods are also used, like the siphon as well as the nitro cold brew – a zhng-ed version of your cold brew coffee that’s only available here.
Address: 101 Thomson Road, Singapore 307591 (Outside United Square)
Opening Hours: 24 hours daily
Source: @imjanettsl
Gone are the days of having to wait long long before reaching home to eat your Japanese pastries. The new Châteraisé cafe in Toa Payoh – complete with seats – means you’ll be able to have your cake and eat it, on the spot.
Source: @dyphenhuin
You can’t go wrong with Châteraisé’s bestselling Legendary Strawberry Cream Cake ($5.90), a sponge cake layered with fresh cream and juicy strawberries.
Latest food fads can also be found here – sink your teeth into the Baked Cheese Tart ($3), their version of the Hokkaido cheese tarts. Pair your desserts with an ice-cold glass of Hokkaido Milk Latte ($5.80). Tea time has never been this good.
Address: Blk 490, Toa Payoh Lorong 6, #01-15, Singapore 310490
Opening Hours: 9AM-9.30PM, Daily
Source: @aanaz
Mix up your usual cafe brunches with ERGON, the newest Greek deli that’ll transport your tastebuds all the way to Santorini.
Source: @the_xw
Munch on one-of-a-kind artisanal Greek breakfasts, like the Grilled Octopus Leg on Hummus ($24). A grilled octopus tentacle on crusty sourdough, drizzled with hummus and lemon olive oil, this is the choice to one-up your usual breakfast options.
Source: @ergonfoods
For those who like whipping up a storm at home, ERGON also retails Greek products like olive oils, coffee and couscous. Time to unleash those cooking chops!
Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard, Suntec City Mall, #01-365/366/373/374, Singapore 038984
Opening Hours: 8.30AM-10PM (Mon – Fri), 10AM-10PM (Sat & Sun)
Telephone: 8657 7814
With its pastel tones, hand-painted flower murals and dainty cakes, Nesuto is the epitome of chic.
Source: @dear.nesuto
Despite still being in its soft launch phase, Suzette ($9.80) has already chalked up rave reviews – with 3 layers of vanilla davaroise, Grand Marnier crémeux and orange caramel wrapped up in a Santiago tart shell. Def one for the atas palette.
Each entry on the menu also comes with a tea recommendation – a great little feature to tea-ch tea-drinking like a boss.
Address: 53 Tras Street, #01-01, Singapore 078992
Opening Hours: 11AM-8.30PM, Daily
Telephone: 6920 2922
Stop by this new lifestyle shop-cafe the next time you’re trawling Orchard Road. What makes Steamroom with The Pillar and Stones different from the usual retail-cum-cafe concepts is that their bistro serves full courses.
Source: @the_xw
Their Lobster Fregola Sarda Pasta ($26) has already earned fans – with its pearl-shaped pasta in lobster bisque topped off with crab meat, onsen egg and Parmesan shavings.
Source: @larvitar
Berry lovers, this will be your jam. With raspberry sorbet, strawberry mousse, strawberry meringue and fresh berries, just looking at Inspired By Red ($14) has already got us feeling inspired.
Address: 181 Orchard Road, Orchard Central, #03-08, Singapore 238896
Opening Hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 6592 0571
It seems the bingsu craze is not over just yet. But don’t dismiss V Cafe as another run-of-the-mill Korean joint. Taking over from previous Korean cafe Banana Tree, the bingsus here are the healthier version of this food fad.
Source: @bananatreesg
The cafe’s Black Sesame Bingsu ($14.50) has emerged in the spotlight for its black bean soy milk and black sesame powder – a healthy option for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth. Topped off with chunky rice cakes, almond flakes and rich black sesame ice cream, this is a treat that’ll be light on the waistline.
Address: 26 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089133
Opening Hours: 12PM-9.15PM, Daily
Groundstory has everything you’d imagine in a cosy cafe, and more. Aside from its quaintness and coffee aromas, be surrounded by quirky crafts, knick knacks and earthy furniture items that’ll make you feel right at home.
Enjoy your usual espressos, lattes and flat whites ($4 – $6.50), while sinking your fork into a homely slice of cake ($8.50). The cakes here are sourced from a home-baker and flavours are introduced on a rotational basis, ranging from Earl Grey Lavender and Lychee Rose to Black Sesame.
Source: @dropletsloves
Address: 756/758 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198726
Opening Hours: 9AM-5.30PM (Tue – Fri), 12PM-4.30PM (Sat & Sun). Closed on Mondays.
Telephone: 6297 6166
Here’s another confectionary turned sit-down cafe. Rive Gauche’s newest flagship store sports a cosy setting in the heart of the city, perfect for afternoon tea.
Source: @mysweetlittletooth
Apart from their usual cakes, choux and macarons, here you can enjoy soft serves and drip coffee exclusive to this outlet. The soft serves are made from Hokkaido milk and come in 2 flavours: Guanaja ($7.80) and Strawberry ($6.80).
Address: CityLink Mall, #B1-16, Singapore 039393
Opening Hours: 10AM-9.30PM, Daily
Source: @the_xw
Started by one of the founders behind popular French bistro Saveur, The Masses also dishes out restaurant-quality nosh at wallet-friendly prices.
Source: @coolheart
Expect the dishes here to be anything but typical. Our rec is the C&C Pasta ($14.90), a generous pile of spaghetti topped with a dollop of crab meat and caviar – umami flavours at their prime.
Source: @gastrology_
Even if you’re not a fan of steamed egg, the aptly-named The Egg ($9) here might make you a convert. A bowl of creamy, melt in your mouth chawanmushi topped off with globs of ikura, tobiko and potato chips, this creation perfectly balances smooth, velvety textures with refreshing flavours of the sea.
Address: 85 Beach Road, #01-02, Singapore 189694
Opening Hours: 12PM-9.30PM (Mon, Tue, Thu), 12PM-12AM (Wed, Fri, Sat), 12PM-9PM (Sun)
Telephone: 6266 0061
PSA: Spain’s most popular pizzeria chain has just started dishing out their pocket-friendly, comfort Italian nosh on our shores.
At O Mamma Mia, you can personalize your pasta ($7.90 to $8.20) with 1 out of 5 pasta types – Tagliatelle, Gnocchi, Strozzapreti, Garganelli and Bigoli, before dousing it in your choice of sauce – Bolognese, Arrabbiata, Pesto, 4 Cheese and Bolletus E Tartufo. With the exception of the Bolognese, all sauces are meat-free – hence vegetarian-friendly!
Source: @eatbooksg
Pizza addicts will be spoilt for choice with O Mamma Mia’s 15 pizza options. Try the best selling 5 Terre ($4.20/slice) for a taste of fresh Boletus mushrooms, tomatoes with parmesan and mozzarella, and homemade pesto sauce.
Pizza slices start from as low as $3.50, with whole pizzas costing around $8. Made from premium, Italian-imported pizza dough, this is bang for your buck.
Address:
1 Woodlands Square, Causeway Point, #01-K04, Singapore 738099
3155 Commonwealth Avenue West, The Clementi Mall, #01-11, Singapore 129588
5 Changi Business Park Central 1, #01-42, Changi City Point, Singapore 486038
Opening Hours:
Causeway Point: 11.30AM-10PM, Daily
The Clementi Mall: 11.30AM-10PM, Daily
Changi City Point: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone:
Causeway Point: 6760 2017
The Clementi Mall: 6570 9141
Changi City Point: 6733 2500
Let’s be real: the only time I’ll ever commit to my diet plan is when pigs monkeys fly. Good thing too, because this contemporary pan-Indian restaurant and cocktail bar has made many go bananas for its quirky cocktails and feisty curries.
Source: @therantingpanda
Just as we thought the truffle craze had reached its limit, it’s wormed its way to Indian cuisine, this time with the Truffle Naan ($14). Judging from its rave reviews, this levelled-up prata is worth a try.
Source: @cuisinewineasia
The unusual fusions don’t just end there. Try the special Yo Yo Mani ($18), a homemade 5-spice Kerala rice syrup blended with rum, coconut water and cream.
Address: 67 Bussorah St, Singapore 199480
Opening Hours: 12PM-2.30PM, 5.30PM-11PM, Daily
Telephone: 6291 0695
Introducing Niku Kappo, a Japanese restaurant from Tsukiji that has set up shop on our little island. Kappo, a Japanese translation of “cut and cook”, means that all dishes are prepared fresh at the table.
Source: @shutingx
Out of all their items, the Mt Fuji Nabe ($18.90) tops the list. We’re talking a 200g pile of meat on a rich pork bone soy broth. This is the sukiyaki (hotpot) made for meat lovers.
Source: @sharrybass
And the meat-loving doesn’t stop there – they’ve got meat sushi too. Sink your teeth into the 9 offerings included in Tokusen Niku Sushi Mori ($36.90), like Wagyu Toro and Wagyu Rossini – a wagyu beef slab with foie gras and shaved truffle. Mentai lovers will also love the Tori Mentai Gunkan, which is shredded chicken with mentai mayo.
Address: 2 Orchard Turn, ION Orchard, #B3-23, Singapore 238801
Opening Hours: 11.30AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 6509 9366
Source: @strongflour
Here’s a new point easties can bring up in the age old “East versus West” debate. Enter Strong Flour, a lovely new chill out spot in Katong, complete with an open kitchen whipping up handmade pastas and pizzas – from scratch.
Source: @strongflour
Pizza and pasta dough are made fresh daily, and the al dente-ness of the pasta comes out best with the Granchio ($19). This squid ink spaghetti is a zhng-ed version of the classic with crabmeat, chilli and lemon for an extra zest – a great touch preventing the rich squid ink flavours from being too overpowering.
You can also purchase the homemade pastas to cook at home.
Address: 30 East Coast Road, #01-01 Katong V, Singapore 428751
Opening Hours: 11AM-3PM, 6-10PM (Tue – Fri), 11AM-10PM (Sat & Sun). Closed on Mondays.
Telephone: 6440 0457
Source: @drefrois
Be transported to 1960s Bronx at Lulu’s Lounge, an extravagant, off-the-wall lounge complete with a dance floor, private patio and dynamic entertainment programme that’ll give your night out a huge level up.
Source: @eatbooksg
Lulu’s signature cocktails are every bit as boomz as its setting. Turn the heat up with Va Va Voom ($24) – a mixture of Ilegal Mezcal and citrus, finished off with orange-chilli ice cubes and cucumber dusted with chilli powder.
You’ll also get a taste of 1960s Americana with Burlesque star guests and retro DJ performances. Different themes take the stage on different nights of the week – bob your head to R&B tunes on Friday nights, before slaying it on the dance floor to hip hop pulses on Saturdays.
Fun fact: Wall graffiti is projected on the walls and changes every hour!
Address: 7 Raffles Boulevard, Pan Pacific Hotel, Singapore 039395
Opening Hours: 9PM-6AM (Wed – Sat). Closed from Sundays to Tuesdays.
Website
True to its name, you’ll find chicken everything at Birders. With overhead light bulbs, brick walls and retro chicken-themed posters, this is the place to be for a classy izakaya pig- chicken-out.
The Yakitori here is a must-try. Take your pick from the different parts of the chicken, like the Thigh (S$3.50), Tail (S$4), and Oyster (S$4.50) – nope, not the seafood kind. The Chicken Oyster, which is situated near the thigh, is said to be the most tender and flavourful part of the chicken.
Adventurous eaters, we dare you not to chicken out from eating the Heart, Gizzard and Tail ($4 each), flavourful morsels each glazed in shoyu sauce – before washing it down with a cup of sake (180 ml, prices vary).
Address: 55 Tras Street, Singapore 078994
Opening Hours: 6PM-12AM (Mon – Thu), 6PM-1AM (Fri & Sat). Closed on Sundays.
Telephone: 8748 4585
For a cheapo like me, multiple course meals in hotels are practically an otherworldly affair designed to fill stomachs and empty wallets completely. Halal certified Brine, located at the lobby of Hotel Clover, offers a great alternative – unconventional course dishes at prices that won’t break the bank.
The 5-course dinner set goes at $35/pax, and the 4-course set lunch at $25/pax. If you’re dining during dinner, consider the Beef Tenderloin Tartare as your 2nd course. The beef is partially grilled at the top, adding an aburi twist to the usual raw tartare. Wasabi mayo and lotus root also give the dish a distinctive kick.
Address: 775 North Bridge Road, Hotel Clover, Singapore 198743
Opening Hours: 12PM-3PM, 6PM-10PM (Tue – Sun). Closed on Mondays.
Telephone: 8748 0788
Raise your palms to the air and celebrate, because The Palmary has just given you your next great date idea.
Housed in a pre-war shophouse, this new kid on the block bridges the best of both worlds: a romantic marble-decked restaurant space located on its 1st floor and a playful lounge area tucked away on the 2nd.
Source: @larvitar
For a hearty dinner, try Quack! ($18.90) – a duck confit perched on mash, sauteed spinach and garnished with berry compote.
Head upstairs after your meal to try out their quirky cocktails, such as the Kampong Colada ($18), a local lime-laced version of the classic Pina Colada.
Address: 142 Owen Road, Singapore 218941
Opening Hours: 5PM-12AM (Tue – Thu), 11AM-12AM (Fri & Sat), 11AM-10PM (Sun). Closed on Mondays.
Telephone: 6909 1431
Source: @the_xw
Pulling together everything that makes Japanese cuisine irresistible – from sashimi and sushi, to teppanyaki and omakase – Sens Singapore is the newest addition to the Holland Village food scene.
Source: @xiejiafa
Great things have already been said about their Wagyu Tataki, a dish of charcoal grilled Miyazaki Wagyu beef with yuzu ponzu.
Fun fact: Wagyu beef may be atas, but Miyazaki beef takes it up a notch. The cattle reared for this beef is raised on natural spring water in Kyushu’s Miyazaki prefecture for max freshness.
Address: 118 Holland Avenue, B1-12/13, Raffles Holland Village, S278997
Opening Hours: 11AM – 11PM, Daily
Telephone: 6262 5618
With all these food gems popping up all over the island, there’s no excuse to point fingers when it’s time to decide on where to go for dinner. You’ve got a whole spread of ideas right here!
We’re expecting these places to be complete hotspots in no time, so hurry down before the crowds swarm in! Goodbye hunger pangs, hello new food hangs.
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