Kickstart 2021 with these 20 new cafes and restaurants in January, with options aplenty to jio eight pals for a long-awaited get-together. Whet your taste buds with authentic Rome-style pizza at Haji Lane, get your caffeine fix brewed by a robot barista, and relive your clubbing days in a retro-themed diner.
Check out our other articles for deals and things to do in January 2021:
Image credit: Google Maps
Make your pilgrimage to the 80s-themed Cherry Diner – a rebranded Cherry Discotheque concept offering an imaginative menu encompassing hotdogs, pizzas, and bar bites. Chow down on the pineapple-topped YP In Hawaiian Shirt ($17.90) or Your Cheesy EX ($15.90) in the Wet Ass Buns section – which boasts hotdogs that will make Cardi B proud.
Offering hearty grub like Truffling Eggy Mess ($16.90) is Cherry Diner, one of the new cafes and restaurants to hit up this January 2021.
Image credit: @karenthefoodexplorer
Otherwise, grab a Bibimbap ($18.90) while waiting for oppa to materialise, and accompany it with sides like Never Let U Gyoza ($12.90) and Calamari Rings ($13.90) to share. Drinks start at $30 for Housepour, or you could get a bucket of five beers for $68.
Drink up and stay on past 10.30PM to nibble on desserts like Papi Churros ($13.90) or Milo Dinosaur Ice Cream Waffle Stacker ($13.90) and wash it all down with Phase 3-legal Cherry Mocktails ($14.90) like Apple Melon or Lychee Rose.
Cherry Diner & Cherry Supper Club
Address: 133 Cecil Street, Singapore 069535
Telephone: 9826 5055
Opening hours: Sun – Thu 6-10.30PM | Fri -Sat 6PM till late
Cherry Diner website
Left to right: Pizza Salami ($10) and Bruschetta Ham & Cheese ($10)
Image credit: @sun_downed
There’s no shortage of authentic Italian pizzerias in Singapore, but Madd Pizza brings a unique touch of Rome-style pizza to the heart of Haji Lane. Snag unique rectangle-shaped slices of Marinara ($7), Margherita ($8) and Salami ($10), or drop by in the A.M. for breakfast grub like Bomboloni (from $2) and a Cappuccino ($5) at pocket-friendly prices.
Enjoy a sweet Italian Bombolone with lemon custard filling ($3) at Madd Pizza’s alfresco area
Image credit: @aeh_pav
For a quick grab-and-go, opt for Italian focaccia sandwiches ($12), or a toasted Panini ($15). You’ll enjoy 20% off storewide during their opening promos when you follow their Facebook or Instagram pages and flash this promotional image to their staff.
Madd Pizza
Address: 19, 20 & 21 Haji Lane, Singapore 189212
Telephone: 9003 6045
Operating hours: Tues – Sun 12PM-10PM (Closed on Monday)
Madd Pizza website
You’ll enjoy the vast array of street food options at Masalaa Bar, a vegetarian-friendly option among the new cafes and restaurants this January 2021.
Image credit: Masalaa Bar
Biryani and prata are irreplaceable Indian favourites for most of us, but the power-packed street food staples at Masalaa Bar will surely widen your horizons. Dig into their Banarsi Samosa Chat ($7) or the Chadni Chowk Papdi Chat ($7), which are Indian-styled nachos loaded up on fragrant spices.
Image credit: @masalaabar
For a smokey, meaty entree, try their Classic Tandoori Chicken ($15) and their Lamb Seekh Kebab ($17) fresh from their tandoor oven. It’s not a bar without a range of tipple, and you conclude your meal with unique cocktails like Cardamom Kaboom ($16) – a concoction of gin and cardamom bitters, or Chai Buddies ($16) made with rum, chai, Campari and smoke.
Masalaa Bar
Address: 723 East Coast Road, Singapore 459071
Telephone: 6282 4648
Operating hours: 11AM-10.30PM, Daily
Masalaa Bar website
Mezze dishes, clockwise from background: Mentaiko Taramasalata, Pickled Beetroot, Babaganoush and Pita Bread ($3) for dipping.
Image credit: @habibisansg
It’s East meets Middle East at Habibi-san!, a one-of-a-kind fusion bar that serves up Mezze with a twist. These include Middle Eastern classics like Babaganoush ($10), a smoked eggplant puree transformed with Japanese sesame paste and crispy fried chicken skin, and Mentaiko Taramasalata ($13) that combines mentaiko with housemade yoghurt cheese.
Left to right: Honeycomb Beef Tripe and Shish Tawook
Image credit: @whatlizhaseaten
You’ll find the highly-acclaimed Bar Stories on the premises for custom cocktails ($20-$25) – just let them know your preferences. These are best enjoyed with their range of fusion kushiyaki skewers like Honeycomb Beef Tripe ($13). Habibi-san! also offers an omakase-like Leave It To The Chef experience, set at $58 for seven courses, and $78 for up to 10 dishes.
Habibi-san!
Address: 55 Haji Lane, Singapore 189248
Telephone: 6298 0838
Operating hours: Tues – Sat 5.30-10.30PM (Closed on Sunday & Monday)
Habibi-san Facebook page
Image credit: Onkei Tonkatsu
Not your run-of-the-mill breaded pork cutlets, the golden-brown, crisp slabs you’ll find at Onkei Tonkatsu are aged for tenderness and coated in fresh Japanese panko breadcrumbs. Zhng your meal up with the Cheese Tonkatsu Set ($21.90), where you’ll have an option of Pork Loin or Fillet, accompanied by a salad, tonjiru soup and green tea – all refillable.
There’s no charge for an upsize, and you can pick from a range of sides like Takoyaki ($3), Tori Karaage ($4.50) or a pair of Ebi Fry ($5.80) to sate the largest of appetites.
Onkei Tonkatsu
Address: Paya Lebar Square, #01-85, Singapore 409501
Telephone: 8399 1003
Operating hours: 11.30AM-9.30PM, Daily
Onkei Tonkatsu Facebook page
Image credit: Ratio Cafe and Lounge
Get a taste of the future at Ratio Cafe and Lounge where you can get your drink of choice fixed up by their in house barista-bartender-robot. Located within JustCo on the fifth floor of The Centrepoint, the world’s first “Robotic Taochew, Barista and Bartender” works relentlessly to mix, stir and pour a wide range of cocktails and coffees.
Get your caffeine hit with Kopi O ($1) or a Latte ($3), or opt for something a little headier like a half-pint of Chang Beer ($2) or cocktails from $11. Interesting picks include Citrus Earl Grey, Spicy Watermelon Cooler and Nutty Orange – a combination of Cointreau, hazelnut-based Frangelico, orange juice and lime.
Image credit: @thegoodfolks
Ratio Cafe and Lounge
Address: 176 Orchard Road, #05-06 Centrepoint, Singapore 238843
Operating hours: Mon – Fri 8AM-10PM | Sat & Sun 9AM-10PM
Ratio Cafe & Lounge website
Picanhas is a new halal option to add to your list of cafes and restaurants to visit in January 2021
Image credit: @picanhassg
The second-largest exporter of beef in the world, Brazil is famed for its juicy, perfectly-charred steaks. Named after the country’s most prized cut of beef, Picanhas specialises in steaks, presenting it two ways: as a 100G portion with the Picanha Don ($16), or a larger 200G serving with the Queen Of Steak ($25).
Like any respectable steakhouse, Picanhas serves sides ($7) like potatoes and spinach. Though it’s a halal-certified joint, you’ll be able to find non-alcoholic wine and mocktails to complete the experience.
Picanhas
Address: 90 Club Street Singapore, Singapore 069458
Telephone: 9122 4326
Operating hours: Tues – Sun 12-3.30PM, 5.30-10PM (Closed on Mondays)
Picanhas website
Image credit: @brandcellar
Serving up local staples as Signature Singapore Bowls, the cafeteria-style Mam Mam makes for a casual destination to mam mam. Behind familiar and hearty dishes like Signature Minced Chicken With Basil and Egg Tofu Rice Bowl ($7.90) and Wok-fried Sliced Beef with Ginger and Scallion Rice Bowl ($9.90) is internationally-acclaimed Chef Sebastian Ng.
Trained in Tokyo, Italy and in Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in London, it’s safe to say that you’re paying a very attractive price for his expert take on local and regional dishes. For their opening promotion, enjoy 20% off all bundles with code “MM20OFF”.
Mam Mam
Address: 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level One, Singapore 119228
Telephone: 6252 4320
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 7AM-5PM (Closed on Sundays and PH)
Mam Mam website
Image credit: @ahneo
If you’ve missed Shilin Market and all its treasures, Isshin Machi is the one-stop spot to satisfy all those cravings. Dig into tender braised pork in Lu Rou Fan ($9), or Braised Beef Noodles ($12) in their hole-in-the-wall eatery in Katong. They also offer quintessentially Taiwanese sides like Golden Fried Chicken ($6.90).
For the complete Taiwanese night market experience, end your meal with a cup of Brown Sugar Caramel Pearl Milk Tea ($3.90).
Isshin Machi
Address: 224 East Coast Road, Singapore 428921
Telephone: 9092 5917
Operating hours: 11AM-9.30PM, Daily
Image credit: @eatwithfelz
Shared among nine chefs, eateries and cafes, Culture Spoon truly maximises its prime locale along River Valley Road with a range of food offerings and cuisines throughout the day. Rise early and come for a cuppa from 7.30AM onwards with Quarter Life Coffee roasters serving coffees from $4.50, and pair it with their early morning offerings like Pecan Pie ($8).
A popular dessert option is Black Sesame Tang Yuan ($8)
Image credit: @eatwithfelz
Otherwise, come at noon for a spicy Thai lunch with Pad Thai ($9.90), Thai Basil Pork Rice ($8.50) by Wok With Man. Currently, Culture Spoon is home to an Indonesian and a Filipino-cum-Western pop-up, where you can grab reasonably-priced BBQ Pork Ribs ($12.90) or classic Tapsilog ($6.90), which is a rice dish featuring marinated pork.
End your evening on a sweet note with cakes served till 1AM, with options like Basque Cheesecake ($9) and Burnt Butter Bundt Cake ($6).
Culture Spoon
Address: 409 River Valley Road, Singapore 248307
Telephone: 6980 3081
Operating hours: Sun – Thu 7.30AM-11AM | Fri – Sat 7.30AM-1AM
Culture Spoon website
Vegetarian options include (clockwise from left): Tofunagi Maki, Teriyaki Monkey Head Mushroom and Konjac Sashimi Platter.
Image credit: @muncheetimes
The explosion of Japanese chains in Singapore over the last few years is a clear sign of our love of the cuisine with its freshness and flavour. Vegetarians can now get your Japanese food fix at Lucky Cat with their Japanese Katsu Curry ($9) and Konjac Sashimi Platter ($10) where you can experience the texture of “salmon”, “tuna” and “squid”.
The cosy Lucky Cat is a new vegetarian option on the list of cafes and restaurants in January 2021
Image credit: @luckycatsg
They also have meatless takes on local favourites like Hokkien Mee and Mee Goreng ($5), some with vegan options too. This cafe, hidden in Hougang Community Club, also serves affordable espresso-based drinks like Black and White coffee (from $4), along with more unique coffee mocktails like Espresso Lemon Tonic ($5) and Yuzu Coffee Cream ($6).
Image credit: Adam Ng
Lucky Cat Cafe
Address: 35 Hougang Ave 3, 01-02 Hougang Community Club, Singapore 538840
Operating hours: 9AM-10PM, Daily
Lucky Cat Facebook page
Mamma’s Lucky Meatballs banh mi and Avocado Cream Coffee set ($6.90)
Image credit: Mrs Pho Cafe
When it comes to breakfasts, the well-travelled among us will know that nothing quite comes close to a crisp banh mi and piping hot ca phe served fresh from the kiosks of Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City. Pending the resumption of international travel, grab a bite at Mrs Pho Cafe by popular Vietnamese restaurant Mrs Pho, which offers off-peak exclusives.
Breakfast sets start from $4.90 for a kaya butter banh mi and Vietnamese iced coffee, while more meaty banh mi options like grilled pork chop, grilled chicken chop and meatballs cost $5.90. Top up $1 to sample more unique beverage offerings like Fresh Avocado Cream and Fresh Coconut Cream Coffee, or opt for a refreshing Vietnamese iced peach or lychee tea.
Mrs Pho Cafe
Address: Vivo City, B2-29A, Singapore 098585
Telephone: 9173 1083
Operating hours: 2PM-6PM, Daily
Mrs Pho Cafe website
Milo Royale in a Midnight Milo cone
Image credit: @creme_and_cone
With our sweltering, humid weather, it’s no wonder that ice cream has long been a national pastime. Creme & Cone ups the ante with a wide range of flavours, including some bold ones like Sour Plum and Butter Kopi. At $4 for a single scoop, you can top up $1 for a Bandung or Milo Waffle Cone for the full Singapore experience.
Pebbles Snow Belgian Waffle Pop (+$3.80). Other flavours include Chocolate Oreo and Smoked Almond Caramel.
Image credit: @creme_and_cone
Otherwise, they’ve got a full range of gelato and ice cream flavours, including Pistachio, Blueberry Lavender, and refreshing tropical options like Vegan Tropical Coconut and Mango Passionfruit Sorbet. Pair it with pastries from Butter Studio like Speculoos Cream Cheese and Sea Salt Nutella ($6.90) or Macaroons ($2.50).
Creme and Cone
Address: 18 Raffles Quay, #01-03 Food Folks @ Lau Pa Sat, Singapore 048582
Operating hours: 11AM-10PM, Daily
Creme and Cone website
Image credit: Google Maps
Chirashi might be as simple as seafood scattered atop vinegared sushi rice, but its devotees are always on the hunt for the best deals. House of Chirashi is a 9-seater hole-in-the-wall in East Village with affordable options starting from $10.80 for Aburi Salmon Don. There’s also Bara Chirashi Don ($16.80) and Chirashi Don ($21.80) for more variety and premium ingredients.
Chirashi Don
Image credit: Google Maps
With such an intimate setting, House of Chirashi also offers omakase sets from $50 per person, or Signature Chirashi ($160/2 pax, $238/3 pax) for a veritable feast.
House of Chirashi
Address: 430 Upper Changi Road, East Village, Singapore 487048
Operating hours: Tues – Sun 11.30AM-2.30PM, 5.30-10PM (Closed on Mondays)
House of Chirashi website
Image credit: @kotuwa.sg
Sri Lanka might be known for its tea, elephants and pristine beachside villas, but their vibrant cuisine should not be overlooked for us spice- and rice-loving Singaporeans. At Kotuwa, sample meaty Sri Lankan mud crabs prepped traditionally with cumin, fenugreek, chilli and coconut for an authentic take on our favourite crustaceans.
Despite its luxurious, contemporary colonial interior, you’ll get to sample Kottu Roti which is a selection of Sri Lankan street food like Chicken Kottu ($22) and the jackfruit-based Polos Kottu ($18). There’s also an eclectic selection of refreshing Sambols like the fermented Lychee Acharu ($8) and meat curries like Lamb Curry ($24), to be enjoyed as a dip for Hoppers ($4).
Kotuwa
Address: 2 Dickson Road, Singapore 209494
Operating hours: Wed – Fri 6-10PM | Sat & Sun 11AM-4PM, 6-10PM
Kotuwa website
Image credit: Mirage – The Parlour Singapore
For many of us who’ve not set foot on far-flung destinations in the past year, Mirage might just be the oasis to cater to your well-travelled taste buds. With 12 rotating craft beers like Devil’s Peak Lager ($13.50) and Heart of Darkness Director’s Cacao Nib Porter ($17), this drinking hole serves up Japanese izakaya-style dishes to go with.
Chef’s Choice 1 Yakitori Platter ($15)
Image credit: @okwhotookmyusername
Individual portions include Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Don ($16) or Yuzu Miso Salmon Don ($20), but you can opt for the BYO Platter ($48) which includes eight yakitori skewers and three dips for sharing. Other beer grub is available, like Furikake Fries ($10) and Fried Cheese Cubes ($10).
Mirage
Address: 140 Owen Road, Singapore 218940
Telephone: 9654 5687
Operating hours: 12-10.30PM, Daily
Mirage Facebook page
Jalan Besar could very well be the unofficial cafe capital of Singapore – with well-known haunts like Chye Seng Huat, Lucid and Apartment Coffee well within its limits. The newcomer on the block, For The People brings a contemporary take with a variety of food options complementing its simple coffee menu that starts from $6.
There, you can pair your cuppa with sweets to share, like Crispy Churro Waffles ($12) that’s topped with cinnamon sugar, chocolate and fruits. Mains start from $14 including the likes of burgers and pasta, and you’ll find sides like Truffle Fries ($10), Chilli Beef Nachos ($12) and even Gochujang Fried Chicken ($15).
For The People
Address: 11 Hamilton Road, Singapore 209182
Telephone: 8133 4819
Operating hours: Tues – Sun 9.30AM-9PM (Closed on Mondays)
For The People website
Grace your IG feed with the retro aesthetic of 8ASH, a Japanese-American fusion concept on Ann Siang Hill that combines the forces of three sister restaurants.
Enjoy the vegan offerings from Love Handle Burgers, including Vegan “Ramli” ($15) and Fillet-O-Fishless ($16.50). For a more Japanese take, Mirai Burgers offers options like Wagyu Burger ($12), while you can get Hoshi Wagyu Donburi ($12.80) or Hoshi Seafood Donburi ($32) from the casual-luxe Hoshi Hill.
Image credit: 8ASH
It’s also a great spot to chill with friends, with affordable drinks and bites. Have a toast with a glass of Gin and Tonic or Highball ($10), or pick from their wide range of craft beers ($14) with options like the Lost Coast Great Peanut Butter Chocolate Milk Stout and the Sharkinator. To share, grab the Nacho Chips ($6), Hot Wings ($8) and Mentaiko Fries ($8).
8ASH
Address: 8 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069788
Telephone: 8233 0113
Opening hours: Mon – Wed 11AM-10PM | Thu – Sat 11AM-10.30PM (Closed on Sundays)
8ASH website
Image credit: AMP:M Cafe
Pairing unctuous egginess with silky creaminess is the HK-style egglet soft serve you’ll find at AM:PM Cafe. Nestled in the heartlands, soft-serve prices start at $4.50 for a cup, and $5.50 presented in a cone. This unique combination with freshly-baked egglet will set you back $9, but it comes with your choice of three toppings and a sauce.
Soft serve is available in flavours like Blue Vanilla, Salted Caramel and Earl Grey, and they have monthly flavour swirl combinations for those who can never quite decide. You can also add $2 to complete your meal with tea or coffee.
Image credit: Google Maps
AM:PM Cafe
Address: 529 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10, 01-2365, Singapore 560529
Operating hours: Sun – Thu 11.45AM-10.30PM, Fri & Sat 11.45AM-12AM
AM:PM Cafe website
Image credit: @5bysansfacon
The winding roads surrounding Sembawang Air Base conceal a great many hidden gems, like 5 By Sans Facon – a French restaurant serving up rustic favourites like Bouchot Mussels ($29) in a buttery wine-based sauce and Calamarata Duck Confit ($29).
Dine indoors in the colonial Tanglin Barracks dating back to the 1860s, or in the idyllic alfresco area surrounded by a former nutmeg plantation. The timeless aesthetic of 5 By Sans Facon might give you a glimpse of the French joie de vivre right here in Singapore.
5 By Sans Facon is one of the more quaint new cafes and restaurants you can visit in January 2021
Image credit: @5bysansfacon
5 By Sans Facon
Address: 5 The Oval, The Oval @ Seletar Aerospace Park, Singapore 797863
Telephone: 6974 7355
Operating hours: Mon – Fri 11.30AM-10.30PM, Sat & Sun 8.30AM – 10.30PM
5 by Sans Facon Facebook page
Take time this new year to go on a culinary adventure with friends and loved ones. With the swath of new cafes and restaurants in Singapore opening in time for January 2021, you’ll be able to sate your hunger-lust with a smorgasbord of cuisines from Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Brazil and beyond.
Check out our other articles on dining spots to check out this new year:
Cover image credit: AMPM Cafe, Onkei Tonkatsu, @myjream
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