One would have expected a dip in new cafes and restaurants this August, but it’s once again been proven that Singaporeans’ love for food always prevails. Famous soya milk desserts from China, a brand new Swee Choon, and a dual-toned cafe are in store this month – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Now that dining restrictions have eased, below are 20 new eateries to dine-in at or dabao from if you’re not fully-vaccinated.
Also read our articles on new things to do and best deals in August 2021.
Image credit: @saltyaaron
While new cafes are appearing ’round the turn of every corner these days, 6 Letter Brunch sets itself apart with a super cute shophouse facade, bicycle parking lots and a dog-friendly alfresco dining area.
Image credit: @hungry.elle.sg
Head on in to enjoy a sumptuous all-day brunch menu with eight different types of Rosti to savour. These come topped with a wide variety of toppings including Crispy Wings ($15), Smoked Duck ($18) and even Baby Back Ribs ($21).
Image credit: @oatlydelish
Also try their outlet-exclusive Pancake Wonderland ($16), with three fluffy pancakes topped with a scoop of gelato of your choice, caramelised bananas, berries and cookie crumble.
Delivery: Available on foodpanda
Address: 103 Frankel Avenue, Singapore 458225
Opening hours: Sun – Thu 8AM-8PM | Fri – Sat 8AM-9PM
Telephone: 8366 0168
Image credit: @dionetyf
It’s almost unfair that Kovan is getting yet another cafe to add to its name. Naked Ice Cream is a newcomer just a 3-minute walk from the MRT that you’ll want to add to your to-eat list while in the area.
Pick between Plain ($3.80) or Charcoal ($4.80) for your waffle base
Image credit: @cliffton_jt
An industrial-chic interior with exposed conduits and white neon lights will greet you upon entering, but what’ll really steal the show are their ice cream flavours. Yubari Rockmelon, Pina Colada and Hokkaido Milk are some of the premium flavours ($6.80) that you can pair with your waffle of choice.
For takeaways, cooler bags will be provided to keep your ice cream away from the heat.
Delivery: $5 islandwide with minimum spend of $30
Address: 957 Upper Serangoon Road, Singapore 534717
Opening hours: 2PM-2AM, Daily
Telephone: 8612 1140
Image credit: @taroxtaco
Late-night feasts on Swee Choon’s dim sums are now all the more accessible for Easties. Previously only located at Jalan Besar, the popular dim sum stop is finally expanding, making its way to Century Square with all of their signature dishes available till 12AM daily (currently 9.30PM until further notice).
Image credit: Swee Choon
We love the original Swee Choon, but not so much the outdoor roadside dining when the weather’s burning hot. This newest outlet comes with a traditional shophouse-influenced interior as a nod towards their original store and 40-seats, all in glorious A/C.
* Dine-ins are still unavailable, until further notice. Check for updates here.
Delivery: $5 islandwide delivery | Also available on foodpanda (20% off through August), GrabFood and Oodle
Address: 2 Tampines Central 5, #01-01, Singapore 529509
Opening hours: 9AM-9.30PM, Daily until further notice
Telephone: 8952 5848
While it doesn’t serve Korean food, Coexist Coffee channels some serious Itaewon cafe vibes with its offbeat interior and obscure rooftop location. To get to the cafe you’ll have to take the lift up to the seventh floor and then climb the last storey to reach your destination.
Image credit: @coexistcoffee
The first thing you’ll notice is its interior that’s starkly split into two colours right down the middle. Windows line the walls of the cafe for plenty of natural light and a view of the nearby Bukit Batok Nature Park. You can also head out into the rooftop alfresco area for plenty of sun and a natural breeze.
Image credit: @pearliness
Getting a cuppa here is a must. Try their Nitro Brew ($10), steeped for 16 hours before being infused with nitrogen for a slight fizz for a powerful caffeine kick. A simple Espresso ($4), Black ($4.50) or White ($5) is also available.
Don’t be fooled by how small the kitchen seems as they whip up a mean brunch as well!
Chicken and Waffles ($18), Squid Ink Fried Rice ($26) and Chilli Crab Shakshuka with Crispy Mantou Slices ($16)
Image credit: @happyplates_sg
Delivery: Unavailable. Order for takeaway or pickup online to get 20% off during P2HA.
Address: 48 Hillview Terrace, Hillview Building #08-00, Singapore 669269
Opening hours: 9AM-6PM, Daily
Image credit: @brightnessben
Tofu and magician are two words that we would never have imagined saying together, and yet here we are with Chinese Tofu Magician. The famous soy milk store from China is best known for their Soy Milk Tea with Soy Foam and White Jade ($5.90) – comprising chewy mochi laid atop a cup of frothy soy milk.
Image credit: @charbiepoeats
Not your usual soya milk affair, the desserts here are made from non-GMO beans prepared using traditional Chinese stone-grinding techniques to create their rich and creamy texture. But just like drinking bubble tea, you may have a hard time choosing your drink, with more than 30 variations available alongside optional add-on toppings like peach tea jelly, sesame pudding and taro balls.
Delivery: Unavailable
Address: 60 Paya Lebar Road, #01-51 Paya Lebar Square, Singapore 409051
Opening hours: 12PM-8.30PM, Daily
Skylight and plenty of potted plants
Image credit: @hvala_sg
Are you really a fan of matcha if you haven’t heard of Hvala? Known for their green tea desserts and a minimalistic interior perfect for IG, the cafe has plenty of outlets around town. Their newest one on Craig Road provides a slightly different twist: everything is vegan.
Image credit: @herbivorera_
While definitely growing, the vegan food scene in Singapore isn’t huge yet, so we’re more than happy to welcome a new option – from a popular cafe chain at that. All menu items from their Gelato (from $5.80) to iconic Matcha Latte (from $5.80) are plant-based, with soy and oat milk (+$1) in place of the usual dairy options.
Be sure to save some room in that tummy for the store-exclusive Warabi Mochi ($4.80) and Dairy Free Waffles ($11.80).
Delivery: Not available | Order delivery from their other 111 Somerset or CHIJMES outlet here
Address: 40 Craig Road, Singapore 089678
Opening hours: 11AM-9.30PM, Daily
Strawberry Popcorn – vanilla sponge cake with strawberry cream and compote.
Image credit: @nuagesg
French pâtisseries are known for desserts that are just as much a treat for the eyes as they are for the tastebuds. Nuage Patisserie & Boulangerie – nuage means “cloud” in French – lives up to its reputation with immaculate bakes that are almost too cute to eat.
Exotic Coco – coconut-based ganache tart.
Image credit: @nuagesg
Founded by a solid team comprising two home bakers and an ex-head baker at a five-star hotel, this bakery has quickly gained traction online with bakes like their Strawberry Popcorn ($9.80) and dreamy Exotic Coco ($9.80).
Image credit: @eatwithflez
Visit their cosy store along the cafe stretch of Kampong Bahru Road for takeaways, or opt for delivery to have it brought to your doorstep.
Delivery: $15-$18 for islandwide delivery
Address: 47 Kampong Bahru Road, Singapore 169361
Opening hours: Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri 11AM-6PM | Sat & Sun 8.30AM-5PM (Closed on Wednesdays)
Nuage Pâtisserie & Boulangerie website
Image credit: @sourbombebakery
Sourbombe Artisanal Bakery describes their doughnuts as “bomb-shaped”. Appearance aside, their 19.8K Instagram followers can vouch for the taste being, well, bomb as well.
The first of its kind in Singapore, this bakery combines sourdough with doughnuts to create their best-selling chewy dessert. And while previously an online bakery, they’ve recently opened a physical store in the heart of Penang Road where you can pop by to enjoy their fresh bakes.
Image credit: @hungrlyn
Bite into their doughnuts to find a rich and creamy filling bursting right out. Their six permanent flavours include Basque Burnt Cheesecake ($5.60) and Blueberry & Lemon Thyme ($4.80). But if you’ve tried those already, go straight for their limited-edition flavours, which rotate seasonally, three at a time.
Delivery: $10 islandwide delivery | Free delivery with a minimum order of $80
Address: 9 Penang Road, #02-03, Park Mall, Singapore 238459
Opening hours: Tue – Sat 10AM-3PM (Closed on Mondays and Sundays)
Sourbombe Artisanal Bakery website
I liken prawn mee to hawker cult-favourites like Hokkien mee and satay. They may be everywhere, but only a few truly stand out. Located within Cuppage Plaza is Ebi Bar, serving Chao Da Ebi Noodles ($14.90) with rich broth and fresh prawns lightly charred for extra flavour.
Prawn mee meets ramen here – enjoy your noodles topped with cha shu and onsen eggs.
Image credit: @twofishtums
Prawn mee connoisseurs may be interested to know that the broth is cooked with 40KG of prawn heads for up to 10 hours before serving. No worries if you don’t like the usual yellow mee, as they use la mian that’s handmade for extra springiness.
Image credit: @ebibarsg
If you really aren’t feeling noodles on the day, there’s also the option of enjoying your dish with pao fan – rice in broth – instead.
Delivery: Available on Grabfood and foodpanda
Address: 5 Koek Road, #B1-21 Cuppage Plaza, Singapore 228796
Opening hours: Tue – Sun 11AM-8PM (Closed on Mondays)
Telephone: 8922 1284
Consider any diet plan gone up in smoke when you come by this gem. The second outlet by the folks behind Burnt Cones, this new addition brings Smoked Buttermilk Waffles (from $10) to Clementi’s dessert scene.
Before serving, the waffles are encased in a domed glass lid and smoked with applewood chips.
Image credit: @upinsmoke.sg
Ready your cameras as the smoke dramatically wafts out once the waiter lifts the lid. And this isn’t just for the pizzazz; the smoke adds an earthy, savoury flavour to the mainstream dessert. Add on a scoop of ice cream from $5 – flavours include Smoked Cheese, Ube and Oreo.
Rustic-minimalist interior of Up In Smoke
Image credit: @korkenarden
Delivery: From $5, islandwide | Free islandwide delivery for orders over $120
Address: 1 West Coast Drive, #01-67 NeWest, Singapore 128020
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 11AM-11PM | Sat & Sun 9AM-11PM
Telephone: 9738 8360
Image credit: @beouf_sg
Telok Ayer’s newest addition is a self-proclaimed carnivore’s dream come true with all things beef. From dry aged grass-fed Welsh ribs to Wagyu MB7 from Australia, there’s plenty for beef lovers to choose from.
While those seeking a viking’s feast can find premium cuts with the likes of charcoal grilled Prime Ribs (two servings for $125), discerning spenders shouldn’t feel intimidated by the prices on the menu. Scroll further down on their takeaway and delivery menu for more wallet-friendly dishes such as Beef Burgers ($22), which comes with a Wagyu patty and hand-cut fries.
Image credit: @boeuf_sg
Now that dining-in has resumed, look forward to enjoying a romantic evening with the classic pairing of wine and beef in this shophouse bistro.
Delivery: $13 islandwide delivery
Address: 159 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068114
Opening hours: Mon – Sat 5.30PM-10.30PM (Closed on Sundays)
Telephone: 8950 5975
Image credit: @mrbiryanisg
Anyone with a soft spot for Indian food would have heard of Mr Biryani, known for their authentic Hyderabadi-style dhum biryani that’s cooked in an earthen pot for extra fragrance. Previously with only one outlet along Norris Road, they’ve now opened a new flagship store just a 2-minute walk from Little India MRT.
Image credit: Mr Biryani
This two-storey outlet provides a more spacious dining experience with a 112-seater space and private event area to KIV for when large-group gatherings are allowed again. Must-trys include their Chicken Hyderabad Dhum Biryani ($10.90) and the tandoor-baked Garlic Naan ($4.90) and Cheese Naan ($6.90).
Delivery: $10 islandwide with a minimum spend of $30 | Free delivery for orders above $78
Address: 11 Chander Road, Singapore 219529
Opening hours: 11AM-4PM & 5.30PM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 8661 4273
Image credit: @eatwithfelz
Food-porn worthy desserts always have one thing in common: an appetisingly messy, over-the-top aesthetic. Find just that at Lola Faye Café, a new gelato cafe in town with a tropical decor and drool-worthy ice cream croissants.
Image credit: @whatisdieting
Perfect for those with a penchant for all things sweet, their Gelato Croissant (from $9.90) comes topped with a gelato flavour of choice – with options like Hazelnut Rocher, Biscoff Butter and Milo Dinosaur – and a matching cookie.
Max out that sugar rush by ordering some of their smoothies like Mango Tango (from $3.50) and Strawberry Berry (from $3.50).
Image credit: @s_o_juu
Delivery: Not available
Address: 35 Hamilton Road, Singapore 209204
Opening hours: Tue – Sun 2PM-2AM (Closed on Mondays)
Haidilao and Beauty In The Pot now face some extra competition with Qi Xiang HotPot opening at The Chevrons, near Jurong East MRT.
196-seater air-conditioned space with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the rest of the clubhouse
Image credit: Qi Xiang Hotpot
If you think the name rings a bell, you may have visited their original Qi Xiang Chicken Pot store, a supper hotspot along Upper Serangoon Road. While their former kickstarted the brand’s beginnings in a humble kopitiam, this new outlet serves their signature nosh in a classy ambience.
Image credit: @_parttimefoodie
The Signature Chicken Broth is available here from $24.90, alongside vegetables from $2.40 and seafood from $3.40. Cooked dishes like their XO Homemade Carrot Cake ($10.90) and highly-raved Smoke Infused Duck Breast ($18.90) are also available for hungry patrons who can’t wait for their soup to boil.
Delivery: $12 islandwide with a minimum spend $60 | Free delivery for orders over $80
Address: 48 Boon Lay Way, #03-06, Singapore 609961
Opening hours: 11AM-3AM, Daily
Telephone: 8808 6730
Cuban-Miami fare awaits at Onda, the first in the series of small shops by Park Bench Deli.
Image credit: @audreythefoodie
Vibrantly coloured in yellow and pink, this Lorong Telok store may be tiny but it packs a punch with large Cubano Sandwiches ($16.50) stuffed with sweet ham, lechon and Swiss cheese. Their $12 Hotdogs are also mega-sized with an extra-long house-smoked beef frank topped with pickled peppers and manchego mayo between a brioche bun – sure to fill the tum.
Image credit: @audreythefoodie
Order these to enjoy at home on the go or for a picnic. Once dine-ins resume here, you can also take a seat on one of their high stools to enjoy their grub in-store.
Image credit: @ondabypbd
Delivery: $10 islandwide with a minimum spend of $25
Address: 21 Lor Telok, Singapore 049033
Opening hours: Tue – Sat 12PM-8PM (Closed on Mondays and Sundays)
Image credit: @mylifeasrevesha
With its immersive Turkey-themed interior and food, Cappadocia is sure to help quell any need to travel, at least for a bit. In what looks like a grand Turkish Palace, find colourful, intricate lamps hanging from the ceilings and wallpapers of the dreamy iconic scenery of hot air balloons rising over the city.
Grilled Halloumi Cheese
Image credit: @mylifeasrevesha
Those new to Turkish cuisine will also be in for a tasty adventure with starters like Grilled Halloumi Cheese ($18.50) to kickstart your meal and mains like Turkish pizza, Lahmacun ($21.90), to stuff yourself with. Order some Baklava and Turkish Apple Tea ($14.90), if not for the chio teapot, then for a refreshing drink to cleanse your palate between dishes.
Baklava and Turkish Apple Tea
Image credit: @mylifeasrevesha
Delivery: Available on Deliveroo
Address: 69 Bussorah Street, Singapore 199482
Opening hours: 11AM-11.30PM, Daily
Telephone: 8167 2821
Image credit: @churasushibar
Most CBD folks may not be back in the office yet but once WFH ends, there’s Chura Sushi Bar waiting for a treat-yourself lunch break or celebratory TGIF dinner with colleagues.
Image credit: @churasushibarsg
Spicing it up from the usual rolls-on-a-plate stitch, Chura’s Volcano Sushi comes with spicy tempura and breaded shrimp served over a bed of smoking dry ice, drizzled with their Homemade Volcanic Spicy Miso and Nacho Cheese Sauce. Despite the next-level presentation of the sushi, we’re surprised to find that this is priced rather reasonably at $18.90.
Image credit: @churasushibarsg
Though it sounds unassuming, their Vegetable Salad ($17.40) comes with marinated burdock, Japanese rolled omelette, avocado and truffle yuzu goma dressing, all rolled into a translucent rice paper wrap and topped with edible flowers for a visual treat.
Delivery: $8 islandwide with minimum spend of $50
Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard, #B1-122A Suntec City Mall, Singapore 038983
Opening hours: 11AM-10PM, Daily
Telephone: 6970 9101
Image credit: @muchmunchh
Once home to Chatuchak SG in 2019, The Grandstand is now where you can find Thai dessert bar Tearuk, which serves grilled buns – a Yaowarat street food favourite. If you’re like us and are terribly missing annual visits to BKK, this is your chance to enjoy a taste of their authentic street food.
Image credit: Tearuk Dessert Bar
For the uninitiated, Yaowarat buns are known to be soft, fluffy, and stuffed to the brim with fillings. Expect flavours ranging from simple Chocolate and Ham and Cheese to fun options like Taro with Coconut and Thai Milk Tea, all priced at $2.50. Much like liu sha bao, these buns overflow with fillings. It’s bound to get messy, so be sure to have some tissues on hand!
Image credit: Tearuk Dessert Bar
Delivery: Available on Grabfood, Deliveroo and foodpanda.
Address: 200 Turf Club Road, #01-10B, The Grandstand, Singapore 287994
Opening hours: 11AM-7PM, Daily
Telephone: 8786 5899
There’s nary a hope that we can fly to Japan anytime soon, but in the meantime, there’s Sapporo Misono. Helmed by chef Keisuke Takeda, this is the Keisuke chain’s ninth ramen concept store in Singapore following the success of Clarke Quay’s Lobster King and Cineleisure Orchard’s Kani King.
Hokkaido-shaped dining table
Image credit: Keisuke
Each of the chain’s stores has a different speciality and this latest addition focuses on authentic Hokkaido ramen. The prefecture is known for their miso broths made from soybeans, which results in a less meaty and more full-bodied taste than its tonkotsu and shoyu counterparts.
Miso Ramen Butter & Corn Special
Image credit: @eaterries
At Sapporo Misono, you’ll be remiss if you don’t try their Miso Ramen Butter & Corn Special ($17.90) which comes with springy noodles doused in rich miso soup and topped with a killer butter and corn combo.
Delivery: Not available until further notice
Address: 9 Raffles Boulevard, #02-15 Millenia Walk, Singapore 039596
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 11.30AM-3PM & 5PM-9.30PM | Sat & Sun 11.30AM-9.30PM
Telephone: 6254 7619
Waguri Mont Blanc ($13.90) – we won’t blame you for thinking this was a plate of noodles
Image credit: @cafekurikosg
Serving plates of what looks like soba, it’s easy to mistake Cafe Kuriko for a noodle shop. But don’t embarrass yourself with an order of buckwheat noodles, as what you’re looking at is Kuriko’s specialty Mont Blanc dessert.
Sweet treats are made to order here, like the Waguri or Purple Sweet Mont Blanc ($13.90). Though it appears to be a blob of strands, cut into your dessert to reveal a decadent cake underneath. Alternatively, you can also try their Mont Blanc flavours in the form of Parfait ($13.90) and Latte ($8.90) instead.
Image credit: @cafekurikosg
Delivery: Unavailable
Address: 107 North Bridge Road, #01-11, Funan Mall, Singapore 179105
Opening hours: 11AM-9PM, Daily
Telephone: 6360 3246
Chances are, most of us are raring to go out and try food that isn’t home-cooked or dabao–ed within a 10-minute radius. Consider ordering in from these new cafes and restaurants in town to spice up your next meal, or KIV them for dine-ins once regulations allow.
Read our previous months editions for more options:
Last updated by Kezia Tan on 18th August 2021.
Cover image adapted from: @hvala_sg, @coexistcoffee, @whatisdieting
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