Makan Madness in May
4 months down, 8 to go! We’re rapidly approaching the middle of the year, and we all know what that means, SUMMER! Frankly, April seemed to last so long I’ll take any excuse to go out and eat to my heart’s desire whilst instagramming the entire thing, c’mon, you know you want to too.
Here’s the only list you’ll need this month, featuring the hottest new cafes and restaurants for you to try out in May. From Hello Kitty, Pompompurin and Pokemon to the cheese tarts of your dreams, what more could you possibly wish for?
– Cafes –
1. Hello Kitty Cafe
Hello Kitty lovers rejoice! On May 12th, Singapore will open its first Hello Kitty cafe at Changi Airport! The newly opened cafe will be open 24/7 to satisfy the needs of the severely jetlagged and any Hello Kitty fans out there. From themed quesadillas to waffles, this all-day breakfast heaven is all you ever needed in your life. Trips to Changi will never be the same again with cartoon shaped nachos beckoning for me to partake in them.
Although not Halal certified yet, there are plans to get certified soon, making Singapore the home of the first Halal Hello Kitty cafe in the world! The menu will be locally inspired, and most likely cute as hell. Just when you think things can’t possibly get any better, there’ll be an area where you can pose for photos with life-sized 3D Hello Kitty models. Sign me right up.
Hello Kitty Cafe
Address: Arrival Hall Central #01-22, Terminal 3, Singapore Changi Airport
Opening Hours: 24 Hours Daily
2. Shiberty Bakes
At the age of 23, Jessica Loh is living every baker’s dream, and making life super delicious for the rest of us. With 45k Instagram followers, Shiberty Bakes is bringing all her Instagram creations to you in her latest enterprise. Now not only can you swoon over what she makes on her Insta, you can try them out for yourself at her brand new dessert cafe.
From blogger to professional baker, expect food that would not look out of place on anyone’s Instagram feed. Almost too pretty to eat works of sugary art will leave you drooling all over your plate and have you coming back to try more. From Dessert Pizzas to Gourmet Waffles, these are good old fashioned desserts at their finest. Her Macarons ($2) are one of her most popular dishes, along with her Buttermilk Waffles ($14).
Shiberty Bakes
Address: 46 Owen Road, #01-277, Singapore 210046 (Farrer Park MRT)
Contact: 9789 4635
Opening Hours: 12pm – 9.30pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon
3. Pompompurin Café
I have no idea who “Purin” is, but apparently he’s kind of a big deal. Although the queues for this were too long initially, the hype has died down and made things more manageable. Be warned though, it’s cuteness overload! Every Pompompurin cafe around the world has a different theme, with Singapore’s being ‘garden cafe’. Sitting in a garden cafe with cartoon golden retrievers everywhere should warm even the coldest of hearts.
Sure, the food may not Michelin star quality, but that is to be expected from a themed cafe. The food is also surprisingly better than most themed cafes out there anyway! Give the Beef Stroganoff ($18.99) and the Pompompurin Pudding ($9.99) a try, Purin is named after a Japanese pudding, so it only makes sense to give that a try!.
Pompompurin Cafe
Address: Orchard Central, #04-08, Singapore, 238896
Contact: 6509 8672
Opening Hours: Daily; 11 am to 10.30pm (Last order at 10pm)
No reservations allowed. No takeaways.
4. Merriment Cafe
Part of the Drury Lane franchise, Merriment Cafe is here to fulfill all of our brunch desires. With that cafe vibe we all love, yet also boasting a menu of dishes filling enough to satisfy even the hungriest of tummies, Merriment Cafe combines the best of both worlds in a trendy and simplistic setting.
The Braised Pork Belly Rice Bowl ($6.50) is most certainly worth a try, not only is it jaw droppingly cheap, but the beautiful marinade it’s coated in has great depth of flavor. If you show your JTC (Jurong Town Corporation) pass, you also get 15% off!
Merriment Cafe
Address: 8 Jurong Town Hall Road, #02-01 The JTC Summit, 609434
Contact: +65 62226698
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm. Sat: 8am-6pm. Sun: CLOSED.
5. BAKE Hokkaido Cheese Tarts
If there’s one thing better than cheese tarts, it’s #FAMOUS cheese tarts. Hokkaidos one and only BAKE have finally come to Singapore on the 29th April at ION Orchard. Freshly baked every single day, there’s a reason why these are so popular, a reason you’ll realise as soon as you take your first bite. Creamy, fluffy, warm cheese filling coupled with crispy pastry, cheese tarts are around to stay.
They’re so popular that BAKE only allows you to buy 12 at one go, at $3.50 for one or 6 for $19.50; so make sure you plan your next trip to ION soon! Salted egg yolk is soooo last week, cheese tarts are the next big thing, so expect some serious queues.
BAKE Cheese Tarts
Address: ION Orchard, #B4-33, 2 Orchard Turn Singapore 238801
6. Olivia & Co
With a menu inspired by founder Olivia’s love for travelling and seeing the world, expect classic English breakfasts along with Mexican chilli eggs, and everything inbetween. All the favourite parts of your favourite countries combine to create a seriously expansive menu for this quaint cafe.
Along with breakfasts and mains, they also serve some killer desserts, such as the Nanny Nutella Waffles ($12) and the Malt Mashed Milkshake ($9.50). Expect a serious food baby after leaving here. Delicious food from someone who’s clearly passionate about what they do makes this a must try for any foodie.
Olivia & Co
Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard, #01-481/481A/483/483A Suntec City Mall, 038983
Contact: 63372518
Opening Hours: 9am to 9pm daily
7. Ollella
Specialising in Choux Pastries and Traditional Indonesian Kueh Lapis, Ollella’s treats look as good as they taste. Besides looking spectacular, each choux is made with a whole load of love, care and attention. Each flavour has its own individual filling, with a crispy bun keeping it all together. We recommend the Mini Choux Platter ($21), which lets you try one of each flavour before deciding which is your favourite.
The tiramisu, with its luscious alcoholic cream is one of the most popular flavours, but when they’re all this beautiful, you’ve got to give all seven a try!
Ollella
Address: 3 Petain Road, #01-01 Residences@Somme, Singapore 208108
Contact: +65 91399871
Opening Hours: 12pm-9pm, (closed on Tuesdays)
8. Dazzling Cafe Pink
When both the words ‘dazzling’ and ‘pink’ are in the title, you may think you’re about to enter a full on girly world. Luckily for us, Dazzling Cafe Pink has found the perfect amount of girly fun, without it looking like an 8 year old’s bedroom. The decor resembles a 80s carnival with a pink and black colour palette, creating a fun and vibrant atmosphere
The retail side sells bags, jewellery and other accessories, but don’t forget about the food. Pieces of Gula Melaka Honey Toast ($18.90) piled high with toppings are sure to satisfy even the largest of sugar cravings. With Kaya-filled mini cubes nestled inside the honey toast before a scoop of salted gula melaka ice cream is added to the top. Is your mouth watering yet?
Dazzling Cafe
Address: 277 Orchard Road, #01-12/13/14 Orchardgateway, 238858
Contact: +65 63853639
Opening Hours: 11am-10pm (Daily)
9. Freehouse
Sometimes, only good old-fashioned bar food will do. Freehouse specialises in comfort food served alongside a large range of beer and ciders. The place screams after work dreams from the rooftop down to its cutesy staircase. Even if the alcohol isn’t your thing, get high on the mountainous plates of food that wouldn’t look out of place on the finest of foodie Instagrams!
Freehouse
Address: 21A Boon Tat Street, Singapore 069620
Contact: http://www.freehouse.com.sg
Opening Hours: 5pm-12am (closed on Sundays)
10. Chot-Nun
It takes a lot to make your products stand out nowadays, but adding dry ice to your drinks should just about do the trick! Designed to help keep the Bingsu cooler for longer, the dry ice also makes it look like one of those cool science experiments you were never allowed to do at school.
With 12 different flavours all available to take away from Far East Plaza, make you trips to Orchard a million times cooler. From the refreshing Melon ($9.50) to classic flavors like Cookies And Cream ($7.50), Chot-Nun has something for everyone!
Chot-Nun
Address: 14 Scotts Road, #01-16E Far East Plaza, 228213
Contact: chotnunsg@gmail.com
Opening Hours: 11am-10pm
11. Pokemon Cafe
If Hello Kitty and Pompompurin didn’t get you excited, maybe this will. For those who’ve spent their entire lives dreaming about becoming Pokemon trainers, here’s your chance to snag your very own Pikachu in real life! And the best part is you won’t even need to throw a Pokeball to do it.
The brand new pop-up cafe will be serving 12 Pokemon themed dishes and have exclusive merchandise on sale as well. You’ll even get to take pictures with or hug a giant Pikachu mascot! The cafe will be in operation for a limited period of time (27th May to 31st July), so make sure you get a chance to check out your favourite Pokemon in the flesh.
Pokemon Cafe
Address: 200 Victoria Street, #04-05, Bugis Junction Singapore 188021
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm
– Restaurants –
12. Ninja Bowl
If delicious looking Japanese inspired food is your kind of thing, Ninja Bowl should be your next go-to destination in the CBD. Serving all day brunch along with some of the most gorgeous looking french toast in Singapore; Ninja Bowl is lined up to be the next breakout restaurant star in the CBD area
With meals such as 24 Hour Slow Cooked Beef Cheek ($16), this is far from your regular quick lunch fix, with dishes like grilled eel and torched pork belly, no effort has been spared. The Ume Honey French Toast ($17) is downright gorgeous, with flowers added on top, figs and almond butter making this look almost as good as it tastes.
Ninja Bowl
Address: 15 Duxton Road, Singapore 089481
Contact: +65 62228055
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 9:30am-7:30pm. Sat-Sun: 9am-6pm.
13. Face to Face
All the way from Sarawak, Face to Face is home to the original pan mian in Sarawak. Offering freshly made dry and soup noodles over at city square plaza, Face to Face is THE place to go next time you get those craving that only noodles can fix.
This noodle house is comfort food at its finest, using ancient techniques passed down from generation to generation. From the gooey, runny eggs to the addictive ikan bilis, this food is one step ahead of the rest with its modern take on a true classic.
Face to Face Noodle House
Address: 180 Kitchener Road, #02-23/24 City Square Mall, 208539
Contact: +65 65956595
Opening Hours: 10am-10pm
14. Timbre+
What’s better than a new restaurant? TONS of new restaurants! This brand new gastro park will satisfy your food related desires, no matter what you’re in the mood for. A perfect mix of hawker culture meeting modern day needs, with food from all around the world all found underneath one roof. Expect restaurant quality food at affordable prices, and an atmosphere only a food market can create.
Try dishes such as Salted Egg Yolk Chicken Wings ($8.90) and The Legendary Fat Samurai ($9), or just stick to your good old lobster rolls and truffle fries, whatever your heart desires, you can find it here.
Timbre+
Address: 73A Ayer Rajah Crescent, JTC LaunchPad @ one-north, 139957
Contact: https://www.facebook.com/timbreplus
Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs: 6am-12am, Fri-Sat: 6am-1am, Closed on Sundays.
15. Good Old Days
If quality local food in a comfortable, cozy environment is what you’re after, then the newly opened Good Old Days at Sentosa is most definitely worth a visit. Offering a local cuisine buffet priced at just $20 for adults and $15 for children, treat yourself to their selections of stir fried beef, laksa, lo han chye, and of course, chicken rice!
With an a la carte menu as well, you’ll be spoilt for choice and will want to stay all day in this gorgeous colonial style building. It’s also working to become halal certified, so even more people can enjoy dining here!
Check out our review of Good Old Days here!
Good Old Days
Address: Beach Plaza
Contact: 6273 1743
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm
16. Tanuki Raw
Tanuki Raw may not technically be a new restaurant, but with a brand new menu AND location, it’s good as new! Using American street food influences to create twists on Japanese classics, they aim to make wacky dishes that taste as amazing as they sound.
Foie Gras Doughnut ($18.90) and a deep dish pizza loaded with duck confit, bacon, prawn and more are just a glimpse into the exciting and creative menu on offer. Offering alfresco dining as well, this is one of the best spots to dine at when you’re in town and you want to show your friends a good time.
Tanuki Raw
Address: 181 Orchard Road, #04-01 Orchard Central, Singapore 238896
Contact: +65 66365949
Opening Hours: 11:30am-10:30pm
17. Mo’mor Izakaya
Mo’mor is only a 10-15 minute walk from Orchard MRT and focuses on producing simple food at its absolute best. With a rotational set lunch menu, expect a different surprise each time you visit. Their 2 Course Set Lunch ($15) is extremely affordable, and offers dishes that you’d expect to find only in the finest of establishments.
Mo’mor Izakaya
Address: 56 Tanglin Road, #B1-01 Tanglin Post Office, Singapore 247964
Contact: +65 64638080
Opening Hours: Sun-Wed: 11am-11pm, Thur-Sat: 11am-1am.
18. WOK°15 Kitchen
You don’t need a fancy yacht or a house on Sentosa to head down to the harbour and try out One Degree 15’s newest restaurant. Serving cantonese dishes with a view of the bayfront, enjoy some Singapore favourites like the Chilli Crab ($8/100g) or perhaps try something completely new. Dining by the water is whole new experience and makes a change from the views of the CBD or even just your own dining room.
WOK°15 Kitchen
Address: #01-01 Sentosa Cove, 11 Cove Drive, 098497
Contact: 6305 6998
Opening Hours: Tue – Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, Sun & PH: 11am – 2.30pm (last order at 2.30pm). Dinner: Tue – Sun & PH: 6pm – 10pm (last order at 9.30pm). Closed on Mondays.
19. Angela May Food Chapters
You may recognise Angela May from the TV, but get ready to see her in a whole different light. Despite a scarcity in options, the quality of the food is unmistakable. Dishes like the Inverted Almond Crust Cake ($9) and the Shaved Asparagus & Arugula Mint Salad ($24) in particular highlight the Western-Asian influences in the cooking. The Choux Pastries ($4) are also worth a try, with fillings that are out of this world!
Angela May Food Chapters
Address: 260 Orchard Road, #02-02 The Heeren, 238855
Contact: +65 66907501
Opening Hours: 10:30am-10pm
20. Andong Zzimdak
Korea’s famous soy sauce Braised Chicken has finally landed in Singapore, with Andong Zzimdak offering 4 different versions of it’s most well known jjimdaks. Serving set lunches as well as a la carte, they also have a 1-for-1 Monday to Thursday from 6pm to 9.30pm on its alcoholic beverages!
This is hearty korean food without a Korean BBQ in sight, the perfect way to get your K-food fix! Try the Andong Jjimdak ($45.90++ for Medium, $55.90++ for Large) to share, and prepare yourself for the huge portion sizes.
Check out our review of Andong Zzimdak here!
Andong Zzimdak
Address: Raffles City Shopping Centre B1-44F, 252 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179103
Contact: +65 6533 3951
Opening Hours: Daily 11.30am – 10:00pm
21. Jackpot K Korean BBQ
Jackpot K is a new Korean BBQ joint, serving all you can eat freshly shucked oysters, salmon sashimi, chilli crabs and korean fried chicken on top of its BBQ menu. And the best part is you can get all of this for just $37.90 nett!
This is a legit Korean BBQ without a fancy interior or an OTT menu, just good food at its simplest. It’s old fashioned dining with as much delicious food as you can possibly eat, pretty much the perfect place to chill with mates.
Check out Eatbook’s review of Jackpot K here!
Jackpot K Korean BBQ
Address: 5001 Beach Rd, Golden Mile Complex, Singapore 199588
Contact: 9056 8880
Opening Hours: 5pm to 6am (Monday to Saturday), 5pm to 12am (Sunday)
Table for two?
There you have it, 21 new reasons to go out and spend all your savings on calories that you won’t even regret. Forget about the scales and think of those sweet, sweet desserts and those mouth watering mains, you’ll thank me later. Try your best to visit as many as possible, but remember, there’ll be a brand new list coming out next month so hurry hurry! Eat, eat, and then eat some more! May, we’re coming for you.