New restaurants to try in Singapore
Image adapted from: @andrea_abl and @happynessinfinity
We’ve already welcomed a galore of new cafes and restaurants in previous months, but since August, plenty more eateries have opened their doors. From rainbow cheese toast to wagyu rice bowls, here’s what you should be eating this September:
– Cafes –
1. Aqua S – famous sea salt ice cream from Sydney
Image credit: @aquas_au
We admit: the pastel tones, fairy floss, and torched marshmallows of Aqua S’ soft serve has got us intrigued. But before you dismissively shrug it off as another of Instagram’s one-hit wonders, their signature flavour Sea Salt is a sweet and salty medley that’ll have you swooning.
Image credit: @aquas.sg
It’s from Sydney, so if Black Star Pastry’s Strawberry Watermelon cake and other famed desserts from city are anything to go by, this is worth a try. There are 3 flavours at any one time: Sea Salt is a constant but the other 2 change fortnightly – they had Thai Tea and Lychee in the past.
A cone or small cup is priced at $5.70 while a large serve is $6.70. Add on toppings like White Fairy Floss, Popping Candy, and Torched Marshmallows for $0.80 each.
Address: 437 Orchard Road, #B1-09 Orchard Xchange, Singapore 238878
Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 10AM-10PM
2. Egg Stop – Korean breakfast toast with raw egg
Image credit: @nazri_baobed
With the popularity of Isaac Toast and Egg Drop, Korean breakfast toasts have quickly become a thing, and Egg Stop has jumped on the hype train to offer up a halal version of the sandwich. There’s some form of egg in all sandwiches, from raw yolks to scrambled eggs. One of their more popular toasts is the Beef Teriyaki ($7.40), which comes with marinated beef and a single raw yolk on top.
Image credit: @eggstopsg
They also offer Turkey Bacon and Cheese ($5.50), Avocado & Egg (7.90), and Smoked Chicken ($5.90). Bread slices are buttered and toasted for a fluffy texture with a slight crunch.
Address: 60 Paya Lebar Road, #01-62 Paya Lebar Square, Singapore 409051
Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 10AM-10PM
3. Grids & Circles – strawberry pancakes & salmon ochazuke
Image credit: Grids & Circles
Cafes are dime a dozen in Singapore, but Grids & Circles isn’t like any other, as they’re also a space to hold workshops like tea degustations and art exhibitions.
There isn’t a fixed menu here, but they serve up dishes that take inspiration from various cuisines. They do up mains like Summer Pasta ($16), topped with watercress and Japanese cherry tomatoes, and Salmon Ochazuke ($15), sous vide salmon with bacon dashi green tea.
Image credit: Grids & Circles
If you’re craving something sweet, their Strawberry Wonderland ($16) is a stack of 2 fluffy pancakes that come drizzled with strawberry compote as well as basil and mint sauce.
Address: 200 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058749
Opening hours: Mon to Thu: 9AM-9PM, Fri to Sat: 9AM-11PM (Closed on Sundays)
Telephone: 6935 3546
4. Kuma – rainbow cheese toast
Image credit: @happynessinfinity
Our fascination with stretchy cheese toast is far from coming to an end, and Kuma Rainbow Cheese Toast has brought it to the next level with their rainbow version. Not to rip off Skittles’ tagline, but you can literally taste the rainbow.
There are 2 varieties: Signature ($5.90) for an au naturale cheese toast and Rainbow ($6.90) for the vibrant mix of colours. If your main concern is regarding synthetic ingredients, don’t worry – all colours are made with natural food colouring.
Address: 3 Gateway Drive, #02-24 Westgate Mall, Singapore 608532
Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 10AM-10PM
5. Kipos Collective – healthy protein bowls
For those of us looking to eat healthy, protein bowls are an easy choice. With Kipos Collective’s protein bowls, you’ve got a choice of 6 bowls like tofu-based Vegan Bowl ($10) and the Paleo Bowl ($12) which comes with sous vide chicken. Otherwise, you could build your own bowl with prices starting from $10.
Image credit: @wishuponatart
You’ve got a choice of bases like Brown Rice or Green Tea Soba, and protein like Aburi Salmon or Yellowfin Tuna Sashimi. Mix it all up with toppings like Roasted Almonds, Cherry Tomatoes, Onsen Egg, and plenty more.
Address: 7 Wallich Street, #B2-19 Tanjong PAgar Centre, Singapore 078884
Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 11AM-8:30PM, Sat: 11AM-3:30PM (Closed on Sundays)
6. Leeu SG – merlion popsicles & durian-shaped ice cream
Image credit: @andrea_abl
National Day’s done and dusted for 2018, but you can still parade your patriotism with Leeu SG’s merlion popsicles and durian ice cream tarts. The Merlion Ice Popsicle ($4.80) comes in red and white swirls, with flavours of strawberry and vanilla.
Image credit: @melmeleats
As for the Esplanade Ice Cream ($11.80), it’s durian-flavoured and looks like a meringue tart of sorts. Their menu also has The Fish Tail Soft Serve ($6.80), which is made from blue majik – a superfood sea algae powder – and served in a taiyaki (Japanese fish-shaped waffle).
Address: 1 Esplanade Drive, #02-07 The Esplanade Mall, Singapore 038981
Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 11AM-10PM
Telephone: 9489 7433
7. Mo & Jo Sourdough Burgers – grilled barramundi burgers
Image credit: @mo_jo_burgers
As much as we like biting into a buttery brioche bun, there have been times when the entire burger will collapse into a gloopy mess. And that’s the exact problem that Mo & Jo Sourdough Burgers’ has addressed with their sturdy but freshly-baked sourdough buns.
Image credit: @whimsicalhuez
It’s by the same people behind Baker & Cook – also in Greenwood Avenue – so they’ve certainly had their fair share of cafe experience. Choose from burgers like the Mo ($17), which comes with a beef patty drizzled with house mayo, mustard, and tomato relish, or the Classic Kiwi ($20) for beef topped with slivers of beetroot, fried egg, and cheddar.
Besides beef burgers, they also have the Naughty CCC ($18) with fried chicken breast, and The Barra ($20) with grilled barramundi. If the standard sourdough doesn’t strike your fancy, opt for the Soy & Linseed or Gluten Free ($1.50) buns instead.
Address: 8 Greenwood Avenue, Singapore 289198
Opening hours: Tue to Fri: 12PM-3PM, 5PM-10PM, Sat to Sun: 8AM-10PM (Closed on Mondays)
Telephone: 6463 4626
8. Kagurazaka Saryo – all things matcha
Image credit: @_jessssyyyy
For those who firmly believe in the benefits of green tea, Japanese teahouse Kagurazaka Saryo is a guilt-free way to indulge in desserts. It’s almost matcha-everything, with desserts like their Signature Parfait ($10.90) that comes with matcha and vanilla ice cream, and Azuki beans and matcha pudding.
Their Matcha Fondue ($14.90) is also a bestseller, since you can dip in mochi, strawberries, waffles, and bananas into a pot of matcha. For one of their more novel desserts, try the Matcha Frozen Smores ($9.90) for either vanilla or matcha ice cream that’s topped with caramelised but still pillowy marshmallows.
Image credit: @tjang.fonda
They also have cha-nabe, Japanese tea broth with your choice of rice or udon, and meat like chicken, pork, and salmon. There’s a wide array of flavours here too, from Salmon Miso Cha-nabe ($11.90) to Pork Shabu Yom Yam Cha-nabe ($11.90).
Address: 1 Harbourfront Walk, #01-59 VivoCity, Singapore 098585
Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 12PM-9PM
Telephone: 6376 9978
9. Teabrick – kombucha blends and fermented drinks
Image credit: Teabricksg
We’ve been flooded with plenty of bubble tea joints lately, and it’s getting harder to stay devoted to our regular Koi or Gong Cha favourites. Here’s another one to try: Teabrick, for its health-conscious kombucha blends and fermented drinks.
Image credit: Teabricksg
We’ve come to expect standard drinks like pearl milk tea from other bubble tea vendors, but this one has a menu filled with quirky concoctions like Lemongrass Kombucha ($4.80) and Sparkling Blue Pea Fermenade ($6.2). You can add toppings like Blue Pea Ruby ($1.20), Aloe Vera ($0.80), and Earl Grey Jelly ($1).
Address: 3 Phillip Street, #01-04 Royal Group Building, Singapore 048693
Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 8:30AM-7PM (Closed on Saturdays and Sundays)
10. The Communal Place – DIY breakfast sets & miso salmon
Image credit: @debsho22
Like other cosy neighbourhood joints, The Communal Place is well worth heading to since they dish out comfort food like Chicken Roulade ($20) and Slow-roasted Louis Ribs ($22).
Image credit: @the_xw
Try the DIY Breakfast, where you can choose from various ingredients like German Sausage, Scrambled Eggs, and Sauteed Mushrooms. They also have mains like Miso Salmon ($18), and desserts like Chocolate Dome ($16).
Address: 465 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427677
Opening hours: Tue to Fri: 5PM-10PM, Sat to Sun: 11AM to 10PM
Telephone: 6282 3359
– Restaurants –
11. Enjoy Mala – dip pot mala with cute fish cakes
Image credit: Eatbook
There’s no shortage of mala joints in Singapore but while we’ve tried mala xiang guo (stir-fry pot) and mala hot pot, we’re not as familiar with mala zhan guo (dip pot). At Enjoy Mala, the meat here doesn’t come stir-fried but instead, is placed on skewers.
Image credit: Eatbook
Depending on the ingredients, skewers are priced at $0.50, $1, or $1.50 per stick. At the $0.50 level, you could get veggies like Lotus Root and Chinese Cabbage, while the $1 sticks offered the likes of Salmon Fish Roll and Unbreaded Crab Claw. As for the $1.50 sticks, there were meats like Five-Spiced Beef and Scallops.
Address: 181 Orchard Road, #04-22 Orchard Central, Singapore 238896
Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 11AM-10PM
Telephone: 6509 0295
12. 78 Alkofelic – coffee cocktails
Image credit: @yinkae
Most folks have a weak spot for either coffee or alcohol – some have a craving for both, and 78 Alkofelic is exactly where you should go to satisfy those cravings. While they do have classic cocktails like Negroni ($13.80) and Long Island Iced Tea ($17.80), their signature cocktails are all mixed with a splash of coffee.
Image credit: @78alkofelic
As risque as it sounds, they offer signature cocktails likebwhich comes with vodka, Irish cream, and schnapps, andb which is loaded with absinthe and XO. Both mentioned come with coffee, but for those who aren’t coffee fanatics can also appreciated theb for its Chai masala tea, evaporated milk, and the underlying taste of scotch.
Address: 6 Purvis Street, Singapore 188585
Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 8AM-12AM
Telephone: 9275 9864
13. Tokidon – wagyu rice bowls
Image credit: @dingsleepy
There’s something addictive about rice bowls, especially when they’re topped with generous strips of wagyu beef. By the same people behind Kabuke – a sake bar in Telok Ayer – Tokidon shows a great deal of potential. They’ve got a range of rice bowls with different cuts of beef, from the tender meat of the Truffle Tenderloin Don ($15.90) to the wagyu striploin of the Wagyu Misozuke Don ($23.90).
Image credit: @tokidonsg
Feel free to add on other premium ingredients too, like Foie Gras ($11.90) that’s been marinated in teriyaki sauce or Ikura Shoyuzuke ($4.90) for salmon roe in shoyu. Unlike Kabuke, the sake choices here are kept minimal with no sake-food pairings, but you’ve still got a selection of $11.90 Cup Sakes.
Address: 16 Raffles Quay, #B1-33 Hong Leong Building, Singapore 048581
Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 11AM-9PM
Telephone: 9151 9572
14. Dancing Fish – Malay-Indo restaurant specialising in fried fish
Image credit: @dancingfish.sg
Dancing Fish is hailed as one of Kuala Lumpur’s most renowned restaurants, having made it to CNN’s Top 20 Restaurants last year. But there’s no need to travel all the way there to try their Malay-Indo cuisine – they’ve opened a new joint at our very own Tang Plaza.
Image credit: @dancingfish.sg
It’s best to come here with a large group, so you can try a variety of dishes. Try the Bebek Goreng Bali ($26) – fried duck sprinkled with coconut bits or their Buntut Belado Enak ($36) – Australian oxtail barbecued over charcoal. Many already swear by the Signature Dancing Fish ($38), savouring the taste of the crunchy deep fried fish that’s carved into the shape of a dancing fish.
Address: 310 Orchard Road, TANGS at Tang Plaza, Level 4, Singapore 238864
Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 11:30AM-10:30PM
Telephone: 6399 1048
15. Hokkaido-ya – Japanese rice bowls
Image credit: @bananamangoauntie
The same folks behind Sushi Tei have opened up Hokkaido-ya – a casual Japanese restaurant with rice bowls and ramen.
The Aburi Mentai Bara Chirashi Don comes with a generous spread of mentaiko.
Image credit: @fellldown
From Aburi Mentai Bara Chirashi Don ($14.90) to Truffle Salmon Don ($10.90) the food here isn’t fixated on Japanese authenticity, but instead, mixes things up to cater to our mentaiko and truffle-loving tastebuds. But for the traditionalists, there are still bowls of Tori Karaage Don ($8.90) and Hokkaido Beef Ramen ($15.90).
Address: 1 Harbourfront Walk, #02-153 VivoCity, Singapore 098585
Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 11:30AM-10PM
Telephone: 6376 8387
16. Spagtacular – fusion pasta dishes
Image credit: Spagtacular
Of all the fusion food in Singapore, fusion pasta is one of the safer choices – chilli crab pasta, anyone? But Spagtacular takes it to the next step: they also offer pasta dishes like Kimchi Spice ($12) served with fresh kimchi and pork belly and The Golden Egg ($12) which comes with a creamy salted egg sauce and chicken.
Image credit: Spagtacular
Those not keen on fusion pasta also have choices of classic dishes like Pasta El Pesto ($10) and Traditional Carbonara ($10). Their sides keep it traditional with Garlic Bread ($5), Truffle Fries ($8), and Wild Mushroom Soup ($6).
Address: 54 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058685
Opening hours: Mon to Thu: 12PM-10PM, Fri to Sat: 12PM-11PM
Telephone: 9326 9599
17. Jypsy – Japanese salmon tacos & rainbow sushi rolls
Image credit: @jypsysg
Jypsy is a new new concept by the folks behind P.S Cafe, but this time round, they’re trying their hand at contemporary Japanese cuisine. Once you step in, you’ll be momentarily distracted by the stylish decor – it’s all decked out with wooden pillars and fabric lanterns.
Image credit: @irenesing_snippetsofmylife
Food-wise, they offer shared plates of sushi rolls and sashimi, along with rice and noodle bowls. But don’t come in expecting traditional Japanese fare – the food here is presented in all colours of the rainbow, especially with dishes like Jypsy Rainbow Sushi Roll ($19).
Image credit: @nicklingq
You could start with a few sharing plates like the Jypsy Salmon Tacos ($14) and Obasan’s Sticky Beef Sliders ($15) before making your way to heftier mains like the Smokey Unagi Fried Rice ($22) or Udon Goreng ($19).
Address: 38 Martin Road, Singapore 239072
Opening hours: Tue to Sun: 11:30AM-11PM
Telephone: 8188 6177
18. The Keep & Commune – 2-in-1 cafe and tapas bar
Image credit: @keepandcommune
Over at The Keep & Commune, it’s cafe by day and tapas bar by night. This duality is seen once again in their menu, where there are 2 sections split into East and West – with dishes as contrasting as the obviously-Western In-N-Out Burger ($18) to the Deep-Fried Tofu ($12) which comes topped with chilli and a yuzu glaze.
Image credit: @shareyour_food
They also serve up drinks – they’ve got a “Friyay Happy Hour” when cocktails start from $12.
Address: 237 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058786
Opening hours: Mon to Sat: 8AM-6PM (Closed on Sundays)
Telephone: 6304 3231
19. Yoshi Restaurant – wagyu foie gras don
Image credit: @yoshirestaurant.sg
Here’s a restaurant that you’ll be saving for something special. Because with Yoshi Restaurant’s prices, you need a good excuse to splurge on their lunch-only Bara Chirashi Don ($68) or Wagyu Beef & Foie Gras Don ($78).
Image credit: @deuxtac
For those who can’t get enough of maguro (tuna), uni (sea urchin), or Japanese beef – you’re in luck. They have special themed-menus for both lunch and dinner, featuring the Maguro Menu ($158), Uni Menu ($188), and Beef Menu ($178). Pricey, but well-worth the quality ingredients.
Respectively, the star of each menu is the Maguro Don, Uni Chirashi Don, and Wagyu Beef Don with Onsen Egg – we’re salivating already.
Address: 583 Orchard Road, Singapore 238884
Opening hours: Mon to Sat: 12PM-2PM, 7PM-10PM (Closed on Sundays)
Telephone: 8188 0900
20. The Obelisk – rotating fusion menu
Image credit: The Obelisk
The menu at The Obelisk changes every 4 months – it’s currently showcasing local-European fusion food. They’re offering sharing plates like Chilli Crab Sliders ($9) and Bone Marrow ($18), but also have quirky dishes like Bak Chor Mee Scotch Egg ($16) – the mee is generously topped off with tobiko.
Image credit: @theobelisk.sg
They also have a cocktail bar, with signature drinks like Yojimbo ($16), sake with cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) and Tavern ($16), bourbon with pandan and kaya notes. Head down before their menu revamps, the word around town hints that the next menu will be Thai-influenced.
Address: 61 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088482
Opening hours: Mon to Sat: 5PM-12AM
Telephone: 6655 2691
New food to try in Singapore in September 2018
From fusion pasta restaurants to merlion-shaped popsicles, there’s too much to chow down in September 2018 – even if you eat out regularly. Start with shared plates at a tapas joint, a main in one of the many Japanese restaurants, and end with a cocktail or two at a bar – similar to how cafe hopping works.