If the images are not displaying below, view our Guide to Tiong Bahru and its full images as it was originally published on TheSmartLocal.com
Like a hipster blackhole, Tiong Bahru has sucked up all the trendy cafes and people in Singapore and kept them there. There’s the legendary bookstores and cafes, old haunts, charming estate and fancy new tenants vying for their place in hipster heaven. I guess it’s this eclectic mix that makes Tiong Bahru so appealing to people.
Now even tourists come by the busloads to check this place out. I kid you not. But with all the choices available, where would you start?
It was for this reason we sought to piece together a Guide to Tiong Bahru food and cafe to make it easy for people to discover the best of Tiong Bahru. Grab your friends and explore, discover and satiate your growling stomach. Your Tiong Bahru quest begins now!
Image credit: @smilingwhales
Coq & Balls specialises in imported beers and its more of a gastrobar than of a café, where you can chomp on tongue-in-cheek-named delights such as The Big Coq. Food-wise, it serves an diverse mix of cuisine ranging from appetizers such as yakitori, braised teriyaki chicken, to mains such as Pan Fried Black Pepper Beef Udon and Brazen Beef Steak.
Address: 6 Kim Tian Road Singapore 163006
Must-haves: Chuck Norris Specialty Cocktail ($21.00), The Big Coq ($16)
Image credit: @flockcafespore
If you’re looking for a quieter and less populated place to laze your afternoons away in Tiong Bahru, this has got to be it. A short distance away from the popular 78 Yong Siak Street, Flock Café serves all-day breakfast, an assortment of bread, as well as Liberty coffee.
Its classy, magazine-laden interior and smooth music selection struck a chord with me.
Address: 78 Moh Guan Terrace #01-25 Tiong Bahru Estate Singapore 162078
Must-haves: Eggs Sally ($15.90), Pork Cheek Gruyere Sandwich ($19.90), Prawn Avocado and Lemon Mayo Sandwich ($13.90)
Image credit: @lucaszaragosi
Bincho is located at Hua Bee, where director Eric Khoo filmed his movie Mee Pok Man. It is particularly popular for its yakitori, and offers two dining options available- a 9 course Sakura meal for $50, and a 11-course Bincho set for $80 consisting of yakitori delights like chicken wings and thighs as well as the usual Japanese dishes like Chawanmushi.
Be sure to make your way to the back door if you were to patronize this store. It’s the only way in.
Address: 78 Moh Guan Terrace #01-19 Singapore 162078
Must-haves: Yakitori
Image credit: @kaylopsiia
PS café opened an outlet at Tiong Bahru and this time, in a bid to conceptualise a new takeaway concept, this new outlet has an extremely limited number of chairs and tables around. While takeaways are highly encouraged have no fear as quality is not being compromised upon.
Gooey Pizzas with perfect crusts are a must-try when you dine at PS Café Petit, known to be one of the “best and most underrated pizza joint ever”. To top it off, you can complete your night with a fine selection of wine.
Address: 78 Guan Chuan Street #01-41 Singapore 160078
Must-haves: Bianca Funghi Pizza ($26.00), Four Cheese Porcini Pizza ($28.00)
Image credit: @40handscoffee
They say an average of 40 hands are required in the production of coffee, from plant to cup. 40 Hands have garnered a huge following for their cuppa coffee and there is no reason for you not to drop by and taste it for yourself.
The place is extremely crowded on weekends, and offers a range of meals and desserts. Kudos to this café because despite the overwhelming weekend crowd, the staff were extremely pleasant and patiently helped us shoot a few pictures despite their business.
Address: 78 Yong Siak Street #01-12, Singapore 163078
Must-haves: House blended coffee, Signature Kong Bak Pau and Tau Sar Pau, Truffle Fries.
Image credit: @opendoorpolicysg
I wouldn’t regard Open Door’s as a café as the food served here is of a much higher notch. Mains include its popular 48 hour Braised Beef Cheek with Mochi Potatoes, Carrot Puree and Pea Tendrils ($29.00), Braised Duck Ragout with Pappardelle Pasta and Smoked Tomato Sauce ($25.00). The steeper food price is justified by the higher quality of food found here.
That aside, I do love the ambience and heavy metal cutleries atop tables laden with wine glasses as it does successfully give off an extremely really chic vibe.
Address: 19 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 168650
Must-haves: 48 hour Braised Beef Cheek with Mochi Potatoes, Carrot Puree and Pea Tendrils ($29.00), Apple Crumble with Vanilla Custard ($15.00)
Pronounced as “E-Q”, Ikyu is a Japanese Dining Restaurant that has situated itself in the hustle and bustle of café life along the streets of Tiong Bahru. While its grunge, dull-coloured interior sets it apart from the other cafes along TB and is distinct from many Japanese restaurants here, Ikyu is well known to provide quality Japanese food.
Address: 5 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 168643
Must-haves: Seven Course Omakase ($128), Shok Cheesecake ($8.50)
Image credit: @paulinajhns
Calling this one-of-a-kind bakery plain is such an understatement. While we have had many cupcake stores popping up the past two years, Plain Vanilla Bakery pretty much gives other competitors a run for their money due to its superior quality and extremely affordable pricing. Factor in the lesser-found open-space concept of the bakery, neat row of vintage bicycles and childhood swing to make for a picturesque shot …
Image credit: @safs_qq
We have a clear winner.
Image credit: @loganthewooferine
Address: 1D Yong Siak Street, Singapore 168641
Must-haves: Dark Chocolate Ganache ($3.50), Red Velvet Cupcake ($3.50)
Cheng Delicacies offer Authentic Hainanese food at an affordable price, and specialize in Curry Rice that is said to be unique and flavorful. Cheng’s Delicacies was once featured in Channel U’s food show.
Address: 27 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 168654
Must-haves: Curry Chicken Chop Rice ($5)
To get to the other side of Tiong Bahru with Tiong Bahru Bakery, you have to walk about 10 minutes across Seng Poh Road. If you head downwards halfway along the road you’ll reach Seng Poh Lane. And on the right will be the rest of the cafes.
Image credit: @juheech
The Tiong Bahru name is definitely synonymous with Bak Kut Teh, because this is where you can find one of Singapore’s best Bak Kut Teh store! It is famous for being less peppery than the usual Bak Kut Teh, which allows for the sweetness of the Bak Kut to seep through. With its filled-to-the-brim crowd during lunch hour, you will want to get there before the queues start snaking in.
Address: Blk 58 Seng Poh Road, #01-31 Singapore 160058
Arguably the most famous Zichar stall in Tiong Bahru, propelled to stardom due to their thick and fresh Crab Bee Hoon, De Classic Golden Spoon is place every zi char lover should try at least once in their lifetime.
Address: 62 Seng Poh Lane, Singapore 160062
Must-haves: Cod Fish, Cereal Chicken with Pumpkin, Crab Bee Hoon
Another famous zi char place in Tiong Bahru, this time for late night dining as well as supper. Definitely old-school as you sit by the road in those less-than-fancy-but-very-Singaporean red plastic chair with your food perched atop wooden tables.
Ting Hen brings back the kampong spirit as friendly chatters and laughter fills the air right up till 4am.
Address: #01-03, 82 Tiong Poh Road, Singapore 160082
Must-haves: Golden Mushroom Beancurd
Source: Wen’s Delight
Image credit: @lifeofthreefoodies
I stumbled onto this hidden gem in Tiong Bahru after desserts at TBB on a Sunday night and boy was it one of the best finds ever. Though I’ve never tasted porridge quite like the one my granddad used to cook, Ah Chiang’s Charcoal Porridge is quite the formidable opponent.
Ah Chiang’s serves Cantonese-styled porridge with a consistent texture that is cooked over traditional old charcoal, hence explaining the slight smoky taste and smell that lingers. You could also order complementary ingredients such as you tiao and raw fish, a hot favourite. The newspaper and magazine clippings that plastered every wall were right. Ah Chiang’s porridge is remarkably good.
Address: 65 Tiong Poh Road #01-38 Singapore 160065
Must-haves: Raw Fish, Mixed Pork Porridge ($3.50)
In this country whereby even the smallest piece of land costs you a fortune, I love the extremely spacious interior and comfortable chairs Drips has to offer. That aside, Drips Bakery specializes in tarts, but also provides a commendable range of meals such as Louisiana Pork Ribs as well.
While their giant tarts feature a generous range of fruits to choose from, they didn’t tickle my taste buds. The fruits on my Raspberry Strawberry Tart were more of sour than sweet, and for such a serving size I found tarts there to be pricey (around $8). Still, I know of people who are loyal fans so you might want to check it out for yourself.
Address: 82 Tiong Poh Road #01-05, Singapore 160082
Must-haves: Cinnamon Pear Tart ($7.50)
Image credit: @ymkyumi
Co-owned by French Baker, TV personality and author Gontran Cherrier, TBB is the premier destination for all overly enthusiastic artisanal bread fanatics. Labeled as the Paris of The Yeast, teenagers used to swarm TBB at Raffles City, queuing up to get their hands on either TBB’s Croissant, delectable Kouign Amann, or Round Lemon Tart.
Although I’m totally not a bread fan, I thoroughly enjoyed the artisan breads and tarts at TBB. In addition, while I never fancy desserts that are anything but sweet, I never fail to make an exception for the Round Lemon Tart. It’s definitely worthy of all the hype it’s been receiving.
Address: 56 Eng Hoon Street, #01-70 Singapore 160056
Must-haves: Croissant ($3.20), Kouign Amann ($3.50), Round Lemon Tart ($6.00)
Image credit: @asfixiado
Looking for some old-school dessert such as Nonya Kuehs? Tiong Bahru Galicier Pastry is one well-known confectionery that has been hand making their kuehs since… well since forever. Located amidst the old Tiong Bahru estates, it might be difficult to find at first, but the search is worth it. I heard that the owner (Jenny) is a nice lady too, so if you’re up for it you could probably ask her for some food history lessons behind the kuehs!
Address: 55 Tiong Bahru Road, Singapore 160055
Must-haves: Ondeh Ondeh (60 cents), Kueh Lapis ($1.40), Butterfly ($1.50)
As its name implies, Tiong Bahru Pau & Snack first originated from the hawker in Tiong Bahru Market before it caught the attention of Singaporeans like you and me and started branching out into different franchises all over the island. My parents love getting their hands on their famous pork buns whenever we are in the Tiong Bahru district even though their Big Pau lack the distinctive flavor of an egg.
Address: 237 Outram Road, Singapore 16904
Must-haves: Char Siew Pau ($0.80), Siew Mai ($0.80), Big Pau ($1.60)
So there you have it, our complete guide to food and cafes in Tiong Bahru!
While I did relish savouring foodfare at the new renaissance of cafes that have inexorably popped up at Tiong Bahru, I would suspend judgement on whether TB is worth all the hype it has gotten. I know of cafes that serve better quality food than those found at Tiong Bahru, with a more affordable price tag too.
In addition, while I don’t mind crowds, I would prefer some peace and quiet any day. It gets really claustrophobic and crazy noisy at TB especially on weekends and aren’t cafes supposed to be quiet relaxing places to chill?
What do you think, how do you feel about the delights at Tiong Bahru- yay or nay?
Do let us know!
|
|
If the images are not displaying below, view our Guide to Tiong Bahru and its full images as it was originally published on TheSmartLocal.com
Like a hipster blackhole, Tiong Bahru has sucked up all the trendy cafes and people in Singapore and kept them there. There’s the legendary bookstores and cafes, old haunts, charming estate and fancy new tenants vying for their place in hipster heaven. I guess it’s this eclectic mix that makes Tiong Bahru so appealing to people.
Now even tourists come by the busloads to check this place out. I kid you not. But with all the choices available, where would you start?
It was for this reason we sought to piece together a Guide to Tiong Bahru food and cafe to make it easy for people to discover the best of Tiong Bahru. Grab your friends and explore, discover and satiate your growling stomach. Your Tiong Bahru quest begins now!
Image credit: @smilingwhales
Coq & Balls specialises in imported beers and its more of a gastrobar than of a café, where you can chomp on tongue-in-cheek-named delights such as The Big Coq. Food-wise, it serves an diverse mix of cuisine ranging from appetizers such as yakitori, braised teriyaki chicken, to mains such as Pan Fried Black Pepper Beef Udon and Brazen Beef Steak.
Address: 6 Kim Tian Road Singapore 163006
Must-haves: Chuck Norris Specialty Cocktail ($21.00), The Big Coq ($16)
Image credit: @flockcafespore
If you’re looking for a quieter and less populated place to laze your afternoons away in Tiong Bahru, this has got to be it. A short distance away from the popular 78 Yong Siak Street, Flock Café serves all-day breakfast, an assortment of bread, as well as Liberty coffee.
Its classy, magazine-laden interior and smooth music selection struck a chord with me.
Address: 78 Moh Guan Terrace #01-25 Tiong Bahru Estate Singapore 162078
Must-haves: Eggs Sally ($15.90), Pork Cheek Gruyere Sandwich ($19.90), Prawn Avocado and Lemon Mayo Sandwich ($13.90)
Image credit: @lucaszaragosi
Bincho is located at Hua Bee, where director Eric Khoo filmed his movie Mee Pok Man. It is particularly popular for its yakitori, and offers two dining options available- a 9 course Sakura meal for $50, and a 11-course Bincho set for $80 consisting of yakitori delights like chicken wings and thighs as well as the usual Japanese dishes like Chawanmushi.
Be sure to make your way to the back door if you were to patronize this store. It’s the only way in.
Address: 78 Moh Guan Terrace #01-19 Singapore 162078
Must-haves: Yakitori
Image credit: @kaylopsiia
PS café opened an outlet at Tiong Bahru and this time, in a bid to conceptualise a new takeaway concept, this new outlet has an extremely limited number of chairs and tables around. While takeaways are highly encouraged have no fear as quality is not being compromised upon.
Gooey Pizzas with perfect crusts are a must-try when you dine at PS Café Petit, known to be one of the “best and most underrated pizza joint ever”. To top it off, you can complete your night with a fine selection of wine.
Address: 78 Guan Chuan Street #01-41 Singapore 160078
Must-haves: Bianca Funghi Pizza ($26.00), Four Cheese Porcini Pizza ($28.00)
Image credit: @40handscoffee
They say an average of 40 hands are required in the production of coffee, from plant to cup. 40 Hands have garnered a huge following for their cuppa coffee and there is no reason for you not to drop by and taste it for yourself.
The place is extremely crowded on weekends, and offers a range of meals and desserts. Kudos to this café because despite the overwhelming weekend crowd, the staff were extremely pleasant and patiently helped us shoot a few pictures despite their business.
Address: 78 Yong Siak Street #01-12, Singapore 163078
Must-haves: House blended coffee, Signature Kong Bak Pau and Tau Sar Pau, Truffle Fries.
Image credit: @opendoorpolicysg
I wouldn’t regard Open Door’s as a café as the food served here is of a much higher notch. Mains include its popular 48 hour Braised Beef Cheek with Mochi Potatoes, Carrot Puree and Pea Tendrils ($29.00), Braised Duck Ragout with Pappardelle Pasta and Smoked Tomato Sauce ($25.00). The steeper food price is justified by the higher quality of food found here.
That aside, I do love the ambience and heavy metal cutleries atop tables laden with wine glasses as it does successfully give off an extremely really chic vibe.
Address: 19 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 168650
Must-haves: 48 hour Braised Beef Cheek with Mochi Potatoes, Carrot Puree and Pea Tendrils ($29.00), Apple Crumble with Vanilla Custard ($15.00)
Pronounced as “E-Q”, Ikyu is a Japanese Dining Restaurant that has situated itself in the hustle and bustle of café life along the streets of Tiong Bahru. While its grunge, dull-coloured interior sets it apart from the other cafes along TB and is distinct from many Japanese restaurants here, Ikyu is well known to provide quality Japanese food.
Address: 5 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 168643
Must-haves: Seven Course Omakase ($128), Shok Cheesecake ($8.50)
Image credit: @paulinajhns
Calling this one-of-a-kind bakery plain is such an understatement. While we have had many cupcake stores popping up the past two years, Plain Vanilla Bakery pretty much gives other competitors a run for their money due to its superior quality and extremely affordable pricing. Factor in the lesser-found open-space concept of the bakery, neat row of vintage bicycles and childhood swing to make for a picturesque shot …
Image credit: @safs_qq
We have a clear winner.
Image credit: @loganthewooferine
Address: 1D Yong Siak Street, Singapore 168641
Must-haves: Dark Chocolate Ganache ($3.50), Red Velvet Cupcake ($3.50)
Cheng Delicacies offer Authentic Hainanese food at an affordable price, and specialize in Curry Rice that is said to be unique and flavorful. Cheng’s Delicacies was once featured in Channel U’s food show.
Address: 27 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 168654
Must-haves: Curry Chicken Chop Rice ($5)
To get to the other side of Tiong Bahru with Tiong Bahru Bakery, you have to walk about 10 minutes across Seng Poh Road. If you head downwards halfway along the road you’ll reach Seng Poh Lane. And on the right will be the rest of the cafes.
Image credit: @juheech
The Tiong Bahru name is definitely synonymous with Bak Kut Teh, because this is where you can find one of Singapore’s best Bak Kut Teh store! It is famous for being less peppery than the usual Bak Kut Teh, which allows for the sweetness of the Bak Kut to seep through. With its filled-to-the-brim crowd during lunch hour, you will want to get there before the queues start snaking in.
Address: Blk 58 Seng Poh Road, #01-31 Singapore 160058
Arguably the most famous Zichar stall in Tiong Bahru, propelled to stardom due to their thick and fresh Crab Bee Hoon, De Classic Golden Spoon is place every zi char lover should try at least once in their lifetime.
Address: 62 Seng Poh Lane, Singapore 160062
Must-haves: Cod Fish, Cereal Chicken with Pumpkin, Crab Bee Hoon
Another famous zi char place in Tiong Bahru, this time for late night dining as well as supper. Definitely old-school as you sit by the road in those less-than-fancy-but-very-Singaporean red plastic chair with your food perched atop wooden tables.
Ting Hen brings back the kampong spirit as friendly chatters and laughter fills the air right up till 4am.
Address: #01-03, 82 Tiong Poh Road, Singapore 160082
Must-haves: Golden Mushroom Beancurd
Source: Wen’s Delight
Image credit: @lifeofthreefoodies
I stumbled onto this hidden gem in Tiong Bahru after desserts at TBB on a Sunday night and boy was it one of the best finds ever. Though I’ve never tasted porridge quite like the one my granddad used to cook, Ah Chiang’s Charcoal Porridge is quite the formidable opponent.
Ah Chiang’s serves Cantonese-styled porridge with a consistent texture that is cooked over traditional old charcoal, hence explaining the slight smoky taste and smell that lingers. You could also order complementary ingredients such as you tiao and raw fish, a hot favourite. The newspaper and magazine clippings that plastered every wall were right. Ah Chiang’s porridge is remarkably good.
Address: 65 Tiong Poh Road #01-38 Singapore 160065
Must-haves: Raw Fish, Mixed Pork Porridge ($3.50)
In this country whereby even the smallest piece of land costs you a fortune, I love the extremely spacious interior and comfortable chairs Drips has to offer. That aside, Drips Bakery specializes in tarts, but also provides a commendable range of meals such as Louisiana Pork Ribs as well.
While their giant tarts feature a generous range of fruits to choose from, they didn’t tickle my taste buds. The fruits on my Raspberry Strawberry Tart were more of sour than sweet, and for such a serving size I found tarts there to be pricey (around $8). Still, I know of people who are loyal fans so you might want to check it out for yourself.
Address: 82 Tiong Poh Road #01-05, Singapore 160082
Must-haves: Cinnamon Pear Tart ($7.50)
Image credit: @ymkyumi
Co-owned by French Baker, TV personality and author Gontran Cherrier, TBB is the premier destination for all overly enthusiastic artisanal bread fanatics. Labeled as the Paris of The Yeast, teenagers used to swarm TBB at Raffles City, queuing up to get their hands on either TBB’s Croissant, delectable Kouign Amann, or Round Lemon Tart.
Although I’m totally not a bread fan, I thoroughly enjoyed the artisan breads and tarts at TBB. In addition, while I never fancy desserts that are anything but sweet, I never fail to make an exception for the Round Lemon Tart. It’s definitely worthy of all the hype it’s been receiving.
Address: 56 Eng Hoon Street, #01-70 Singapore 160056
Must-haves: Croissant ($3.20), Kouign Amann ($3.50), Round Lemon Tart ($6.00)
Image credit: @asfixiado
Looking for some old-school dessert such as Nonya Kuehs? Tiong Bahru Galicier Pastry is one well-known confectionery that has been hand making their kuehs since… well since forever. Located amidst the old Tiong Bahru estates, it might be difficult to find at first, but the search is worth it. I heard that the owner (Jenny) is a nice lady too, so if you’re up for it you could probably ask her for some food history lessons behind the kuehs!
Address: 55 Tiong Bahru Road, Singapore 160055
Must-haves: Ondeh Ondeh (60 cents), Kueh Lapis ($1.40), Butterfly ($1.50)
As its name implies, Tiong Bahru Pau & Snack first originated from the hawker in Tiong Bahru Market before it caught the attention of Singaporeans like you and me and started branching out into different franchises all over the island. My parents love getting their hands on their famous pork buns whenever we are in the Tiong Bahru district even though their Big Pau lack the distinctive flavor of an egg.
Address: 237 Outram Road, Singapore 16904
Must-haves: Char Siew Pau ($0.80), Siew Mai ($0.80), Big Pau ($1.60)
So there you have it, our complete guide to food and cafes in Tiong Bahru!
While I did relish savouring foodfare at the new renaissance of cafes that have inexorably popped up at Tiong Bahru, I would suspend judgement on whether TB is worth all the hype it has gotten. I know of cafes that serve better quality food than those found at Tiong Bahru, with a more affordable price tag too.
In addition, while I don’t mind crowds, I would prefer some peace and quiet any day. It gets really claustrophobic and crazy noisy at TB especially on weekends and aren’t cafes supposed to be quiet relaxing places to chill?
What do you think, how do you feel about the delights at Tiong Bahru- yay or nay?
Do let us know!
|
|
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