Wait, didn’t we just celebrate New Year’s Day, and it is ALREADY February.
Not reading wrong. There are actually more than THIRTY NEW cafes that has opened in Singapore in 2021 itself, but we kept it to 30.
NEW ice cream and waffles focused cafes continue to take up a sizable proportion of new openings, though we are starting to see more local food themed ones. Hawker food goes hipster?
(This is one of those times I typed till my hands are aching a little.) And we personally visited all of them (instead of taking photos off their social media). To read more about each cafe, there is a blue link behind each introduction. Enjoy!
Downstairs 楼下
Suntec City #B1-132, 3 Temasek Blvd, Singapore 038983
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 9pm (Mon – Fri), 9am – 9pm (Sat, Sun, PH)
Void Deck-Themed Cafe With Local Favourites
The local café is literally located “downstairs” now, at the basement of Suntec City (at the Fountain Court). Good news for me as it is at a more convenient location. It was previously piloted at Changi Business Park.
One thing that may strike you is their interior design, inspired with the feel of a HDB block void deck.
In line with the spirit of heading downstairs for a quick comforting meal, what you can find are familiar favourites at different times of the day.
For early-risers or those heading to office, start with a plate of Downstairs Bee Hoon, Kaya Butter Toast Bun or Chicken Chop Hor Fun available from 8:30am (9am during weekends); then move on to heartier choices of Chicken Cutlet Nasi Lemak, Hainanese Pork Cutlet Rice to Char Siew Rice with Lava Egg and more.
I thought that the Wanton Mee ($6.50) here is not bad, and the springiness of the noodles made it different from the typical styles.
You get a serving of egg noodles tossed with dark sauce, topped with tender slices of barbecued pork glazed with honey, and pieces of wanton dumplings in a bowl of accompanying soup on the side. Downstairs 楼下 (Suntec City)
tcc Art Boutique Caffè
Great World 1 Kim Seng Promenade #01-119, Singapore 237994
Operating hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
New Brunch & Dessert Cafe With Pancake Tiramisu At Great World
tcc art boutique caffè has newly opened at Great World with a different menu and look.
The revamped menu offers everything from all-day breakfasts to appetisers, mains, and kids meals, down to a well-curated line of desserts, cakes, and healthier-choice beverages.
There are 12 new dishes in addition to tcc’s popular mainstays.
These include Soft-shell Crab Benedict ($20.80), Mille-Feuille Toast & Egg ($17.00), Garden Greens Salad ($15.00), Seafood Chowder in Bread Bowl ($19.50), Broccoli & Cheese Tortilla Bites ($11.80), Hot Wings & Fries ($16.90), Vegetarian Hawaiian Pasta “Pizza” ($17.80), Pulled Oyster Mushroom Burger ($15.00), Pan-Seared Salmon ($23.80), Stuffed Chicken Roulade ($22.00), Pancake Tiramisu ($13.80), and Belgian Waffles ($12.50).
This must-try main the Cold Angel Hair Pasta ($23.90), prepared with fine angel hair pasta and served cold for a different experience.
Beautiful in its simplicity, this exquisite pasta dish is an intermingling of ponzu-marinated salmon, scallop and black truffle paste. tcc art boutique caffè (Great World)
82 Own
The Cathay, 2 Handy Road, #01-01/02, Singapore 229233
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Korean Cafe With Macaron Bingsu, Corndog and Croffle
82 Own located at The Cathay is a new Korean café. If the name sounds familiar, it is related to 82Bunsik and +82 PlusEightTwo at Rendezvous Hotel – which is a short walk away.
Here, you will find Corndog ($4.50 – $5), Ramyeon ($6.90), Ddeokbokki ($9.90), Croffle ($9 – $9.90) and Bingsu ($15 – $18).
I decided to get the Macarron Bingsu ($15) that had pieces of broken macarons of different flavours as toppings.
A small glass of watered-down condensed milk was served alongside, as the shaved ice was tasteless on its own.
The shaved ice was as good as I remembered – soft, fine and fluffy like cotton whereas the condensed milk added the right amount of sweetness. 82 Own (The Cathay)
Degree Celsius
9 Penang Road #01-11, UBS Building, Singapore 238459
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 6pm (Mon – Fri), Closed Sat, Sun
Minimalist-White Coffee Bar Found At Dhoby Ghaut
Opened at UBS building directly across the road from Dhoby Ghaut MRT Exit B, Degree Celsius is a new 25-seater space, considered quite a pretty big seating area for just coffee and pastries.
The entire space is separated into 2 different areas – decorated with a botanical theme, with tall tables and stools at the entrance and mini coffee tables at the other end of the cafe.
The menu focuses on coffee using a single origin coffee bean from Ethiopia, roasted by Jewel Coffee.
Think Americano (8oz $3.50, 12oz $4.50), Cappuccino/ Latte/ Flat White (8oz $6, 12oz $6.50) and Mocha (8oz $6.50, 12oz $7).
For some light bites, there are pastries such as Buttery Croissant ($3), Pain au Chocolate ($4), Raisin Scone ($3.50), Cheese Croissant ($4.50), Muffin ($3.50), Boston Cheesecake ($6.50) and Dark Chocolate Cake ($6.50). Degree Celsius (Penang Road)
The Bravery
50 Amoy Street, Singapore 069876
Opening Hours: 8am – 9pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon
Brunch Café Reopens With Pancake Stacks At Amoy Street
Long-time café hoppers would have been familiar with The Bravery – a Muslim-owned brunch café which has been around since 2013 at Horne Road in the Jalan Besar area.
Following their lease expiry, the café has found a new home at Amoy Street, a short walk from Telok Ayer or Tanjong Pagar MRT stations.
From the brunch menu, they serve hearty options like Wholesome Breakfast ($23), Nova Cheese Toast ($14), Smoked Duck Aglio Olio ($14) and Rosemary Chicken Breast ($14).
I had the Pancake Stacks ($14) which came with fluffy stacks of pancakes decorated with mixed berries, berry compote, cream cheese and maple syrup.
The texture of the pancakes was also on point – moist and balanced and I could easily finish most of it without feeling jelak (overwhelmingly rich). The Bravery (Amoy Street)
The Baking Cloud
12 North Canal Road, Singapore 048825
Opening Hours: 8am – 10:30pm (Mon – Sun)
Alcoholic Desserts Cafe Serving Flaming Yakult Soju Ice Cream Cake
The Baking Cloud is a new cafe specialising in alcoholic desserts and drinks that shares the same space as Level Ground Bar.
Focusing on alcoholic desserts and coffee, The Baking Cloud is located just two doors away from PIVOT which is known for their Tamago Sando.
Their signature items are their Alcoholic Latte (Hot $8.90, iced $9.90), Alcoholic Cupcake ($5.50), Alcoholic Cake Jar ($18), Alcoholic Chocolate Shots (7 pieces for $12) and The Flaming Surprise ($28), all alcoholic in nature.
Be in for a theatrical surprise as The Flaming Surprise ($28) which is a Yakult Soju Ice Cream Cake Bombe Alaskan flambéed when served, giving it a nice torched and caramelised layer of meringue on the outer surface. The Baking Cloud (North Canal Road)
Brotherbird Coffeehouse
32 Bali Lane, Singapore 189868
Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm (Wed – Sun), Closed Mon, Tues
Industrial-Minimalist Cafe Opens Near Bugis With Mochi Croissants
Brother Bird popular for its hybrid mochi croissants, softserve and donuts, has reopened near Bugis at 32 Bali Lane.
It is intended to branch out into two different concepts – a coffeehouse serving inexpensive coffee and croissants; and brunch and comfort food dining place.
There is an expanded menu including Eggs Benedict ($21), Breakfast Plate ($25), Blueberry Pancakes ($18), Riagatoni Bolognese ($18), Spaghetti Carbonara ($18), Smashed Avocado Toast ($18), Croque Madame ($18), and Chicken Stew with Croissant ($21).
Recommended is the Fried Croissant ($15) which contained deep-fried croissant coated with cinnamon sugar, raspberry coulis and softserve ice cream. Beware of getting a sugar high. Brotherbird Coffeehouse (Bali Lane)
Nirvana Dessert Cafe
25 A Arab Street (level 2), Kampong Bugis, Singapore 199724
Opening Hours: 12pm – 10pm (Tue – Sun), Closed Mon
Hidden Cafe At Bugis Serving Souffle Pancakes At $9
One will easily miss the entrance to Nirvana Dessert Cafe, inconspicuously located in between 2 bubble tea shops: Machi Machi and MILK, with a dark and narrow staircase leading to the 2nd floor.
Probably one of the most affordable Souffle Pancakes in the market that is served with 3 pieces of thick, bouncy and fluffy pancakes and a few slices of strawberries and blueberries.
Their texture is quite similar to the defunct Riz Labo Kitchen with a very soft and fluffy, wobbly, cotton-like texture and a distinctive egg taste.
Other items include Waffle with Ice Cream (Original $8.50, Chocolate $9, Charcoal $9), Strawberry Cheesecake ($8), Creme Brûlée ($5), Thai Milk Tea Pudding ($4), Tiramisu ($6) and Mango Smoothie Sago with Ice Cream ($7). Nirvana Dessert Café (Arab Street)
MILK
27 Arab Street, Singapore 199726
Opening Hours: 12pm – 9pm (Mon – Thur), 12pm – 11pm (Fri), 11am – 11pm (Sat), 12pm – 11pm (Sun)
Bubble Tea Shop Selling Stroopwafel And Ice Kacang BBT
Situated next to Machi Machi Singapore and one floor below Nirvana Dessert Café is a new Muslim-owned bubble tea shop – MILK.
Being the first Muslim-owned bubble tea shop in that area (directly next to Machi Machi which is another bubble tea shop), MILK is mainly a takeaway store with limited seating capacity selling Bubble Teas ($4.50 – $6.80) and Stroopwafel ($4), a popular dessert from Amsterdam.
I decided to try out their Stroopwafel ($4) instead that comes in 4 different flavours: S’mores, Matcha Oreo, Biscoff White and Rocher, neatly arranged on the shelf.
Traditionally, the Amsterdam dessert is a wafer cookie made from two thin layers of baked dough joined by a layer of caramel filling.
Here at MILK, the fillings are spread across the surface instead of being sandwiched in between 2 different layers. MILK (Arab Street)
The Fabulous Baker Boy
Aliwal Arts Center, 28 Aliwal Street, #01-01, Singapore 199918
Opening Hours: 9:30am – 6pm (Tues – Sun), Closed Mon
Popular Bakery Cafe Returns At Aliwal Street
For fans of Chef Juwanda Hashim’s bakes, yes, he is back fabulous again at Aliwal Arts Centre – a short walk from Arab Street.
The bakery cafe used to be located at Fort Canning.
Walking in, I found this a sufficiently large space to host small groups of families and friends. Pink is in the air, with all the staff decked in baby pink with neon lighting at the back which shined “Big Love”.
Chef Juwanda Hashim’s (more affectionally known as ‘Ju’) has always baked one of the best cakes in Singapore.
His cake style is classic layered, known to be moist, with some interesting experimentations in terms of frosting.
Signatures include Valrhona Chocolate Cake ($9.50), Nutty Monkey ($9.50) which is a banana coconut cake, Raspberry Lemon ($9), and Green Tea Praline ($9.50). The Fabulous Baker Boy (Aliwal Street)
The White Label
734 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198702
Tel: +65 8202 2358
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10pm (Sun – Thurs), 11:30 am – 11:00pm (Fri – Sat)
Muslim-Friendly French Cuisine At North Bridge Road
The White Label purports to serve classical French cuisine, as well as French-meets-local fusion.
The concept was started from the premise that there is a lack of French food for the Muslim community in Singapore.
To replicate the atmosphere of a typical French cafe found in Paris, the founders customised and imported many of the furniture and lighting.
This includes almost every item from the cutlery, plates, tables to chairs.
If you are undecided what to order, the recommended dishes include the TWL Vol-Au-Vent ($14), Squid Ink Spaghetti ($26), Short Ribs Bourguignon ($32), Herb Crusted Lamb Rack ($38), and Creme Brulee A L Pandan ($10). The White Label (North Bridge Road)
The Secret Garden
19 Baghdad Street, Singapore 199658
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10:30pm (Mon – Sun)
Botanical-Themed Two-Storey French Cafe Near Bugis
Another French café. Not related to the novel and movie, The Secret Garden focuses on French-inspired cuisine with an enchanting floral installation as the backdrop.
Stepping inside, the first floor houses a small petalsmith counter with an in-house florist on the left; a display shelf with all the fresh pastries and cakes on the right.
Their all-day dining menu is comprehensive with French-inspired cuisines such as Soup ($10 – $12), Salad ($14 – $16), Pasta ($18 – $21), Starters ($12 – $26), Mains ($22 – $29), Coffee ($4 – $7), Tea ($7 – $8.50) and Mocktails ($8.50 – $9.50).
On the salad menu, they had Salad Nicoise ($16), Tomato Burrata Salad ($16), Avocado Kale Salad ($14) and French Green Salad with Smoked Duck ($14).
The Avocado Kale Salad ($14) was my favourite, aesthetically gorgeous like a green shrub with dollops of avocado, walnuts, cranberries with honey citrus dressing and vinaigrette. The Secret Garden (Baghdad Street)
Main Street Commissary
81 Rowell Road Singapore 208014
Tel: +65 8133 7644
Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun
Specialty Coffee Place Opened By Creative Agency At Little India
Main Street Commissary is pretty much a no-frills, non-pretentious space.
The venture is a collaboration between a creative agency and Melbourne-inspired eatery Bearded Bella – the home of 2016 National Barista Champion Regina Tay.
The menu is still in the soft-launch phase, and the café intends to introduce three sandwiches of Croissant with Truffle Egg Mayonnaise, Bacon & Mushroom Sandwich, and Ham and Cheese Sandwich.
The available cakes included Ondeh Ondeh, Lychee Rose, Salted Caramel… the usual stuff from a familiar supplier.
Coffee includes Latte ($4.50), Magik ($5.00), Mocha ($5), Piccolo ($4), Long Black ($4.50) with Iced versions at $6. Main Street Commissary (Rowell Road)
Sweets Craftsman
11 Cavan Rd, #01-06, Cavan Suites, Singapore 209848
Opening Hours: 12pm – 8pm (Thurs – Tue), Closed Wed
Desserts Cafe With Japanese-Style Matcha And TieGuanYin Swiss Rolls
Located along the same stretch of units as Gelato Labo at Cavan Road (Jalan Besar), Sweets Craftsman is a new dessert cafe that focuses on artisanal bakes and pastries.
With more than a decade of experience in the confectionery industry and has previously worked at Raffles Hotel and TCC, the pastry chef has decided to open his very own bakery cafe in Jalan Besar.
Served mainly as a takeaway shop with limited seating, the menu features Swiss Roll ($7.80), Meringue Rolls (Summer Berries $6, Yuzu Orange $6.80), Cakes ($6.80), Tarts (Strawberry, Blueberry $6.80), Croissants (Butter $3, Almond $4), Madeleine ($2.80) and Brownie (Sea salt $3.50, Pecan $3.50).
All the Swiss roll were so kawaii, crafted with a Mt. Fuji in the middle with different flavours such as Matcha, Tie Guan Yin and Chocolate Raspberry.
As the Swiss rolls are all Japanese inspired, and thus tend to be on the lighter side in terms of texture and flavour. Sweets Craftsman (Jalan Besar)
Three’s A Crowd
50 Race Course Road, Singapore 218562
Opening Hours: 12pm – 11pm (Mon – Sun)
Ice Cream Cafe With Rustic Hidden ‘Alley’ At Little India
Halal-certified ice cream cafe Three’s A Crowd, has opened a new outlet at Little India. And yes, it joins the league of several new ice cream cafes opened in Singapore recently.
Before you even step into the cafe, you will notice the organic fabric cutouts with curved steel pipes at the entrance.
The intricate curves and ripples created from the hanging tapestries are to mimic the scooping action of ice cream, leaving a trail in the ice cream tubs.
This is probably one of the most unique cafes I have been to in Singapore of late in terms of design.
The menu is similar to their outlet in Tampines West, serving Ice Cream (Single Classic $3, Double Classic $6, Single Premium $4.50, Double Premium $8), Waffles (Maple $6, Ondeh $9), Brownie ($4.80), Acai (Original $12, Cookie Butter $13), Coffee (Black $4, White $5), Tea (Oolong $5, Chai $6) and Shakes (Coconut $8, Avocado $8).
12 ice cream flavours are available when I visited, with classic choices such as Espresso, Mango Passion, Salted Caramel, Vanilla, Double Chocolate, Oreo Mint and Coconut. Three’s A Crowd (Little India)
Sweet Hut 甜秘密
654 Geylang Rd, Geylang Lor 40, Singapore 389584
Opening Hours: 2pm – 4am (Mon – Sun)
IG-Worthy Colourful Dessert Shop Opens Till 4AM Daily At Geylang
Look out for Sweet Hut 甜秘密 which opens till 4am daily at Geylang Lor 40. It is actually just short walk from Paya Lebar MRT station.
There are varied themes in different corners, ranging from a blue floral backdrop to a golden cage, tatami area or even seats shaped like a rolling dice and Rubik’s cube.
Desserts such as Durian Sago ($6.90), D24 Durian Mousses ($6.90), Bird’s Nest ($15 – $28), Herbal Gui Ling Gao ($2.30), Almond/ Walnut/ Peanut/ Sesame Paste ($3.80), Yam Paste with Pumpkin & Ginkgo ($5.80) and Honeydew Sago ($4.30) can be found on their menu.
Mango lovers should be thrilled to see that there are Mango Sago ($4.80), Coconut Milk Mango Ice ($4.80), Mango Pomelo Sago ($5.80) and Mango Lemongrass Pearl ($5.80) on the menu. Sweet Hut 甜秘密 (Geylang)
Desert Dessert
Blk 163, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4, #01-424, Singapore 560163
Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm (Mon – Thur), 11am – 12am (Fri – Sun)
Gelato Cafe With Mango Sticky Rice Drink And Bingsu At Ang Mo Kio
The 32 seater-space at Desert Dessert has a MUJI-style layout, decked in wooden benches and white table tops.
Stepping inside, the most eye-catching part of the deco is their colourful stools, that look like scoops of gelato, placed at every table.
Their menu is quite extensive for a Gelato Cafe, ranging from Gelato (Single $3.60/ Double $6.60) to Waffles ($5.50), Bingsu ($9.50 – $11.50), Specialty Shakes ($5.50 – $6), Global Flavour Local Twist drinks ($5.50 – $6.50), Boba Milk ($3.50 – $4), Coffee ($3 – $6) and Ice Blended ($7.50).
I had the Waffles with Double Scoops of Gelato ($11.50, additional $1 for premium flavour).
The Buttermilk waffles has a crispy and crunchy outer layer with a fluffy, airy texture on the inside.
Drizzled with maple syrup and sprinkled with icing sugar, the waffle is aromatic with vanilla and buttermilk fragrance that most waffle lovers will enjoy. Desert Dessert (Ang Mo Kio)
Scoop Of Joy
Blk 122, Bedok North Street 2, #01-128, Singapore 460122
Opening Hours: 11am – 10:30pm (Tue – Sun), Closed Mon
Gelato Cafe At Bedok With Ondeh-Ondeh, Red Dates, Sour Plum Flavours
Offering 16 gelato flavours at any one time, classic flavours include Cotton Candy Bubble Gum, Salted Caramel, Chocolate Chips, Cookies & Cream, Raspberry Passionfruit and Strawberry Cheesecake.
As for premium flavours, there are Sour Plum, Speculoos, Chocolate Hazelnut, Red Dates, Hojicha, Ondeh-Ondeh, Coconut Gula Melaka, Earl Grey, Milo Dinosaur and Dark Chocolate.
Even though Scoop of Joy does not make their gelato in house, they have interesting and uncommon flavours such as Sour Plum and Red Dates that may cater to the older generation staying in the nearby heartlands.
The Raspberry Passionfruit gelato was my favourite, smooth and not icy with a Calpis-like flavour that is light and refreshing.
The Cotton Candy Bubble Gum didn’t turn out to be as sweet as expected, with a smooth and creamy texture, lightly scented – allowed me to recall childhood memories of cotton candy. Scoop of Joy (Bedok)
Alchemist at The Mill
5 Jalan Kilang #02-02 Singapore 159405
Opening Hours: 9am – 6pm (Mon – Sun)
Victorian-Themed Cafe In Neo-Gothic Building
The Mill is a neo-gothic building at Jalan Kilang (kind of near ABC Brickworks Food Centre).
It has been described as an “amalgamation of post-industrial American architectural influences, cast alongside a fortified Gothic tower, and rooted in industrial Singapore.”
Alchemist has outlets at International Plaza, Hong Leong Building, Tai Seng, and Design Orchard.
This cafe at The Mill is its fifth.
Their signature espresso beverages are brewed with coffee beans fresh from their roastery, and include the usual Black ($4.50), White ($5), Mocha ($5.50), Pourover ($6), and Iced versions ($6 – $7). Alchemist at The Mill (Bukit Merah)
Eat 3 Bowls 呷三碗車站
103 Pasir Panjang Road, Singapore 118531
Opening Hours: 11am – 9:30pm (Wed – Mon), Closed Tue
Taiwanese Cafe With Train Theme Serving Night Market Food
Fans of Eat 3 Bowls at Crawford Lane will be thrilled to know that they have opened a second outlet in the West at Pasir Panjang near to MapleTree Business City.
The popular Taiwanese cafe first started off from a humble stall at Seah Im Food Centre and has quickly gained a permanent space and fanbase at Crawford Lane.
Their speciality is in authentic Taiwanese food and with famed 3 bowls (thus the name): Braised Pork Rice, Chicken Rice and Oyster Intestine Mee Sua.
The number of menu items seem to have increased over here, with outlet exclusive items such as Sautéed Beef Cubes with Garlic 蒜香骰子牛 ($19.90), Tomato Omelette 台式番茄炒蛋 ($6), Sliced Pork Belly With Garlic Sauce 蒜泥白肉 ($7.20), Night market snacks such as Salted Crispy Chicken 酥炸盐酥鸡 ($7.80)，Fried Fish Fillet 东港炸鱼块 ($7.80)，Bitter-gourd Pork Rib Soup 苦瓜白骨汤 ($5.50).
There are also refreshing drinks such as Passion Fruit QQ 百香果QQ绿茶 ($4.80), Lemon Wintermelon Tea 冬瓜柠檬茶 ($4.30) and Black Tea Latte with Pearls & Red Beans 相思豆珍珠奶茶 ($4.80).
Prairie
Cluny Court, 501 Bukit Timah Rd, #01-05C, Singapore 259760
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 10:30pm (Mon – Sun)
Gorgeous Glasshouse Cafe In A Courtyard At Bukit Timah
The folks behind Craftsmen has opened a new concept PRAIRIE by Craftsmen at Cluny Court, next to Botanic Gardens Exit A and can be accessed via the basement carpark entrance.
Here, you will walk past a mini stretch of bamboo “forest” before reaching a huge courtyard with a total of 40 seats outside.
A beautiful space with natural sunlight pouring through the sunroof and hanging plants that create glasshouse vibe.
Bakes such as Croissants ($4-6), Muffins ($6.90), Sourdough $12/loaf) and French Baguette ($5.50) are stated on their menu but only 2 items are available on the day of visit.
For their lunch and dinner menu, it is more comprehensive and includes Starters ($10 – $21), Salads ($14 – $23), Mains ($24 – 34), Pasta ($23 – $30), Burgers ($18 – $25), Skinny Pizza ($19 – $23) and Desserts ($6 – $16).
Their desserts menu looked more interesting but pricier at the same time, with Basque Burnt Cheesecake ($14), Eclair ($14), Passionfruit Meringue Tart ($15) and Creme Brûlée ($14). Prairie (Bukit Timah)
JOMO – Holland Village
48 Lorong Mambong, Singapore 277699
Tel: +65 9800 3787
Opening Hours: 3pm – 10:30pm (Mon – Sat), 11am – 2pm, 3pm – 6pm (Sun)
Delicious Burgers With Chicken Salt Fries
Seems like Holland Village’s Lor Mambong is getting more ‘happening’ of late, with the opening of cafes and drinking places such as The Chir Café & Bar, Boss Bistro & Bar, and JOMO.
JOMO is a three-storey ‘hidden’ gem at the end of Lor Mambong Road though, so may not be visible to many.
The family-friendly menu has a wide selection of dishes including aged Aussie Angus burgers, deep-fried pork belly, and homemade pies all from master butchers Sidecar Handcrafted.
Founder of JOMO Steve Yallop is close friends with the founder of Australian Butcher Sidecar Handcrafted, hence the partnership on the menu and weekly BBQs.
Mains include Dry Aged Aussie Beef Burger ($14), Pulled Pork Burger ($14), Shredded Lamb Burger ($16), JOMO Veggie Burger ($14), Gourmet Hot Dog ($14), Banger’s & Mash ($14), Homemade Beef Pie & Chips ($16), and Cajun Chicken Salad ($14).
Note that on Sundays, they offer a different family BBQ menu (reservations recommended). JOMO (Holland Village)
House Downstairs
170 Ghim Moh Road, Ulu Pandan CC, #01-03, Singapore 279621
Opening Hours: 10am – 5pm (Mon – Sun)
Scandinavian-Style Cafe At Ghim Moh With Crayfish Pao Fan
I initially thought House Downstairs will be located below a housing block as their name implies, but it turned out that that they are located within Ulu Pandan Community Club.
Their menu features both Asian (East) and Western food, with a play of the pun Eat Some Dong Xi, whereby Dong means East, Xi means West in Chinese.
There are 5 different sandwiches offered on their menu, think Mushroom ($10), Cheese PBJ ($10), Ham & Cheese ($10), Bacon, Egg & Cheese ($10), Kaya Butter ($6).
The Asian dishes included Homemade Scallion Pancakes ($6), Korean Riceballs ($9), Mantou with Sweet Sambal Sauce ($12), Gochujang Chicken with Rice ($16), Laksa Goreng ($16) and House Signature Craygee ($18).
I was recommended the House Signature Craygee ($18), their version of Pao Fan with short-grained egg fried rice, clams, Thai Feiji prawns and crayfish.
Roundboy Roasters
146 Jalan Bukit Merah, #01-109, Singapore 160146
Opening Hours: 8am – 3pm (Tue – Fri), 8:30am – 4:30pm (Sat – Sun)
Hidden Cafe & Roastery With Great Coffee Conversations
Did I not tell you that the Bukit Merah and Redhill areas are becoming more happening, with the opening of a number of hipster cafes such as Alchemist at The Mill and Maison Sucree at Lengkok Bahru.
Round Boy Roasters may not exactly be a new name for coffee aficionados, but they have revamped and expanded with a new café concept.
What started as a caffeine dependency to fuel the daily grind, soon sprouted into a serious appreciation.
The “round boys” decided to take the plunge to make freshly roasted coffee available and accessible to all.
The shop offers extensive range of beans that covers everything from filter coffee to roasts – found on their website with some bags sold on the retail rack. Round Boy Roasters (Jalan Bukit Merah)
Sowl Coffee
6 Woodlands Square, #01-05, Singapore 737737
Opening Hours: 10am – 9:30pm (Mon – Sun)
Coffee Specialty Cafe At Woodlands, Found At Woods Square
The newest addition to Woods Square is Sowl Coffee, a 12 seaters coffee bar offering Coffee ($3 – $5.50), Tea ($4), Chocolate ($4.50) and Pastries ($3 – $3.50).
Sowl, pronounced as “sour” is a synonym to what most people perceive coffee due to its acidity.
Using a 2-beans-blend of Brazil and Colombia roasted by Six Four Coffee, only espresso-based drinks such as Espresso ($3), Black ($4.50), White ($5.50) and Mocha ($5.50) are served.
My cup of Flat White ($5) was quite smooth with a light body, and earthy notes.
Pastries such as Plain Croissant ($3), Pain au Chocolat ($4) and Muffin ($3) are reasonably priced to complement with their coffee. Sowl Coffee (Woodlands)
Brew & Co.
716 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6, #01-4030, Singapore 560716
Opening Hours: 9am – 6pm (Sun – Thurs), 9am – 9pm (Fri – Sat)
Hidden Coffee Bar With Kinfolk-Inspired Vibes At Ang Mo Kio
Located just a short walk from Ang Mo Kio Hub (AMK Hub), Brew & Co. has joined the cafe scene, alongside recent opening such as AMPM Café and Desert Dessert, adding more choices and vibrance to the area. (Also read: 10 ANG MO KIO Cafes)
It will be a popular Instagram-worthy spot with Kinfolk-inspired vibes: simple furniture with potted plants against a clean, minimalist wall.
The espresso-based drinks such as Espresso ($4), Black ($4.50), White ($5) and Mocha ($5.50) are using a 3-beans-blend (Brazil, Guatemala, Colombian) roasted locally.
My cup of White ($5) was well executed and well-balanced with a medium body, smooth, robust, with a distinctive chocolatey and earthy taste that will resonate with most people. Brew & Co. (Ang Mo Kio)
The Bread Rack
9, Yio Chu Kang Road, #01-55, Space@Kovan, Singapore 545523
Opening Hours: 9am – 3pm (Mon – Sun)
Artisan Bakery Cafe Serving Freshly Made Sourdoughs At Yio Chu Kang
Located near Hougang and Serangoon, The Bread Rack is at Yio Chu Kang Road is the newest bakery cafe opened in that area.
It is directly opposite Korean café Urban Table , and next to the famous Soi 19 Thai Wanton Mee and Dim Sum House at Space@Kovan.
Stepping inside, I was pleasantly surprised by the huge industrial themed space with tall ceilings and a spacious compound with 20 seats.
On one an end of the cafe, the freshly baked breads and pastries were all laid out in an orderly manner at the glass counter.
Diners can choose between Baguette ($3.80), Country Loaf ($9), Seeded Sourdough ($10) and Honey Wholewheat ($10) from one rack and Butter Croissant ($4), Almond Croissant ($5), Pain Au Chocolate ($4.50) and Raisins Scroll ($4.80) on the other rack for either dine-in or takeaway. The Bread Rack (Yio Chu Kang)
The Brewing Ground
406 Joo Chiat Place, The Yards, #01-24, Singapore 428084
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 5pm (Mon – Sun)
Hidden “Glasshouse” Cafe In The Yards With Brunch & Desserts
Situated at The Yards in Joo Chiat which is a space focusing on arts, dance and drama, The Brewing Ground is the latest addition to the compound, just a stone throw away from Cafe De Nicole’s Flower and Sundays Ice Cream.
Their Breakfast menu features classic options such as Homemade Granola ($12), Avocado & Ricotta Tartine ($17), Burrata & Tomatoes Tartine ($18) and Grilled Cheese Sandwich ($12).
Their Brunch selection looks more interesting such as Breakfast Burger ($19), Crab & Signature Scrambled Eggs on Toast ($24), Not an Eggs Benedict ($21) and Brewers Breakfast ($25).
The Grilled Cheese Sandwich ($12) was served like a Cuban sandwich, stuffed with the 3 cheeses and shredded smoked salmon before grilling to give it a golden-brown shade and crispy on the edges. The Brewing Ground (Joo Chiat)
Emi’s Waffle and Gelato
Blk 825, Tampines Street 81, #01-46, Singapore 520825
Opening Hours: 12pm – 12am (Sun – Thur), 12pm – 2am (Fri – Sat)
Gelato Cafe At Tampines Opens Till 2AM During Weekends
Emi’s Waffle and Gelato is the newest entrant in Tampines West, and it opens till midnight daily except on Fridays and Saturdays where it opens till 2am.
It has become a trend for ice cream shops to open till late, and this is definitely another hipster supper spot with its bright neon lights and a dark interior.
18 gelato flavours are available on display, with Premium flavours (Single $4.50, Double $8, Triple $11.50) such as Salted Caramel, Golden Vanilla Pod, Cookie & Cream and Matcha Green Tea.
The remaining flavours are all Supreme flavours (+$0.50 per scoop) such as Cinnamon Chocolate Fudge, Yubari Rock Melon, Black Forest Cherry, Blueberry Yogurt, Black Sesame, Double Espresso, Mont Blanc, After Eight, New York Cheesecake, Mao Shan Wang and Lychee Lime. Emi’s Waffle and Gelato (Tampines)
Tun Xiang 豚香南洋馆
10 Tampines Central 1, #03-K1, Singapore 529536
Opening Hours: 11.30am – 9.30pm (Sun – Thu), 11.30am – 10pm (Fri – Sat)
Iberico Black Pork Ricebowl & Noodles With Nanyang Milk Tea
A casual eatery focuses on using Iberico black pork as core ingredient in their dishes, Tun Xiang 豚香南洋馆 prides themselves in bringing the taste of the premium meat to the masses at a reasonable price point.
“Tun” (豚) generally refers to pig; while “Xiang” (香) means fragrant.
The menu is straightforward and features their three key roasts – Iberico Pork Belly Char Siew ($8.90/$11.90), Iberico Pork Collar Char Siew ($9.90/$12.90) and Roasted Chestnut pork ($8.90/$11.90).
Available with a choice of staples like white rice or noodles.
For those who cannot get enough of meat, the roasts are also available as a sharing dish from $12 onwards.
I had the Iberico Pork Belly Char Siew with Noodles, and liked how its tender soft char siew had a good fat-to-meat ratio that almost melted in my mouth. Tun Xiang 豚香南洋馆 (Tampines)
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* Compiled by Daniel Ang @DanielFoodDiary, Nicholas Tan @stormscape and Lewis Tan @juicyfingers.