Providing a delectable buffet spread that includes a selection of perfectly grilled premium meat and an extensive salad bar, Rodizio Do Brazil prides itself with using the freshest ingredients to cater to every palate. Health-conscious people would be glad to know that their beef and lamb are grass-fed, which means that they are higher in nutrients and lower in fat.

Situated just minutes away from Clarke Quay Station, this authentic Brazilian restaurant located by the Singapore River is a great spot to unwind after a long day at work and you can gather with your friends and family and treat yourselves to a slew of quality meat dishes at a really reasonable price.

We treated ourselves to their Full Churrasco + Salad Bar Buffet (S$49++ for Adults and S$18++ for Children) and we were completely blown away when the food arrived.

The perfectly grilled meats are threaded onto large skewers and upon being sliced and served tableside, the chef will make it a point to talk about the dish being served, giving diners a better idea of what they’re about to eat.

Meat lovers are spoilt for choice with their wide selection of meats from Beef Rump to Honey Ham Pork and even Grilled Chicken Hearts.

Their signature Beef Rump was extremely tender and well flavoured but what stole our hearts was definitely the Grilled Chicken Hearts. A bite into these tiny morsels will set you on a trip to flavour town and they come with a bounciness similar to fresh squid.

After stuffing yourself with those flaming-hot grilled meats, have yourself some refreshing grilled pineapple to wash down the grease and to give your palate a sweet, refreshing wake up call.

Rodizio Do Brazil
3E River Valley Road
Clarke Quay #01-07
Singapore 179024
Tel: +65 6253 8858
Sun to Thurs: 6pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 6pm – 3am
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

Japan’s renowned Kushikatsu chain with over 160 outlets, Kushikatsu Tanaka, is now in Singapore. Located right smack in the middle of bustling Clarke Quay, this less-than-a-year-old eatery is famous for its Kushikatsu (fried cutlet skewers) and signature dipping sauce.

Kushikatsu is a Japanese delicacy comprising an assortment of lightly breaded and deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables. In Japanese, kushi translates to skewers while katsu refers to a deep-fried meat cutlet.

A step into Kushikatsu Tanaka will transport you to a traditional izakaya in Japan, with its dim-hued interior and a rustic decor that sets does well to mimic a similar mood. Offering a range of wallet-friendly Japanese bar grub and alcohol, this is definitely the go-to spot for some after-work drinks and gathering.

First up on our table was the lightly steamed and perfectly salted appetiser, Edamame (S$5++). These protein-rich soybeans are fresh and sweet, making for a good pre-meal snack.

Moving on to something that required a little elbow grease, was the DIY Potato Salad Mentaiko ($10++)!

It came with a generous portion of potatoes, an ajitsuke tamago (Japanese marinated soft-boiled egg) and crunchy bacon bits seasoned with black pepper and mayonnaise, topped with a decent portion of savoury mentaiko chunks—all of which required grinding and mixing using a pastel. 

By grinding everything together yourself, you can adjust the texture of the salad to suit your taste. We liked ours to be slightly chunky so that we can taste a bit of everything.

The star of the night was definitely the legendary Kushikatsu (Assorted Skewers). We got ourselves the Recommended 5 (S$8.20++), which came with Asparagus, Lotus Root, Beef, Pork and Onion.

Coated in Panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried till golden brown, the skewers were insanely crispy without being greasy at all. What made this dish even better was the special dipping sauce that was tangy and extremely addictive.

Kushikatsu Tanaka
3A River Valley Road, Merchant Court
Clarke Quay Block A #01-01B
Singapore 179020
Tel: +65 6258 3789
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5pm – 12am
Sat: 12pm – 1am
Sun: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

It is always heartening to hear stories that make you restore your faith in humanity be it through seeing others being kind to the people around them or simply just do a good deed. And what’s better is when restaurants take it upon themselves to do good for the community, all while serving scrumptious food at the same time. 

From a social enterprise that trains people with special needs in culinary skills to a restaurant that employs at-risk youth and former offenders, this guide brings you to 10 places where you can enjoy good food and support a good cause too while you’re at it.

BLISS

This social enterprise has gone all out to give back to society. Apart from providing employment opportunities to all without discrimination, Bliss also tackles environmental issues such as recycling waste oil to biodiesel and using biodegradable disposable corn ware, as well as helping the elderly with lower income by donating used carton boxes and groceries to them.

Located within the heart of Cheng San Community Club, Bliss Restaurant serves a variety of Western grub mostly under S$20.

6 Ang Mo Kio Street 53
Cheng San Community Club
Singapore 569205
Tel: +65 6280 3389
Sun to Thu: 5pm – 12am
Fri and Sat: 5pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Ang Mo Kio

Photo Credit: Dignity Kitchen

DIGNITY KITCHEN

First look at this food court may seem like a regular food court but if you look closely, you will find height-adjustable countertops for the wheelchair-bound and braille markings on the cash register for the visually impaired. Located just a few minutes away from NEX, Dignity Kitchen is Singapore’s first hawker training school for the disabled and disadvantaged.

They provide on-the-job training and place their graduates in jobs so that they can have hope for a better future and better opportunities to be successful in their own right.

Blk 267 Serangoon Avenue 3 #02-02
Singapore 550267
Mon to Sat: 8am – 3.30pm
Closed on Sundays
Tel: +65 8189 7678
Nearest Station: Serangoon

EIGHTEEN CHEFS

Committed to hiring ex-offenders and youths-at-risk, Eighteen Chefs is the fruit and labour of Benny Se To, who was a former drug offender. Having been through the tough process of failing to secure a job due to his past, Benny vowed that if he ever becomes a business owner, he would hire ex-offenders because he understands the difficulties they have to go through.

At Eighteen Chefs, you can look forward to a variety of Western delights at really affordable prices. Students get to enjoy the set meal at only S$6.80 and families with a tight budget can still enjoy a hearty meal in the mall for less than what other restaurants would charge.

200 Victoria Street #04-06
Singapore 188021
Tel: +65 6734 9741
Mon to Sun: 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

*Multiple outlets islandwide

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Housed in Singapore’s oldest National Museum of Singapore, Food For Thought exudes heritage charm and grandeur, with lots of natural light. Furnished with beautiful marble table tops and wooden chairs, having a meal here makes you feel as if you are transported back in time to the 70s.

Committed to bringing people together while dining for a good cause, Food For Thought serves hearty bistro fares that are unique and delicious. Food For Thought channels part of their profits to provide clean water and free food for the poor and they aim to raise funds for third world countries.

93 Stamford Road #01-04/05
National Museum of Singapore
Singapore 178897
Mon to Sun: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Bencoolen/Bras Basah

NOX–DINE IN THE DARK

In this modern culture where the focus on visual presentation is constantly increasing, how would you feel if you’ve lost your sense of sight and living in complete darkness? At NOX, you get to go on a multi-sensory dining experience that will tantalize your taste buds even without your sense of sight.

It is truly a human experience when the roles are reversed, with the blind becoming your eyes—they are specially trained to guide you through dining in the dark. This is definitely a great experience, which allows you to understand the value of their work.

269 Beach Road
Singapore 199546
Tel: +65 6298 0708
Mon to Sun: 6pm – 10pm
Nearest: Bugis/Nicoll Highway

SOON HUAT BAK KUT TEH

Like Eighteen Chefs, Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh is a business of second chance. The founder, Jabez Tan, who successfully turned over a new leaf, believes in paying it forward by hiring ex-convicts and giving them a chance. By providing them with a non-judgmental working environment, they are given a chance to work on their recovery, which will eventually allow them to find a better and happier path in life.

Here at Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh, the pork broth consists of pork ribs boiled in a unique herbal yet peppery soup, a combination of both Singaporean and Malaysian styles. What’s even better is their Dry Bak Kut Teh, which boasts a rich and luxurious gravy that packs a whole lot of umami goodness.

302 Bedok Road
Singapore 469460
Tel: +65 6273 3338
Mon to Sun: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tanah Merah

SOUL FOOD

Located in The Enabling Village–a community that serves people with special needs—Soul Food Enterprise is a modern European restaurant that trains youths with special needs. Inspired by his daughter who has learning disabilities, founder Gerald Png decided to help his daughter fulfil her interest in cooking by opening Soul Food.

Here, you get to enjoy three-course set lunch with impressive mains all cooked by youths with special needs. These set lunches range from S$25 to S$30.

20 Lengkok Bahru
#01-10 Enabling Village
Singapore 159053
Tel: +65 9823 4455
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2pm
Nearest Station: Redhill

ART FACULTY

Also located in the heart of Enabling Village, The Art Faculty is a platform that allows people with autism and related challenges to showcase their artistic side. The Art Faculty collaborates with professional artists to maximise the potential and showcase the talents of artists with special needs.

For every sale of artwork and product, artists are able to earn royalties and learn the value of work and financial independence.

20 Lengkok Bahru
#01-07 Enabling Village
Singapore 159052
Mon to Sat: 9am – 7pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays
Tel: +65 6513 0706
Nearest Station: Redhill

Photo Credit: The ART

THE ASSUMPTION RESTAURANT FOR TRAINING

The Assumption Restaurant for Training–also known as The ART, was established in 2011 within the premises of Assumption Pathway School (APS). It is a casual dining restaurant that equips APS students with the real-life working environment to put their F&B knowledge and skills into practice.

Dining at The ART not only allows you to enjoy a meal in a comforting, al fresco setting, it also allows you to support the students’ passion for cooking.

30 Cashew Road
Singapore 679697
Tel: +65 6892 6187
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 5pm
Fri: 12pm – 9.30pm
Closed on weekends
Nearest Station: Cashew

UGLY CAKE SHOP

Don’t be fooled by its name because Ugly Cake Shop serves a stellar array of desserts that are anything but ugly. Nestled in Geylang Bahru, this humble bakery strives to use only natural ingredients in their bakes, which are more beneficial to the body.

Ugly Cake Sop donates a part of their profits towards feeding the children in Timor-Leste. Show your support by trying their beautiful cupcakes! One of the must-try is definitely cupcake Sally, which is a dark chocolate cupcake topped with rich and luscious peanut butter frosting.

535 Kallang Bahru
GB Point, #01-06
Singapore 339351
Mon to Sat: 10am – 7pm
Closed on Sundays
Nearest Station: Geylang Bahru

If you haven’t been living under a rock, you would have heard about the hype over Mentaiko. It is a Japanese delicacy where Pollock roe is marinated to form this beautiful orange or sometimes pinkish sauce-like texture.

Mentaiko’s unique salty and spicy taste and its soft, jelly-like texture make plain food outstanding. It is usually used as toppings for sushi, but it can also be eaten on its own. In recent years, mentaiko dishes have been gaining popularity quickly and many restaurants have harnessed the umami-rich nature that is this Japanese ingredient into their dishes.

If you have not tried this wonderful dish, then you really ought to. Here is a list of 7 stunningly good Mentaiko Dishes that you can find in Singapore.

DONYA JAPANESE CUISINE

Nestled in the corner of Blk 126 Toa Payoh Lorong 1’s coffee shop, Donya Japanese Cuisine was opened with the idea of bringing premium Japanese rice bowls to people in the neighbourhood. A casual and simple place to grab some quality Japanese eats, Donya Japanese Cuisine focuses on donburi with prices starting from a mere S$5.80.

This place serves a few mentaiko dishes like Salmon Mentai Don (S$8.80) and Mentai Maki (S$5.80), which are the chef’s recommendation. Drizzled with a generous amount of torched Mentaiko sauce, every mouth of the Mentai Maki was bursting with flavour. For the price of only S$5.80, this wonderful dish is really worth it.

Donya Japanese Cuisine
Toa Payoh Lorong 1
Blk 126 #01-577 Stall 1
Singapore 310126
Tel: +65 8866 2126
*Daily: 11 am – 2.30pm
5pm – 8.45pm
Nearest Station: Toa Payoh

(Donya Japanese Cuisine has multiple outlets)

Photo Credit: GRUB

GRUB

Surrounded by lush greenery, having a meal with a gorgeous view is what makes dining at GRUB a pleasant affair. Located at the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, GRUB serves one of the best mentaiko fries and pasta with a view. It is great for families as little children can play around the park while parents have their meal.

A must-have at this café is definitely the Mentaiko Fries (S$9.50). Deep fried till golden brown, the soft but crunchy fries are drizzled with silky smooth mentaiko sauce and they even have a mentaiko dip by the side in case it was not enough. This appetiser is enough to make us go back just for it.

GRUB
510 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1
Bishan – Ang Mo Kio Park
Singapore 569983
Tel: +65 64595743
Mon to Fri: 11am – 3pm
5.30pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Bishan

ICE EDGE CAFE

Located in Kovan—just a stone’s throw away from Kovan MRT Station—is Ice Edge Cafe. The cafe has been around for a decade and has gained a huge following over the past years with its hearty savouries and stellar sweets. From mains to deserts, its extensive menu is reflective of the cafe’s efforts to cater to every palate.

Now, the Pizza Prawn Mentaiko (S$16.80++) is something you don’t usually see for mentaiko dishes. The pizza comes with a thin crust, with herbs, prawns and mozzarella cheese scattered all over it before the mentaiko sauce is drizzled on top. What a perfect dish to share among you and your family and friends!

Ice Edge Cafe
2 Kovan Road
Simon Plaza, #01-10
Singapore 548008
Tel: +65 6858 5729
Daily: 11.30am – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Kovan

KOH GRILL & SUSHI BAR

Koh Grill & Sushi Bar sits within Wisma’s Food Republic, and they serve Japanese food at affordable prices. Most people have already heard about this place because of the famous Shiok Maki. There are 2 variations of the Shiok Maki and the difference is that one is with grilled unagi and the other is with fried prawn.

The Original Shiok maki is made up of avocado, unagi and aburi salmon–drenched in an admirably addictive creamy sauce that tasted like a mixture of mayo and mentai, then topped with a generous amount of tobiko. The creamy and savoury sauce is what makes it addictive and a crowd favourite!

Koh Grill & Sushi Bar
435 Orchard Road
#04-21 Wisma Atria Shopping Centre
Singapore 238877
Tel: +65 9180 3805
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

MANEKO JAPANESE RESTAURANT

Situated at the bustling Upper Thomson Road, Maneko Japanese Restaurant is a new eatery that serves quick, fuss-free Japanese delights ranging from donburi, udon to a huge selection of sides. Specialising in dons and sushi, Maneko is proud to serve you delicious bowls of freshness without burning a hole in your pocket.

Their Mentaiko Udon (S$11.90) is one of their signatures and it was definitely one of the best mentaiko dishes we have ever tried. With the light and creamy mentaiko sauce latched onto the chewy udon noodles, every bite we took was just filled with savoury and refreshing mentaiko goodness. For what it’s worth, we were completely blown away by how simple yet addictive this dish was.

Maneko Japanese Restaurant
227 Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574359
Tel: +65 6909 5401
Daily: 11am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Marymount

MIAM MIAM

Miam Miam serves affordable French Artisanal Cuisine with a Japanese twist. What we love about this place is that the food is prepared upon ordering and they take pride in ensuring that their customers have a wonderful dining experience.

Their Mentaiko King Crab Aglio Olio (S$20.90) is a little bit different from the usual mentaiko dishes. As their pasta was made Aglio Oilo style, don’t expect the dish to be covered with lots of mentaiko sauce, instead, what you get is a hint of the umami-rich mentaiko that does well to complement its host ingredient—the pasta.

Miam Miam
#02-14 Bugis Junction
200 Victoria Street
Singapore 188021
Tel: +65 6837 0301
*Mon to Thurs: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Fri: 11.30am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

(Miam Miam has multiple outlets)

SALMON SAMURAI

A spot for salmon lovers, Salmon Samurai offers a variety of customisable salmon donburi, udon, and salad, all for only S$9.90. Opened by the guys behind Tanuki Raw and Standing Sushi Bar, Salmon Samurai caters to those working adults who are constantly in a rush but still want to have a healthy grab-and-go meal.

This place serves their salmon lightly seared and their torched mentaiko cream had this smoky aftertaste that we really love. However, we wished they gave more servings of the seared salmon so that we can enjoy the richness of the mentaiko cream that comes with it.

Salmon Samurai
100 Tras Street, #01-11
100AM Mall
Singapore 079027
Tel: +65 6543 6823
*Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

(Salmon Samurai has multiple outlets)

Singaporeans are no strangers to Indonesian cuisine and some of our all-time favourites include the likes of Ayam Penyet, Beef Rendang and Bebek Goreng. While there is a slew of Indonesian restaurants around Singapore, few serve Indonesian Chinese cuisine quite like Kota88—and that’s saying a lot.

Hailing from Glodok, Jakarta’s Chinatown, Kota88 proudly brings to our shores their culinary heritage, serving a wide array of Indonesian Chinese cuisine not commonly found in here.

The humble establishment adopts a rustic, almost old-world appeal from its marble tables to their wooden furnishings and age-old decorations. 

The aroma of fried rice immediately filled the air as the chef served us the first dish, the Nasi Goreng Babi Pete (S$13.88++). It is essentially pork fried rice with different variations of pork such as sliced pork, roast pork, BBQ pork tossed with vegetables and a generous amount of petai over a roaring flame.

The hearty plate of classic fried rice boasts a fragrant wok hei and it was simply satisfying as all the ingredients complemented each other well to create a myriad of pleasant textures and flavours.

Next came the signature item on the menu, the Nasi Campur Babi (S$12.88++)—the one dish that we were absolutely looking forward to.

Essentially a massive pork platter with rice, the dish features ingredients such as Roast Pork, Char Siew, Braised Pig Ear, Sweet Pork Satay, Sio May (also known as Siew Mai) and Ngo Hiang.

The last dish that was served was the Sate Babi (10 sticks for S$15.88++), which is similar to our local satay. You can choose from a variety of pork satays which include sweet or savoury marinated pork, pig liver, intestine and skin. We opted to have 2 sticks of each and all of the skewers were well marinated and provided a sweet and slightly charred flavour.

The pork satays were tender and juicy and the pigskin was chewy and tasty. The pig liver, however, was a tad too dry and hard to bite through. Other than that, we were quite satisfied with all the dishes and we can totally see ourselves coming back for more!

Kota88 Restaurant
907 East Coast Road, #01-02
Singapore 459107
Tel: +65 6242 2645
Mon to Sun: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 3am
Nearest Station: Eunos

If you are a nature lover or simply someone in search of a tranquil respite away from the bustle of the city, Chinese Garden in the West can be an option to consider. The 13.5-hectare garden was built in 1975 by renowned Taiwanese architect, Professor Yuen-Chen Yu, and it has since become one a hotspot for tourists—yet, it’s ironic that so many Singaporeans haven’t even been there before.

From the garden’s stunning bonsai collection, pavilions and pagodas, Chinese Garden is perfect for an outing if you’re ever in search of a new adventure. And while it does not boast the same glamour and majesty of Gardens by the Bay, it is still one of the most iconic parks in Singapore.

Before you go on to say that this underrated garden has nothing to offer, here is a list of the things that you can do there. So go on, pretend you’re a tourist for a day and explore Singapore’s Chinese Garden.

LUNCH AT YU HUA MARKET & HAWKER CENTRE

Start your afternoon right by filling up your tummies before heading to the garden. Yu Hua Market & Hawker Centre is just a stone’s throw away from Chinese Garden and there are many stalls that sell really cheap and tasty hawker fare.

Some of the must-try stalls include the famous Poon Kee Wanton Noodle, although chances are you will not go wrong with the other hawker stalls.

347 Jurong East Avenue 1, #01-226
Singapore 600347
Mon to Sun: 6am – 8.30pm
Nearest Station: Chinese Garden

STROLL THROUGH THE BONSAI GARDEN

Open from 9am to 5pm daily, the Bonsai Garden is built in Suzhou-style and stepping into this place makes you feel as if you are transported into a traditional Chinese home from a typical Chinese period drama. Even if plants are not your thing, one can’t deny that walking through this lush space is incredibly therapeutic.

ENJOY A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE GARDEN IN THE PAGODA

Probably one of the most iconic structures in the garden, the Cloud Piercing Pagoda is a 7-storey tower with a pretty spiral staircase that leads you to the top where you can enjoy the panoramic view over Jurong Lake and the West of Singapore.

Standing at 48m tall, the majestic traditional Chinese architecture is definitely one of the perfect photo spots for you to up your Instagram game.

FEED TURTLES AT THE TURTLE MUSEUM

Kids will love the Live Turtle And Tortoise Museum–which is home to more than 200 turtles and tortoises–that holds the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of Turtle and Tortoise in the world.

For an admission fee of only S$5 for adults and S$3 for children, you can get to see over 60 species of turtles and tortoises and also get a chance to feed the calm and cute animals.

PERFECT PLACE FOR THE KILLER #OOTD

Even if you are just there to enjoy the outdoors, there is no way you can leave this beautiful place without giving your Instagram feed an update. This place has some gorgeous photo backdrops for you to take the perfect #aesthetic shot and your social media followers might not even be able to guess that you are in Singapore!

Chinese Garden
1 Chinese Garden Road
Singapore 619795
Admission: Free
Mon to Sun: 6am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Chinese Garden

Determined to serve customers hearty Thai dishes just the way they should be but in a modern setting, OchaFresh Thai is a no-frills Thai eatery that dishes out healthy Thai food without the use of MSG.

This 10-week-old establishment features a cosy yet modern dining experience, serving quality Thai cuisine at affordable prices.

We managed to speak to the owner of the restaurant before he went home to fulfil his daddy duties and realised that their restaurant caters mainly to the lunch crowds as it was located right smack in the CBD area—which explains why there wasn’t a single soul when we arrived at dinner time.

He went on to explain that they do not believe in taking shortcuts, which is why their food takes longer to prepare so be prepared to wait a good 15 minutes before your food arrives as everything is prepared from scratch. Their menu boasts a modest selection of Thai favourites as well as healthy rice bowls, of which all do not contain any MSG.

First up on our table was the Grilled Chicken And Basil Rice Bowl (S$10.50++), which came with grilled chicken stir-fried with holy basil and long beans that sits atop a bowl of healthy whole grain rice.

We could tell that the chicken was flame-grilled due to the robust smoky aroma but it was a tad too dry for our liking. However, the minty basil and long beans tossed in chilli padi added a punch to the dish, which definitely made up for it.

You can also choose to add on an appetiser for just S$3 and we got ourselves the classic Papaya Salad. It came with a decent amount of thinly sliced papaya, carrots and long beans, which adds a crunchy bite to the dish.

However, we found the salad to be pretty bland, which was rather disappointing.

For those who can’t take spice but still want to have a go at an authentic Thai curry, try their Magic Masaman (S$12++), which features a non-spicy curry that comes with tender chunks of slow-cooked beef, potatoes and peanuts.

The smell of curry instantly filled the air as it was being served to us, arousing our appetite. The tender beef was pull-apart-tender and the addition of crunchy peanuts added a textural dimension to the dish.

Ocha Fresh Thai
182 Cecil Street, #02-16/17
Frasers Tower Tanjong Pagar
Singapore 069547
Tel: +65 63043292
Mon to Fri: 10am – 8pm
Closed on Saturdays & Sundays
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Do a quick Google search on chocolates and you will probably find Wimbly Lu either on that list or topping it. Known for their array of chocolate desserts, ice cream and waffles, Wimbly Lu first started off in a quaint neighbourhood of Jalan Riang and now has 2 other outlets in the heartlands of Singapore.

Located just a few doors away from Chye Seng Huat Hardware Coffee, the outlet at Tyrwhitt Road is definitely more accessible as compared to the one at Jalan Riang and the café boasts a cosy decorum that has been remodelled from an old shophouse.

We headed down on a rainy Friday afternoon to seek refuge from the rain as well as to indulge in some sweet treats, to which we were not disappointed.

Once we stepped into the café, our eyes were immediately fixated on the display of lovely chocolates and cakes, which definitely got us drooling then.

Retro lamps, mirrors, and dim lightings lend a casual yet modern charm to the place and we couldn’t wait to try the beautiful desserts that they have.

We got ourselves 2 desserts to share and the first that came up was the Jey’s Nutella Pie (S$6++). Filled with a silky smooth Nutella spread across a soft hazelnut crust, this wonderful dessert slides easily down your fork and every bite you take bursts with rich and creamy Nutella goodness that simply melts in your mouth.

Next came Clare’s Sticky Date Pudding (S$5++), which is essentially a moist sponge cake made with finely chopped dates drenched in a sweet toffee sauce and served warm.

A bite into the soft sponge cake filled with toffee sauce makes you feel as if there is a marriage of flavours happening in your mouth–the sweet toffee sauce complemented the fluffy sponge cake without being too overly decadent.

Wimbly Lu
166, Tyrwhitt Road
Singapore 207570
Tel: +65 6291 8138
Mon, Wed & Thurs: 12pm – 10.30pm
Fri: 12pm – 11pm
Sat: 9am – 11pm
Sun: 9am – 10.30pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)
Nearest Station: Bendemeer

*Multiple outlets islandwide

One of the newer additions to Sunshine Plaza’s slew of hidden food gems is Steakville, a humble hole-in-a-wall that serves up some seriously good steak as well as a myriad of other enticing mains.

Striving to bring the “farm to table” dining experience, Steakville sources their beef from specific farms, ensuring that only the best quality beef is chosen. Costing only S$15 for a hanger steak, we were beyond impressed given the quality of it. On top of their food, they also serve solid artisanal cuppas as well as an array of cocktails.

Located within walking distance from NAFA and Kaplan, this new steak joint is definitely a great hangout spot for students as well given its location and affordable prices.

With only 6 curated mains to choose from, Steakville keeps its menu offerings limited to ensure that quality is prioritised above all.

This small, 25-seater restaurant is decorated with wooden furnishings and gentle lighting, making it a cosy space for an intimate meal.

Starting our meal off proper with something to snack on, we opted for Steakville’s Italian’s Truffle Fries (S$12++) that features a bowl filled to the brim with truffle-infused shoestring fries, accompanied by a side of their house-made truffle mayonnaise dip.

Salted just right and topped with a generous topping of shaved parmesan, it was pretty decent by our standards although we wouldn’t necessarily it was the best we’ve tried.

Coming to a place with a name like Steakville and trying anything but steak would be pretty silly, which was why it didn’t take long before we settled on their Signature Hanger Steak (S$15++) and it was hands down one of the better steaks we have tried.

Served with a House Leaf Salad, beetroot purée, truffle mustard and Maldon sea salt and costing only S$15++, you get a decent portion of steak that is pan-seared to perfection.

The steak was perfectly charred and incredibly juicy and tender on the inside. Even though the beef tastes excellent on its own, the combination of the subtly sweet beetroot purée and umami-packed truffle mustard really enhances the flavour of the meat tenfold.

We also got the Seared Norwegian Salmon (S$15++) that comes with a generous piece of pan-seared salmon, salad, beetroot purée and herb-infused honey mustard dip.

The seared salmon was cooked decently but our only gripe would be the fact that the skin was not as crispy as we had liked.

However, the salmon was really soft and flaky just the way we like it. A tad salty at first, but soon balanced out when dipped into their special, sweet and tangy herb-infused honey mustard dip.

Steakville
91 Bencoolen Street,
Sunshine Plaza #01-56
Singapore 189652
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Closed on Sundays
Nearest Station: Bencoolen

Offering a full-on menu of both Asian and Western fare, Colbar is one of the few gems in Singapore that we can safely say, has truly stood the test of time. Opened in 1953, the establishment formerly served as a canteen for the British army. It, therefore, gave rise to its name, Colbar, otherwise referred to as ‘Colonial Bar’.

Granted that it’s a little out of the way, especially for those who do not drive, it is still a charming spot that’s worth the trip. It is a retreat from civilisation and it is also a great place to catch a glimpse of the old days.

This rustic hideout is furnished with retro interiors like Formica tabletops and old photographs, which bring an air of nostalgia that sets you back in time. Whether you’re pining for a beer, some food or a place to chill, Colbar is one that’ll guarantee you a relaxed and tranquil experience.

Well-versed in the culinary art of Western cooking, the cooks here are able to whip up a wide array of both Western and Asian delights.

In addition to their stellar grub, they also carry a vast selection of English craft beers. From sweet ciders to bitter IPAs, they have it all.

Their Roasted Chicken Chips & Mushroom came with a piece of chicken leg and a small portion of potato wedges and mushrooms. Despite the small portion, the chicken was well roasted—super crispy on the outside and firm but not too dry on the inside.

The mushrooms were coated in savoury gravy, which complimented the chicken.

Next came the Pork Cutlet Chips & Mushroom which was equally good as well.

The meat was succulent and well coated in panko breadcrumbs, that did well to give the pork an incredible crunch as well as help to lock in moisture. The pork itself boasted a subtle yet pleasant note of rosemary and thyme which we thought worked brilliantly.

The dish that we enjoyed the most was definitely the Cheese Omelette & Chips. This classic dish was simple yet so ‘egg-cellent’.

The egg was really soft and fluffy and the warm melted cheese inside just oozes out with a slight cut. The portion and wonderful taste of the omelette definitely made up for the price.

Last on our table was the Dry Ho Fun, which we felt was nothing special. Just like a plate of fried kway tiao, it was filled with basic ingredients like small prawns, fish cakes and bean sprouts.

We liked that they added a good portion of fried shallots on top that added a crunch to the dish. However, the dish was simply too greasy to finish.

Colbar
9A Whitchurch Road
Singapore 138839
Tues to Sun: 9.30am – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: One North

Located just a stone’s throw away from Newton MRT Station, Daily Affairs is a humble, non-pretentious cafe that serves up comforting nosh with a side of good vibes. The place is dimly lit but it brings a warm and cosy feeling, making it a great place for a nice and quiet chitchat session with your friends and family.

The cafe prides themselves on using fresh herbs that they grow in their own backyard—something not commonly seen in most cafes. The food served here is really affordable, is of great quality and is actually pretty darn heartwarming.

First up on our table was the Roasted Pork Belly With Rice (S$9.90). It is on their daily set lunch menu–which changes each day–and it comes with a soup of the day along with your choice of either coffee or tea.

Boasting tender, succulent meat and crispy crackling, it was the epitome of good roasted pork belly and it definitely had us hooked. The addition of a perfectly poached egg just added more flavour and a heightened richness to the whole dish.

Next came the Modern Caesar Salad (S$8), which was really vibrant, fresh-tasting and unique.

Just like a normal caesar salad, this one came with a fair amount of romaine lettuce and tomatoes, but what caught our attention was that they replaced the croutons with fritter dough—or youtiao as locals may know it as. It added a nice crunch to the whole dish and the addition of a 65-degree egg just brought everything together nicely.

Of course, nothing beats their 8-Hour Braised Beef (S$16) when it comes to flavour and comfort all rolled out into a single plate. Marinated in aged Hua Diao Wine and served with a side of mashed potato and field greens, this dish packs a punch with all the different flavours combined.

Although the meat was not as fork-tender as we expected it to be, we were definitely blown away by the special brown sauce that was rich but not too greasy.

Their Unagi Donburi (S$16.50) comes with a sous vide-cooked egg, along with cucumber slices and pickled ginger that adds a refreshing taste to the whole dish.

They were really generous with the portion of the unagi and we liked that it was soft and pleasant on the palate. The eel was well coated with their special homemade tare sauce and it was topped with sesame seeds that added a fragrant touch to the whole dish.

Daily Affairs
1 Anthony Road
Cairnhill Community Club
Singapore 229944
Tel: +65 6262 4342
Mon to Sat: 11am – 10pm
Sun: 8am – 3pm
Nearest Station: Newton

Located at South Bridge Road, Un-Yang-Kor-Dai is one of the few restaurants in Singapore that specialises in Authentic Issan cuisine. Issan cuisines are usually spicier and sourer, making it a very appetising dining experience.

This place gives off a modern and chill vibe, with soft lighting, wooden furniture, and upbeat music that makes one feel at home.

Un-Yang-Kor-Dai’s dishes definitely brings you an authentic Thai experience and if you are into hot and fiery food, this is definitely the place for you.

The first dish that came up was the Tom Kha Chicken (S$14.50++), which looked really spicy and appetising. We ordered the soup with coconut milk because it gives this rich and creamy texture, which makes the soup more flavourful.

True to what it looks, the soup was tangy and bursting with flavours—filled with lots of ingredients like chicken, tomato and mushrooms that makes the whole dish complete.

Next came a refreshing dish that helped wash down the spiciness of the tom yum soup. We are not really fans of salad but this Papaya Salad With Salted Egg (S$10.50++) definitely won us over. The papaya salad was zesty, spicy and refreshing—combined with the peanuts and salted egg gives this crunchy and flavourful experience.

Up next was their Massaman Curry With Chicken (S$16.50++) was topped with peanuts and also sweet potato, which surprisingly complimented the whole dish. Masaman doesn’t pack as much heat as other curries, so if you are into something less spicy, this is the dish for you.

Marinated with cinnamon and star anise, the shredded chicken was tender and flavoursome, and the taste of the whole dish was really sweet and satisfying.

Saving the best for the last, one of the best pork necks we had was served on our table. We love their Grilled Pork Neck (S$12.90++) because the fat to meat ratio was 1:1, making it the golden ratio which allows you to taste the tenderness and juiciness of the meat. Dipped in the special sauce that was spicy and savoury, we devoured the dish within minutes.

As this restaurant is located in the CBD area, prices of the food might be a little bit pricey but fret not, for those who are looking for a more wallet-friendly option, they also have set lunches that comes with complimentary tom yum soup on weekdays at only S$15++.

Un-Yang-Kor-Dai
57 South Bridge Road, #01-02
Singapore 058688
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay