Hammee’s—a popular burger hawker stall at Commonwealth Crescent Market—took a short hiatus from selling burgers and it converted the stall to selling Nasi ayam goreng and Nasi lemak in March 2021 this year.

Fans of Hammee’ burgers will be thrilled to know that they have made a comeback on 21 October 2021.

Established in 2018, Hammee’s made a name for itself by selling quality gourmet burgers at affordable prices under S$10. Other than its signature beef cheeseburger, the fried chicken burger and fish burger are also very well received.

Here’s what you can look forward to at Hammee’s 2.0.

Made up of handmade beef patty, Hammee’s signature Beef Cheeseburger featured a beef patty which was incredibly juicy and packed with flavour. The toasted burger buns were pillowy soft and buttery, the caramelised onions gave it an extra oomph while the slice of cheese and homemade burger sauce complemented the beef patty wonderfully.

The fried chicken burger comes in 2 flavours: original and spicy. The chicken thigh was perfectly fried to a golden brown on the outside while maintaining its succulent juiciness on the inside, it was also very well-seasoned. Hammee’s has improved their fried chicken burger by using a slightly thicker chicken thigh for a better bun to meat ratio, and a punchier sauce.

Hammee’s has also tweaked the recipe for the fish burger. The entire Alaskan pollock fillet is now portioned out into shorter and more manageable strips so that the fish fillet doesn’t stick out from both sides of the bun. And instead of coating the fish fillets with the usual Japanese panko, Hammee’s made a light and crispy batter, and put their own blend of seasoning in it.

They have shared that the Nasi ayam goreng and Nasi lemak will be put on hold until further notice but they will be bringing them back again in the future.

Hammee’s has announced that it has finished restructuring the stall so as to improve their operational work flow to serve their burgers faster and more efficiently. Hopefully, this will greatly shorten the waiting time for their burger.

Hammee’s
31 Commonwealth Cres, #02-93 Market & Food Centre,
Singapore 149644
Tel: 9818 8014

Wildfire Burgers—a fast casual concept which specialises in burgers and fried chicken—has opened a second outlet at 1557 Keppel Road, near to Tanjong Pagar.

The burger restaurant was first established in 2015, but it took a hiatus in mid-2019 to work on its menu, before reopening on 1 June 2020 at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) in Bras Basah.

There are several burgers on Wildfire Burgers’ menu and they are grilled to order in the INKA oven with Japanese Binchotan charcoal. The result? You get a perfectly grilled cheeseburger with black Angus beef patty which comes with American cheese and caramelised onions. Simple and delicious.

The Eggstarter, with its butter folded eggs and American cheese sandwiched in a toasted Brioche Bun, is also one of the most popular dishes at Wildfire Burgers.

Other than burgers, you can also get fried chicken, chicken nuggets, shoestring fries and Basque cheesecake.

The new outlet is located at 1557 Keppel Road near to Castlery and it will officially open its door to the public on 11 October 2021.

Wildfire Burgers Keppel
1557 Keppel Road #01-04, Singapore 089066

Tai Seng may be an industrial area but it doesn’t just have worn-out buildings and office towers. If you take a stroll through the area, you’ll pass by stretches of hip restaurants, modest eateries and noisy coffee shops.

But that’s not all — stowed away in various pockets of the estate are tons of foodie secrets that we’re about to let you in on.

Whether you’re grabbing a breakfast bite, heading out for lunch or looking for a post-work hangout spot, we’ve put together a list of 27 cafes and restaurants in Tai Seng you should definitely check out! Ranging from ramen and poke bowls to dim sum and salads, you’re bound to find something that’s right up your aisle.

ALCHEMIST

There’s just something about Alchemist’s atmosphere  — their industrial-chic abode exudes a quiet serenity that goes wonderfully with their esteemed coffee. Located in former Khong Guan Biscuit Factory, this cafe is one of Tai Seng’s best-kept secrets.

Their flagship outlet in Tai Seng is armed with an in-house roastery, ensuring the freshest, most aromatic brews. Their baked goods will do you no wrong, either. We can’t get enough of their Almond Croissant which is crusted over with a buttery cookie flap.

2 Mactaggart Rd, #01-01, Khong Guan Building
Singapore 368078
Mon to Fri: 8am – 5pm
Sat: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

ARTEASE

As the name playfully suggests, Artease takes a lot of pride in their tea. You can expect the most unique concoctions from them, such as Caramel Popcorn (S$4/regular, S$5/large) and Iced Honey Espresso (S$4.50).

The Caramel Popcorn (Salty) comprises a harmonious blend of caramel, milk, roasted rice tea, and sea salt. If you’re in need of a strong pick-me-up, the Iced Honey Espresso (S$4.50) will fit the bill. The honey lends the drink a gentle sweetness and helps to slightly mellow out the intensity of the coffee.

Artease’s selection of cooked-to-order sandwiches is especially popular amongst the working crowds here, as well. Their Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich (S$4.50) is highly recommended.

30 Tai Seng Street, #02-09, BreadTalk IHQ
Singapore 534013
Tel: +65 6222 6966
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

BREADTALK

This home-grown brand probably needs no introduction. With countless outlets across the nation, BreadTalk is easily the ring leader of the local bakery scene. Their ovens spew out an impressive line-up of classic and contemporary bread, along with seasonal pastries and sweets.

Whether you need some fuel for the day ahead or a mid-afternoon snack, Breadtalk has got your back. One of their well-loved creations perfect for breakfast is the Egg O’ Clock (S$1.70), a soft chiffon cake sandwiching runny egg lava and melted cheese. Snag it early in the morning while it’s warm for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience.

And if you haven’t tried their signature Floss Buns (S$1.70), are you really a Singaporean?

30 Tai Seng Street, #01-04, BreadTalk IHQ
Singapore 534013
Tel: +65 6636 4344
Daily: 7am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

Photo credit: Chibaobao

CHIBAOBAO

Located at Tai Seng Point level 2, Chibaobao is a new eatery in Tai Seng which specialises in claypot dishes which are affordably priced under S$10.

11 Irving place
taiseng point #02-02 S369551
Tue – Sat: 11.30am – 8.30pm
Sun: 11.30am – 3pm

DIN TAI FUNG

When you think of Din Tai Fung, you think of quality. Hailing from Taiwan, this Chinese restaurant is world-famous for its Steamed Pork Dumplings (S$10.30++ for 10 pieces, S$7.80++ for 6 pieces). Each of these Xiao Long Baos is a masterpiece, undergoing six preparatory stages and pleated with precisely 18 intricate folds.

Another thing we love Din Tai Fung for is its open-concept kitchen, which allows customers to witness the chefs’ impeccable skills and calm focus. Watch them churn out their best-selling dishes which include the Steamed Chicken Soup (S$10.80++) and Fried Rice with Shrimps and Eggs (S$12.80++).

30 Tai Seng Street, #01-02, BreadTalk IHQ
Singapore 534013
Tel: +65 6702 0060
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

EVERTON CREAMERY

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. That’s exactly what Everton Creamery did, and they’ve brought the Roman craft to our land. Producing al naturel gelato with techniques from authentic gelato masters, this dessert joint is a force to be reckoned with.

Their flavours rotate with the season to ensure the freshest quality, but they do have a few permanent fixtures on their menu. Their classic Pistachio (S$4.80/single, S$8/double; +S$0.50 for premium flavours) never fails us, made from roasted Pistachio scooped straight from the baskets of Sicily. Top it on their Belgian Waffle (S$9.30) because, well, why not?

30 Tai Seng Street, #02-01A, BreadTalk IHQ
Singapore 534013
Tel: +65 9436 3479
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

FOOD REPUBLIC

Transport yourself back to the historic era at Food Republic in BreadTalk IHQ. Dressed in an ancient Oriental aesthetic accompanied by nature-themed elements, the food court dons antique decor and actual Chinese artefacts.

Trying out food court stalls are always a hit or miss — but, we’re here to ensure that you won’t have to suffer the latter. Li Xin Teochew Fishball Noodles’ Signature Dry Fishball Noodles (S$4.30) are an old-time favourite. Concocted with age-old recipes and house-made fish balls, you’ll be bestowed with al dente noodles and fish balls so springy they could bounce off carpets.

30 Tai Seng Street, #01-06, BreadTalk IHQ
Singapore 534013
Tel: +65 6444 6019
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

HARRY’S

Looking for a classy yet casual lunch or dinner spot? Harry’s will take you right into its snazzy abode and take care of your empty stomach.

Their Dry-Rubbed Baby Back Ribs (S$29) always call out to us with their fall-off-the-bone tenderness and well-concocted seasoning. We can never leave without a serving of their Mushroom & Truffle Flat Bread Pizza (S$23), as well. Gooey cheese intertwined with juicy mushrooms and sealed with a dash of truffle oil – it doesn’t get more decadent than this.

18 Tai Seng Street, 18 Tai Seng, #01-23/24/25 & #01-K4
Singapore 539775
Tel: +65 6386 9064
Sat to Thurs: 11am – 11pm
Fri: 11am – 12am
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

HUGGS COFFEE

No-frills coffee. That’s just how the baristas over here do it. With a mission to cater to the working crowd, Huggs Coffee will set you straight with its dignified yet affordable brews. Their high-quality beans sourced from Columbia and Sumatra vow to be sturdy bases for your morning cuppa.

Their Latte Gula (S$4.80) will whisk your senses to the streets of Malacca while their Turmeric Latte (S$5) promises to inject a spritz of health. For quick breakfast bites, their Blueberry Muffin (S$3.50) is a safe choice.

18 Tai Seng St, 18 Tai Seng, #01-K1
Singapore 539775
Tel: +65 6282 3373
Mon to Fri: 7:30am – 10pm
Sat to Sun: 10:30am – 7:30pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

GLC RESTAURANT

Boasting an impressive array of zi char delights that taste really good and are priced pretty affordably, GLC Restaurant is definitely one to consider should you find yourself hankering after proper zi char that’s also Muslim-friendly for your Muslim friends.

GLC Restaurant has an incredibly extensive menu and they serve up almost any kind of local food that you’re craving. From quintessential local food such as chicken rice and nasi padang to popular zi char items such as hor fun and yang chow fried rice, the list is endless and you’ll definitely be spoilt for choice.

121 Upper Paya Lebar Road
Singapore 534836

GRASSO COFFEE

Originally a takeaway kiosk, Grasso Coffee is now a full-fledged cafe that offers straightforward grub at affordable price points. Nothing too fancy here but you definitely won’t be complaining at the end of your meal.

Their menu features classic cafe dishes, from stuffed croissants and baked rice to pasta and salads. Their Egg Mayo Croissant (S$4.50) is a fail-safe choice — the egg mayo is rich and creamy while the croissant exudes flaky crispiness.

As for their mains, their Cream Baked Chicken is an all-time crowd-pleaser. The best part? You can get a portion at just S$3.80 thanks to their insanely reasonable tiered pricing — S$5 for 1 main, S$8 for 2 mains and S$11.50 for 3 mains!

The Commerze @ Irving #01-27/28, 1 Irving Place
Singapore 369546
Mon to Fri: 8am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

Photo Credit: www.instagram.com/thebigfat.cheeks/

JJAK & CO.

We love our poke bowls but most of them are beyond reach in the CBD areas. Thankfully, Tai Seng has its very own poke bowl contender secluded in Tai Seng Centre — JJAK & CO. Don’t underestimate its humble interior and menu because this place actually serves up formidable poke and Japanese rice bowls!

Their fish is unbeatably fresh and diced into fat juicy chunks, just the way we like it. If you’re not a fan of sashimi, their Pork Belly Yakiniku Don (S$12.90) or Truffle Beef with Foie Gras (S$19.90) will impress you just as much.

3 Irving Rd, #02-03, Tai Seng Centre
Singapore 369522
Tel: +65 9656 1456
Mon to Fri: 11.30 am – 09.30pm
Sat: 11.30am – 08.30pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

KNOTS CAFE AND LIVING

At first glance, you’d think Knots Cafe & Living is just a well-furbished furniture store. And, you wouldn’t be wrong. But, what do you know — they serve decent nosh as well! Behind their mystical garden theme and woody aesthetic, their hidden kitchen dishes up classic brunch and Western-Italian fare.

Opt for a waffle twist to your usual brunch affair with the Knots Waffle Brekkie (S$18.90), which comes with smoked beef sausage, sautéed mushrooms and scrambled eggs. The Fish & Chips (S$13.90) is a recommended dish as well which sees thick dory fillets breaded and fried to an idyllic crisp.

160 Paya Lebar Rd, #01-07
Singapore 409022
Tel: +65 6817 0383
Sun to Thurs: 9am – 9pm
Fri to Sat: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Macpherson

KOAT AROY

You know you’re in safe hands when you hear the restaurant staff rattling off in Thai. Koat Aroy is a little Thai eatery that serves value-for-money dishes in super generous portions. While their menu has its hits and misses, when they do a dish right, it’s pretty superb.

Go for their Pad Thai (S$6) which will have you singing “sabai sabai” with its bouncy noodles coated in well-balanced seasoning and citrus notes. As for their seafood, the Thai Steamed Fish with Lime Sauce (S$22) is sublime.

#01-24, The Commerze @Irving, 1 Irving Rd
Singapore 369520
Tel: +65 6386 7475
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 5pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

MEATS N’ MALTS

To all the carnivores out there who have not given Meats N’ Malts a go, where have you been? This gem of a restaurant dishes out honest Western grub at wallet-friendly prices. Steak, ribs, country fried chicken — they’ve got it all.

Their BBQ Pork Ribs (S$19.90) guarantees to reach the fall-off-the-bone benchmark and is glazed with their lip-smacking BBQ sauce. If you’re in the mood for a nice slab of fish, their Grilled Dory with Lemon Dill Cream Sauce (S$12.90) will surely satisfy. Grilled to a nice charred crisp, the fish’s light smokiness pairs wonderfully with the herbaceous cream sauce.

30 Tai Seng St, BreadTalk IHQ, #01-07
Singapore 534013
Tel: +65 6909 0010
Sat to Thurs: 12pm – 11pm
Fri: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

NOMVNOM

Even before Impossible Meat was a thing, nomVnom was already changing the game for plant-based gastronomy. This vegan fast food joint dishes out grub so delicious that you’ll gladly be tossing meat aside.

Their extensive menu sees pizza, smoothie bowls, and sweet indulgences as well. Let their Beetroot Hummus (S$8.90) burger convince you of the goodness of mushroom patties or treat yourself to their Pesto Linguine (S$12.90) bursting with basil goodness.

18 Tai Seng St, #B1-02, 18 Tai Seng
Singapore 539775
Tel: +65 6384 9678
Daily: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

ONE BAR CAFE

One Bar Cafe will have your tastebuds singing — literally. Started by four band members, this 3-in-1 establishment ticks all the boxes of “cafe”, “bar” and “live music venue”.

Also, every Thursday is the cafe’s open-mic night! So grab your pals and head down for a liberal time of food and song!

1 Irving Place #01-25, The Commerze @ Irving
Singapore 369546
Tel: +65 8798 2625
Tues to Sat: 11am – 10pm
Sun: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

Photo Credit: www.facebook.com/rockymastersingapores/

ROCKY MASTER

You may or may not have heard of this cafe-restaurant with over 10 outlets islandwide. But, even if you have, you probably don’t have much of an impression of it. Well, it’s time you gave them a shot because this place actually serves up a wide variety of pretty delectable grub.

18 Tai Seng St, #01-28, 18 Tai Seng
Singapore 539775
Tel: +65 6384 5096
Daily: 11.30am – 8.30pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

Photo Credit: www.facebook.com/soramensg/

SÕ RAMEN

Sõ Ramen serves up some pretty solid bowls at budget-friendly prices. Made with premium wheat flour, their ramen comes in three forms. Each type is specially curated to bring out the best of each broth.

Get cosy with their Grand Tonkotsu Ramen (S$13.90), which will warm your soul with its rich hearty broth carrying melt-in-your-mouth pork cheek, silken cha shu, and braised pork belly. For something lighter on the palate, their Shoyu Ramen (S$10.90) is just as comforting.

30 Tai Seng St, #01-03, BreadTalk IHQ
Singapore 534013
Tel: +65 6444 5516
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

THE BOILER

Get your hands dirty with some good ol’ crab at The Boiler, which does some seriously delicious Cajun-style seafood. Diners flock there for their seafood boil speciality, which features an assortment of seafood bathed in your choice of sauce and served in a bag. There’s nothing pretty about it but rest assured that it’s going to be one big beautiful mess.

The Bombdiggity Bag (S$149) is one of their best-sellers, consisting of Dungeness crab, mussels, prawns and a whole load of other ingredients. It’s big enough to be shared amongst four or one giant Hulk. If seafood ain’t your thang, their Southern Hot Crispy Chicken Sandwich (S$14.90) is a killer option as well.

18 Howard Rd, #01-06, Novelty Bizcentre
Singapore 369585
Tel: +65 6635 1285
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

Photo Credit: www.instagram.com/lixuanpoh/

THE BONELESS KITCHEN

Vegetarian jjajangmyeon and kimchi jjigae that actually tastes good? Sign us up, please. The Boneless Kitchen is a vegetarian Korean restaurant that has been breaking ground in the local Korean food scene for many years now.

While the extensiveness of their menu isn’t comparable to most Korean establishments in Singapore, it’s definitely sufficient to trigger our appetites. Their Kimchi Jeon (S$3.90) makes for the perfect starter, coming in crispy and mildly spicy bite-sized pieces. But, the real feast begins when the gigantic Army Jeongol (S$36.90/2 pax) arrives. Packed with instant ramen, spam, cheese, mushrooms and a whole load of other ingredients, it’ll have you feeling like a soldier charged for battle.

1 Irving Pl, #01-31 Commerze @ Irving
Singapore 369546
Tel: +65 8457 6464
Daily: 12pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

THE FLAME CAFE

Housed in an industrial building, The Flame Cafe is a great venue for hosting large gatherings. While they offer a good variety of Western dishes, we suggest you just come here for their smashing Halal pagoda steamboat buffet.

Layered with four tiers, their steamboat contraption allows you to boil, barbecue and steam your ingredients all at the same time. Their buffet selection ranges from marinated meats and seafood to vegetables and mushrooms.

73 Upper Paya Lebar Rd, Level 1, Central Bianco Building
Singapore 534818
Tel: +65 6282 0251
Daily: 11.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

THE GOOD BOYS JUICE AND COFFEE BAR

Clean eating has never been easier than with the help of The Good Boys Juice and Coffee Bar. Despite their name, they sure know how to make a mean smoothie bowl. Their smoothie bowls come in huge heart-shaped bowls and are loaded with an assortment of toppings. Our favourites are the TGB Acai Bowl (S$12) and Going Nuts (S$12) bowl.

Besides smoothie bowls, they also offer a line-up of hearty noodle/grain salads and beverages. Customise your own TGB Hearty Bowl (S$9) and pair it with any of their juice blends for a wholesome lunch!

1 Irving Pl, #01-26, The Commerze Building
Singapore 369546
Tel: +65 8130 1083
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6.30pm
Sat to Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

TIM HO WAN

We don’t know about you, but we’re suckers for dim sum. And sure, Swee Choon is great, but where do we go when we’re looking for somewhere just a little up the tier? Tim Ho Wan is the answer.

This casual dim sum restaurant doesn’t have the most extensive menu that trails across the floor but every dish is satisfying enough. The apple of the restaurant’s eye has got to be their Baked BBQ Pork Buns (S$6.20), which will win your heart with their flaky buttery crust encasing sticky, juicy chunks of char siew.

Other menu highlights include their Pan-Fried Radish Cake and chee cheong fun rolls.

18 Tai Seng St, 18 Tai Seng, #01-36
Singapore 534119
Tel: +65 6246 2000
Mon to Fri: 11am – 9pm
Sat to Sun: 10am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

TOOK LAE DEE

We’ve seen enough of overseas brands coming to Singapore and not living up to the hype. Thankfully, Took Lae Dee is not one of them. This famed restaurant chain operates 24/7 in Bangkok and has landed on our shores at 18 Tai Seng. With a name that translates into “cheap and good”, you can expect some seriously affordable fare.

Their best-selling Pad Krapow (S$6) is adored by many for its piquant basil kick coating the stir-fried minced pork. Top on a fried egg (S$1.20) for that glorious runny yolk enhancement. As for their Pad Thai ($6 for chicken, $7.20 for prawn), it’s an extremely tasty and authentic rendition, albeit verging on the sweet side.

18 Tai Seng Street, #01-34/35/K9, 18 Tai Seng
Singapore 539775
Tel: +65 6702 2000
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

WISHES CAFE

Wishes Cafe is yet another neighbourhood dessert cafe that does excellent handmade gelato. Creamy and lusciously rich, every batch of gelato is made daily for utmost freshness. Their well-loved flavours include Kaya, Pistachio and Lychee Rose (S$3.50/single, S$6/double).

As if the prices weren’t reasonable enough, they have a special promotion every day from 7 pm – 9 pm where diners can get a scoop of gelato at a mere S$2 for every waffle order!

Block 36, Circuit Rd, #01-414
Singapore 370036
Tel: +65 9299 6161
Sun to Thurs: 12pm – 10pm
Fri to Sat: 12pm — 11pm
Nearest Station: MacPherson

YAMATO IZAKAYA

For those days when you and your colleagues can’t seem to agree on a lunch spot, Yamato Izakaya may help to ease the tension. This 3-in-1 institution houses three different restaurants — Man Man, Hitoyoshi Ramen and Tora Tora.

Famed for their signature unagi, Man Man serves up freshly grilled eel that’s dreamily tender and smoky. Take your pick from their three portion sizes: Unatama (S$20.50++), Medium (S$28.40++) and Large (S$36.10++).

If anyone needs to curb a ramen craving, Hitoyoshi Ramen will do the job. Their Tonkotsu Ramen (S$10.90) is satisfying enough, with a sizeable portion of thin ramen noodles, pork slices, black fungus and a perfect ramen egg.

Yamato Izakaya
65 Ubi Road 1, #01-92 Oxley Bizhub,
Singapore 408729
Tel: +65 6385 5273
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

There is nothing more satisfying than chowing down on a thick, succulent burger that features a juicy, meaty patty encased between two perfectly fluffy buns. Burgers are our go-to comfort food. Yet, however, it is hard to come by a place that serves up scrumptious yet affordable burgers that won’t break the bank.

Before you pop on over to Mcdonalds to grab yourself your usual Big Mac, why not check out these 8 burger places the next time the burger cravings hit?

BURGERNOMICS 

Situated on the second storey of Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre is Burgernomics, a Muslim-owned hawker stall that dishes out wallet-friendly, mouth-watering burgers. We recommend getting their top-seller, The Deluxe Burger (S$6.50), which features a thick, juicy beef patty and blow-torched cheddar cheese that is sandwiched between toasted buns that are enhanced with a dash of truffle aioli.

110 Pasir Ris Central, #02-03
Pasir Ris Central Hawker Centre
Singapore 519641
Tel: +65 8742 2390
Thu to Mon: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 9pm
(Closed on Tuesdays & Wednesdays)
Nearest Station: Pasir Ris

BURGS BY PROJECT WARUNG 

Burgs by Project Warung is a stall that is well-known for their quality gourmet burgers that are affordably priced. They provide a menu of six burgers that each comes with a side of freshly fried Russet burbank fries at a price competitive enough to match a fast food joint.

We love their Teriyaki Chicken Burger (S$5.90 for single, S$7.90 for double) and Hickory Smoked Brisket Burger (S$6 for single, S$8.50 for double)!

#01-19 Viva Business Park,
750 Chai Chee Rd,
Singapore 469000

HAMMEE’S 

Humble Hammee’s is situated at Commonwealth Crescent Market & Food Centre and the stall serves up wallet-friendly gourmet burgers that are an absolute treat for the senses! We recommend getting the Hammee’s Premium Beef Cheeseburger (S$8) which features a chunky, juicy patty, lettuce, tomato, caramelised onions, American cheese, pickled jalapenos and homemade sauce sandwiched between 2 toasted buns!

31 Commonwealth Crescent, #02-93
Commonwealth Crescent Market & Food Centre
Singapore 149644
Tue to Sun: 11am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Commonwealth

HAMBAOBAO

Hambaobao is one of the more popular eateries near Beauty World MRT, and they’re famous for their succulent, juicy burgers that only cost S$5.50 each. They’re so high in demand that they always sell out really fast, so do come down early to be able to grab one of these delectable burgers before they run out. We recommend getting The Classic Beef (S$5) and Spice Pulled Pork (S$5)

144 Upper Bukit Timah Road
#04-49 Beauty World Centre
Singapore 588177
Tel: +65 96675254
Daily: 12pm – 7.15pm
(Closed on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays)

MINISTRY OF BURGERS

Ministry of Burgers pushes out burgers similar to the well-loved ramly burger that you can normally only find at pasar malams. Their beef burger costs just S$3.90, but if you have a more voracious appetite, you definitely should get yourself the MoB Thunder (S$9.90) which features 4 thick slabs of patties!

1 Pasir Ris Central Street 3
#01-30 White Sands Shopping Centre
Singapore 518457
Tel: +65 8182 6497
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Pasir Ris

Photo Credit: nomVnom Singapore 

NOMVNOM

For all our vegan friends out there, don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about you! Get yourself some scrumptious and healthy vegan grub at nomVnom; you won’t feel guilty chowing down on these wholesome yet flavourful burgers! Out of the lot, we love their Temptation Satay burger (S$8.90) and QQ Cheesy Burger (S$8.90).

18 Tai Seng Street, #B1-02
Singapore 539775
Tel: +65 6384 9678
Daily: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

VEGANBURG

Another delicious vegan option you can try is Veganburg. All their burgers are plant-based and we honestly may prefer these to their meaty counterparts. Each burger also comes with a side of seaweed fries or crispy broccoli which makes it very value-for-money! We recommend getting their bestsellers: the Cracked Mayo (S$9.90).

44 Jalan Eunos
Singapore 419502
Tel: +65 6844 6868
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Eunos

WOLF BURGERS

A humble burger joint opened by the folks behind Carvers & Co, Wolf Burgers has, over the last few years, risen through the ranks to become a popular choice among burger aficionados all over Singapore. This no-frills burger joint puts out some scrumptious, meat-packed options, with most items on the menu priced below S$10. If you are spoilt for choice, just get yourself their signature Wolf Burger (S$9.90)!

3 Temasek Boulevard
455-456/459-461 Suntec City
Singapore 038983
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Promenade

Craving for a taste of some of the world’s most highly acclaimed eateries, restaurants and cafes, but short of the expenses to travel the distance? We feel you. Well, lucky for us, Singapore is a burgeoning food hub that sees the constant arrival of trendy International F&B brands from all across the world.

Whether you are in the mood for a comforting cup of joe, hearty South-Korean stews, or even an opulent dry-aged steak from one of USA’s top restaurants, you can now spare a couple of hours to travel across our island to satiate your desired cravings.

Savour the best that the world has to offer right at your doorstep with our list of 26 international F&B brands in Singapore to visit if you can’t travel overseas.

25 DEGREES (USA)

Bringing its signature West Coast flavour to Singapore, 25 Degrees Burgers & Liquor Bar is a gourmet American burger joint from Los Angeles which serves up a myriad of gourmet burgers, milkshakes, beer and wine at reasonable prices. So far-reaching is its famed that It is even rumoured to be a cult favourite among many Hollywood stars.

Drop by during lunchtime on a weekday to enjoy their lunch special of the brand’s signature burger and fries set for only S$12++.

200 Middle Road
Singapore 188980
Tel: +65 6809 7990
Daily: 11am - 3am
Nearest Station: Rochor / Bencoolen

AH MAH HOMEMADE CAKE (MALAYSIA)

Castella cakes were by far one of the most raved about food trends in 2017. With so many competing brands vying to be the best in Singapore, Ah Mah Homemade Cake from Malaysia is one of the latest contenders in the foray.

Typically baked for 80 minutes, Ah Mah’s castellan cakes are a welcomed departure from the more conventional storebought variety, bringing with it the polished touch of an upmarket bakery with the comforting goodness of homemade treats. The cakes come in various flavours, with hot favourites being their original and cheese flavours.

1 Jelebu Road
#01-18 Bukit Panjang Plaza
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bukit Panjang

BURGER & LOBSTER (UK)

Hailing from the vibrant London pub food scene, Burger & Lobster isn’t what you would expect as your typical English pub food fare. Having since expanded from a small pub in Mayfair to a global chain, Burger & Lobster still maintains its original vision: serving burgers and lobsters, and doing them well.

Customers can choose from either burgers, lobsters, or lobster rolls from the establishment’s lean menu. House favourites include the staple burger, The Mayfair (S$25++), or the famed Original Roll (S$40++). For those more keen on seafood, try the local exclusive of Sambal Glazed Lobster (S$65++) for a unique local and spicy twist that will leave you salivating for more.

78 Airport Boulevard
Jewel Changi Airport, #05-203
Singapore 819666
Tel: +65 6971 6126
Sun to Thu: 10am – 12am
Fri & Sat: 9am – 1am
Nearest Station: Changi Airport
** Multiple outlets islandwide.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/chichasanchen.sg/

CHICHA SAN CHEN (TAIWAN)

Bubble tea enthusiasts rejoice, for one of Taiwan’s most acclaimed bubble tea brands has finally arrived on our shores! Founded in 1998, the brand prides itself on using only quality tea leaves for brewing. The result is their creations always hold a subtle aftertaste of smoky bitterness courtesy of the tea base.

Although their drinks are less customisable than their competitors, CHICHA San Chen ensures their blends are palatable to most – maintaining enough flavour without being overly saccharine. Some of the brand’s more popular creations include their signature Bubble Milk Tea (S$4.50), and their Dong Ding Oolong Tea (S$4.70).

313 Orchard Road
313@Somerset, #03-41
Singapore 238895
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset
** Multiple outlets islandwide.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/CoffeesmithSG/

COFFEESMITH (SOUTH KOREA)

K-drama fans and coffee-lovers will definitely invite you to pay Coffeesmith a visit. Having made multiple appearances in various Korean dramas, this coffee place looks set to beat even the reigning global heavyweight of the industry, Starbucks, in its hometown of South Korea in terms of following.

Their coffee is made using a blend of 5 different beans, and also available on their menu are a series of innovative sweet treats, including their popular Smith Iced Cereal Latte.

#01-09/09A, Gateway,
277 Orchard Road,
Singapore 238858
Sun to Wed: 9am – 3am
Thu: 9am – 12am
Fri & Sat: 24-hours
Nearest Station: Somerset

DAL.KOMM COFFEE (SOUTH KOREA)

Yet another popular Korean café chain, Dal.komm Coffee in The Centrepoint is a great pit stop for shoppers looking for a quality cuppa during a momentary reprieve.

Having been featured several times in the hugely popular Korean drama, ’Descendants Of The Sun’, it is no wonder that snaking queues form here on a regular basis.

176 Orchard Road
#01-01/06 and #01-102/103 The Centrepoint
Singapore 238843
Daily: 9.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

DEVIL CHICKEN (TAIWAN)

Unlike the other entrants on this list, Devil Chicken doesn’t present itself as an upmarket brand. Originally conceived in Taiwan’s bustling Shilin Night Market, Devil Chicken has made a name for itself there despite the intense competition, serving up piping hot fried chicken cutlets to the hungry crowd.

Customers can choose from two options – Original or Spicy – at the price of S$7.90 each. Although the spices are not as overwhelming as the brand’s name suggests, the cutlets are crispy and tender, and of a more substantial size than most alternatives. A must-have for any fans of fried chicken!

2 Tampines Central 5
Century Square, #01-40
Singapore 529509
Daily: 11am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Tampines
** Multiple outlets islandwide.

DIN TAI FUNG (TAIWAN)

Located at most major shopping malls, Din Tai Fung has made its name known in the local market by serving quality xiao long bao. So beloved is this international brand that even on the average day, many of its outlets can be identified by their unending queues during meal times.

This Michelin-star awarded restaurant is all about serving authentic Chinese cuisine, and typically features an open kitchen showcasing the chefs carefully crafting their edible masterpieces. The chain’s coveted dumplings are filled with steamed chicken broth and a healthy serving of protein; it is to no one’s surprise that most tables order more than a basket of dumplings in order to satiate their cravings!

23 Serangoon Central, #B1-10/11/12
Singapore 556083
Tel: +65 6634 7787
Mon to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat to Sun: 10:30am – 10pm
Nearest MRT: Serangoon

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/dookkisg/

DOOKKI SINGAPORE (SOUTH KOREA)

For anyone who has a fondness for Korean tteokbokki, Dookki Singapore is a must-visit for lovers of the iconic Korean rice cake snack.

With an unlimited supply of ingredients from the self-serve bar, diners can enjoy a communal dining experience while sharing a seemingly endless amount of tteokbokki prepared in a variety of ways.

3 Temasek Boulevard, #B1-107,
Singapore 038984
Tel: +65 6266 2425
Daily: 11.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Promenade

GREYHOUND CAFE (THAILAND)

Bangkok’s popular Greyhound Cafe is here to tantalise with their extensive array of Thai and Thai-fusion dishes, all of which have been tailored to fit the Singapore palate.

Boasting gorgeous interiors and fine furnishings as well as a killer menu with some never before seen creations, Greyhound is a fantastic spot for brunch, dinner and everything else in between. For those who miss the milk tea from Bangkok’s café scene, fans can now get their fix at the café starting at S$8.50.

290 Orchard Road,
Paragon Shopping Centre
Singapore 238859
Tel: 6235 4078
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

HAI DI LAO (CHINA)

This hot-pot chain from the Sichuan Province of China is no stranger to any of us. While many would identify them merely as the hot pot restaurant that offers free-flow snacks and pre-meal manicure services, the population has started to view them as a restaurant that dishes out spectacular ma la hot pots with premium quality ingredients as well.

One of the reasons the brand has endeared itself into our collective is how most, if not all, of their outlets open past midnight, with their Vivocity outlet opening until 6am daily. By giving Singaporeans a very late night option of indulging in quality hot pot, it is no wonder the chain sees an endless stream of customers looking for an extended meal at their outlets.

1 Harbourfront Walk
Vivocity, #03-09
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6250 7557
Daily: 10.30am – 6am
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

IPPUDO (JAPAN)

Having made a great impression on the local population ever since its arrival here, Ippudo sets the standard for serving quality ramen in Singapore. The restaurant is poised to provide an upscale and modern ramen brasserie experience where diners can enjoy a variety of authentic Japanese dishes alongside a hearty bowl of their acclaimed ramen creations.

333A Orchard Road
#04-02/03/04 Mandarin Gallery
Singapore 238897
Tel: +65 62352797
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

LAVENDER (MALAYSIA)

After years of Singaporeans braving the Causeway traffic into Johor Bahru to takeaway this Malaysian bakery’s delectable goods, Lavender has finally opened its first Singapore branch in Jewel. Merging their bakery with a patisserie space, customers can choose to either bring home their choice picks to savour, or immediately indulge in them.

While the prices here are a factor higher than the original Malaysian branches, they are on par with other Singaporean bakeries. Moreover, the freshness and convenience of being able to obtain baked goodies of such stellar quality is a price many here are willing to pay. For those with a sweet-tooth, try the bakery’s Panettone (S$15.60); for those who prefer something more savoury, go for the Hanjuku Cheese (S$2.50/piece).

LE CASTELLA (TAIWAN)

Le Castella, a famous Castella cake shop from Taiwan opened in Singapore back in May 2017, and kickstarted a new wave of demand for castella cakes in Singapore. For the uninitiated, a Castella cake is a sponge cake from Nagasaki, Japan, known for its pillow-like appearance and moist interior.

With a globally-renowned Castella cake shop finally available in Singapore, locals have been spotted taking away multiple boxes of the jiggly and yummy sponge treats even outside of festive seasons. With the general airy and lightness of the cake’s texture, we don’t want to stop popping them either!

10 Tampines Central 1
Tampines One, #B1-32
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tampines

OMOTESANDO KOFFEE (JAPAN)

Those of you hankering after a cuppa can grab yours from the highly acclaimed Japanese Omotesando Koffee. Originally from the hip Omotesando neighbourhood in Tokyo, this coffee place is known for its exacting standards in its brewing process, and uses beans from all around the world.

Located in Downtown Gallery right in the heart of the CBD, this spot is not just well-loved by the working crowd for a convenient pick-me-up, it is one of the favourite stopovers for the nation’s coffee connoisseurs.

6 Shenton Way, #04-09
The Work Project Downtown,
Downtown Gallery
Singapore 068809
(Closed on Saturdays & Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

PARIS BAGUETTE (SOUTH KOREA)

Serving up anything from coffee to sweets, Paris Baguette from Korea is the perfect spot for lovers of all things sweet and pretty to look at. Whether it pertains to their charming cakes or gorgeous French pastries, the chain adopts a traditional French baking technique to ensure all items on the shelves are nothing short of perfection.

435 Orchard Road, #02-02,
Singapore 238877
Tel: +65 6836 3010
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

PINK FISH (NORWAY)

Ever thought fast food could be healthy? Well, Pink Fish is here to prove that it is not only possible, but viable to achieve without compromising on taste either. This Norwegian brand believes in not just providing healthy meals for the masses, but promotes sustainability in its practices too.

All of the menu items contain the chain’s quintessential protein, salmon. Whether you are craving a full burger (S$9.90), or want a more comforting soup option (S$10.90++), Pink Fish manages to reinvent what many traditionally see as an unexciting fish into a myriad of flavour profiles. The next time you are craving some fast food, go for PInk Fish; your waist-line and health will be thankful!

78 Airport Boulevard
Jewel Changi Airport, #B1-261
Singapore 819666
Tel: +65 6909 9771
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Changi Airport

PIZZA MARU (SOUTH KOREA)

Famous for their plethora of menu options: fusion-style pizzas, pasta, bibimbap towers and wildly-popular Korean fried chicken, the world’s largest Korean pizza chain has finally reached the shores of our sunny island.

The first of its kind in Singapore, despite serving what many would consider a more sinful dining option, Pizza Maru is dedicated to advocating a healthy-wellbeing concept. Its signature premium Korean pizzas make use of a special, nutrient-packed dough formula comprising of green tea and chlorella, along with 12 healthier grains which include rye, black rice, barley and oats. So, who’s up for some guilt-free pizzas?

930 Yishun Avenue 2
1 Northpoint Drive #B1-192/193,
Northpoint City (South Wing)
Singapore 769098
Tel: +65 6280 6196
Daily: 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Yishun

SHAKE SHACK (USA)

Arguably the most anticipated franchise opening in 2019, Shake Shack of American fame has finally arrived in Singapore! Known for serving up excellent no-frills burgers and fries, Singaporeans have continued to flock to the branch even months after its initial launch, craving a taste of the American (food) dream at the convenience of their doorstep.

Visitors must definitely try the franchise’s winning combo of ShackBurger (S$9.20++) and Crinkle Cut Fries (S$4.50). With its signature chunky and perfectly grilled beef patty, and the crisp thickness of fries under a generous blanket of cheese, Shake Shack has won the hearts of many across the world, and to no surprise, now the loyalty of many Singaporeans too.

78 Airport Boulevard
Jewel Changi Airport, #02-256
Singapore 819666
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Changi Airport

SAYCHIIZU (THAILAND)

A new addition to Singapore’s food scene is SayChiizu, popular Hokkaido cheese toast brand from Thailand.

Besides their tasty, and somewhat entertaining, bestseller, you can also look forward to an array of colourful cheese-based beverages served in adorable packaging. For the love of all things stretchy, cute, and cheesy, this is one food concept opening you do not want to miss.

1 Harbourfront Walk
VivoCity #B2-K16,
Singapore 098585

SOCIAL PLACE (HONG KONG)

When we think of dim sum places in Hong Kong, we imagine the cosy traditional teahouses of yonder. Social Place, however, is a contemporary take on the cuisine, and elegantly melds the modern and the more time-honoured elements into a charming concept perfect for crowds of families and friends alike.

Likewise, Social Place showcases a similar balancing of the modern and tradition in its menu as well. Customers can go for the lusciously decadent Charcoal Custard Buns (S$8.80), or the sinfully tasty yolk-drenched Eggs (Ain’t) That Simple Sichuan fried chicken dish (S$22.80).

583 Orchard Road
Forum the Shopping Mall, #01-22
Singapore 238884
Tel: +65 8870 2288
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

SHITAMACHI TENDON AKIMITSU (JAPAN)

Award-winning tempura and tendon restaurant, Shitamachi Tendon Akimitsu, made its debut at Plaza Singapura mid-2017 and has been wowing local crowds ever since. With more than 128 years of culinary experience, Shitamatchi Tendon Akitmisu promises to impress all diners with authentic tempura and tendon. And all that at an affordable price point too!

68 Orchard Road, #04-65/68
Plaza Singapura,
Singapore 238839
Tel: +65 6264 3390
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

TAI CHEONG BAKERY (HONG KONG)

Perhaps one of the better places to get egg tarts around, Tai Cheong Bakery is a must-try if you are a die-hard fan of Cantonese confectionary. Baked fresh in their outlets daily, each tart straddles the perfect mix of wobbly and crunch; every bite feels like sheer bliss!

More popular branches see a small crowd camping around the second they smell the buttery sweetness of the tarts being made. So, go early if you wish to nab yourself a box or two!

31 Lor Liput,
Singapore 277742
Mon to Fri: 10am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village

TIM HO WAN (HONG KONG)

For delicious dim sum without burning too big of a hole in your wallet, Tim Ho Wan is your best bet. This dim sum restaurant from Hong Kong serves up a small yet tantalising range of dim sum classics, of which their Baked Buns with BBQ Pork is a must-have. Be warned, queues tend to pile up during lunch hour!

68 Orchard Road, 01-29A/52,
Plaza Singapura,
Singapore 238839
Tel: +65 6251 2000
Mon to Fri: 10am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

WOLFGANG’S STEAKHOUSE (USA)

If the words “USDA Black Angus Beef, dry-aged and tender” are among your top few trigger words then Wolfgang’s Steakhouse is a restaurant you need to visit.

Famed for serving tender cuts of prime USDA Black Angus beef, each slab is dry-aged for about a month in their in-house proprietary ageing room, before being cooked under the masterful watch of the restaurant’s chefs. With such intense attention to detail and quality control, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse promises nothing less than beefy perfection for even the most discerning of diners.

YOOGANE (SOUTH KOREA)

Yoogane Singapore is one of the most popular chicken galbi restaurants in South Korea. Having been established nearly 3 decades ago in Busan, South Korea, the brand has over 130 outlets and counting. With hoards of customers pledging loyalty to the franchise, there is little doubt that Yoogane is worth visiting for authentic Korean food that is both delicious and comforting.

Aside from their famed chicken galbi, Yoogane in Singapore also features a collection of popular dishes such as the iconic Army Stew, Dosirak, and newly launched Korean-style fried chicken that features three lip-smacking flavours.

4 Tampines Central 5,
Singapore 529510
Tel: +65 6544 1098
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tampines

A humble burger joint opened by the folks behind Carvers & Co, Wolf Burgers has, over the last few years, risen through the ranks to become a popular choice among burger aficionados all over Singapore.

The brand is famous for a few things, but more notably for their affordable prices and undeniably delicious burgers.

This no-frills burger joint puts out some scrumptious, meat-packed options, with most items on the menu priced below S$10. And before you begin comparing them to any ordinary fast-food restaurant, let us assure you that the quality and satisfaction that Wolf Burgers guarantees go far beyond your average happy meal.

If you’re a first-timer, perhaps it would not be a bad idea to start yourself off with their signature Wolf Burger (S$9.90). This anything-but-basic burger comprises a freshly ground beef patty with cheddar, sweet onions, lettuce, tomatoes and pickles in their house-made sesame seed bun.

Our patty was beautifully cooked, achieving the perfect medium-rare. During the cooking, the cooks press the patties down hard against the griddle to achieve a deep and even crust, all while expertly flipping and timing each one to ensure that every patty is done just right.

What we particularly enjoyed about the Wolf Burger, despite it being so simple and ordinary, was the fact that neither one of the ingredients were overly assertive, allowing us to truly appreciate the quality of the beef.

Every burger here is fully customisable, so feel free to exclude or include whatever you want from the type of cheese to their wide selection of toppings. We requested for some pickled gherkins to be added as well as we wanted something acidic to cut through the richness of the beef and melted cheese.

For an additional S$3, you can choose to upgrade to a meal that comprises any side item and a drink of your choice. There were quite a few interesting choices but the Sweet Potato Fries (S$4) seemed like the most enticing.

Crispy from edge to edge, every shoestring of sweet potato brimmed with a deep caramelised flavour—a quality that complemented our burger extremely well.

If you’re a truffle fanatic, then our advice is to go for the Truffle Fries (S$6).

The notes of truffle were apparent and the fries were nicely textured, but all in all, it was rather underwhelming as compared to its sweet potato counterpart.

Wolf Burgers
#01-43, Changi City Point,
5 Changi Business Park Central 1,
Singapore 486038
Tel: +65 6902 0486
Mon to Fri: 8.30am – 9.30pm
Sat & Sun: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Expo

Read: 11 legit burger places in Singapore

Situated amidst the hustle and bustle of Upper Thomson Road is a brand new addition to Singapore’s cafe scene—Columbus Coffee Co.

Managed by the same people behind Atlas Coffeehouse and Lunar Coffee Brewers, Columbus Coffee Co. is a stylish new brunch concept that delivers a straightforward menu with exceptional yet not overly-pretentious dishes and a curated selection of coffee brews. Coffee aficionados may be interested to know that the coffee beans are roasted by Two Degrees North Coffee Co.

Served by a team of energetic young baristas and waitstaff, enjoy the warm and friendly hospitality at Columbus Coffee Co which officially starts its operations today. 

Taking over the now-defunct Wolfpack, Columbus Coffee Co. is designed with functionality in mind—making use of industrial decor, wooden furniture and greenery to create a comfortable and inviting environment that does not compromise on style.

The Cheese Burger and Curlies (S$19++)—one of the two burger options available on the menu—impressed us with the combination of textures and flavours that left us yearning for more after we were done.

What you will find sandwiched between two butter brioche buns is a juicy herbed beef patty, fried sherry onions, creamy slaw and the most addictive topping of all—sharp cheddar that melts in your mouth. The hearty dish comes with crispy curly fries as an accompaniment.

Their All-Day Brunch features a list of comforting mains and one that we would highly recommend is the Columbus Buttermilk Fried Chicken (S$14.50+), which is essentially buttermilk marinated chicken wings that are deep-fried to a perfect shade of golden brown.

We sank our teeth into what was possibly one of the juiciest buttermilk chicken wings we have tried in a long time. Diners can also opt for Hot Sauce (S$1) and beer (Half Pint – S$5, Full Pint – S$8.50) to fully complete the ultimate fried chicken experience.

As for desserts, Columbus Coffee Co. carries a range of Buttermilk Waffles in five different flavours. We decided to go for the Earl Grey Caramel Waffle (S$12.50++) which features a freshly made waffle, chopped strawberries, a scoop of earl grey-flavoured ice cream and generous caramel sauce drizzled over top.

Our recommendation is to tuck into the waffles immediately once it it served as it may turn slightly soggy once the ice cream melts over it.

Other options on their menu include Pastas such as Aglio Olio (S$16++), Mushroom Bacon Carbonara (S$19++) and light munchies with the likes of Shoe String Fries (S$8+) and Chili Beef Nachos (S$12++).

Choose your own espresso blend—Atlas or Nautica—and have it prepared in various ways such as a Long Black (Reg – S$4.50++, Large – S$5++), Cappuccino (Reg – S$5++, Large – S$5.50++), Latte (Reg – S$5++, Large – S$5.50++) and more.

As mentioned earlier, Columbus Coffee Co. gets their coffee beans from Two Degrees North Coffee Co., a renowned roaster that sources their single origin beans from coffee capitals of the world, Ethiopia, Colombia and Kenya.

Columbus Coffee Co.
220 Upper Thomson Road
Singapore 574352
Tel: +65 6253 6024
Daily: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Marymount

Nestled in Seletar Aerospace Park, Wildseed Café & Bar is a picturesque venue where you can break out of the city’s hustle and bustle. Located on the ground floor of The Summerhouse Dining Room, this farm-to-table concept café serves hearty lunch and brunch during the day and transforms into a casual bar with a delectable grill selection in the evening.

From a wide selection of mains and sweet treats in their daytime menu to an even larger range of alcoholic drinks on their bar menu, there is something for everyone to indulge in at Wildseed Café. From Fridays to Sundays, there is live acoustic music in the evening.

Here is what you can expect from this idyllic garden themed café at Seletar Aerospace Park.

Featuring an Industrial-Scandinavian interior decked with lots of potted plants, Wildseed Café emits a soothing ambience where you can dine indoors amidst lush greenery and vibrant fresh flowers provided by Poppy Flora & Nature Studio.

The café’s Wagyu Beef Burger (S$19) comprises 125g mouth-watering wagyu beef, cheddar cheese, smoked abalone mushroom, slathered with light truffle mayo and sandwiched between toasted sesame bread. It comes with a side of crispy curly fries.

This amazing burger was oozing with delicious goodness and robust flavours that will satisfy any burger cravings.

You can never go wrong with their popular Avocado Shake (S$7.50). What makes this drink so special is the gula melaka added to the blended avocado. The slight sweetness cuts through the creaminess of the avocado which makes the entire flavour less intense and a lot more enjoyable.

The Highland Pancakes (S$9) is unlike your usual Instagram-worthy stack of pancakes.

From the crunchy roasted sweet corn to the fluffy pancakes with house-made butter, the combination of these simple ingredients made it the perfect stack of pancakes for brunch!

Diners can also look forward to other options such as salads, pizzas, pasta and many more mains from their brunch and all-day menu. Coffee lovers can also drop by to enjoy some aromatic coffee proudly roasted by Nomad The Gallant coffee roasters.

With the tranquil greenery and cosy environment, Wildseed Café is a great respite to unwind after a hectic work week over some good food. The location is slightly inconvenient but this is one of those places that would work great for those seeking some quiet alone time.

Wildseed Café & Bar
3 Park Lane
Singapore 798387
Sun to Thurs: 9am – 11pm
Fri, Sat and Eve of PH: 9am – 1am
Nearest station: Punggol MRT Station

Behind the same folks that brought you Fresh Fruits Lab comes Blue Willow, a thematic bar and bistro that derives its inspiration from one of our favourite science-fiction movies of 2009—to give you a clue, the alien characters in it are all blue.

Decked out in—you guessed it—blue with beautiful wall murals depicting scenes and characters from the movie, this cosy bistro in the West of Singapore is not your usual gimmicky themed cafe. Of hearty grub and inventive cocktails that are mostly blue in colour, the food standard is so good that you wouldn’t believe you are dining in a cafe!

You’d be pleased to know that the blue-coloured dishes and drinks are naturally coloured with butterfly pea; nothing tastes artificial nor tackily sweet. Blue dishes and desserts to look forward to include the Eywa Natural Blue Carbonara, Neytiri’s Blue Pancake Stack and Blue Velvet Cake. If you are out looking for a tipple, we are sure their stunning line-up of thematic cocktails will leave an impression as well.

From now until 04 Mar 2018 (excluding Valentine’s Day), our readers can quote ‘ladyironchef’ upon making your orders to enjoy 50% OFF the second main course (on the lower-priced item). This promotion is valid for lunch and dinner daily.

So get your appetites going and your cameras at the ready, because Blue Willow Bar & Bistro is an absolute must-visit.

Blue Willow Bar & Bistro is the latest venture by a young couple, who are also the owners of restaurants Fresh Fruits Lab and Platform 1094. Tucked away along a small row of shops, away from the bustling city scene and near to the NUS campus, Blue Willow offers students and regular patrons alike some much-needed respite from the stresses of everyday life—at a pretty affordable price point too!

The inspiration for the blue themed, alien-world cafe, which serves Western-fusion cuisine, comes from a tree in the cafe’s backyard, reminiscent of the iconic ‘Tree of Souls’ in the movie—don’t tell us you’re still guessing.

JAKE’S BREAKFAST

Only available on weekends before 3pm, their brunch menu offers a fine selection of hearty grub that will set the tone for your weekend perfectly. First on the list is Jake’s Breakfast (S$16++): a huge plate featuring all the works from scrambled eggs, toasted baked garlic, bacon, chicken cheese sausages, grilled mushrooms and a salad.

Modelled after a classic English breakfast, this colossal plate promises you everything you could ever want from greasy to creamy—the best way to kickstart any day in our opinion.

EGGS BENEDICT

Although similar in composition, the Eggs Benedict (S$13++) served here is presented and prepared a little differently. Instead of the conventional English muffin, what you get as your base is a toasted soft roll which is topped with bacon, chicken ham, two sous vide eggs and drizzled luxuriously with their homemade hollandaise sauce.

NEYTIRI’S BLUE PANCAKE STACK

Perhaps one of the most ‘Insta-worthy’ items on their brunch menu is the Neytiri’s Blue Pancake Stack (S$14++) that comprises three thick, blue pancakes topped with blueberry, maple sago, strawberries and cookie crumbles.

The pancakes left a deep impression upon first bite! Fluffy with a crispy exterior and brimming with vanilla aroma, complemented with fresh berries and maple syrup that beautifully bring the entire dish together. As with all of their blue coloured dishes, no artificial colouring is added. All of them derive their bluish hue naturally from butterfly peas.

EYWA NATURAL BLUE CARBONARA

For something a little more unusual that is bound to have your Instagram followers in total awe is the Eywa Natural Blue Carbonara (S$14++).

Boasting a blueish colour courtesy of the butterfly pea added into the pasta dough, this dish would surely have diners feeling a tad confused at first, but stick your fork in and swirl some into your mouth and you would be greeted wiith a delicious medley of flavours from the sautéed bacon, savoury cheesy cream sauce and the rich sou vide egg yolk. After the initial taste, we were hooked and were ready to scarf down the entire plate.

BLUE WILLOW’S BARRAMUNDI

Grilled to tender perfection, the Blue Willow’s Barramundi (S$20++) is a good alternative to order should you wish for something less rich. Our fish was tender and flaky and the skin had a glorious crisp.

Complementing the Barramundi is a blue pine nut mustard cream sauce, as well as a combination of fresh vegetables from tender beetroot, wilted baby spinach and pine nuts, sprinkled over top.

FFL DA BOMB BURGER

For the love of ginormous burgers that pack great flavour, the FFL Da Bomb Burger (S$19++) is something we highly recommend.

This monster of a burger features a 200gram medium-well beef batty, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, grilled sweet onion, bacon, egg and is finally topped with a blue cheddar cheese sauce that diners are free to pour over themselves should they wish.

ENCHANTING BEVERAGE CONCOCTIONS

Besides their array of toothsome food offerings, do pay attention to their stellar cocktail menu as well. Offering a variety of inventive cocktails that showcase various methods of culinary theatrics, they are just as tasty to sip on as they are aesthetically pleasing.

Some of their cocktails even require diners to get ‘hands-on’ so pimp away, because at Blue Willow, the experience is what you make of it.

For the wine connoisseur, you will be delighted to know that Blue Willow is the only bar and bistro in Singapore licensed to bring in and sell the world’s first blue-coloured wine, Gik. We already know so many parties to bring this to!

From now until 04 Mar 2018 (excluding Valentine’s Day), our readers can quote ‘ladyironchef’ upon making your orders to enjoy 50% OFF the second main course (on the lower-priced item). This promotion is valid for lunch and dinner daily.

Blue Willow Bar & Bistro
28 Clementi Road,
Singapore 129754
Tel: +65 6803 7472
(Closed on Mondays)
Tue to Fri: 12pm – 12am
Sat & Sun: 11am – 12am
Nearest Station: Kent Ridge / Haw Par Villa

This post was brought to you by Blue Willow Bar & Bistro.

Gourmet burgers are nothing new to Singapore’s dynamic food scene, but what is it about these fancy burgers that motivates people to spend so much more for them as opposed to their fast food restaurant counterparts? The answer lies in its jazzed-up sauces but more importantly, the use of premium ingredients.

Bringing its signature West Coast flavour to Singapore, 25 Degrees Burgers & Liquor Bar is a gourmet American burger joint from Los Angeles which serves up a myriad of gourmet burgers, milkshakes, beer and wine at reasonable prices and is even rumoured to be a cult favourite among many Hollywood stars.

Drop by during the day and enjoy their lunch special where you can get a signature burger and fries for only S$12++. This promotion is valid from Mondays to Fridays between 11am to 3pm. Be sure not to miss out on their daily happy hour between 3pm to 7pm too. During this golden period of the day, you get to enjoy 1-for-1 deals for fries and other food items, a selection of beers, as well as cocktails.

Looking and feeling like a sleek, contemporary, American diner, 25 Degrees Burger & Liquor Bar Singapore’s small yet cosy space serves to provide a warm and friendly environment to diners. Their long table and open-air concept also allow patrons to socialise and watch the bustling street while enjoying a delicious meal.

Boasting a straightforward menu, there are five signature burgers with varying toppings and condiments—all of which cost only S$14++. The five signatures are conveniently named ‘Number One’ to ‘Number Four’ and lastly the ‘Veggie Burger’.

Apart from that, the menu also includes a craft-your-own burger option for fussy burger connoisseurs who want something more.

NUMBER ONE

The Number One (S$14++) comprises a beef patty, caramelized onions, a mixture of different cheeses from prelibato gorgonzola to crescenza, crispy bacon, arugula and is given a generous slathering of thousand island dressing.

As far as gourmet burgers are concerned, nothing rarely ever goes wrong when caramelised onions and bacon are involved and the Number One proved just that. The beef patty had a crispy crust with a juicy, pink interior and the arugula coupled with the thousand island dressing balanced out the intensely meaty flavours.

NUMBER TWO

Number Two (S$14++) is a beef burger with an Italian touch. It features a beef patty, plump roasted tomatoes, burrata, a slice of crispy prosciutto and pesto. Compared to Number One, we would say that this burger is a much milder alternative.

The tomatoes were soft yet not overly cooked to a mushy consistency, and the melted burrata cheese over the top provided an element of creaminess. We particularly like how the addition of pesto in the burger added freshness to the overall taste.

NUMBER THREE

For a burger with attitude, you should go for Number Three (S$14++). It features a beef patty, mezzo secco jack cheese, green chilli, chipotle and avocado. This burger may pack a punch initially but the spice is balanced out by fresh slices of avocado. Those who are looking for a spicy kick will not regret trying the Number Three!

NUMBER FOUR

For a slightly more unconventional option, you can also opt for Number Four (S$14++) that uses a yellowfin tuna patty instead. Served with crisp butter lettuce, crispy fried onions and a spicy aioli, this is one alternative should you not prefer beef—although we would much rather stick to our beef.

VEGGIE BURGER

Vegetarians do not fret, because the folks at 25 Degrees have got you covered. Swopping out a beef patty for a veggie one, the Veggie Burger (S$14++) comes with butter lettuce cucumber, mint, and jalapenos.

As much as vegetarian dishes—let alone vegetarian burgers—get a rather bad reputation, we must admit that the Veggie Burger was indeed delicious. Whether you are a hardcore vegetarian or merely someone curious to know how vegetarian burgers taste like, this is a good dish to start with.

SONORAN HOT DOG

What could possibly beat a hot dog wrapped in bacon? That’s right—nothing.

The Sonoran Hot Dog (S$18++) comes with an enticing bacon-wrapped dog, American cheese, caramelized onions as well as an array of condiments. Delicious and sinful, this huge hot dog was made even better with a squeeze of mustard and their homemade garlic aioli.

CRISPY SIDES

Burgers alone aren’t fun. We need sides of fries and whatnot, too!

The Truffle French Fries (S$6++), Curly Fries (S$5++) and Onion Rings (S$5++) are crowd favourites but our ultimate favourite would have to be the onion rings.

Lightly battered, the onion rings were sweet and super crunchy. While the rings are great on their own, they are made even more irresistible with their selection of homemade dips which you can get at an additional cost of S$3++.

AMERICAN MILKSHAKES

No experience at an American diner is complete without a huge milkshake. This classic milkshake (S$10++) that comes in a variety of flavours is something you absolutely must order when at 25 Degrees Burger & Liquor Bar Singapore.

Sweet, decadent and oh-so-satisfying, there was no way we could resist slurping down one of these bad boys with our burger. Complete with a cherry on top and lots of whipped cream, your burger experience cannot get any better.

WARM MELT CHOCOLATE CAKE

If you are not already stuffed enough as it is, finish your meal with one of their sweet treats. The Warm Melt Chocolate Cake (S$14++) is essentially a lava cake that is topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The rich and intense chocolate makes it the perfect treat for all chocolate lovers!

Remember to drop by for their lunch special where you can get a signature burger and fries for only S$12++. This promotion is valid from Mondays to Fridays between 11am to 3pm.

If you are checking out their beer promotions instead, 25 Degrees Burger & Liquor Bar Singapore’s daily happy hour last from 3pm to 7pm where you get to enjoy 1-for-1 deals for fries and other food items, beer as well as cocktails.

25 Degrees Burger & Liquor Bar Singapore
200 Middle Road
Singapore 188980
Tel: +65 6809 7990
Daily: 11am - 3am
Nearest Station: Rochor / Bencoolen

This post is brought to you by 25 Degrees Burgers & Liquor Bar Singapore.

The Wired Monkey is a new speciality coffee shop nestled just off Little India along Dunlop Street. Besides serving up amazing coffee, they also have some interesting food offerings that delve away from your typical cafe fare.

Their Falafel Burger comes highly recommended and their banana cake is the perfect accompaniment for your freshly brewed coffee. The Wired Monkey uses a blend of coffee from Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee, a veteran in Singapore’s coffee scene.

If you’re tired, The Wired Monkey is, without a doubt, an excellent place to get wired.

If you happen to be a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine, then the Falafel Burger (S$12) should be right up your alley.

This unconventional cafe item consists of a deep-fried patty made primarily from chickpeas and is stacked with kale, a refreshing tomato compote and tzatziki (a common Greek sauce made with yoghurt, cucumber, garlic and sometimes mint).The dish comes served with thick, crispy wedges of sweet potato fries.

For coffee aficionados who adore the robust, medium-bodied blends that come from Tiong Hoe Speciality Coffee, you will be happy to know that The Wired Monkey sources their blends from them. So you can expect to always have a solid brew to go along with their tantalising array of dishes.

The Wired Monkey
5 Dunlop Street, #01-00
Singapore 209335
Tel: +65 9022 0194
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 9am – 7pm
Sat: 12pm – 8pm
Nearest Station: Little India

All photos are credited to The Wired Monkey SG.

No surprises here—Fresh Fruits Lab (FFL) is our favourite cafe in the East of Singapore. This has never changed since our first visit in 2015.

The themed cafe has seen a revamp recently and it is nothing short of amazing. Still keeping their core laboratory theme and incorporating fruits into their menu, FFL now boasts a colourful, pastel interior that is both whimsical and photogenic.

It has also become a kids-friendly dining outlet with a play corner for your little ones as well as a low-salt kids menu that is so reasonably priced.

How can a cafe make us fall in love so much? FFL always does it best. Here are some of our favourite dishes from its current menu. You need to bring your squad here for your next gathering!

So you think the cafe only looks pretty?

FFL has always been consistent with their food. No effort is spared to serving only the best—from their dedicated culinary team (most of the chefs have years of experience cooking and baking in top hotels in Singapore!) to the freshness of ingredients.

The menu goes beyond a typical cafe’s standards. It has a wide range of appetisers, salads, mains, desserts, coffee and juices; basically everything that attributes to a good meal. And as its name and theme suggest, FFL incorporates fruits as much as possible into everything for that healthy and refreshing touch.

FFL SIGNATURE FISH & CHIPS

If we had to pick only one dish to love at FFL, it would be their Signature Fish & Chips. Fish & Chips may sound boring but wait till you’ve tried FFL’s version!

For just S$19, you get a huge piece of beer-battered pacific dory fried to a golden perfection. As if the generous serving is not filling enough, it comes with a larger portion of fruits salad, a mountain of fries and homemade tartare.

This is comfort food for the soul, guys.

SOFT-SHELL CRAB PASTA

Also at S$19, this pasta is our favourite among the four choices on the menu.

Featuring a huge and crispy soft-shell crab sits atop al dente spaghetti, the Soft-Shell Crab Pasta is a slightly spicy rendition that is not for the faint-hearted. The chilli crab sauce is homemade, by the way.

FFL DA BOMB BURGER

Need your burger fix but don’t want your wallet to take a beating? The FFL Da Bomb Burger (S$19) will make your trip to FFL worth the while.

This beauty is everything a burger should be—juicy beef patty (200g) that is grilled to medium well, fresh romaine lettuce for the crisp,

SALMON STEAK

A healthier option for the ladies (and even the kids) is the Salmon Steak (S$26). This dish is set on fire (literally) as it is served to you and the end result is a sweet piece of pink salmon that boasts a subtle smoky flavour.

It is accompanied by asparagus purée, mashed carrots, arugula and a homemade grape sauce served in a cute onion cup! That is a fair bit of greens if your skinny jeans are getting a little tight but you still need good food in your life.

SPARKEY THE DOG

This is probably the cutest item on the kids’ menu. At only S$10, this is a pancakes dish that is prepared with low-salt bacon and ham. It is completed with fresh blueberries.

BOO-BOO BEAR

This is too cute, even the adults might not be able to resist the Boo-Boo Bear (S$13)!

And it tastes as good as it looks. We wouldn’t want to cut the bear up but the fried sweet potato cake is too yummy to pass. Stuffed with chicken, zucchini, mushroom and tomato, the sweet potato cake is wrapped with an egg—yes, the bear’s blanket.

LIGHTNING CARS

The perfect dish for your boys (or girls who love cars!), the Lightning Cars (S$12) is a simple yet hearty grilled chicken that is tender and flavourful despite the fact that no salt is used in cooking.

This chicken main is served with purple sweet potato purée and mixed fruit skewers for a more balanced meal.

CREEPY-CRAWLY

Fancy something more filling for the older kids? The Creepy-Crawly (S$13) is a wholesome tortilla wrap that is jam-packed with yummy smoked duck, onion, lettuce and carrots.

There is also a side of homemade fruit yogurt—blueberry, strawberry, granola, honey yoghurt.

ULTIMATE PEANUT BUTTER CHOC CAKE

FFL has a dedicated pastry chef and he bakes the prettiest French-style sweets. The one that we really love is the Ultimate Peanut Butter Choc Cake.

Priced at S$7.50, this decadent treat is our newfound guilty pleasure. Every mouthful of the dense cake is so rewarding; the taste of the rich peanut butter lingers on.

TEA BY LUPICIA INFUSED CAKE

For a lighter but no less satisfying cake option, this doll is your best bet. The Tea by Lupicia Infused Cake is also priced at S$7.50 and it totally reminds us of sweets we’d see in French patisseries.

The whiff of the aromatic tea will first enrapture you, and as you take a bite, you’d realize just how well balanced the sweet and bitter notes of the tea are.

EMERALD GREEN APPLE TEA

The Emerald Green Apple Tea (S$12) may not sound like much, but just wait until you see it in real life. Served in a test tube, the Emerald Green is made of butterfly pea tea, green apple juice and soda water. Get your phone ready and watch as the staff adds in edible dry ice for a mini explosion. We won’t spoil it for you; make sure you order the drink when you are at Fresh Fruits Lab!

COLOURED LATTES

Just when you thought coloured lattes are so gimmicky, you might want to consider trying FFL’s versions. These 4 pretty colours are all achieved using natural ingredients.

There is the Beetroot Latte which boasts a shocking shade of pink, the Sweet Potato Latte which is the gorgeous lavender-coloured cup, the Butterfly Pea Latte which spots a dreamy blue hue, and the Matcha Latte in the usual green.

Because zero artificial colouring is used for these lattes, you shouldn’t expect a super sweet cup with strong flavour notes. Instead, think good old latte with nuances of sweetness and aroma.

Fresh Fruits Lab
351 Changi Rd, Singapore 419818
Tel: +65 6677 6741
Tue to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Eunos/ Kembangan

This post is brought to you by Fresh Fruits Lab.

Run by a team of experienced chefs from a multitude of culinary backgrounds, Edwin & Cooks is the newest kid in the Upper Thomson enclave. What initially started off as a kitchen and storage space for private chef services for parties and events, is now a bistro on its own.

The good folks at Edwin & Cooks serve up delicious fusion cuisine, munchies as well as a variety of alcoholic beverages for you to sit back and relax to. The talented chefs constantly work hard to update their menu every now and then so as to ensure that customers will always have something to look forward to.

Located at Thomson V Two, this new spot is a place worth checking out.

Occupying a small shop space, the interior is fully dedicated to being a kitchen and an order counter while the seating area outside consists of 3 tables. We felt the ambience to be rather cosy as the absence big a crowd really allowed us to sit back and relax as we watched the world go by.

The menu features a wide array of tasty offerings from freshly shucked oysters, truffle fries and a whole host of mains such as their Chicken Burger and Sloppy Joes Dog.

For those of you in search of a hearty meal that packs lots of flavours, the Sloppy Joes Dog (S$12) comes highly recommended. On a perfectly toasted brioche bun sits a pork bratwurst sausage that is generously slathered with their home-made tangy beef ragu and topped with onion and mozzarella.

The brioche bun provided a nice sweetness which bolded well with the savoury qualities of the meaty beef ragu. The sausage by itself was flavourful, but the beef ragu coupled with the cheese gave the dish a heightened dose of richness and texture.

The Chicken Burger (S$16) is something of a treat that even the most discerning of palates can agree with. Sandwiched between a toasted charcoal bun is a crispy chicken thigh that is given a healthy dose of their homemade buffalo wing sauce and cheddar cheese sauce as well as a refreshing cucumber slaw.

The chicken thigh had a lovely crunch and the marriage between both the spicy buffalo wing sauce and the cheddar cheese sauce was magical, to say the least. The cucumber slaw was a nice touch as well as it gave this heavy dish a refreshing lift. Crispy, spicy and savoury, this hearty burger easily trumps all other chicken burgers out there.

Edwin & Cooks
11 Sin Ming Road, #01-13
Thomson V Two
Singapore 575629
(Closed on Mondays)
Sun to Thu: 11am – 11pm
Fri: 11am – 12am
Nearest Station: Marymount

With the opening of Hillview Community Club, residents and those who are working near the area now have more dining options apart from restaurants and cafes at HillV2. One cafe that stood out among the rest of the casual dining spots there is Kohi-Ya.

Opened by the team behind Ninepress who also runs Kyu Coffee Bar at Prudential Tower, Kohi-Ya offers Asian cuisine that comes with a Creative twist. Think udon served with Mentaiko sauce, wagyu beef balls doused in Japanese curry and more.

The gorgeous interior is also an added bonus, so remember to drop by this new cafe in the West of Singapore for a weekend brunch with your family or significant other!

Kohi-Ya’s lovely interior exudes a calm ambiance, using light blonde wood for its furniture and tiffany blue as the cafe’s primary colour scheme. Solo diners can choose to sit at the bar and watch the barista in action while those in groups can take up one of the communal tables.

We went for their Popping Mentaiko (S$14), which is an absolutely stunning dish. You get a generous portion of smooth udon in mentaiko sauce and a variety of toppings such as popcorn chicken, bacon bits, onsen egg, seaweed and some fresh flower petals.

The hot Mentaiko sauce was creamy and rich; every mouthful was bursting with flavours. For an elevated taste, break the onsen egg and have it together with the runny yolk. As much as we loved the dish, we felt that there was nothing spectacular about the popcorn chicken.

Those who are looking for a meatier alternative can try their Good Ol’ Classic Cheese Steak Burger (S$18). Unlike a traditional burger, this one does not come with buns so you do not have to waste stomach space on redundant carbs.

Instead, diners get 200g of minced Wagyu beef covered over with a slice of melted cheddar cheese and sliced mushrooms in brown sauce. The ‘burger’ is accompanied with crispy french fries and a handful of fresh greens.

You can opt for your preferred level of doneness and we would recommend going for medium or medium rare so you can taste the full flavours of the wagyu.

Kohi-Ya
1 Hillview Rise
#01-04, Hillview Community Club
Singapore 667970
Tel: +65 6288 8488
Daily: 9am – 8.30pm
Nearest Station: Hillview

Freehouse is a craft beer joint you can escape to after a hard day’s work. Hidden on the second floor of a shophouse along Boon Tat Street, feel free to knock back a few pints and leave your troubles at the door.

This unsuspecting craft beer den houses up to 16 different craft beers and ciders on rotation, all affordably priced from S$9 for a 10oz pint. The selection changes constantly, so feel free to ask the bartender what the hottest beers are for the week.

In addition to their excellent range of tipples, they also serve up amazing grub; interesting bar bites like their signature Cereal Frog Legs With Ginger Flower Dressing to mouth watering mains like their Bombay Burger With Piccalilli.

Freehouse does not have a particularly striking sign board, just a small fluorescent one that might be a little tricky to spot. Once you find it, your journey to beer heaven begins at the foot of a dimly lit staircase.

This joint exudes a cosy and laid-back vibe. The quaint shophouse space is simply decorated with wood furniture, twinkling lights, graffiti stained walls, and craft beer posters but what really got us excited was the bar—a row of 16 shiny taps against pristine tiles.

We started off with some of their more interesting varieties; a 10oz glass of Heretic Chocolate Hazelnut Porter (S$12++ for 10oz) followed by another (of the same measure) of Zeffer Cider Cherry Bomb (S$11.50++ for 10oz)

Their food menu is not extensive, but they sure pack a punch and include possibly some of the most interesting renditions of classic bar bites we have ever seen.

We ordered the Bombay Burger With Piccalilli (S$15++) which comprised a massive boneless chicken thigh seasoned beautifully with Indian spices (cumin being a dominant flavour), sandwiched between two sturdy yet pillowy, perfectly charred buns. The chicken itself brimmed with so much flavour and was tender enough to chew off with relative ease.

If you love spicy food, then definitely go for the Thai Beef Sliders With Somtum (S$16++). Although small in size, the kitchen really goes above and beyond to stuff a smorgasbord of ingredients between two tiny buns.

The Thai flavours really came through with this. It was tangy, sweet with an intense heat that kicks you at the end. The beef patty was firm and juicy and the tangy som tum salad provided an added brightness to the dish.

Despite the spiciness leaving us gasping for ice water after, we must say that this was some of the best sliders we have ever had. Period.

Freehouse
21A Boon Tat Street
Singapore 069620
Tel: +65 8362 6740
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Thu & Sat: 5pm – 12am
Fri: 3pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Craig road is a narrow street synonymous for its many chic cafes and fancy restaurants. Hustle Co is the newest addition to the neighbourhood but what sets them apart from the conventional coffee-and-cake joints is their emphasis on craft beers.

Cafes are aplenty all over Singapore but hardly do we ever come across ones that sell craft beers. Which is why we got pretty darn excited after hearing about this particular place.

Serving up a comforting cafe staples for brunch and heartier dishes for dinner, along with a myriad of 12 different craft beers on tap, Hustle Co truly is a cafe which is worth checking out.

The cafe occupies the entire three-storey shop house with the main dining area situated on the first. The first floor alone is pretty spacious and features many long tables to encourage communal dining.

The interior is decked out in a very minimalistic style; white walls and a few wall paintings here and there, which does well not to overcomplicate things.

Ideally, most people begin their mornings with a good hot cuppa, but we like to think that we are not most people so we ordered beer instead. Thankfully, tap number 3 featured a rather interesting brew; Flat White Stout (S$9 per a half pint) which is essentially a rich dark stout flavoured with coffee to give you the best of both worlds.

The head was hazy amber with a nice white froth (similar to that of an actual flat white), and the aroma was sweet with notes of freshly ground coffee. Overall, the stout itself tasted quite sweet with a subtle bitter finish.

The Blueberry Pancake (S$18) comes with a gorgeous double stack of thick fluffy pancakes and a generous topping of blueberry compote, fresh strawberries, candied pistachios and a dollop of mascarpone cheese.

The blueberry compote was sweet with a subtle tartness to it and the pistachios provided a nice crunch.

The Dirty Burger (S$19) features a perfectly cooked 160g beef chuck tender patty, taleggio and cheddar cheese both melted beautifully over top and a thick slice of bacon, all held together by two warm and toasted brioche buns.

As much as it fulfilled all the criteria of a decent burger, we felt that it was not a great one. The beef patty was lacking in flavour and although the bacon and cheese provided a heightened level of salt and richness, it was not enough to make this burger stand out.

Hustle Co. 
52 Craig Road,
Singapore 089690
Tel: +65 9826 3382
(Closed on Mondays)
Daily: 9am – 12am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

72o Bistro & The Toys is the latest addition to Holland Village’s vibrant dining scene and the spacious restaurant specialises in North Indian and Western cuisine.

At this new Heroes-themed restaurant, you can look forward to a comprehensive menu, the best beer deals and an impressive collection of Marvel’s limited edition figurines—including a life-size iron man!

Most of the dishes on 72o Bistro & The Toys’ menu are priced below S$15 nett—there is no GST and service charge.

Quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy 1-for-1 promotion on all main courses (during Sundays to Thursdays lunch and dinner) from now until 28 Feb 2016.

Set foot into the dimly-lit restaurant and you will be greeted by a gigantic Iron Man statue. The life-size figurine was imported directly from the United States of America; and we say, it is a dream come true for all fans. We couldn’t stop staring at it, and we chose a table right beside so it felt like we were dining with Tony Stark!

72o Bistro & The Toys’ glass cabinet showcases a wide selection of Marvel limited edition figurines, including Black Widow, Captain America, Hulk, Thor and more. The restaurant owner has been collecting these figurines since 2000 and he decided to open a themed bistro to share his prized possessions with like-minded fans.

The collection is really expensive, and it is fascinating, to say the least.

There are a bunch of starters on 72o Bistro & The Toys’ menu. We suggest you get the Spicy Buffalo Wings (S$8.90 nett / five pieces) for sharing.

Each succulent chicken wing is marinated, deep-fried and tossed in spicy buffalo sauce. Carrot and cucumber sticks are served on the side with a blue cheese dip.

For something more substantial, share the 2 Amigos Pizza (S$13.90 nett) baked with bacon bits, bratwurst sausage, tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.

It is worth mentioning that every item is served in an incredibly generous portion!

The Dancing Prawn Aglio Olio (S$14.80 nett) might look unassuming, but do not let its simplicity fool you. It is hands down our favourite Western dish from 72o Bistro & The Toys.

Al dente spaghetti is served with fresh and plump sautéed prawns, chilli flakes, garlic, onion, olive oil and pepper. Flavourful in every bite, and certainly very filling!

The 72o House Burger (S$15.80 nett) is a value-for-money main course that will fill you up easily. Melted cheese, chargrilled beef patty, smoked bacon bits, mushroom, romaine lettuce, cherry tomato, mayonnaise and a sunny side egg are served atop two palm-size sesame buns with a garden salad and a tin of fries on the side.

72o Bistro & The Toys’ signature dish is the chef-recommended Grass-fed Rib-eye Steak (S$24 nett). The rib-eye steak is grilled to the doneness of your choice and served with asparagus, mushrooms, potato wedges, salad and drenched in an aromatic brown sauce.

For something different, consider the 72o Curry Chicken Burger (S$12.80 nett), which resembles more of a sandwich. Fork-tender marinated chicken, Indian curry gravy, pineapple rings, romaine lettuce and onion slices are stuffed inside a ciabatta bread.

We have to admit that the North Indian delicacies served at 72o Bistro & The Toys seriously surpassed our expectations. Frankly speaking, there seems to be little or no link between North Indian cuisine and a bistro decked out in Marvel decors. But boy, we were impressed to no end.

The fragrant Butter Chicken (S$12.80 nett) is a must-order. In fact, we would gladly make a return special trip just for their Butter Chicken! Think tender boneless chicken cooked with a thick, buttered masala gravy. Needless to say, this Indian classic was the star of the meal—everyone was digging into the viscous tomato-based mixture.

Think tender boneless chicken cooked with a thick, buttered masala gravy. Needless to say, this Indian classic was the star of the meal—everyone was digging into the viscous tomato-based mixture.

While the Butter Chicken tastes good on its own, the Cheese and Garlic Naan (S$4.80 nett) and Chicken Briyani (S$11.80 nett) make great accompaniments.

The former is a delicious Indian bread baked in clay oven, whereas the latter is a traditional Indian dish comprising curried chicken and spiced rice. Can’t decide what to have? Order all. No such thing as too much good food.

By now, you are probably overwhelmed by the seemingly endless options available.

Want more sharing dishes? Then give the Chicken Suslick (S$9.80 nett / two sticks, S$17.80 nett / four sticks) a shot. These skewers consist of marinated chicken chunks, grilled capsicums and onions.

For the most bang for your buck, visit 72o Bistro & The Toys during lunchtime and dig into these scrumptious dishes at unbelievable prices—we are talking about S$8.80 nett for a set!

72o Bistro & The Toys is also ideal for after-work drinks. Marvel figurines and toys; sounds like a fab idea.

They have an awesome variety of beverages. Regardless of whether it is beer, wine, liquor or non-alcoholic drinks you are after, there is bound to be something you fancy sipping.

Ladies, do give their house-made 72o Classic Champagne (S$12 nett) a shot! This refreshing bubbly is available exclusively on Ladies Night aka Wednesdays at one-for-one. Weekend warriors should try their Watermelon Soju (S$28 nett), which is essentially an entire carved watermelon filled with soju. Note that this fruity potent drink is only available on Saturdays.

And by the way, their prices are one of the most competitive in the Holland Village dining district! Now you know where to head to next for drinks and food when you are in the vicinity. We know for sure that we will be heading back for Butter Chicken and drinks!

And Tony Stark.

Remember to quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy 1-for-1 promotion on all main courses (during Sundays to Thursdays lunch and dinner) from now until 28 Feb 2016.

P.s. 72o Bistro & The Toys’ venue is also available for private events.

72o Bistro & The Toys
19 Lorong Liput
Singapore 277732
Tel: +65 6463 6028
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Fri and Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 1am
Sun: 11.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village

This post is brought to you by 72o Bistro & The Toys.

Newly opened contemporary restaurant Ash & Char sits in the heart of Singapore’s CBD. The gastro-bar—opened by the team behind Rise & Grind Coffee Co—is just a short walk away from Tanjong Pagar MRT Station and Telok Ayer MRT station.

Ash & Char derived its name from the primary cooking techniques used for its dishes. Do not let the fancy interiors put you off; the menu is actually surprisingly affordable. The scrumptious main courses here range between S$15++ to S$21++ for a scrumptious plate of Aglio Olio and Hanger Steak respectively.

The versatile venue is perfect for business luncheons, dinner dates and even after-work drinks.

The Hanger Steak (S$21++) was cooked to medium rare, but we thought the soft and chewy slices were leaning towards rare doneness instead. The 150-day grain-fed Angus steak is served with charred baby romaine lettuce, tomatoes, garlic flakes and a semi-spicy pickled jalapeño purée.

Ash & Char’s Korean Chicken Burger (S$17++) was served with crisp sweet potato fries. Succulent marinated fork-tender Korean fried chicken, in-house fermented kimchi and refreshing apple slaw are sandwiched between two fluffy sesame buns.

If you are torn between the Korean Chicken Burger and the Hanger Steak, we say go for the burger instead.

We also recommend the Bacon & Mushroom Carbonara (S$16++). Al dente penne pasta is cooked in fragrant white wine and served with aromatic mushrooms, crispy garlic flakes, streaky bacon and a sous vide egg.

Ash & Char
#01-03/04, 21 McCallum Street
Singapore 069047
Tel: +65 9132 8880
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves travelling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all-time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.

The beloved local brand, EwF, for casual burgers and fries is back at its space in Bugis Junction, this time with new burgers and fries!

EwF is known widely for their tasty yet affordable burgers, with prices as low as S$7.90. To complete a meal, you only have to top-up an additional S$2 for a serving of fries and a drink of choice. It is little wonder they’ve enjoyed popularity for as long as they have been around!

Now, EwF is back with new fries and burger options that are better than ever; think Shrimp Salsa Burger and Mexicana Fries. The other good news is the revamped EwF menu does not have any pork and lard!

From now till 31 September 2016, quote ‘Ladyironchef’ to receive a complimentary meal upsize when you order any burger or fries set at EwF Bugis Junction. In addition, there will be cone fries going for only S$1 every alternate Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the month of September!

THE FANTASTIC EWF BURGER IS GREATER NOW

As we were digging into the burger, we noticed the burger is slightly taller than before. We found out that EwF has decided to fatten up the beef patties in their signature burgers.

Yay to a bigger beef burger (S$7.90 for single patty, S$9.90 for double patty)!

HAR JEONG KAI NUGGETS

Perhaps unknown to some,EwF also serves the wicked Har Jeong Kai (prawn paste chicken) in bite-sized nuggets (S$6.90).

This deep-fried goodness is so tender and soft, with a lingering fragrance in the air and in our mouths, it makes us wonder why no one has done it before. But EwF is a genius; we are hooked to this already on the first bite.

SHRIMP SALSA BURGER

Meanwhile for the Shrimp Salsa Burger (S$7.90), we have a sea of salsa that sits atop a shrimp patty. We enjoyed the refreshing touch of salsa for it gave the burger a much-loved crunch. This burger is a relatively lighter option and with more veggies, and it is no surprise the females on our table loved it so.

CHAR-GRILLED CAJUN CHICKEN BURGER

If you are not a seafood person the Char-grilled Cajun Chicken Burger (S$7.90) is one to consider. It is built pretty similarly to the Shrimp Burger, with a chicken patty soaked with Cajun seasonings and accompanied by garlic aioli, green pesto and salsa.

SUPER CHEESY SLIDER

With all the magnificent burgers right in front of us, The Slider (S$7.90) also left us with an impression. At times when a typical burger is too big and messy to deal with, sliders come in to save our day.

The beef is well-marinated and shares its space with crispy turkey bacon and green pickles encased in a soft bun. Here comes the best part: the fillings are drenched in sticky, melty cheese.

EWF FRIES AS MAINS

Well, it is high time someone came up with this idea. Who said fries always have to be an accompaniment?

At EwF, fries are main courses too! Lunch can be a plateful of fries with Cajun Chicken on Fries (S$8.90) or Mexicana Fries (S$8,90) doused in cheese sauce. The Mexicana Fries come with fresh guacamole – which, of course, we couldn’t love more.

SUPER AWESOME EWF CHEESECAKE

EwF is also launching a dessert in conjunction with their reopening.

The Super Awesome EwF Cheesecake (S$6.50) is so soft upon slicing in, the cheesecake crumbs fall all over into a wonderful mess. The flavours are not overly intense, so this is also for non-cheese lovers! There was a slight salty note too, and it was only a matter of seconds before we devoured the creamy cake.

FREE UPSIZE

From now till 31 September 2016, simply quote ‘Ladyironchef’ to receive a complimentary meal upsize when you order any burger set at EwF in Bugis Junction.

S$1 CONE FRIES

EwF is having an amazing S$1 Cone Fries deal on 7, 13, 21 and 27 September 2016. A different flavoured cone fries will be available each week. It is a deal too good to be missed. Mark the dates down!

EwF
200 Victoria Street
#04-05, Bugis Junction
Singapore 188021
Tel: +65 6338 0135
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

This post is brought to you by EwF.

Previously located along Beach Road, Candour Coffee—a Melbourne-inspired specialty coffee shop—has shifted to 72 Duxton Road and it is a spot that all coffee lovers have to check out. The minimalistic cafe directly imports their beans from Dukes Coffee Roasters and Market Lane Coffee. For those not the in the know, these two roasteries hail from Melbourne and are exceptionally popular for their high-quality blends.

Melburnian coffee aside, Candour Coffee’s menu also features a selection of MAN CHA teas, wholesome savouries, delectable sweet treats and alcoholic drinks! We dropped by one weekend and were pleasantly surprised by the quality of their cuppas.

Start with an aromatic flat white (S$6++). Prices are considered pretty steep but that is only because what you are getting is a top-notch caffeinated espresso beverage prepared with blends that have been directly imported from the coffee capital of the world – aka Melbourne.

Their newly launch Bacon-wrapped Chicken Burger (S$11++) is sinful but absolutely delicious. A generous amount of bacon, chicken, cheese, lettuce, tomato and homemade barbecue sauce is stuffed between two burger buns.

For desserts, help yourselves to the petite Matcha Azuki Tart (S$6++) topped with fresh fruits, or opt for the Buttermilk Waffles with Seasonal Fruits (S$8.50++). You can also top it off with a scoop of ice-cream (S$3++) – choose from black sesame, chocolate, grape, matcha, vanilla and yuzu.

Candour Coffee
72 Duxton Rd, Singapore 089531
Tel: +65 9457 0070
Mon to Fri: 8am – 9pm
Sat: 11am – 7pm
Sun: 11am – 3.30pm
Nearest Station: Outram/ Chinatown