If you’re still contemplating whether to pay a visit to the iconic Bukit Timah Railway Station, a meal at 1932 Story Cafe should be good enough reason to start planning your visit. 

For the uninitiated, 1932 Story Cafe is a 1930s-themed cafe which has found its home in what used to be the Railway Staff Quarters at the Bukit Timah Railway Station. Apart from dishing up some pretty decent cafe fare, diners would also get to enjoy the nostalgic decorations and train memorabilia around the cafe. Best of all, 1932 Story Cafe does not charge GST.

Being the only dining option at the Bukit Timah Railway Station, 1932 Story Cafe can experience reasonably heavy foot traffic during weekends especially when the weather is good. Thankfully for us, we visited 1932 Story Cafe on a drizzly Saturday morning so the cafe was only about 50% occupied.

1932 Story Cafe offers diners the option to dine indoors or outdoors. Those who dine outdoors will get to enjoy the greenery (and a healthy does of Vitamin D), and those who dine indoors will get to enjoy the cafe’s tasteful nostalgic decor.

When you first step into 1932 Story Cafe, you will feel as if you’ve stepped into someone’s personal museum. The selection and placement of all decoration pieces felt intentional, and we especially loved the feature of the old-school ticket station in the center of the cafe — such a statement piece.

To pass the time when waiting for your meal, you can wander to the rear of 1932 Story Cafe to have a tour of their heritage gallery. Here, you’d find plenty of train memorabilia including an old railway telephone and tickets from the former KTM railway.

Apart from the usual coffee and tea offerings, 1932 Story Cafe carries a range of specialty drinks for the adventurous such as the Charred Smoke Latte (S$6) and Rose Latte (S$6). But for those visiting with young children, you can order as per what we did — a Piccolo (S$4.50) for dad, Matcha Latte (S$5.50) for mom and a Babycino (S$2.50) for the toddler.

What is brunch without some poached eggs? We ordered 1932 Story Cafe’s rendition of the eggs benedict — the Eggs Benedict & Honey Chicken Ham with Sourdough Bread (S$15.90).

On balance, we thought that 1932 Story Cafe did a pretty good job with the dish. The sourdough bread was lightly toasted and the poached eggs had an adequately runny yolk. That said, we thought that the Hollandaise sauce was slightly underwhelming and would have preferred for the sauce to have a slightly stronger egg flavour. 

If you’re keen to sample their local delights, we would definitely recommend ordering the Sesame Ball with Ground Peanut Filling (S$3.90 for 3 pieces). The sesame balls were freshly fried and the peanut filling was rather tasty.

Waffles are one of the best things to enjoy at a cafe. At 1932 Story Cafe, you can enjoy the Belgian Waffle (S$6) which comprises 2 pieces of waffles drizzled with honey and icing sugar. Whilst there wasn’t anything outstanding about the waffles, the waffles were crispy, light and fluffy.

1932 Story Cafe
1005 Bukit Timah Road,
Singapore 596121
Tel: +65 8766 4223

Mention Kovan and most people will think of the famous Punggol Nasi Lemak and the popular food stalls at Kovan 209 Market & Food Centre. But residents in the Kovan and Lorong Ah Soo neighbourhoods will tell you that the area is more than that. It is also home to many eateries and cafes that are worth exploring.

Here is our guide to the cafes in Kovan and Lorong Ah Soo to visit for brunch, coffee, ice cream and desserts.

ICE EDGE CAFE

One of the oldest cafes in Kovan, Ice Edge Cafe has been around for a decade and has gained a huge following with its hearty savouries and stellar sweets. Dishes served here are very affordable and generously portioned.

You might have heard of their legendary Mao Shan Wang Lava Cake, Waffles and Homemade Brownies, but Ice Edge Cafe is more than that. It offers a menu of wallet-friendly dishes (most mains are priced under S$20).

2 Kovan Rise
Simon Plaza, #01-10
Tel: +65 6858 5729

HOOLOO

The Mad Hatter-inspired cafe, Hatter Street in Kovan has rebranded to Hooloo—a new cafe serving rice bowls, bagels, desserts, waffles and ice cream.

Hooloo is having a soft launch and serving only desserts, waffles and ice cream for now. It will officially open on 10 October 2021 and the new menu will include savoury mains as well.

212 Hougang Street 21, #01-333, Singapore 530212
Tel: +65 6988 4591

CIEL PATISSERIE

Situated in Lorong Ah Soo—near to the Kovan neighbourhood—Ciel Patisserie’s location might seem unlikely for an artisanal French bakery, but their cakes will make a special trip worthwhile.

Their Lemon Meringue Tart nails every component, from the sturdy meringue down to the buttery crust. Their bestselling Strawberry Shortcake boasts a light sponge cake interspersed with sweet whipped cream and dewy strawberries.

124 Hougang Ave 1, #01-1444
Singapore 530124
Tel: +65 6383 0803

FATCAT ICE CREAM & COFFEE BOUTIQUE

Known for its charcoal waffles with salted egg yolk sauce, FATCAT Ice Cream Bar is a popular ice cream shop in Bedok and it has just opened a new outlet, FATCAT Ice Cream & Coffee Boutique, at 15 Simon Road which is just a short walk from Kovan MRT Station.

The new outlet in Kovan is for takeaway only and there is no dine-in area. As such, they will not be serving their signature charcoal waffles here. Other than ice cream, the new boutique will also be offering coffee (S$4 for black coffee, and S$5 for white coffee) using a blend of Ethiopian and Colombian beans, as well as Milkshake cold brews (S$8) and refreshing Yuzu soda (S$7).

FATCAT Ice Cream & Coffee Boutique
15 Simon Road
Singapore 545900

FLAVOUR FLINGS

Flavour Flings at Lorong Ah Soo near Kovan is a halal-certified café specialising in American-French cuisine. The people behind the first raclette salted egg yolk croissant in Singapore, the eatery has garnered a fair bit of regulars stopping by for their hearty all-day-breakfast and brunch menu.

Hougang Ave 1, Block 121
#01-1348
Singapore 530121
Tel: +65 6286 0051

LICKERS

Next to Ciel Patisserie is Lickers Ice Cream, a hipster ice cream cafe which opens until 2am from Tuesdays to Sundays.

Serving up the usual fare of ice cream and waffles, the flavours vary depending on the fresh produce they can find that day.

124 Hougang Ave 1, #01-1446
Singapore 530124

LOLA’S CAFE

Known for its brunch fare, coffee and cakes, Lola’s Cafe is one of the more popular cafes in Kovan.

Just don’t go during peak periods over the weekend, as you might end up waiting up to an hour for your food. It is also one of the few dog-friendly places in the Kovan and Serangoon neighbourhoods.

5 Simon Road
Singapore 545893
Tel: +65 6343 1808

MAISON KAYSER

Artisanal French Bakery Maison Kayser has opened its 6th Outlet at Stars of Kovan in the Kovan neighbourhood. The new outlet is located at Stars of Kovan and it has taken over the former premise of Sugartree Gelato.

There are a few seats in the small bakery cafe and you can enjoy a cup of coffee/tea with your bread and pastries.

Maison Kayser
988 Upper Serangoon Rd
#01-28 Stars of Kovan
Singapore 534733
+65 9010 7389
Daily: 7.30am – 5.30pm

NAKED ICE CREAM

Located along the same stretch as Yaowarat Thai Kway Chap, Punggol Nasi Lemak, Ding Te Le and Qi Wei Chicken Claypot, Naked Ice Cream is a new waffle and ice cream cafe in Kovan which opens until 2am daily.

Like most ice cream cafes in Singapore, you can have your ice cream in a cup, cone or with a waffle. There are two waffles to choose from—Plain Waffle (S$3.80), or Charcoal Waffle (S$4.80). For drinks, you can choose from coffee, tea and house special fizzies.

957 Upper Serangoon Rd
Singapore 534717

THE BREAD SHOP

Other than freshly-baked bread and pastries, The Bread Shop in Kovan serves up the usual brunch works, but of great quality at affordable prices. Most of the dishes on the menu are priced under S$16.

953 Upper Serangoon Rd
Singapore 534715
Tel: +65 6581 7461

THE HUMBLE SCOOP

Known for its locally-inspired ice cream flavours including Orh Haw (hawthorn berry), Orh-Bee-Good (pulut hitam) and In-Kueh-Dible (salted coconut & gula melaka), The Humble Scoop has opened its second outlet at Stars of Kovan.

The new ice cream takeaway shop in Kovan prides themselves on locally inspired ice cream flavours and they do not use any colourings, flavourings or additive in the ice cream.

988 Upper Serangoon Road
Stars of Kovan #01-02
Tel: +65 8803 5981

SEE YOU LATTE

See You Latte is an Indonesian-fusion cafe at Stars of Kovan

Beef Rendang Rice (S$11.90), Indonesia Curry Chicken Rice (S$8.90) and Grilled Chicken with Rice (S$8.90).

All the ingredients in our café are fresh from the market and do not contain any MSG.

988 Upper Serangoon Road,
#01-15, Stars of Kovan, Singapore 534733

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

TWO CRANES

For brunch and coffee with a Korean twist, Two Cranes is one to visit. This Korean-inspired cafe offers an eclectic mix of coffee beverages, savouries and desserts.

Some of the Korean mains you can try include Wonda Army Stew (S$16.90), Fu Bimbimbap (S$13.90), and Kimchi Fried Rice (S$12.90).

Block 211, Hougang Street 21, #01-291
Singapore 530211
Tel: +65 8166 0140

Read our guide on the cafes in Serangoon neighbourhood.

We haven’t been this excited about a new cafe in a while, until Simplicité by Fresh Fruits Lab came along. This new Parisian-style cafe in the East of Singapore was previously Fresh Fruits Lab, and recently underwent a major revamp.

Staying at the top of their game and always slaying, the owner—who is our good friend—strives to bring diners value-for-money quality fare in a relaxing atmosphere. Its menu offers a range of modern European favourites, with a good selection of mocktails and cocktails too. Fans of Fresh Fruits Lab will also be happy to know that they have retained several popular dishes on the menu.

Let’s just say they are a Parisian-style cafe in the day, and a laid-back neighbourhood bar at night. Simplicité by Fresh Fruits Lab is definitely our of our new favourite cafes in the East of Singapore.

Simplicité’s spanking new space is decked in monochrome colours and is very Instagram-worthy; every corner is a possible photo spot. French rattan chairs line the outdoors and that’s where you can enjoy a nice meal with your furkids at this pet-friendly cafe.

What we love about Simplicité by Fresh Fruits Lab:

• Chic Parisian-style cafe in the East of Singapore
• Pet-friendly cafe where you can bring your furkids along for a meal
• Affordable beer and cocktails—S$10 Asashi draft
• Amazing French-style Duck Confit which is perfectly-executed
• S$10 Angel Hair Pasta

The food is impressive! You know how some cafes only look good “on the outside”, but their food is mediocre, and you’d never return after taking your OOTDs? This won’t be the case at Simplicite, we can guarantee that.

Highlights include Angel Hair Pasta (S$10), Crabmeat Aglio Olio (S$19), Duck Confit (S$28), Salmon Meunière, French Bone-in Pork Loin with Garlic Butter Herb (S$20), Smashed Avocado on Brioche with Poached Eggs (S$16).

There is a S$10 Angel Hair Pasta under the appetizer menu that you have to try, too. Adorned with edible flowers, this elegant dish looks too pretty to be eaten.

On its menu, our favourite is the Duck Confit (S$28). In one glance, it may look pricey for a cafe, but actually, you really have to order this. What you would get is a perfectly-executed French-style Duck Confit.

Featuring a big and fat drumstick, the Duck Confit is so close to what you would get in France—crispy and salty skin, fork tender meat, accompanied with creamy mash and grilled vegetables. Parfait!

Simplicité by Fresh Fruits Lab serves brunch until 3pm daily and they are affordably priced between S$14 to S$18. The brunch options include Messy Breakfast (S$18), Eggs Benedict (S$15), and Brioche French Toast (S$15).

Smashed Avo (S$16) may be a common brunch dish, but Simplicité’s rendition is definitely not common. Served with a poached egg and mint sauce atop a thick slice of brioche, this dish is a clear winner. The toasted brioche was so buttery and good, we were tempted to ask for an extra slice!

Anyone remembers the super popular FFL Burger? If you’ve missed it, or haven’t tried it, Simplicité has refined this bestselling dish and it is now simply known as the Double Cheeseburger (S$20). It is better and bigger than before, with two juicy patties now!

Simplicité also has a wide array of drinks—from coffee, mocktails to cocktails, everything was a sight to behold. The Rose Latte won our hearts with its aesthetics and flavour.

You can also get a pint of Asahi draft at only S$10, while cocktails start from S$14. Be sure to order the signature La Simplicite (S$16) cocktail which comes with quite a show. We won’t spoil it for you, just get ready to take more photos and videos of the beautiful gin & tonic.

If you are just looking for a space for a simple midday perk-me-up, get yourself a basket of assorted Simplicite Bakes (S$10.5)—which includes Pain Au Chocolat, Croissant, Orange Snail, Raspberry Claw, Blueberry Braid, Apple Braid—a cup of latte, and pretend you are in Paris.

Simplicité by Fresh Fruits Lab
351 Changi Rd, Singapore 419818
Tel: +65 6677 6741

Jiggly, airy and soft, soufflé pancakes are one of the most legendary hybrids in the history of desserts. It doesn’t matter if you can barely stand after your meal — you’ll always have space for this lightweight indulgence.

Singapore has seen many cafes serving up these cloud-soft pancakes. People just can’t seem to get enough of them. But, just when you thought you’ve seen them all, another cafe strikes again. 19 Tea, a popular chain in South Korea known for its soufflé pancakes and tea has opened at Our Tampines Hub.

Their souffle pancakes are some of the most wallet-friendly ones we’ve seen — any one of them will set you back at less than $5!

19 Tea is a dainty little cafe offering a range of soufflé pancakes and milk tea drinks. Their interior is dressed in vibrant pinks and minimalistic touches, providing customers with a youthful, bright atmosphere.

We tried the signature Soufflé Pancakes in three flavours — Original (S$3.90), Matcha (S$4.20) and Tiramisu (S$4.20).

The Original Pancake was slathered in thick, milky cream and finished with a strawberry garnish that could have been a little bigger. The pancake itself was light and airy, but the cream sauce was a little too sweet for us.

Their matcha rendition was underwhelming, with the only thing setting it apart from the Original being a sprinkle of matcha powder atop. It would have been even better if the matcha powder was incorporated into the pancake batter itself.

As for their Tiramisu Pancake, there was nothing distinctively “tiramisu” about it, apart from the cocoa powder dusting. Nevertheless, it was still pretty delicious.

Of course, we couldn’t leave without getting one of their milk teas. We ordered their Signature Milk Tea (S$5.10), a classic brown sugar boba milk tea. Sadly, it missed the mark. The milk tea was too thin and the pearls were too dense.

Overall, we can’t see ourselves making a trip to Tampines just for 19Tea. But, if you’re looking for an aesthetic backdrop for an Instagrammable photo, this is the place to hit up.

1 Tampines Walk, Tampines Hub, #01-82
Singapore 528523
Sun – Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat: 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tampines

In the more popular areas of our bustling city, finding a place to eat alone and away from the constant stream of people can be quite a challenge. While going solo is not uncommon elsewhere in the world, in a collectivistic society like ours, there is an innate social pressure associated with eating by yourself.

Even though there are a multitude of places to choose from, here is the catch: in a country where dining alone tends to be frowned upon, life is that much harder when looking for a meal option away from the judging eyes of fellow diners. To help our fellow hermits out there, here are 11 food places in Singapore for solo diners.

GANGSTA RAMEN

In the land of solo eating, the quintessential food icon for lone diners is ramen. If you want to experience eating at a ramen booth in Singapore, drop by Gangsta Ramen! Aptly located in the CBD, this ramen place boasts the first local private booth dining experience à la Ichiran Ramen of Japan fame.

Working professionals who crave a little solitude can enjoy their ramen away from social pressure with the company of none other than the cubicle walls and a blackout curtain. With only twelve such seats available, the restaurant retains its original ambience of seclusion even at maximum capacity

The menu is sparse, but on the flipside, the portions are sizable with a healthy serving of ingredients. Prices start at S$10 for their Original Ramen, and go up to S$16 for the more deluxe Black Truffle Ramen. For the more voracious diners, get ready to enjoy the thick slices of tender pork belly, and a generous helping of bamboo shoots and fungus.

1 Tanjong Pagar Plaza
#02-10
Singapore 082001
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 8.30pm
Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

KANDA SOBA

Looking for a quick place to grab a bite without the fuss of dining at a full-fledged establishment? Head down to the first Singapore branch of Kanda Soba at Don Don Donki’s food court in Clake Quay Central! As a bonus for lone eaters, you can indulge in the mazesoba true noodle bar style – in a self-contained and fuss-free manner.

This popular Japanese and South Korean chain brought with them their famed Original Mazesoba with Chashu (S$12) to our shores. Said to contain a whooping 62 ingredients, diners can expect wonderfully al dente noodles mixed with an assortment of customizable toppings. For those dining alone, this means you can indulge in a few extra pieces of chashu without feeling too guilty!

6 Eu Tong Sen Street
Clarke Quay Central
Don Don Donki #B1-11
Singapore 059817
Daily: 11pm – 3pm, 5pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

KOGANE YAMA

Specializing in modern premium Japanese tendon, the distinct silhouette of these tendon bowls is eclipsed only by the flavors of the ingredients within. The extensive offerings here are generous in portions yet affordable in prices, and for the solo customer, perfectly sized for one.

A favourite is the classically sinful mixed bowl tendon (S$13.80) featuring protein and vegetables alike. For those looking for alternatives to tempura, their Unagi chahan (S$14.90) is a treat in itself, and the Seafood Miso Ramen (S$14.90) is a taste explosion of its own.

Whether you are an office worker or a student, Kagone Yama has a casual atmosphere that encourages both groups and single diners alike to share the space comfortably. At the end of the day, with bowls that enticing on the tables, it is no surprise that all attention is drawn to the food instead!

200 Victoria Street
Bugis Junction #02-50
Singapore 188021
Sun to Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri to Sat: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bugis
** Multiple outlets islandwide.

ORIOLE COFFEE + BAR

Located next to 313@Somerset, Oriole Coffee + Bar has the perfect camouflage of being yet another café in an area saturated with many others. Lone diners who have ventured in, however, will find themselves getting the best of both worlds: residing in the heart of the Somerset area while basking in the relative quiet of the café.

For those looking for a bite, keep an eye out for bar favourites like Ginger Ale Fish & Chips (S$22), or their all-day breakfast options like the scrumptious Fully Loaded (S$24). To wash your food down, don’t forget to try their handcrafted pour-overs (S$6), or opt for their cold brew (S$7) instead if you want a more special taste profile.

96 Somerset Road
Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard #01-01
Singapore 238163
Tel: +65 6238 8348
Sun to Thu: 8am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 8am – 12am
Nearest Station: Somerset

SORA BORU

For the more self-conscious lone eaters, ordering in Sora Boru is done via a self-order kiosk, thereby minimizing any anxiety-inducing human interaction. Moreover, the open space allows for customers to enjoy their meals in relative exclusivity, while still basking in the remote companionship of other tables at the same time. A win-win solution!

The selection of bowls includes everything from pick-your-own chirashi bowls to noodle bowls. The highlights however, are their Volcano Beef Don and its counterpart Snow Beef Don. At the price of S$7.50 for the mini, and S$11.90 for the regular, you can either get the spicy flame-grilled variant, or the savoury-sweet mix of parmesan and whipped cream respectively. Or if you are undecided, go for both!

313 Orchard Road
313@Somerset #B3-19/20
Singapore 238895
Sun to Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

SPICY ROCK

If it seems like spice-lovers have been left out of the list, fear not – Spicy Rock joins the ranks as another Japanese fusion place, but with a spicy twist! The vibrant colours of the interior may seem counterintuitive for the solitary diner, but worry not, as the restaurant’s unique food creations are sure to draw everyone’s attention instead!

There are multiple menu options to satisfy the single customer, from the milder Spicy Rock Chicken Curry Rice (S$16.80) to the red hot Super Spicy Rock Tori-Katsu Ramen (S$15.80). More adventurous foodies on the other hand, can try the spectacle that is the Beef Steak with Cotton Candy (S$XX) for a truly unique taste experience!

13 Stamford Road
Capitol Piazza #B2-51
Singapore 178905
Daily: 10.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

THE BURNING OAK

Unlike its counterparts, The Burning Oak is located in the renovated hipster Bedok Marketplace in Simpang. So, instead of feeling self-conscious when requesting a table for one amidst multiple groups, you get the luxury of having quality donburi in an environment where eating alone is commonplace.

For beef lovers, the S$16 Wagyu and Truffle Mince is a definite steal. Besides the juicy medium-rare slices of wagyu, it doubles that beef goodness with truffle-infused minced beef as well! Those who prefer pork can go for our favourite of Black Vinegar Pork Cheeks (S$12) instead; the caramelized tender goodness of the pork slices will have you returning for more!

348 Bedok Road
The Bedok Marketplace #02-16
Singapore 469560
Tel: +65 9873 6093
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 2pm, 6pm – 9pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Tanah Merah

THE PROVIDORE

Nestled in the quieter corner of the shopping stretch within Mandarin Gallery, Providore provides a private respite for the lone adventurer without leaving the convenience of town. The café features cosy 2-person seaters perfect for the single customer as a default, and has a generally non-intrusive service staff.

The menu mainly offers single-dish options; the fragrant Lobster Mac & Cheese (S$27.50) is a crowd favorite, as is more substantial Club Sandwich (S$18.50). If you are a coffee lover, Providore does excellent blends (S$5++) using beans brought in from Melbourne. For a more luxurious option, you can enquire about their wine selection! Don’t worry about drinking in the day; no one is going to tell on you!

333A Orchard Road
Mandarin Gallery #02-05
Singapore 238897
Tel: +65 6732 1565
Daily: 9am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset
** Multiple outlets islandwide.

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

THE REFINERY

The Refinery has a forgiving menu for the sole foodie, offering affordable bowls and yakitori perfect for one. The food is simple and unpretentious; modern twists on traditional favorites made palatable in today’s society. Furthermore, its quiet location and grill-bar-workspace concept ensure a constant chill vibe. Everyone moves to their own rhythm here: as a lone diner, what more can you ask for?

The house special and customer favorite is the Refinery Gyudon (S$14). The fragrant mix of tender beef slices on truffle-infused mushrooms delivers a flavor kick that reaffirms the bowl’s status as a must-try dish. For those looking for an alternative to beef, Mr Unagi Don (S$14 nett) is similarly tasty with its charred skin and sweet interior.

115 King George’s Avenue
#01-02
Singapore 208561
Tel: +65 6293 1204
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 1am
Sat: 11am – 4pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sun: 11am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Lavender

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

THE SUSHI BAR

This next place is more popular than you might expect: The Sushi Bar. However, it is said crowd that creates a buffer. With a constant stream of customers vying for seats, not only will parties of one beat the queue before waiting groups, taking up one seat – especially at the bar – reduces the pressure of savoring one’s food leisurely.

Famous for their decadent sashimi spreads, the Kaisen Chirashi Don (S$22.90 for small, S$26.90 for regular), or the Aburi Kaisen Chirashi Don (S$26.90) are must-tries here. Those who prefer sushi can substitute their bowls with the brand’s famed Salmon Aburi Roll (S$16.90), turning a dish typically saved for sharing into an ample meal for one instead!

14 Scotts Road
Far East Plaza #04-28
Singapore 228213
Tel: +65 9653 6464 (SMS reservation only)
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 3.30pm, 5pm – 9.45pm
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 9.45pm
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Orchard
** Multiple outlets islandwide.

TUNGLOK TEAHOUSE

Many may think that it is impossible to have dim sum alone, but the newly renovated TungLok Teahouse is here to break that mould! Adding a bunch of automation via iPad ordering and a tray delivery system, the socially adverse among us can enjoy having freshly steamed dim sum baskets delivered to their tables with minimal human interaction.

As with typical dim sum items, the baskets come with three to four items. To reduce potential choice paralysis, here are some of our choices for the sole customer. Go with TungLok Teahouse’s signature Steamed Siew Mai with Quail Egg and Truffle (S$5.80 nett – 4 pieces) for a new twist on a classic dim sum staple. To substantiate on carbs, the Baked BBQ Pork Buns (S$4.80 nett – 3 pieces) are sweet flaky treats that leave you craving for more!

10 Sinaran Drive
Square 2 #01-73
Singapore 307506
Tel: +65 6893 1123
Mon to Fri: 11am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 3pm, 3pm – 5pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Novena

Stepping in to Sueno—a new ice cream café at 888 Plaza in Admiralty—we were greeted by the aroma of baking waffles and desserts.

If you are looking for a café in the North of Singapore to chill out at with friends to enjoy waffles and ice cream, Sueno is the next place you can go to.

We went for a Single Waffle with Double Scoops (S$11.70), choosing a Red Velvet Base topped with two scoops of ice cream: Chocolate Rocky Road and Speculoos.

The waffles were fluffy and soft, with a crispy exterior and airy middle. It also came drizzled in chocolate fudge and sprinkled with sugar and oreo bits. However, we thought that the red velvet waffle would have been much better if it came with a cream cheese frosting.

The Speculoos was creamy with a rich, cinnamon flavour. It was also laced with earthy, ginger notes.

Chocolate lovers will die for Chocolate Rocky Road; it had bits of marshmallow and nuts, which was a nice textural contrast to the soft gelato. It was also extremely thick and chocolate-y.

Sueno
Woodlands Drive 50
#01-753, 888 Plaza
Singapore 730888
Mon to Thurs & Sun: 10am – 10:30pm
Fri & Sat: 10am – 11:30pm
Nearest Station: Admiralty

Joining our local café scene is Farmers and Chefs, who has just taken over the premises of former Toast Box at Singapore Conference Hall in Shenton Way! The quaint al fresco establishment resides in a canopy tent, where diners can expect to be close to nature.

Think wood and grass: the entire place is set up with wooden elements, ornaments, plants and birdhouses. It almost seems as if we were transported to a magical garden!

Here, they believe in serving wholesome foods with quality ingredients, and their menu synonymously matches the nature theme.

First up, we had their Traditional Breakfast Set (S$3), which consisted of kaya butter toast and two onsen eggs. We love how the folks here have spun their own modern twist to our old-school soft-boiled eggs and toast set, replacing it with onsen eggs that were simply runny perfection.

The marriage between the silky yolk mixture and crispy toast was heavenly; we dipped the latter with the eggs, and upon biting into it, the toast would ooze salty, yet slightly sweet yolk. The kaya on the toast wasn’t cloyingly sweet either and complemented the saltiness of the eggs.

Of course, we had to try their signature Farmers Breakfast (S$10). Though quite small in portion, it was still a substantial dish served on a platter full of carbs, proteins and crunchy vegetables.

The chicken was juicy and tender, and we could taste the slight char on the skin. The sautéed mushrooms were also crispy and burst apart in our mouths, oozing luscious shroom flavour.

The scrambled egg was also creamy with a hint of milk, making it the perfect, goey topping to the buttered ciabatta! The softness of the eggs was also a nice contrast to the tough crust.

But our favourite component in the dish is the pan-seared rosti! It was crisp on the outside, but melted in our mouths, leaving us craving for more of that potato-ey goodness.

Lastly, we had the English Breakfast Tea (S$4.50/cold). It had a fragrant aroma with floral notes. It also had an earthy, mellow flavour, going beautifully with the rich, hearty meal. There was no lingering bitter aftertaste too.

Farmers and Chefs is one café in CBD that serves quality food at affordable prices. During lunch, they offer rice bowls that are priced between S$8.80 to S$13.80, while most of the pasta dishes are between S$8.80 to S$12.80. You will also be happy to know that they do not charge GST and service charge.

Expect to busk under the canopy and munch on delectable dishes while you escape the hustle and bustle of the city when you are here!

Farmers and Chefs
Singapore Conference Hall
7 Shenton Way #01-04
Singapore 068810
Tel: +65 8535 7555
Mon to Fri: 8am – 8pm
(Closed on weekends)
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Home to an enclave of mouth-watering cafes and restaurants, Serangoon Gardens is a foodie heaven second to none in Singapore. With new eateries popping up here so often, it is undoubtedly the perfect place to bring out the glutton in you!

The Larder Café first started in Toa Payoh in 2016 and they have recently opened another new outlet in Serangoon Gardens, taking over the premise of the now-defunct Arbite which closed down after 9 years.

Boasting a plethora of mains, brunch, big bites and desserts, you can expect to be torn between their delectable options. There’s even alcoholic drinks and a kids’ menu!

To start off our meal, we chose the Cheese Fries (S$8). The basket of straight cut fries came with a side of cheese dip; the fries were nicely fried without it being overly oily. The dip had a light buttery texture with just the right amount of thickness. Together, the pairing tasted sinful.

The Carbonara Spaghetti (S$13) was served next. We are not fans of carbonara as it usually tends to be overbearingly creamy, but the pasta here was done well! The cream sauce was rich in flavour without it being too cloying or thick. It also came with generous, juicy strips of bacon and button mushrooms.

Last but not least, we had the Bacon Eggs Benedict (S$15) — it was plated beautifully, with succulent bacon strips and large poached eggs atop fluffy brioche bread. This was the star of the show; the toast was crispy on the sides with a soft middle, while the creaminess of the egg yolk and sliced tomatoes gave the dish an extra sweetness.

If you’re looking for a café that offers quality mains and sweet treats at affordable prices, The Larder Café is the place to go. We will definitely be back the next time round to try out their other items.

The Larder Café
66A Serangoon Garden Way
Singapore 555962
Tel: +65 6253 8382
Tues to Sun: 11am – 10pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Serangoon

Previously located in a tiny space underneath a HDB block at Macpherson Lane, Prodigal Café has moved to Rangoon Road and it is where you can find yummy sandwiches, toasties and specialty coffee.

First up, we had Poh’s Egg Mayo (S$12), a mouthwatering egg mayo toastie consisting of smoked paprika, rockets and double cheese atop a fluffy bed of Japanese thick toast. You can choose between thick toast and sourdough, but the staff recommends getting the former.

The toast was pillowy in texture — it had a soft middle while the corners were crispy. The hand-mashed egg mayo was creamy and rich, the perfect balance of sweet and savoury. It also paired well with the stringy melted cheese. With the topping of paprika and rockets, the dish also had slightly sour and zesty notes — a nice contrast to the sweetness of the mayo.

We also got the best-selling Prodigal Grilled Cheese (S$12). The plating was mouthwatering; garnished with yellow generous peppers, rockets and shaved cheese, gooey cheese would ooze from the buttered toast.

Made from a triple Cheddar, Mozzarella and Padano cheese blend, the cheese was light in flavour with hints of salt and pepper. The toast was also crisp with a nicely charred surface. The best thing about this dish? It has the perfect, Insta-worthy stretchy cheese pull!

Lastly, we had the Flat White (S$5). It was smooth with a velvety texture. We could also taste the bold bitter notes from the medium-bodied brew, which had a nutty finish.

For those in the area looking for a great pick-me-up or a satisfying brunch meal, do drop by Prodigal Café!

217 Rangoon Rd
Singapore 218457