Boyutei is a new all-day dining Japanese Café at Ann Siang Hill by One-Michelin Starred Whitegrass and Hvala.

It has officially opened to the public on 1 June 2022.

Boyutei’s food menu is conceptualised by Whitegrass Head Chef Takuya Yamashita and they will be offering an array of salads, soups, Japanese sandos, rice, noodles and crepes (both sweet and savoury), while Hvala will be in charge of the dessert and beverage items.

Some of the dishes that you can look forward to include Cha Soba, Ebi Katsu Sando, Japanese Dry Beef Curry as well as crepes with Seafood Mentaiko and Okonomiyaki flavours.

Fans of Hvala’s matcha desserts and drinks will love their creations here.

With matcha farmed from Hvala’s exclusive partner tea garden in Kyoto, the Matcha Goma Garden comes with handmade matcha warabi mochi and matcha ice cream alongside a goma chocolate cookie.

There will also be an expansive tea selection at Boyutei which is brought in from Hvala’s exclusive partner farm.

Photos credit: Boyutei

Boyutei
28 Ann Siang Rd, #01-02
Singapore 069708

Photo Credit:www.facebook.com/belimbingsuperstar/

The sister restaurant of The Coconut Club, Belimbing Superstar, has suddenly announced a ceasing of operations after a mere five months of opening. The news was conveyed through an official Facebook post on 21st January 2020, without any reason provided for the abrupt closure.

This news follows the recent passing of the company’s co-founder, Mr. Lee Eng Su, in September the last year. He passed on three weeks after Belimbing Superstar opened along Ann Siang Hill in August, but the Peranakan eatery still continued to operate afterward.

Founded upon the vision to raise the accessibility of Peranakan cuisine to Singaporeans, Belimbing Superstar offered authentic Nyonya dishes through an economical-rice concept. Their best-selling dishes included Pork Belimbing and Cincalok Bomb.

Well-frequented by office workers and CBD-goers, it’s safe to say that many are going to miss this beloved Peranakan establishment.

Ann Siang Hill is a highly sought-after district amongst expatriates and we attribute its popularity to the enclave of bars and restaurants housed in colonial shop houses. The dining establishments in this neighbourhood are predominantly western, but a new tenant is shaking things up a little.

Lo and behold, The Coconut Club! Do not let its name fool you – this place is neither a Tiki-themed cocktail bar nor a nightclub. Instead, it is a speciality Nasi Lemak restaurant. The owners have spent two years sourcing for the best coconuts and refining their nasi lemak recipe before opening this eatery.

It’s easy to mistake The Coconut Club for yet another pretentious café opening. But the reality is far from it. The Coconut Club keeps things incredibly simple: They open till 3pm daily (closed on Mondays and Sundays) and Nasi Lemak is the only main course sold here.

We know there is a lot to digest. Firstly, a Singaporean hawker food is now being served in a Melburnian-style café as the only main course. Next, the operation hours are totally Australian, but the food served is inherently Singaporean. Welcome to year 2016!

Each plate of Nasi Lemak costs S$12.80, hence making it one of the priciest Nasi Lemak we have ever come across.

However, judging from the crowd at The Coconut Club on a Saturday afternoon, it seems like many Singaporeans – even the elderly – are actually more than willing to fork that amount.

The Coconut Club’s MSG-free Nasi Lemak entails a generous portion of fragrant coconut rice, cucumber slices, peanuts, dried anchovies, succulent chicken leg, a fried egg and sambal sauce. We have to admit that we were pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed it.

The entire dish—besides the sambal—is gluten-free. But if you would like, you could also request for gluten-free sambal chilli sauce.

Frankly speaking, S$12.80 for a Nasi Lemak isn’t too far-fetched. After all, we are sure you are willing to splurge at least S$20 on a plate of eggs benedict. It’s all a matter of perspective.

The Coconut Club
6 Ann Siang Hill
Singapore 069787
Tel: +65 6635 2999
Closed on Mondays and Sundays
Tue to Sat: 11am – 3pm
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 traveling 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.

Ding Dong! Who’s there?

The quirky brand is actually the brainchild of celebrity chef Ryan Clift. Ding Dong’s contemporary tapas menu features an eclectic mix of Asian-inspired cocktails, Peranakan-style desserts and East-meets-West gourmet dishes. These fusion delicacies are set to impress – at a hefty price of course.

Located in Ann Siang, the fusion eatery is a favourite haunt among epicureans, expatriates and working professionals. Make a special trip there and get ready for a fascinating dining experience.

Everything that was previously unthinkable is now made possible; expect never-seen-before items such as Pi Pa Gao Cocktail (S$22++) and Crispy Pig Ears (S$17++) at Ding Dong.

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Ding Dong’s main entrance is shockingly grimy, where an unexpected pink ‘Ding Dong’ signboard greets visitors at the front door to indicate that they have arrived at the right place.

Electric blue bar chairs and Chinese red-coloured paper cutout murals further illuminate the restaurant’s eccentricity – perhaps a preview of what diners can anticipate for their food?

Patrons are going to either love or hate the unconventional menu. Depending on one’s personal preferences, some may be enraged by the ‘unnecessary’ revamps of classics, while others will find these reinterpretations a sheer stroke of genius.

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We say, go with an open mind and you might just be pleasantly surprised. Quality of food is superb, but a la carte prices are rather unjustifiable.

Thankfully, there is still an affordable way to sample Ding Dong’s delicious creations! Drop by during lunchtime and dig into a reasonably priced 3-course set lunch at only S$25++.

If budget is not an issue for the lucky ones, do order the amazingly tender Wagyu Beef Char Siew (S$29++), where beef short ribs have been sous vide for two days in char siew sauce. So divine!

Ding Dong
23 Ann Siang Road
Singapore 069703
Tel: +65 6557 0189
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 12am
Sat: 6pm – 12am
Sun: Closed
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 traveling 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.

One of best places for a fun night out in Singapore is Ann Siang Hill. With its innovative string of watering holes, one will never ever go thirsty here. From bars specializing in craft spirits to bespoke cocktails, Ann Siang Hill is where you’ll go to get to your ‘happy place’.

Here are the top 5 bars in Ann Siang Hill, Singapore.

B28

Stemmed from its discreet venue, B28 refers to the basement of 28 Ann Siang Hill. Sophisticated warm amber hues light up a narrow flight of stairs that lead to the basement, opening into a lounge filled with cream leather armchairs and shelves of rare single malt whiskies—there’s even small oak casks for barrel-aging. Adorning the walls are original jazz artworks and mahogany cupboards exclusively for members to store their spirits—all very gentlemen’s club-like.

Whiskey’s the name of the game, with B28 ringing them in. Offering over 200 whiskies—mostly exclusive single cask Scottish labels—including highly sought-after whiskies The Single Cask 1990 (S$58 per dram) that hides a smoky sweetness beneath hints of oak and spice, and mildly peaty The Single Cask 1984 (S$48 per dram) perfumed with orange and a tinge of nut and malt. If you’re in the mood to indulge, the incredibly smooth and spicy Macallan 1969 bottled by Duncan Taylor (S$800 per dram) is highly recommended. They’ve even got a 1965 Macallan by Carn Mor (est. S$8,000; price to be re-appraised)—one of the two last bottles in the world. Talk about exclusive.

Basement, 28 Ann Siang Hill
The Club Hotel
Tel: +65 9637 3545
Mon to Thu: 6pm to 2am
Fri to Sat: 8pm to 2am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

LOLLA

Reincarnated after guerilla-style underground supper club, Lolla’s Secret Supper, founded in 2008 by co-owner Pang Hian Tee, Lolla encourages dining with strangers—its basement communal table seats 22—both individuals and large groups. Making it onto Zagat’s coveted list of 10 Hottest Restaurants in the World 2013, it’s a no-brainer that Lolla’s got impeccable taste, and rightfully so when it comes to champagnes.

The only champagne bar in Singapore, Lolla is an extension of Pang’s champagne distribution business, fronting a wine list of over 90 labels, including a list of rare champagnes exclusive to Lolla, such as the alluring Legras et Haas, Cuvee Exigence NV (S$228) that’s complex and luxuriously sophisticated on the palate, showcasing excellent finesse and balance between lightness and body. One of the best rose champagnes ever produced, Paul Bara, Grand Rose NV (S$188) is a Burgundy-style champagne that seduces with aromas of fresh strawberries and pepper before finishing with hints of baked pastry and candied cherries.

22 Ann Siang Hill
Tel: +65 6423 1228
Mon to Sat: 12pm to 2pm; 6pm to 11:45pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

MANOR BAR

Tucked away on level two of Gem Bar (take the flight of stairs to the right of the entrance), there are no signs to this secluded speakeasy—it’s for people in the know. Offering a list of bespoke cocktails specially crafted by former Bitters & Love head bartender, Din Hassan (who has since left the Manor Bar) and current head bartender, Alfee Zulkiflee, these boys have only one rule—keep the guests happy. Which isn’t difficult with a drinks list of over 40 artisanal whiskies and more than a dozen craft gins.

There are no bad cocktails here, so you’ll want to have one of everything. Each of these concoctions are crafted with thought-provoking detail—one can tell from the very first sip. An excellent choice is Asian inspired rum-based cocktail Nourishing Soup (S$20) that pairs Yellow Chartreuse with fresh lime juice to bring out distinct notes of violet and honey accented by star anise. For a multi-layered experience, The Curator (S$20) delicately balances nuances of caramel and burnt vanilla, against an oaky peatiness with subtle finishes of mint and citrus fruit. A piece of advice: eat something (lessens the next-day wallop).

2/F, 8 Ann Siang Hill
Tel: +65 9646 6160
Mon to Thu: 6pm to 1am
Fri to Sat: 6pm to 2am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

NUTMEG & CLOVE

Paying homage to the rich history of Ann Siang Hill is Nutmeg & Clove, housed in a heritage building owned by one of Singapore’s oldest Cantonese clan associations. Fun fact: Ann Siang Hill used to be a nutmeg and clove plantation—hence its moniker. Featured widely in its menu are Asian flavors and spices, and of course, nutmeg and cloves. Inside, the bar resembles a traditional Chinese medicine shop with marked cabinets featuring bottles of craft spirits in place of Chinese herbs.

Pick your poison from the selection of curated cocktails by Marian Beke, renowned mixologist from the famed Nightjar in London that snagged the #3 spot on World’s 50 Best Bars 2014. Head bartender, Kae Yin, Asia Pacific’s World Class Bartender 2012, recently joined by Singapore World Class 2013 Finalist Bannie Kang run the ship, serving potent classic cocktails with a twist; barrel aged Singapura Sling (S$20) with bittersweet herbaceous notes of red dates and goji berries, and dirty Chinese martini (S$20) of gin, whiskey, vodka and dry vermouth, that’s bound to knock you off your feet.

17 Ann Siang Hill
Tel: +65 6423 9885
Tue to Sat: 5pm to 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

OPERATION DAGGER

Probably the closest thing we’ve got to an old fashioned speakeasy is Operation Dagger. Don’t bother trying to find them online—they don’t dig mainstream social media—yep, it’s that cool. Even with an address, locating the bar is a task in itself. This under-the-radar speakeasy has no signs, so keep your eyes peeled for their logo scrawled on the wall. You’ll feel a little apprehensive—you should. Venture down a dark flight of steps and arrive at an open space with a smorgasbord of light bulbs dangling above. That’s when you’ll see the bar—and behind it, rows of brown glass bottles tagged with handwritten labels—you won’t recognize any; all their spirits are distilled in-house.

Just when you think this is as cool as it gets, head bartender Luke Whearty will whip out a stunning array of cocktails that’s a feast for the eyes, and your palate. Drink mulled wine (S$22). It’s good for you. Or at least, it’ll feel like it is. Warm, soothing and bittersweet with a hint of citrus and dried mandarin that will leave your insides feeling warm and fuzzy. Next, order an egg (S$25), where the yolks are vacuum-sealed overnight with dark rum and sugar before adding in house-made salted egg yolk liqueur and salted caramel, and smoked with star anise and toasted hay. Sweet, savory and salty (with a kick of alcohol)—just how we like our eggs done. You’ll want to bring your friends here—they’ll worship you for it. You can thank us later.

7 Ann Siang Hill
Tel: +65 9296 4704
Tue to Sat: 6pm to 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

For more recommendations on the best bars in Singapore, read the following guides: Top 5 Bars at Tanjong Pagar || Top 5 Bars at Raffles Place || Top 5 Bars at Club Street.

Mandy Lynn is a former I-S Magazine writer and current columnist at Nookmag; her dining and nightlife features are published in Men’s Folio, Singapore Tatler Dining and The Drinks Business, amongst others. For bite-sized food recommendations, follow her on Instagram and Facebook, or join her Gourmet Adventures to keep up with the latest dining and nightlife news.

Note: Kki at Ann Siang Hill is currently closed, and it is currently looking for a new premise.

I first heard of Kki Cafe at Ann Siang Hill from a friend, and then another friend mentioned it too. I was about to visit Kki, but suddenly, all the media and food blogs in Singapore started to write about it. I am not sure about you, but I am not one who will follow the crowd, so I decided to wait for the hype to die down.

Finally, my chance to visit Kki Patisserie came. After having dim sum at Majestic Restaurant, my friends wanted some cakes for desserts, so we dropped by Kki Cafe. Given that there are so many new dessert places in Singapore, is Kki Cafe worth the trip?

It took us a while to decide on the cakes. Even though we’ve read about the popular cakes at Kki Cafe like Antoinette and Little Red Hiding Hood, we were feeling adventurous so we randomly picked three cakes.

Amongst the three cakes that we had, my favourite was the Emily ($9). Just look at the first photo of this post: the cake had a beautiful shade of red, and the subtle champagne mousse was gorgeous.

The Souffle Cheese ($6), on the other hand, was exceptionally ordinary. It was light and moist, but I thought that the flavour was somewhat missing.

We also enjoyed their rendition of the Noisette: Hazelnut Dacquoise layer with Chocolate & Praline Cream. It was a slice of delicious cake!

So all in all, would I go back to Kki Cafe at Ann Siang Hill for cakes? I don’t think so.

Kki Cafe has very pretty Japanese desserts, but there are many lovely cake shops in the area like Flor Patisserie, Bonheur Patisserie, and Patisserie Glace that have equally good cakes at a lower price point.

Having said that, I think Kki cafe is a nice place to enjoy a slice of cake while reading your favourite book. There is also The Little Drom Store, a quirky vintage store selling all sorts of random things.

Read: Dessert Places & Patisserie | Best Cakes in Singapore | Best Cafes in Singapore

Singapore Food Blog Review
Kki Cake Cafe
7 Ann Siang Hill
Tel: +65 6225 6650

Operating Hours:
Daily: 12pm – 7pm
except Saturday 12pm – 4pm
& closed on Monday.

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