Since 2019 is about to come to a closure, it seems fitting for us to grieve over our losses of acclaimed eateries that have sadly departed our local shores — including those that are about to roll down their shutters for good.

Given Singapore’s competitive F&B industry with high rental fees and ever-changing consumer tastes, it is no wonder many chains have gradually lost their appeal. Though we have witnessed the rise, then fall, of well-loved establishments, rest assured there will be new, upcoming ones that are sure to take Singapore’s market by storm again!

So, brace yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions, as we announce 11 iconic eateries that we bid sayonara to this year.

#1 PABLO CHEESE TART

When Pablo Cheese Tart first opened at Wisma Atria back in 2017, we remember seeing snaking queues along its storefront; everyone wanted a piece of that coveted cheese tart. Despite major fanfare, they ceased operations in March 2019 after 19 months.

Pablo fans can still look forward to their gooey, fluffy tarts at their overseas outlets: Japan, Indonesia, Taiwan, Vietnam, Canada and Philippines.

#2 GUDETAMA CAFE

Despite opening to much hype three years ago, Gudetama Café has ended their contract with Sanrio Co., and will be shutting doors on 17 November 2019.

However, fans have one last chance before they wave goodbye to this languid egg. From 10 October to 17 November, Gudetama Café will be having a special discount on their egg-citing menu and merchandise.

Photo Credit: My Melody Cafe Singapore

#3 MY MELODY CAFE

Opened in 2018, My Melody Café is conveniently located right beside Gudetama Café in Suntec City. Just like the egg-themed establishment, My Melody Café is set to close on 17 November 2019, and will be offering discounted prices on their food and merchandise from 10 October onwards.

Sanrio-themed cafés have really taken a blow in Singapore; perhaps kawaii culture is not a hit with the locals here. We will be sad to see the hooded bunny go!

#4 BAKE CHEESE TART

Hailing from Hokkaido, BAKE Cheese Tart took the nation by storm with its cheesy goodness. Their other outlets have shut down, with remaining flagship store at Ion Orchard set to close at the end of October this year.

We will definitely miss this Japanese tart for many months to come, though this is not the end of their journey. BAKE Cheese Tart is opening sister store Croquant Chou ZakuZaku, which will occupy BAKE’s former space!

Photo Credit: Straits Times

#5 HELLO KITTY ORCHID GARDEN

Hello Kitty Orchid Garden was the first 24/7 Hello Kitty café to set up shop in Singapore! Well received by Hello Kitty and Dear Daniel fans, everyone was eager to try out their themed, Instagrammable goodies.

Yet, another one bites the dust, as we soon said our goodbyes to this well-loved feline paradise back on 8 February 2019.

#6 JPOT

Famed for their Singapore-style hotpot, Jpot is one hotpot chain we will never forget. Their signature soup broths, such as their Fish Head Soup and Jpot Superior Broth Soup, were so iconic, they remain undefeated as one of Singapore’s best hotpots!

They too, have closed down all their outlets. Their last outlet at Tampines 1 ceased operations on 16 June 2019.

#7 NON ENTREE DESSERTS

We are all familiar with Non Entrée Desserts, a café specialising in innovative, local savoury-looking desserts. During the four years they have been here, they have greatly inspired our café scene.

Sadly, they have decided to shut down the business, and their last day is on 20 October 2019. Do drop by the café and try out their desserts one last time — we promise you won’t forget it.

Photo Credit: IndoChine Supertree

#8 INDOCHINE SUPERTREE

This iconic, elevated restaurant and bar has been an al fresco dining venue for many couples, best known for its scenic views and atas food. Despite being a successful eatery, Gardens by the Bay did not renew IndoChine’s lease.

IndoChine Supertree has closed its doors end of April this year and converted to an observatory deck. Thankfully, diners can still visit their CHIJMES outlet!

Photo Credit: Yahoo News

#9 DOME CAFE

Esteemed among locals for serving homely Australian cuisine and coffee for over 20 years, many Dome Café regulars were sad to see them leave. They were even one of the first few cafes serving specialty coffee!

Dome Café originally had five outlets in Singapore, and their last branch at Parkway Parade officially pulled down its shutters on 23 June 2019.

Photo Credit: Burpple

#10 CHILI’S

We have witnessed the closure of various fast food chains and overseas diners in Singapore, and now Chili’s has joined its ranks. The American casual dining chain originally had four outlets here, but they have closed all of them as of 24 March 2019.

Photo Credit: Straits Times

#11 GLORY CATERING PERANAKAN RESTAURANT

Acclaimed for their Nyonya dishes, popiah and kueh, Glory Catering Peranakan Restaurant has finally decided to call it a day after six decades of operating the eatery. Though they have shut their doors on 31 August 2019, the folks here are still providing catering services!

This iconic Katong restaurant will always remain in our hearts, and we will miss heading there for their traditional comfort food.

When BAKE Cheese Tart first arrived in Singapore we, as a nation, were obsessed. Their first stall here opened at the basement food hall of Ion Orchard with a second branch in Westgate that quietly closed down.

For a long time, BAKE Cheese Tart had just the one flavour—without even any limited-time seasonal other—yet the queues for it stayed insanely long. Many claimed that the stringently measured 7cm in diameter tart came as good as did their original stall in Japan.

Despite the unforgettable first bite, the hype for the Hokkaido treat gradually died down. Following the announcement of the opening of its sister brand, CROQUANT CHOU ZAKUZAKU, BAKE Cheese Tart will be closing its outlet at ION Orchard to exit the Singapore market.

BAKE Cheese Tart has a fluffy mousse that is made from their original blend of three cheeses that balances creaminess and tartness with a hint of saltiness. It is all cradled in a crust that is pre-baked then baked again after the cheese mousse is added in to give it its distinctly crispy texture.

The factory as their store concept will be a sight to miss. This makes sure each tart is always as fresh as it gets, with us even watching staff count the seconds down to when each hot tray of tarts is cooled enough and ready for purchase.

It may be the premium price for the premium tart or the brand’s inability to keep up with the fast-changing food trends that gradually led to its demise in Singapore. Whatever the case, the only thing left to do now is for us to grab what we can to chow down before we can’t anymore.

BAKE Cheese Tart Singapore
2 Orchard Turn, #B4-33
ION Orchard
Singapore 238801
Tel: +65 6509 9233
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Read: 8 Best Cheese Tarts in Singapore.

PABLO Cheese Tart is opening its first outlet at Wisma Atria in Singapore in early August!

Hailing all the way from Osaka, PABLO’s Baked Cheese Tarts are extremely well-known for their cheesy and crumbly baked cheese tarts. You no longer have to fly all the way to Japan to have a taste of it anymore because there is an outlet in Singapore.

Since news arrived in mid-April that the famous Baked Cheese Tart brand will be opening its first outlet in Singapore, we have been waiting for this day to come. Here’s what you can expect.

Fans of this Japanese brand would know that PABLO takes pride in producing freshly baked Cheese Tarts at their onsite kitchen daily. Flavours include the original Freshly Baked Cheese Tart, Matcha Cheese Tart with Shiratama & Azuki and Chocolate Cheese Tart which comes with rich chocolate bits.

These cheesy delights are going at S$15 each and yes, you really have to try their legendary cheese tarts for yourself. Similar to the ones in Japan, PABLO’s Baked Cheese Tarts are so soft that they jiggle when you shake them!

Other items you can look forward to indulging include PABLO Mini (S$3.50/piece), PABLO Mini Matcha (S$3.80/piece) and PABLO Mini Chocolate (S$3.80). The mini cheese tarts came with crumbly crusts which went very well with creamy cheese fillings.

However, do note that the PABLO Mini Chocolate and PABLO Mini Matcha tarts are not available during the opening. They will be released at a later date.

Those who are in the mood for something better, treat your taste buds to the Premium Cheese Tart (S$28). It comes with a caramelised top just like a creme brulee!

Wait, that is not all. If you are looking for a drink, why not try some PABLO smoothies (from S$7.80)? This Classic Cheese Tart flavour will impress all cheese lovers as it is extremely flavourful and its unique taste is not like any we have tried before.

Pablo Cheese Tart Singapore
435 Orchard Road
#01-02/03 Wisma Atria
Singapore 238877

If you love cheese tarts, read our guide on the 10 best cheese tarts in Singapore.

BAKE Cheese Tart is opening its second outlet in Singapore at Westgate on 17 October 2016!

Singapore is still going gaga over these famous Hokkaido baked cheese tarts. Its first outlet in Singapore is a kiosk at the basement food hall of Ion Orchard, and it has seen long queues since its first day.

This is definitely fantastic news for Westies – we are adding this to our list of things to do in the West of Singapore! You no longer need to travel to town for BAKE!

Originated from Kinotoya confectionery store in Hokkaido, BAKE Cheese Tart is founded by Shintaro Naganuma, the eldest son of Akio Naganuma – the president of Kinotoya confectionery store in Hokkaido.

What makes BAKE so popular is the freshly baked tarts. Batches after batches of aromatic tarts are baked on the premises, and what you would get is warm cheese tarts that are fresh out of the oven.

The average waiting time at Ion Orchard is 45 minutes, and each person is entitled to a maximum of 12 tarts. We are certainly hoping the queue will be a lot shorter at its Westgate outlet which is located at basement two, near to Isetan Supermarket and Fragrance.

BAKE Cheese Tart
3 Gateway Dr
#B2 Westgate
Singapore 608532
Nearest Station: Jurong East

Read: Our guide to the best cheese tarts in Singapore.

Judging from the queue at the famous BAKE Cheese Tart, Singapore is still going gaga over these Hokkaido-style baked cheese tarts.

Photos of a new Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart at Jurong Point have been making their rounds on social media this week. We are sorry to burst your bubbles – the Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart at Jurong Point is not by BAKE.

BAKE is not opening a second outlet in the West of Singapore. At least not yet.

This new Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart is actually a new concept by Secret Recipe, which many people may know it for its cheesecakes and cream cakes.

The yellow signage with black font looks like BAKE at first sight. But if you look closer at the logo, you will realise that the Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart kiosk at Jurong Point is not by BAKE. It is misleading, to say the least.

We understand from our sources that the new cheese tart concept will open in the second half of September 2016. The store is located at basement one of Jurong Point 1 (near to Singapore Post Office and Famous Amos).

Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart is selling a box of 6 cheese tarts for S$14.50.

Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart
1 Jurong West Central 2
#B1-K2 Jurong Point
Singapore 648886
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Boon Lay

Read: Our guide to the best cheese tarts in Singapore.

Cheese tarts are all the rage now and suddenly, everyone in Asia is scrambling for one. In Japan, we’ve got seasoned players like Pablo and BAKE who have been in the field for a while now.

And with the trend passing on to the neighbouring Asian countries, we now have various versions of iced and baked cheese tarts in Hong Kong, Bangkok, and of course, Singapore.

Riding on the arrival of the famous Hokkaido BAKE Cheese Tart in Singapore, several local players have also launched their own renditions – including salted egg yolk cheese tarts – this week. We are all in for a treat. Or two. Or many.

Move aside, Salted Egg Yolk Croissant. Cheese Tarts are the next big trend in Singapore. Here’s a guide on where to get the best cheese tarts in Singapore.

FLOR PATISSERIE

Flor Patisserie at Duxton Hill is one of our go-to Japanese Patisseries in Singapore. Chef Yamashita never fails, and he too has introduced his own version of iced cheese tarts.

Expect salted cream cheese filling encased in an almond cookie tart. There are eight Ice Cheese Tart flavours (S$3.8.0) to pick from – Original, Caramel, Chocolate Orange, Earl Grey, Green Tea and Maple.

2 Duxton Hill #01-01
Singapore 089588
Tel: +65 6223 8628
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Outram

HOKKAIDO BAKED CHEESE TART

This new Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart at Jurong Point is actually a new concept by Secret Recipe, which many people may know it for its cheesecakes and cream cakes.

Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart is selling a box of 6 cheese tarts for S$14.50.

1 Jurong West Central 2
#B1-K2 Jurong Point
Singapore 648886
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Boon Lay

MITZO’S WEEKEND DIM SUM BRUNCH

Yes, you read that right. Mitzo’s new weekend dim sum brunch buffet serves its rendition of Hokkaido Milk Cheese Tart. Unlimited cheese tarts? Count us in!

Little yellow tarts to end off your meal is second to none. Salty, cheese custard encased in buttery tart shells; melty and flowy. How to not love these?

Level 4 Grand Park Orchard
270 Orchard Road
Singapore 238857
Tel: +65 6603 8855
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 12am last order
Fri to Sun, Public Holiday and Eve of Public Holidays: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 1am last order
Nearest Station: Orchard/Somerset

NIGIRO CAFE

We chanced upon Nigiro Cafe’s unique Churro Cheese Tart (S$4.80) and decided to give it a shot because it has an irresistible molten centre that just looked too good to pass up on! Nigeria Cafe is a Japanese-Italian fusion restaurant and it sits inside Eat at Seven at Suntec City.

3 Temasek Boulevard # 03-315
Suntec City Mall
Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 6238 1669
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Promenade

PATISSERIE GLACE

Patisserie Glace is one of the first few in Singapore to introduce iced cheese tarts. Its Rin Rin Ice Cheese Tart (S$3.50) comes in 12 flavours including the original cheese, and they include chocolate, Earl Grey, caramel, green tea, strawberry, Fuji apple and yuzu.

There is an ongoing promotion where you can enjoy a free green tea tart with purchase of eight cheese tarts.

12 Gopeng Street #01-31/32 Icon Village
Singapore 078877
Tel: +65 6400 0247
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

PRIMA DELI

Just launched today is Prima Deli’s array of cheese tarts. The local stalwart has introduced two flavours to ride on the baked cheese tart hype, and they are Original Cheese Tart (S$2.40) and Salted Egg Lava Cheese Tarts (S$2.80)

The promotional price is S$2 and S$2.40 respectively – valid from now till 30 April 2016. You can get Prima Deli’s cheese tarts at all outlets, but the availability differs at each outlet due to their staggered delivery timings.

10 Sinaran Drive
Square 2 #01-20
Singapore 307506
Tel:  +65 6397 2359

Photo credit: Icing Room Facebook

THE ICING ROOM

The Icing Room is a pretty white-and-pink bakery that can be found in heartland malls and they too have just launched their baked cheese tart at its nex outlet.

They come in Original and Gold Lava, and are priced at S$2 each. There is a current buy-3-get-1-free promotion, and we heard that the tarts were sold out within two hours on its first day of launch! The early bird catches the worm, indeed.

Oh, and a Tiramisu cheese tart will be introduced soon.

23 Serangoon Central
#B2-58/59 nex@Serangoon
Singapore 556083
Tel: +65 6634 4486
Nearest Station: Serangoon

For more recommendations, read our guide on the best desserts in Singapore.

BAKE Cheese Tart - the famous Hokkaido cheese tarts that we are so obsessed with – is coming to Singapore!

BAKE has just confirmed its opening date of its first outlet at the basement food hall of Ion Orchard on 29 April 2016. Each cheese tart will sell for S$3.50, and customers can buy six at S$19.50.

Originated from Kinotoya confectionery store in Hokkaido, BAKE Cheese Tart is founded by Shintaro Naganuma, the eldest son of Akio Naganuma – the president of Kinotoya confectionery store in Hokkaido.

BAKE strongly believes that freshly baked tarts taste the best, hence insisting that all their cheese tarts to be baked on the actual premises to ensure that customers enjoy them fresh out of the oven. Nothing but fresh, fragrant, warm cheese tarts.

The cheese mousse is made from blending three different types of cream cheese using cheese from Hakodate in Hokkaido. The cookie tart base is first baked in Japan. Once it reaches Singapore, it is baked with the cheese mousse for the second time to create a twice-baked pastry.

The end result is sweet, creamy and slightly salty cream filling cocooned in a buttery tart base. We’ve hardly had such satisfying tarts and just a bite of Bake’s cheese tarts and our lives changed forever. Yes, it was that amazing.

There were snaking queues when BAKE Cheese Tart first opened in Hong Kong and Bangkok.

And since queuing for food is a national hobby in Singapore, we are definitely foreseeing a long queue when BAKE finally opens in Singapore at ION Orchard.

BAKE Cheese Tart
2 Orchard Turn
#B4-33 ION Orchard
Singapore 238801