Located in far-flung Punggol East lies a hip foodie enclave formed entirely out of containers that are used to house interesting bars and bistros. Each of the seven container-restaurants you can find there boasts its own type of speciality cuisine.

Whether its crispy fish and crisps you are craving for, a good ol’ BBQ stingray or even Korean fried chicken, there is bound to be something that will tempt your taste buds over at the Punggol East Container Park.

For all of you BTO-dwellers living at the far end of Punggol, here is a list of what you can expect at Punggol East Container Park.

#1 BIG FISH SMALL FISH

Big Fish Small Fish is a humble eatery that serves up a tantalising array of fish and crisps—that’s right, crisps, not chips—that come with free-flow sauces such as cheese, curry mayo, XO mayo, tartar and more!

Choose from five different types of fish such as Dory, Tilapia, Sea Bass, Salmon and Arrow Tooth Flounder—all of which are reasonably priced.

50 Punggol East, #01-K35,
Singapore 828826
Tel: +65 9438 7623
Sun to Thu: 12pm – 12am
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Punggol

#2 BOOST @ BANKS

After a meal at either one of the container-restaurants nearby pop over to Boost @ Banks, a watering hole that doubles up as an electronic darts joint as well. Have yourself a good time with your pals as you sip on a pint of beer and possibly score some bullseyes while you’re at it.

Some of the beer choices you can get at Boost @ Banks include popular favourites such as Stella Artois, Hoegaarden and Heineken.

50 Punggol East #01-K33
Singapore 828826
Sun to Thu: 3pm – 1am
Fri & Sat: 3pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Punggol

#3 D’GRILL

At first glance, the name might make you think of a meat-driven grill house but contrary to our initial assumption, D’Grill actually specialises in zi char fare—with a twist of course. Expect a variety of hotplate dishes from stingray to squid—all slathered in piping hot sambal sauce—and even some never-before-seen innovations such as their Hot Plate Pasta.

They also whip up a pretty satisfying chendol dessert that we assume would be perfect for rounding off the fiery meal.

50 Punggol East #01-K38
Singapore 828826
Tel: +65 9670 9279
Sun to Thu: 4.30pm – 12am
Fri & Sat: 4.30pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Punggol

#4 L’CHAIM BISTRO

If you are desperately in need of a substantial meal, then perhaps L’Chaim Bistro is not the ideal place to go to given that they only have a limited range of finger foods available.

If, however, all you want is a beer to cool off from the sweltering heat, then you will be happy to know that they carry a pretty impressive range of craft beers on tap in the likes of Bohemian Lager, Summer IPA and more.

50 Punggol East #01-K37
Singapore 828826
Daily: 5pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Punggol

#5 MIAMI BISTRO

The one thing that makes Miami Bistro stand out (apart from its Miami-themed interior) is its excellent service.

Besides serving up an array of delicious food—ranging from grilled dishes to bentos—and affordable tipples, you would be most impressed by how attentive the wait staff are and the conscious effort made by the owners to check up on customers from time to time.

50 Punggol East #01-K34,
Singapore 828824
Tel: +65 9005 9381
Nearest Station: Punggol

#6 PUMP STATION 1965 BAR & BISTRO

The second F&B venture for Macs Fong, an ex-convict-turned-restaurateur, Pump Station 1965 Bar & Bistro is a bar-restaurant modelled to look like a gas station.

This retro joint dishes out an eclectic menu of mains and tapas with a hodgepodge of local, Thai, Chinese and Japanese influences. Savour their best-sellers such as their Pump Grilled Chicken or their Smoked Duck Aglio Olio.

50 Punggol East #01-K32
Singapore 828826
Tel: +65 9459 7703
Mon to Sat: 5pm – 1am
Sun: 3pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Punggol

#7 SEOUL GOOD

Specialising in all things Korean, this humble establishment takes pride in keeping things a hundred percent authentic—all their ingredients and products are shipped directly from Korea.

If you are yearning for something sweet, sticky and fried, we suggest going for their Korean fried chicken. Boasting sweet-savoury qualities, this bar snack is best washed down with an ice-cold beer— or even a bingsu for those of you who are not so keen on alcohol.

50 Punggol East #01-K36
Singapore 828826
Sun – Thu: 12pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Punggol

There is always a good reason to wind down at a bar with your mates over a tipple and great food after a long day at work; you earned it.

As part of Martini’s initiative to celebrate time and to appreciate it with your loved ones, they will be collaborating with a number of bars, bistros and restaurants across the city this racing season, dishing out delectable eats paired with Martini’s refreshing tipples to honour the golden hour. Together, enjoy life and celebrate great moments with your loved ones over a Martini or two!

During the golden hours—typically anytime between 4pm to 8pm—wind down at any one of these locations across the city and allow the harmony between food and drink provide you with an out-of-this-world dining experience.

Here is our guide on 7 cool spots in Singapore for sunset hour Martini drinks after work. Thank you for reminding us that life is wonderful, Martini.

A good pairing of food and cocktail will make or break a meal; for the inexperienced, the wrong choice of either could potentially ruin your entire dining experience. For the uninitiated, a cocktail is essentially an aperitif, or in simpler terms, an alcoholic beverage taken before a meal to stimulate the appetite.

While some people believe that any food can be paired with cocktails, there are several different ways to pair appetizers and meals to balance, contrast or complement the drink’s flavours.

Martini features a wide range of products from their Rosé, Prosecco as well as a variety of Vermouths (fortified wine) that makes it a rather versatile brand when it comes to food pairing.

BARNACLES

At Barnacles along Collyer Quay, you can indulge in the Marina Bay skyline whilst sipping inventive cocktails and indulging in some top-notch fare.

Kicking off this glorious feast, we had ourselves the Potato Mochi with Camembert Cheese (S$14++), Hummus with Cucumber and Crostini (S$14++) and a Parma Ham & Spinach Salad (S$18++).

A glass of Martini Rosso & tonic is the perfect match for something as heavily spiced as the hummus that consisted of warm spices like cumin and paprika. The complex herbal aroma of the Rosso further arouses the palate whereas the crisp and acidic tonic cuts through the dip nicely.

The salad comprised salty and fatty components such as parma ham, feta cheese and pine nuts which may prove a tad over the top for a salad if not for a glass of prosecco to bring it all back to the ground. The brightness and acidity help to offset some of the fat whilst still allowing the subtle sweetness from the parma ham to come through.

Special mention has to be made about the Burdock Sticks With Sour Cream (S$16++) which is not the most common vegetable around. A burdock is a root taken from the burdock plant and it tastes like a cross between an asparagus and an eggplant.

Deep-fried till crispy, it goes beautifully well with a glass of a Martini Royale, a cocktail designed in-house that contains Martini Bianco with a touch of lime juice.

70 Collyer Quay, #01-01,
Customs House,
Singapore 049323
Tel: +65 6532 1011
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon & Tues: 11am – 11pm
Wed to Fri: 11am – 12am
Sat: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

CÉ LA VI

When it comes to cocktail bars in the city with breathtaking views, many would think of Cé La Vi. Think fine culinary creations, innovative cocktail concoctions as well as a stunning ambience.

As with most sparkling wines, Martini’s Prosecco is dry with high acidity; a straightforward wine that is simple and crisp with characteristics ranging from apple, thyme and apricot.

Based on its fruity, effervescent nature and mouthwatering acidity, it pairs best with something salty or extremely rich in flavours like an Salt & Szechuan Pepper Crispy Squid (S$26++) or a Cheese Board (S$35++)

The Tomato -V- pizza (S$22++) comprised a rich and tart tomato sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, chopped up basil leaves and copious amounts of mozzarella cheese. The cheese board comprised artisanal cheeses that were creamy, salty and bold in flavour. And the crispy squid was deep-fried to perfection with a subtle hint of pepper. As the saying goes, you can never go wrong pairing Italian flavours with Italian wine.

On 14th September, be part of Cé La Vi’s Terrazza Martini party, which will be open to the public from 9pm onwards.

1 Bayfront Ave, Singapore
Marina Bay Sands
Singapore 018971
Tel: +65 6508 2188
Mon & Tues: 12pm – 2am
Wed & Thu: 12pm – 3am
Fri: 12pm – 4am
Sat: 11am – 4am
Sun: 11am – 2am
Nearest Station: Bayfront

HARRY’S (ESPLANADE)

Buckle up for a delicious adventure just around the corner with Harry’s featuring delightful snacks and full-on mains as you bask in the beauty that is the Singapore river and the modern marvels surrounding it after a hard day’s work.

Fancy their Crisps Royale (S$17.90++) that comprises potato crisps, breaded calamari and baby horse mackerels. Fried food and a bright, crisp wine—nothing can ever go wrong with a pairing like that.

Hearty mains such as their Creamy Chicken Carbonara (S$21.90++) and their Cold Soba Summer Salad (S$16.90++) are also good to have as they are rich but overly heavy.

For a meal like this, consider either a Martini Bianco & tonic if you prefer having a beverage that is light, fresh and comparatively low in alcohol or a Martini Rosso & tonic if you want something with stronger aromas and bolder flavours.

8 Raffles Ave, 01-05/07,
Singapore 039802
Tel: +65 6334 0132
Sun to Thu: 12pm – 1am
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Esplanade

BEACH ROAD KITCHEN

Ravenous individuals in need of a good feed should definitely head down to Beach Road Kitchen, an all-day-dining restaurant by JW Marriott Singapore South Beach.

Featuring a mouthwatering buffet line featuring fresh oysters shucked upon request and an exciting a la carte menu, diners will be spoilt for choice at this colossal restaurant.

Off their a la carte menu, you can enjoy items such as their Tuna Tartare (S$22++) that comes with a sourdough bread and a bed of avocado, Rucola Salad (S$29++) that has a huge ball of burrata cheese as its main centrepiece, as well as the Kaya Crépe (S$12++).

While a classic Prosecco would work marvellously with dishes like these, we propose having either the Martini Rosso or Bianco with tonic instead. Given that most of them are delicately flavoured so as to maintain the integrity of the fresh ingredients, the complex vermouth coupled with a mild bitter tonic offers a nice contrast to the sweet and savoury qualities of each component.

F1 fanatics pay attention because this is the place to be to witness the full-on action. Overlooking Turn 7 of the circuit, experience the on-track action while indulging in a poolside barbecue and toasting to free-flow beverages. For reservations, please call +65 6818 1908.

Indulge in their party sets going at S$278 nett for Saturday, 16th September from 6pm to 10.30pm and S$348 nett for Sunday, 17th September from 6pm to 10.30pm.

30 Beach Road
JW Marriott Singapore South Beach
Singapore 189763
Tel: +65 6818 1913
Daily: 6am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade

SALT TAPAS & BAR

Sitting right outside Raffles City Shopping Mall, Salt Tapas & Bar is an unpretentious and absolutely authentic Australian-influenced eatery offering a range of tasty small plates creations along with an impressive wine list.

Charcuterie and wine are a classic combination. Salt Tapas & Bar’s Charcuterie Platter (S$29++) includes coppa ham, air-dried beef and truffle salami—a reliable charcuterie fixture. 

The Mushroom Parfait, Pickles, Onion Jam, Garlic Toast (S$9++) is pretty much a vegetarian version of a good old pâté. Rich, smooth and extremely buttery, this makes for an excellent sharing plate, with the onion jam and pickled mushrooms helping to cut through the sheer decadence of the parfait. This dish is best enjoyed with a crisp cocktail like a Martini Bianco & tonic, which works well in getting rid of the intense fattiness.

If you love pies stuffed with copious amounts of cheese and wilted vegetables, then the Spanakopita (S$20++) is a dish you should definitely get. Encased in a crispy, delicate filo pastry are rich feta cheese and nicely wilted Greek spinach. Heavy as it might seem, squeezing some lemon over it will really brighten the dish and keeps it relatively light.

252 North Bridge Road, #01-22A
Raffles City Shopping Centre,
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 6837 0995
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 11.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

BOULEVARD

Set over multiple financial districts in Singapore, Boulevard is a modern restaurant and bar that serves up a classic mix of gastronomic fare and after-hour drinks for the corporate crowd—the ideal and most convenient place to stop by after work for some delicious food and drink.

For something fairly light that will go exceptionally well with most alcoholic beverages, consider their Angel’s Hair Garlic Basil Prawn (S$24++). Flavoured simply with olive oil, garlic, chillies along with sweet prawns, the flavours of this dish are kept supple—the perfect accompaniment to a Vermouth.

9 Raffles Blvd, 01-23,
Millenia Walk
Singapore 039596
Tel: +65 6883 2033
Mon to Fri: 11am – 12am
Sat: 3pm – 12am
Sun: 3pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Promenade

THE BEACON

The Beacon is about good food, the best drinks and excellent music. They serve up hearty Italian fare perfectly paired with a carefully curated cocktail menu. Bid farewell to the ended work day over a glass of sweet Rosé here.

Martini’s sparkling rosé is sweet and features delicate notes of raspberry and rose. It is also relatively light and dry which makes it a good accompaniment to salty and flavourful dishes such as The Beacon Salad (S$13++) as well as the Bacon Salad Wrap (S$18++).

To cap off our simple yet delicious meal, we opted for the Fried Mochi (S$6++). Rosés are not typically regarded as a dessert wine as opposed to a Moscato, however, the dry and crisp wine did well to cut through the dense and rich dessert.

6 Raffles Boulevard,
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6883 1155
Sun to Thu: 5pm – 1am
Fri & Sat: 5pm – 3am
Nearest Station: Esplanade

This post is brought to you by Martini.

While we’re best known for our rags-to-riches story, from a sleepy fishing village to a cosmopolitan metropolis today, one thing’s for sure: we’ve grown so much, it’s definitely hard to avoid the crowds in Singapore today. Honestly. Just ask any resident here, and they’ll attest to that. So where do you go when you’re looking to escape the city bustle, or are simply seeking pocket-friendly options for a quiet retreat? These places have the answers:

1. PUNNGOL WATERWAY PARK

This not-so-secret spot boasts a variety of attractions for couples and families. The up-and-coming lifestyle spot, which used to be a quiet farming area, now sees a hive of activity from young couples and families in the area, due to housing developments there.

Today, the Waterway Park features a series of fun activities designed to cater to residents of all ages, as well as picturesque surroundings for couples seeking for fun date alternatives. We like that the park pays homage to the area’s heritage with a series of mature trees and old vegetation, and offers a green respite to residents.

How to get there: You can take a few buses (including 3, 34, 82, 85, 136) from Punggol Bus Interchange. If not, you can also take a 10-15 minute-walk from the interchange, or from Punggol MRT station.

2. SUNGEI BULOH WETLAND RESERVE

Animal-lovers can consider visiting this rich spot that’s teeming with different species of animals. Tucked away in the northwest part of the country, the natural habitat covers an area of 130 hectares, and is known to be home to a large variety of birds and other animal inhabitants. More recently, crocodiles have been known to be spotted within its waters.

How to get there: You can either take 925 from Kranji MRT station or go via the Kranji Express, which operates from 8.30am to 5.45pm.

3. THE SOUTHERN ISLANDS

If you’re tired of the usual offshore options (read: Pulau Ubin and Sentosa Island), there are many others for you to consider. For pristine beaches, serene surroundings and unspoilt landscapes, you can consider the group of southern islands that are waiting to be explored. The more well-known ones include St. John’s Island and Kusu Island, but you can also look to others within the group such as Lazarus Island and Pulau Seringat and Sisters’ Islands.

How to get there: Take a cruise from the Marina South Pier, and get your tickets. The cruises cover three stops: the pier, St. John’s Island and Kusu Island. From these islands, you can cover the rest via a link bridge. Alternatively (if you’ve got the moolah, that is), you can rent a charter yacht to take you there.

4. THE ABANDONED RAILWAY TRACKS

Since the KTM Malaysian Railway closed its doors, its train tracks have been left abandoned. Today, it is known to be popular with photoshoots and hipsters looking to get Instagram-worthy shots by the tracks. You can pop by the former Bukit Timah Railway Station or places where the track runs, at Cluny Road, Newton Circus, or the ones near the Ayer Rajah Expressway, Teban Gardens and Sunset Way.

How to get there: To get to the tracks at Bukit Timah, just make your way to King Albert Park, where you can spot the old railway bridge. For the one near Teban Gardens and Clementi Avenue 4, you can head to Sunset Way and travel along the road, till you reach an underpass that leads to the tracks.

5. SEMBAWANG PARK

Head to this little gem on the northern part of the island, and you’ll be able to see things you don’t normally come across, like oil rigs, and the Johor coast. The area exudes a quaint, almost old-school charm, where you can find traces of our colonial past almost everywhere. These include the black-and-white houses nearby, as well as buildings such as the Navy Museum, Old Admiralty House and the Sembawang Memorial. Plus, if you’re seeking a quiet spot for dates, or a day out with the kids, the park boasts a variety of activities, from its sandy beaches, to fishing (at the jetty), and other play areas. While you’re there, you might want to check out the famed Sembawang Hot Springs nearby, which is the only one in Singapore.

How to get there: Its nearest MRT station is Sembawang. From there, you can take bus 882 from the interchange.

6. THE KRANJI COUNTRYSIDE

The stretch of farms around the Lim Chu Kang area may be a little difficult to get to if you don’t drive, but it’s worth a visit anyway. Whether you’re looking to relive the good old days of our agricultural past, or you’re just looking to take a break, it’s a great way to spend your weekends. And there’re lots to see: from vegetables to exotic fish, chickens and frogs. You can even choose to stay a night or two in some of the farms offering resort-style options. Just make sure you load up on the insect repellent, as those pesky mozzies are always lurking around waiting for a bite.

How to get there: The nearest MRT stations are Choa Chu Kang and Kranji. From there, you can either take a taxi or a public bus, depending on which farm you’re looking to visit. Alternatively places like Farmart offer shuttle bus services – just drop by their website to enquire.

About the writer:
Amanda Tan has written pieces for several publications, which include stories on food, lifestyle and beauty. She believes life is too short for regrets, and hopes to live in London (just for the experience). She is also a self-professed cake addict, and can never resist a slice, at any time of the day. If you’d like to share life hacks, travel tips and general advice, you can drop her a note at scented19@gmail.com.

Beer? Checked. Meats and sausages? Checked. Pasta and local delights? Checked. Wines of The World? Checked.

That is Cook & Brew at The Westin Singapore for you. The comforting gastrobar is a star addition to our local dining scene, one that has earned our loyalty with its extensive menu and addictive relaxing vibe. The cosy interior furnished with oak browns and wood elements is very much like a typical German living room where you can enjoy your comfort food and chill out with friends and families. Over good beers too, of course. There is a whopping 104 beers from 18 countries to choose from!

Unpretentious. Fuss-free. Chic. Sexy.

We love the huge space so much, though not as much as the chef who has recently put together a spanking new menu that leaves us mind-boggled and spoilt for choice so completely. And how can we not shout about the unobstructed view of the Marina, again?

Cook & Brew at The Westin Singapore www.facebook.com/thewestinsingapore opens for the whole day, making it the perfect location for all occasions. Drop by during your lunch hour for a casual and relaxing meal, or pop by in the middle of afternoon to grab a beer and some light snacks. In the evening, it is a lovely place to have some pre-dinner drinks with your colleagues or friends before treating yourself to a well-deserved dinner.

Here, we share with you our picks from Cook & Brew’s current repertoire, and please do not leave without trying the German Platter. Yes, we mean it.

First, please do not be intimidated by the stack of menus. A total of three sacred booklets, we’d call them. The main menu is divided into several sections – snacks that are great with beers; appetisers to whet the appetite; comfort food like burger, banger & mash, and fish & chips; large plates that are good for sharing; pastas for a simple and fuss-free meal; local delights executed well; and desserts for sweet tooth lovers.

The second is a beverage list that promises a mind-boggling range, from your favourite cocktails and mocktails to the many kinds of beers to drink the night away. The third is the ever-popular Wines of The World by Westin, and who can say no to that?

So we shall kick start a good time with some hearty appetisers. Go for the Chilli Con Carne Volcano (S$13) – topped with cheddar cheese, this is best enjoyed with a pint of Pure Blonde beer. Eat it fresh and warm, and polish them off before the cheese gets hardened up!

One dish that we really love and will go back for is the Sushi Bowl (S$18). This is a modern take on the popular Chirashi-don, or you can think of it as a deconstructed sushi bowl. Served with BBQ salmon, egg roll, avocado, and wasabi mayonnaise, this is so much comfort in one simple and unassuming bowl.

If you are hanging out with your pals, get the wings to go along with beer. Shrimp Paste Chicken Wings (S$12), Double Crispy Wings with blue cheese (S$12), and Hot Spicy Wings (S$12). Warning: one serving is not enough!

Equally good is Cook & Brew’s Fried Chicken (S$27), which comes with an addictive wasabi mayonnaise dip. Wash everything down with a pint of Brew Dog Punk, IPA.

Cook & Brew also has several dishes that are ideal for a quick lunch. Get the Pulled Steak Sandwich (S$19) or the Steak & Egg (S$17). If not, the Farmer’s Omelette (S$14) is also a good option for those who just want something light. How very reasonably priced and we really love how dining at five-star hotels is becoming less intimidating with friendly outlets like Cook & Brew!

A good burger is one that brings utmost satisfaction, and it lingers on your mind and keeps you happy throughout the day. It is something that cannot go wrong, and something that we turn to whenever we want something familiar.

Cook & Brew’s Burger (S$23) is one such dish. Sandwiched between two pita bread, the beef patty is topped with melting cheddar, crispy pancetta bacon, fried onion rings and a fried egg. Not forgetting the freshly battered onion rings that were so addictive, we gobbled those before we attacked the burger itself.

And the star of the show has got to be the German Butcher Platter (S$34). One huge serving of kassler ribs, pork sausage, schnitzel, sauerkraut, pickles and mash. Everything was tantalisingly good, and we could only rub our tummies with happy sighs and relish the moments of savour. It is good for two as a main, and perfect as a side dish to share when dining with a huge party. Don’t forget your favourite beers when you pig out with this platter!

Now on to sweet endings. We cannot decide if we prefer the Cook & Brew Cheese Stick (S$15) or Hot Chocolate Brownie (S$15). The former features Philadelphia cheese, apple gel and Granny Smith apple sorbet, while the latter is a rendition that comes complete with dark cherry sauce and homemade vanilla ice cream. I guess we can always do with more than one dessert, yes?

Cook & Brew opens throughout the day and till late at night, so the next time you need an after dark outlet to unwind, you know where to head to!

Also open to corporate bookings and private parties, this is one good location to hold your events. Throw a birthday bash, do a corporate luncheon, celebrate your anniversary; however the nature of your events are, Cook & Brew’s events team will be happy to put together something for that special occasion. Direct your enquiries to cookandbrew.singapore@westin.com or call (65) 6922 6948 for more information.

For the latest updates, go to The Westin Singapore’s website, ‘like’ The Westin Singapore on facebook, and follow them on Instagram.

Cook & Brew
The Westin Singapore
33/F Asia Square Tower 2
12 Marina View
Tel: +65 6922 6948
Mon to Thu: 11am – 12midnight
Fri: 11am – 1am
Sat: 6pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Downtown/Marina Bay

This post is brought to you by The Westin Singapore.

Like finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, it is always satisfying to discover new places where you can get a good drink before dinner. Even better when the pot of gold is conveniently located in the heart of Orchard Road.

The martini bar at mezza9 is one of those secret hideouts that only folks in the know head to. There are a few reasons why it has remained hugely popular, and many more reasons why we think you will love it too. First, it is a gorgeous spot to have a drink after work. The glass-enclosed bar on the mezzanine level of Grand Hyatt Singapore provides a view of Scotts Road. Second, with over 30 delicious speciality concocted martinis, it is a shrine that martini lovers can worship.

Third – and the main reason for this post – martini bar at mezza9 is having a more than fantastic promotion that everyone should know about. From Monday to Wednesday 6pm to 9pm, enjoy 9 different martinis at S$9++ each! The usual prices for martinis here range from S$19 to S$28, so the S$9++ offer is really a deal of a century.

From Almond Martini, to Blueberry Citrus made with Effen vodka, blueberry liqueur, and grapefruit juice – each of the nine martini reveals a different statement about you.

Let’s just say you must go to the martini bar to try one of the nine martinis post dinner at mezza9, else, for the lack of better descriptions, you’d never know what you are missing out. Which martini best describes you? Try it and let us know!

For the latest updates, follow Grand Hyatt Singapore on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

martini bar at mezza9
Grand Hyatt Singapore
10 Scotts Road
Tel: +65 6416 7322
Mon to Sun: 12pm – 2am
Happy Hour: 6pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

This post is brought to you by Grand Hyatt Singapore.

Football and ice cold beer come hand in hand. We all need night outs with our pals, and we really would not miss watching the latest football matches. Times like these, we turn to our regular haunts for reliable familiarity and comfort, where we can get our favourite beers and cheers to great goals.

And what if we tell you – on top of all these, there is a haven where you can fill your tummies with awesome food with even more awesome beers, too? Lately, Beer Market has sprung up to being one of our favourite chill-out spots, and with this post, we will make you forget what a typical pub means, and have you rethink and redefine what enjoyment really is with quality F&B.

Strategically located at the bustling Clarke Quay, Beer Market is not your ordinary pub. Or bar. Or whatever Singaporeans deem as a place only for drinks. Beer Market is an institution, a place that is committed to offering a myriad of beers – both classic favourites and limited rare brands – and a menu so comprehensive, and even more appealing than the beer options! Some of the dishes like chicken rice pizza, squid ink fried rice, and salted egg yolk seafood pizza are enticing enough to make us go back again and again.

Beer Market offers its Four Heavenly Kings sauce – Tartar Sauce with a tinge of honey, Honey Mustard, the fiery hot BTH (Buay Tahan) sauce, and our favourite BM Shiok Sauce, which as the name suggests, so good that it is the perfect dip for any dish. We really went all out with the BM Shiok Sauce, and for all we could remember; we ate it with every dish.

There are several seafood appetisers like Fried Baby Squid (S$9.90), Sautéed Pesto Tiger Prawns (S$11.90), but our pick is the Seafood Shooters (S$22.90) – crab meat, prawns and sashimi salmon presented in shooter glasses, alongside a Tiger Radler beer that is to be poured into the glasses and eaten together with the seafood. Chilled freshness and every bit refreshing; this is not to be missed.

More seafood? Go for the Sizzling Salmon (S$18.90) – a huge slab of salmon grilled to perfection. Other main courses include Fish & Chips (S$13.90), Chicken Truffle (S$15.90) and BM No-Nonsense Steak (S$22.90). Yes, the BM Shiok sauce goes well with all of that, too.

And then there are pizzas too. Love your Chicken Rice? Now, you can have it on a pizza! We never thought a Chicken Rice Pizza (S$17.90) would be possible, but there you have it – only at Beer Market. And Singaporeans will be delighted to know that the other tantalising option is the Salted Egg Seafood Pizza (S$21.90). These two creations are the best testament to what Beer Market is about – their alternative interpretations of local favourites will stop you in your tracks and have you see them in a different light.

On Beer Market’s new menu, you will also be treated to several mouth-watering Tze Char dishes. We love having comfort food accompany our beers. Beer Market’s renditions of the popular classics are not quite classic, but all the better because we had a chat with the Executive Chef, Steven, and we understood why. He is always craving perfection, and when perfection is achieved, he takes it to a higher level by elevating the flavours further with the addition of complementary premium ingredients.

Take the BM Beef Horfun (S$14.90) for instance. While we are not the biggest fans of horfun, we were impressed by the generous chunks of sirloin beef strips, and this dish is actually served with French onion soup gravy. So many layers to savour just in one dish!

And we have to admit that the Midnight Seafood Rice (S$13.90) blew our minds. We stand firm on the belief that the simplest dish is the best tell tale to a chef’s culinary skills, and where tze char is concerned, fried rice is the best indicator. While this version of squid ink and seafood stir-fried with rice looked unassuming and mediocre upon first glance, it is one that have us making a pact with ourselves to order it every time we drop by.

Upon stepping in, you would notice from the decor of the place that the concept of Beer Market is highly inspired by the stock exchange. The idea is to buy low and drink high, of course. For those of you who have never been here before, here is a quick guide on how to order beers. On the Beer Market Exchange (BMX), you can find almost any type of beer. Check the TV screens around the bar for the latest prices, which are updated every half an hour. Like stocks, the prices of beer depend on the demand and supply of the market. Needless to say, the more popular the beer is, the higher the prices will go. Similarly, if a particular beer is not in demand, prices will slide.

It is an interesting experience to monitor the beer market while catching up with your friends over good food, of course. And it also gives you a chance to try other uncommon brews – that you might otherwise not try – when they drop to low prices.

There are many reasons why we love Beer Market, but if we had to pick one, it would be their new food menu. A well-balanced selection with a good mix of finger food, pizzas and tze char dishes that pair well with beers – all at extremely affordable prices. Rethink night out, less the busting credit card part.

The casual and relaxed atmosphere, coupled with affordable drinks and well-executed food, makes Beer Market the place to head to the next time you crave an after-dark session to unwind, and when your pals and you need a spot to enjoy your matches.

For the latest updates, go to http://www.beermarket.com.sg/ and like Beer Market on facebook.

Beer Market
#01-17 & #02-02, Clarke Quay
3B River Valley Road
Tel: +65 9661 8283
Sun to Thu: 6pm – 1am
Fri & Sat: 6pm – 3am
Eve of PH: 6pm – 3am
Closed on Mon
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

This post is brought to you by Beer Market.

The Book Cafe is not a place that is known for food. Neither does it serve exceptional coffee. What sets them apart, however, is their cosy and relaxing atmosphere. It is a great chill-out place where you can sit down, have a cup of coffee, read a book, and watch the world go by. Besides having a wide selection of magazines and newspapers, the cafe also has plenty of power-points for folks who are on their laptops. Moreover, the food is relatively inexpensive. They serve simple food such as pasta, sandwiches, soup, sandwiches, desserts and all-day breakfast.

20 Martin Road
Tel: +65 6887 5430
Sun to Thu: 8.30am – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 8.30am – 12 midnight

Many of my friends are big fans of The Coastal Settlement (TCS). Some of them like it because of the lovely atmosphere, while others love it because it is a hidden gem in the east of Singapore.

I went there during a weekend, and it was indeed the perfect kind of place to go to unwind with friends.

The Coastal Settlement is huge – in fact, much bigger than I thought – and easily accommodates three hundred people.

This is a destination to dine in comfort and to simply forget about everything – Sentimental oldies loop softly in the background, crystal chandeliers hang from the low ceiling and cast warm light against the wooden furniture, scents of fresh roast and bakes fill the air…

There is this rustic charm that makes it all too possible to just sit here the entire day. And did I tell you about the array of displays within the restaurant too? Think drum sets, vespas and ice kachang machines.

The brunch menu is available on weekends and public holidays from 11am to 4pm. Apart from the popular brunch food like big breakfast ($24), steak and eggs ($36), and eggs benedict ($17), there are also main courses like roasted chicken with truffle fries ($25), truffle mushroom fettuccine ($21), nasi lemak ($16), and cheese burger ($26).

We shared a few items, and while they were decent, they were not fantastic. And given that The Coastal Settlement is a casual dining restaurant, we felt that the prices were rather steep.

Furthermore, the inaccessible location of the restaurant might put off people who do not drive.

That said, The Coastal Settlement is definitely worth visiting at least once. If I was staying in the east, this would be a frequent haunt. Otherwise, I’d probably drop by to have drinks and desserts for a great bonding experience.

The Coastal Settlement
200 Netheravon Road
(Near Changi Village)
Tel: +65 6475 0200
Tue to Sun: 10.30am – 9.45pm
Nearest Station: Pasir Ris

Note: Smitten Coffee & Tea Bar is now closed.

Many indie cafes have been making a name for themselves in the local scene, and I think it is a good thing because more and more people are starting to appreciate coffee.

Smitten Coffee & Tea Bar at Robertson Quay is one of those that has been gaining loyal followers for serving good coffee. If you are going on a cafe hopping adventure, you should definitely include it in your list.

As the cafe has a small kitchen space, it does not have many options on the food menu – with just a few paninis and a small selection of cakes on display. But that’s perfectly fine because Smitten is more of a place where you go for a cup of good coffee; to chill out and learn more about coffee and tea; or if you want a quiet spot to read a book and do some work.

Smitten Coffee & Tea Bar has quickly become one of my favourite hangout places whenever I am at Robertson Quay. Do drop by for a cup of coffee when you are in the area.

Smitten Coffee & Tea Bar
60 Robertson Quay
#01-11 The Quayside, Singapore
Tel: +65 9876 2347
Mon–Thu: 10am – 10pm
Fri: 10am – 11pm
Sat: 9am – 11pm
Sun: 9am – 9pm
(Closed on Tue)

If you are interested in coffee, read the Beginners Guide to Coffee here

I had brunch at Skyve Elementary Bistro & Bar a few weeks ago, and I fell in love with the place the moment I stepped inside. The folks behind Table 66 took over the space which used to belong to District 10 Bistro, and I have to say that I am very impressed by the way they transformed the interior.

It was done in a classy and elegant manner, with glass panels letting in lots of sunlight during the day. I can imagine it to be a very pretty and romantic restaurant when night falls.

The bistro is divided in half. On one side is a casual lounge; on the other, is the bright, airy space which is perfect for a lazy weekend brunch. Skyve Bistro and bar is my new favourite brunch place in Singapore.

They have a breakfast menu (served from 8am – 11am on weekdays, and 11am – 4pm on weekends) serving items like Classic Breakfast ($18), and Croque Madame ($12); and a brunch menu which comes with a list of pizzas ($14-20).

We ordered Ricotta Hotcakes ($12), Sous Vide Eggs Benedict ($12), and Classic Breakfast ($18) to share. My dining companion wasn’t very impressed with the food, but I thought otherwise. They are definitely not out-of-this-world good, but it is decent for the price, and the lovely ambience makes everything better.

The Ricotta Hotcakes came with passionfruit butter, which I absolutely adored. The Eggs Benedict was nicely done with Sous Vide technique; together with the Hollandaise sauce, and sweetcorn – it was the perfect way to start my Saturday afternoon. The Classic Breakfast had everything we wanted: fluffy scrambled eggs, nicely grilled tomatoes, a light and puffy brioche, yummy sautéed mushrooms, and two lean pork sausages.

Skyve Elementary Bistro & Bar is known for using Sous Vide to prepare their food, and from what I see on the menu, they have some interesting dishes like Sous Vide Duck Confit, and Sous Vide Crispy Pork Belly.

The brunch menu is probably not the best indicator of the food standard at Skyve Bistro; I definitely want to come back for dinner to try their main courses.

Naturally, the prices during dinner are much more expensive, with appetisers ranging from $14-24; and main courses are $30 above. For those on a budget, the breakfast/brunch menu is a great option as it allows you to enjoy the ambience of the place without paying so much. For those of you who don’t mind spending a bit more, go there for dinner and let me know how it goes. See you at Skyve Bistro.

Singapore Food Blog Review
Skyve Elementary Bistro & Bar
10 Winstedt Road Blk E #01-17
Tel: +65 6225 6690

Tue to Fri: 8.30am – 12am
Sat, Sun & PH: 10am – 12am
(Closed on Mon)

For more recommendations, read my list of Brunch Places in Singapore

I am always good at finding the best places to eat, but when it comes to drinks, I am lucky to have a group of friends who are familiar with the Best Bars in Singapore. To most people, alcohol is very important, but I always prefer eating to drinking.

Together with Cafe Fables and A Thousand Tales (vintage furniture store), Bar Stories is a funky bar nestled within a shop house in Haji Lane. Apparently Cafe Fables operates in the day, and it transforms into Bar Stories when nightfall arrives.

Depending on individual preferences, the mixologists will create different cocktails right before your eyes. It was very interesting to watch them prepare each drink with different ingredients and liqueur – it felt like watching a performance.

The drinks at Bar Stories are very unique, and quite unlike the usual ones that you get from other bars. They use fresh food for every cocktail, so there is no artificial colouring.

I was tempted to reply “surprise me” when Jeff the mixologist asked me to make my order. Since it was my first time there, I decided to play safe and told him I like anything-sweet. He whipped out the Honeydew Sake Martini ($22, see above picture) in an instance, and I really enjoyed it.

My friends had the Midori Sour ($22) – a gorgeous shade of light green, pretty to look at and pleasant to drink; the Absinthe Forward Martini ($25) which had a heavy dosage of Absinthe & Gin and smacked us right in the face; and the Kyoho Grapes Martini ($25), a cheerful red mixture that made us rather gigglish. I don’t know about you, but pretty colours always make cocktails nicer to drink.

Tell me your life stories and I’ll buy you a drink. There is really nothing like a good cocktail after a long day of work. Have you been to Bar Stories at Haji Lane? What is your favourite drink there?

Singapore Food Blog Review
Bar Stories & Café Fables
55-57 Haji Lane
2nd Floor Singapore
Tel: +65 6298 0838

Perched at the top of Phoenix Park in Tanglin, Spruce is a nice cafe which is just a few minutes drive from Orchard. I had been dying to go Spruce after hearing so much about their weekend brunch.

Today, I am going to share with you something else, though. Not the weekend brunch, but the Weekend High Tea Set that Spruce has launched. And it is only $14++/pax $21++/pax.

Every once in a while, we should all partake a nice afternoon tea with your family and friends. Whilst popular afternoon tea restaurants like TWG Salon, Marmalade Pantry are conveniently located along Orchard Road, they are more often than not very crowded. Even on weekdays!

Other than the reasonable price point, the secluded location of Spruce is definitely a highlight for it gives that exclusive and serene feel for being far away from the busy city life.

I have readers telling me they cannot make it for the nice afternoon teas on weekdays due to work. Now, there are no more excuses because I am introducing their Weekend High Tea!

The $14++/pax $21++/pax Weekend High Tea Set is available during Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays from 3pm to 5pm. It is definitely one of the cheapest high tea set in Singapore.

The High Tea Set includes savoury sandwiches and pastries: Cranberry Scone, White Peach Muffin, Madeleine, Fruit Tartlet, Macadamia Pistachio Biscotti, Cucumber & Egg Sandwich, Salmon & Sour Cream Sandwich, Tomato & Yogurt Sandwich and free flow of coffee/tea.

However, there is a small catch. To get the High Tea Set in a nice three tier stand, you need a minimum of two people ($21 x 2 = $42++) to share. Otherwise, they will just serve the food on a single plate.

Food wise, I have to say that there was nothing really fantastic – the sandwiches and the pastries were quite ordinary. But there is nothing to complain about since the High Tea Set is priced at a reasonable $14++/pax $21++/pax. On a different note, please be knowledged that reservations have to be made in advance to secure a seating!

You know what? I think you should just pick up the phone and make a reservation for Spruce’s Weekend High Tea now. Come on, it is the long weekend. Go for your Easter Brunch and follow up with the high tea at Spruce. Awesome.

As for me, I am making plans to head back to Spruce Cafe for their weekend brunch. Very soon. And oh yes, be sure to check out Spruce’s Taqueria too. On Monday to Friday 12 noon – 3pm, Spruce has a little taco shack by the side that serves Tacos and Quesadillas.

For more recommendations: read Best Cafes in Singapore | Afternoon High Tea Places.

Singapore Food Blog Review
320 Tanglin Road
Phoenix Park Singapore
Tel: +65 6836 5528

Operating Hours:
Lunch (Monday to Friday) 10.30am – 2.30pm
Dinner (Daily) 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Weekend Brunch 8.30am – 4pm
Weekend High Tea 3pm – 5pm

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I finally went to PS Café! I’ve been meaning to try out PS Café for the longest time, but somehow I did not get the chance to.

PS Café has four branches in Singapore (Ann Siang Hill, Dempsey Hill, Paragon and Palais), and each of them gives a different vibe. For the PS Cafe Palais Renaissance outlet, the interior is chic and classy with dim romantic lighting. It also has a lovely white-tiled terrace dining area if you prefer to dine outside.

There are many nice Cafes in Singapore, what exactly makes PS Cafe so popular?

PS Cafe serves mainly western dishes like soup, salad, sandwiches, burger, pasta and main courses. Prices range from $25-$40 for a main course whilst desserts are mostly between $10-$15. I have to agree that prices are not exactly cheap, but then again, you are paying for the ambiance.

Nothing beats having a drink before dinner. Bagaholicboy highly recommended the Sangrias at PS Cafe and we had a glass each to start with the Grilled Prawn Salad. Nothing fanciful, just nicely grilled prawns and greens with a creamy dressing.

In terms of portion, PS Café’s truffle fries were mightily impressive.

However, it is probably not advisable to order it unless you are in a big group. As you can well imagine, we only managed to finish half of the huge stack of fries.

I am not a big fan of truffle fries. To me, I think it is kind of silly to pay a premium for fries that are merely tossed with truffle oil. The smokey gasoline aftertaste, which everyone seems to love, does not really appeal to me.

If you are looking for an appetiser or a main course that is not too filling, go for the Crab Tart. Drizzled with prawn bisque cream, the crab meat within the crisp tart was actually quite decent. I’d prefer the usual dessert tart to this savoury tart though.

Ps Cafe is the perfect place for a lazy weekend breakfast, the place for a nice afternoon tea, the place for a romantic dinner with your date, the place for a girls night out – the place to go when you want to dine in a nice restaurant with your favourite people.

Whilst there are some who argue that Project Shop Cafe serves overpriced food and the place is often crowded and noisy, I can still see myself returning for brunch and desserts.

PS Cafe may not have the best food, but it does not really matter since people come here for the ambiance. Service though, is a little lacking, as it was quite difficult for us to get the attention of the waitress. But then again, this could be due to the positioning of our table at a corner of the restaurant.

I will probably head to PS Café Ann Siang Hill or Harding Road for brunch next! Which is your favourite PS Café outlet?

Singapore Food Blog
PS Cafe
390 Orchard Road
#02-09A Palais Renaissance Singapore
Tel: +65 6887 2207

28B Harding Road
Tanglin Village (Dempsey Road) Singapore
Tel: +65 6479 3343

290 Orchard Road
#03-41/44 The Paragon Singapore
Tel: +65 6735 6765

45 Ann Siang Road (ASH)
#02-02 Singapore
Tel: +65 6222 3143

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This guide to the best cafes in Singapore was last updated on 26 October 2014.

Cafés have different interpretations in different countries. In the American context, a café or coffee house is a casual restaurant serving proper food and sandwiches. Whilst a café in other countries is simply a place that serves coffee with light snacks/desserts. Who can resist the lovely smell of brewing coffee, the chic display of desserts on cake stands, and the cosy ambiance of a cafe?

Here is our guide to the best cafes in Singapore:

ARTICHOKE CAFE

Artichoke Cafe’s menu is mainly influenced by Middle Eastern and Greek cuisine. The weekend brunch is highly popular, and it is recommended to make your reservation before heading down. Unpretentious food, a relaxed and casual setting, Artichoke ticked all the right boxes.

161 Middle Road
Sculpture Square
Tel: +65 6336 6949
Nearest Station: Bugis

ARBITE CAFE

The cafe’s interiors are rather non-descript – Arbite Cafe is just a simple space with white-washed walls, some tables and chairs. What makes it stand out from the crowd is the honest and delicious food. You can find main courses like Truffle Beef Burger, ($18.90), Squid Ink Spaghetti with Seafood ($23.90), Green Tea Tagliatelle with Smoked Duck ($23.90) on the menu. Also, they offer all day breakfast such as Croque Madame ($15.90), Eggs Benedict ($11.90), Gardener French Toast ($13.90).

66A Serangoon Garden Way
Tel: +65 6287 0430
Nearest Station: Serangoon

ASSEMBLY COFFEE

Assembly Coffee prides itself as part of the third wave coffee movement. Every cup of coffee is brewed and created with dedication. It is not by chance that the latte art is pretty, and if you look across all the tables, you would realise the consistency and effort behind every cuppa.

To sum up Assembly Coffee: Excellent coffee, a small and concise food menu serving inexpensive comfort food, and a small and charming space, Assembly Coffee is a gem and worth a visit.

26 Evans Lodge
Tel: +65 6735 5647
Tue to Sun: 8am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens

BACKSTAGE CAFE

Backstage café, which is situated in the Kallang industrial area, offers a cool respite for those seeking a break from the weekly humdrum at work. While it didn’t get off to a stellar start (diners had to wait for about 45 minutes or more for their meals when the café first opened), we think it’s coming along well.

Look out for its Duck Confit ($18), Roasted Spring Chicken ($15) and Beef Burger ($17) for its mains. For dessert, you shouldn’t miss the café’s rainbow ($7.50 a slice) and red velvet cakes ($6.50 a slice).

158 Kallang Way
Tel: +65 6743 6893
Mon to Sat: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Aljunied/ Potong Pasir

BAKERS & COOK

This artisan bakery cafe is tucked in Hillcrest Road and it serves an impressive array of breads and pastries. For those of you who do not stay in the west, you would be glad to know that they have recently opened a new outlet at Martin Road.

77 Hillcrest Road
Tel: +65 6469 8834
Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens

BATTERWORKS

Batterworks has the usual desserts like carrot cake, chocolate fudge brownies and cupcakes, but what makes them stand out is its range of savoury pastries such as roasted pork in flaky pastries, and curry flaky pastries. There is also a dine-in menu which offers inexpensive savoury food. You can find main courses (S$4.50 – S$6.90) like lamb stew pot pie, chicken bulgogi wrap and pulled pork wrap.

Batterworks is also listed in our guide to Everton Park neighbourhood cafes.

Blk 4 Everton Park, #01-42
Tel: +65 6438 2208
Mon, Wed to Fri: 10.30am – 7pm
Sat: 9am -6pm
Sun: 11am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Outram

BLOOMSBURY BAKER

30 Bendemeer Road
Tel: +65 6299 3450
Tue to Fri: 12pm – 8pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 10am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Boon Keng

BRIDGE CAFE

31 Seah Street
Tel: +65 6333 4453
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm till 10pm
Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 12 midnight
Sat: 10am – 12 midnight
Sun: 10am – 5pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

BUCKTILE ST. CAFE

104 Faber Drive
Tel: +65 6566 7058
Daily: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Clementi

BUTTER STUDIO

Located along Jalan Besar, Butter Studio is a halal-certified bakery cafe that specialises in cakes, cupcakes and tarts that are baked freshly on premise. Some of the must-try desserts include Salted Caramel Red Velvet, Chocolate Marshmallow Cupcake, and the much-lauded Sea Salt Nutella Tart.

147 Jalan Besar
Tel: +65 6294 7115
Sun to Thu: 10.30am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 10.30am – 12midnight
Nearest Station: Farrer Park/Lavender

CAFE MELBA

Housed in a beautiful glass building, Cafe Melba is chic and stylish, without being overly pretentious. It reminds me of PS Cafe, and while food here is not fantastic, I can see myself coming back regularly to have a quiet dinner. Cafe Melba’s weekend brunch is very popular; they do not take reservations, so make sure you go early to get a table. There is also ample parking available in the Goodman Arts Centre.

90 Goodman Road
#01-56 Goodman Arts Centre Block N
Tel: +65 6440 6068
Mon to Fri: 10am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Mountbatten / Dakota

CARPENTER AND COOK

Carpenter and Cook is a vintage home store and artisan bakery café at Lorong Kilat. Since its opening in June 2012, we have been there many times and we are happy to report that it is now one of our favourite cafes in Singapore. A must-try is definitely its signature Passionfruit Meringue Tart. Pair it with a hearty cuppa and your afternoon is complete.

19 Lorong Kilat
#01-06 Singapore
Tel: +65 6463 3648
Tue to Fri: 12.00pm – 10.00pm
Sat: 10.00am – 10.00pm
Sun: 10.00am – 7.00pm
(Closed on Mon)
Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens

CHILLAX MASSAGE CAFE

Chillax at Serangoon Garden is a cafe and massage parlour. On the ground floor, the cafe serves simple and satisfying food such as pastas, truffle fries and breakfast food. The best idea is to head upstairs to the massage room for a good and relaxing massage before having your meal at the cafe.

28 Maju Avenue
1st Level Serangoon Garden Estate
Tel: +65 6244 5529
Nearest Station: Serangoon

CHYE SENG HUAT HARDWARE

Chye Seng Huat Hardware, opened by the folks behind Papa Palheta, is one of the most popular cafes/coffee places in Singapore right now.

From the outside, Chye Seng Huat Hardware looks like a run-down hardware shop – but don’t be deceived by its name and exterior, because it is actually a very hip coffee bar. In addition to the coffee bar, it also features a roastery, a coffee school and a private coffee tasting room.

Chye Seng Huat Hardware is listed in our guide to Singapore’s best coffee shops.

150 Tyrwhitt Road
Singapore 207563
Tel: +65 6396 0609
Tue to Fri: 9am – 7pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Lavender/Farrer Park

COMMON MAN COFFEE ROASTERS

The latest venture by Barista Harry Grover of Forty Hands and the Spa Esprit Group, Common Man Coffee Roasters at Martin Road is a mature space dedicated to coffee lovers, and it has a 7kg roaster for roasting single origin coffee beans.

#01-00 22 Martin Road
Tel: +65 6836 4695
Daily: 7am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

COFFEESMITH

62 Collyer Quay #02-11
Tel: +65 9339 6878
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

CHOCK FULL OF BEANS

A café that serves adorable 3D latte art, how cute is that? We found Chock Full of Beans sitting in a quiet corner of Changi Village (right next to the hawker centre), and were drawn toward the latte art that was on display.

While we were bowled over by the baristas’ serious attention to detail, we also enjoyed the cafe’s Iced Rose Latte and Lychee Lime Cooler. If you’re there for a meal, Chock Full of Beans serves mains and desserts, too.

#01-2090 Blk 4 Changi Village Road
Tel: +65 6214 8839
Tue to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 10pm
Nearest station: Pasir Ris

CLUB STREET SOCIAL

Tucked in a quiet corner of Gemmill Lane, Club Street Social has the vibe of a Manhattan bistro-bar. It is one of my favourite new places in town.

On the menu, they have several categories like salads, breakfast, panini, crostini, and tramezzini. Breakfast is served all day, so you can get your favourite breakfast food like scrambled eggs with toast after a long day at work. I’ve tried their panini, and it is one of the best I’ve had.

In the day, it is a cool bistro/restaurant which serves simple but delicious food. When night falls, it transforms into a uber-chic bar where you can go for a nice cocktail.

5 Gemmill Lane
(Off Club Street)
Tel: +65 6225 5043
Mon to Fri: 11am – 10.30pm
Sat: 9am – 10.30pm
Sun: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Outram/Raffles Place

COAST AND COMPANY

The latest venture by Papa Palheta – the good people behind Loysel’s Toy and Chye Seng Huat Hardware – Coast and Company at Siglap Drive is the type of cafe that you wish it would open in your neighbourhood so that you can pop by regularly. Papa Palheta has teamed up with homegrown bespoke bicycle shop Coast Cycles to open Coast & Company, which combines coffee shop and bike workshop into one.

“Good coffee for an even better neighbourhood”, we agree with Coast and Company’s tagline wholeheartedly.

54 Siglap Drive
Tel: +65 6448 7608
Tue to Thu: 9am – 7pm
Fri to Sun: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Kembagang

CRAFT BAKERY & CAFE

24A Lorong Mambong
Tel: +65 6467 7710
Daily: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village

CRAFTSMEN SPECIALITY COFFEE

One of the newest cafes to open in the East, Craftsmen Speciality Coffee at Siglap V has already garnered a strong following among locals and expats who are staying in the neighbourhood. The food menu is simple and it consists of mainly all day breakfast and brunch items like Croissant Sandwiches (S$15), Toast (S$5 – S$15), Pies (S$9.50 – S$12.50), as well as sweet and savoury Waffles (S$15).

2 First Street
Siglap #01-01
Mon to Thu: 8.30am – 8pm
Fri & Sat: 8.30am – 9.30pm
Sun: 8.30am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Kembangan

CREAMIER

It is impressive to see a cafe/ice cream shop doing well in a HDB estate, so if you are living in the area, and looking to satisfy your cravings for ice cream and waffles, this is one place you can consider.

#01-835, Block 128
Toa Payoh Lorong 1
Tel: +65 6250 1476
Tue to Thu: 12pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Braddell

DEPARTMENT OF CAFFEINE

The Duxton Hill area has seen a revival in the recent years, and there are many new restaurants, bars and cafes opening in the neighbourhood. If you work in the area, or if you are looking for a new weekend brunch spot, one of the places that you should check out is Department of Caffeine.

Main courses on the weekday menu include Minute Steak (S$16), Chicken Fillet Burger (S$15), and a 8 Hour Pulled Pork Burger (S$14.50). You must not leave the cafe without trying its Buttermilk Waffles (S$12.50).

15 Duxton Road
Tel: +65 6223 3426
Mon to Fri (except Wed): 10.30am – 7pm
Sat & Sun: 9.30am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

D’ GOOD CAFE

Cute latte art, inexpensive food and a convenient location, it’s no wonder that D’ Good Cafe has been doing well since opening at Holland Village.

273 Holland Avenue
#02-01/02
Tel: +65 6219 9807
Sun to Thu: 10am – 9pm
Fri & Sat: 10am – 10pm

DRIPS BAKERY CAFE

Drips Bakery Cafe at Tiong Bahru serves gourmet coffee on the menu along with hot foods, cakes and buns.

82 Tiong Poh Road #01-05
Tel: +65 6222 0400
Mon, Wed & Thu: 10.30am – 9.30pm
Fri: 10.30am – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

DRURY LANE CAFE

Few things are more therapeutic than enjoying some alone time and have coffee while reading a book on a quiet afternoon. One of the cafes in the Tanjong Pagar neighbourhood that we go to regularly is Drury Lane.

With a name like Drury Lane and a London-esque shopfront, we thought that the cafe was named after the street in Covent Garden, London. But to our surprise, we found out from a recent chat with one of the staff that the name was actually inspired by the lyrics from a nursery rhyme, The Muffin Man. How cute.

94 Tanjong Pagar Road
Tel: +65 6222 6698
Mon, Wed & Thu: 9am to 8.30pm
Fri: 9am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

FART TARTZ

If you’re looking for a café to grab Instagram-worthy pictures, Fart Tartz’s probably it. The café first grabbed our attention with the rows of adorable-looking mudpies ($5.50 each) that look like potted plants and cakes in old-school glass jars, but there’s definitely more to it.

The friendly owner, who opened the café two months ago with his wife, is kept so up-to-date with the latest Insta-worthy trends, he even helped us style our tray of goodies. Plus, we are happy to report that we enjoyed every last bite of the mudpie we had. Consider us impressed.

#02-04 Hall 2, 1 Expo Drive
Mon to Thu: 8am – 6pm
Fri to Sun: 8am – 8pm
Nearest station: Expo

FIVE AND DIME

Located along River Valley Road, Five & Dime is a cosy and simple cafe that dishes out wholesome comfort food. On the weekends, it has the usual brunch fare like Big Brekkie (S$22), Buttermilk Pancakes (S$15) and Eggs Benny (S$18).

297 River Valley Road
Tel: +65 9236 5002
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 10am
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 12 midnight
Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

FLOCK CAFE

One of the newest cafes in Tiong Bahru, this coffee spot serves sandwiches such as Bacon & Egg ($10.90), Pork Cheek and Gruyere ($11.90), as well as breakfast food like Scrambled Eggs and Toast ($6.90) and French Toast Pancakes ($8.90).

78 Moh Guan Terrace #01-25
Daily (except Tue): 9am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

FOOD FOR THOUGHT CAFE

Food For Thought at Singapore Botanic Gardens is an ideal place for weekend brunch; you can take a nice stroll in the park after having scrambled eggs and sausages, with a cup of coffee. Moreover, most of the dishes are reasonably priced.

1 Cluny Road #B1-00
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Tel: +65 6338 4848
Mon to Sun: 8am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

FORTY HANDS

This coffee house focuses on sustainably produced speciality coffee, stocking Fair Trade and Direct Trade coffee beans. Besides coffee, they also have a range of cakes, pastries and sandwiches on the menu. For those who are looking for a place to have brunch, 40 Hands Coffee has a brunch menu available all day from Friday to Sunday.

Blk 78 Yong Siak Street
#01-12 Singapore
Tel: +65 6225 8545
Tue: 8:30am – 6:30pm
Wed & Thu: 8:30am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 8:30am – 11pm
Sun: 8:30am – 6:30pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

FFL FRESH FRUITS LAB

Located in the Kembangan neighbourhood, Fresh Fruits Lab is a must-visit for folks who are staying in the East of Singapore. It is a bright and cheerful spot that is tastefully designed to a laboratory theme. Think iced water served in beakers, and fruit juices served in test tubes and conical flasks. The menu is also specially designed to incorporate a fruity element; even their side salads for the main courses come with generous chunks of fresh fruits.

351 Changi Road
Tel: +65 6677 6741
Tue to Thu, & Sun: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 12midnight
Nearest Station: Eunos/Kembangan

HABITAT COFFEE

This little cafe along Upper Thomson Road is worth a trip. It is a cosy chill out spot which has comfort food such as sandwiches, salads, pastas and breakfast food. Most of the items on the menu are under S$20. Make sure you try the Eggs Tomato Relish, Truffle Fries, and churros when you are there.

Habitat Coffee  is also listed in our guide to Upper Thomson neighbourhood.

223 Upper Thomson Road
Tel: +65 6456 2567
Tue to Fri: 11am – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 10.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Marymount

HATCHED

Hatched, an egg-inspired restaurant, is one of the places that first started the idea of serving all day breakfast in Singapore. Be it baked, boiled, fried, scrambled or poached, you can find all kinds of egg dishes here.

267 Holland Avenue
Tel: +65 6463 0012
Tue to Sun: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village

HATTER STREET

Hatter Street is one of the newest dessert cafes to open in the heartlands. Located in a HDB estate – just a few units away from popular Thai eatery Nakhon Kitchen – it offers desserts with a twist.

Block 212 Hougang Street 21 #01-333
Tue to Sun: 1pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Kovan

HOUSE

House is one of my favourite restaurants in Dempsey. They have a variety of food selections on the menu, and I love the desserts there! Do drop by for a visit if you have not been there before.

8D Dempsey Road
#01-01 to 06 Tanglin Village
Tel: +65 6475 7787
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 6pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 4pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

HOSHINO COFFEE

This popular coffee chain from Japan specialises in hand-dripped coffee and its signature soufflé pancakes.

68 Orchard Road
#03-84 Plaza Singapura
Tel: +65 6338 3277
Daily: 11.30pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

HYDE & CO

Hyde & Co. has long been one of our favourite minimalist cafe hang-outs in Singapore. Our love for this cafe stems from the fact that it reminds us strongly of quaint English cafes in London, similarly exuding a comforting and cosy atmosphere.

785 North Bridge Road
Singapore 198573
Tel: +65 6635 5785
Sun & Mon: 11am – 6pm
Wed to Sat: 11am – 10.30pm
(Closed on Tue)
Nearest MRT: Bugis

GROUP THERAPY CAFE

One of the latest cafes to open in the trendy Duxton road, Group Therapy Cafe is a space that is tucked away on the 2nd storey of a reconstructed shophouse above Etna Italian restaurant. I fell in love as I stepped inside the cafe. The best thing is, it is not as crowded as not many people know about them yet. Definitely one of my new favourite cafes in Singapore.

49 Duxton Road Singapore
Tel +65 6222 2554
Tue to Thu: 11am – 6pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

JEWEL COFFEE

Jewel Coffee at 1 Shenton Way has quickly become one of the more popular coffee boutiques in the Central Business District (CBD). If you love coffee, and work in the area, there’s no reason not to visit the cafe. It is quite the ideal location to meet your clients or stop by for a coffee break.

Jewel Coffee is listed in our guide to Singapore’s best coffee shops.

1 Shenton Way #01-07
Tel: +65 6636 9452
Mon to Fri: 7am – 9pm
Sat: 8am – 5pm

129 Rangoon Road
Tel: +65 6298 9216
Tue to Thu: 9am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 12midnight
Sun: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

JIMMY MONKEY

It is not easy to find Jimmy Monkey cafe at One-North Residences, but once you get there, you’ll never want to leave. It is a very cosy cafe where you can chill-out and have a cup of good coffee.

9 one-north Gateway
#01-51 one-north residences
Tel: +65 6777 8470
Mon to Fri: 8.30am – 8.30pm
Sat & Sun: 8.30am – 6pm
Nearest Station: one-north

JONES THE GROCER

If you are looking for a nice place to hang out with friends, go to Jones the Grocer at Mandarin Gallery. It is a lovely space to have a cup of coffee and desserts for afternoon tea.

333A Orchard Road #04-21/23
Mandarin Gallery Singapore
Tel: +65 6836 6372
Daily: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

JUST WANT COFFEE

Just Want Coffee is the place to stop by for your caffeine fix for those who are working in the area. This coffee bar first started in Johor Bahru in 2009, and the Everton Park outlet is its first venture in Singapore. It serves an impressive selection of brews made from house blends and single-origin beans. Cakes are also available to go along with your cuppa.

Just Want Coffee is listed in our guide to Singapore’s best coffee shops.

#01-27 1 Everton Park
Tel: +65 6225 8115
Mon to Thu: 8.30am – 6.30pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 8.30pm
Nearest Station: Outram

KITH CAFE

Kith Cafe at Park Mall is a nice place to hang out when you are in Orchard, especially if your friends are on a budget, as most of their items are reasonably-priced under $20.

9 Penang Road
#01-01E Park Mall
Tel: +65 6338 8611
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

L’ETOILE CAFE

One of the earliest cafes to open in the Rangoon Road neighbourhood, L’Etoile is a quaint and charming French themed Japanese café. On the food menu, you can find all day brunch, salad, soup, sandwiches as well as desserts.

160 Owen Road
Tel: +65 6298 2872
Mon to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

LITTLE PART 1 CAFE

Little Part 1 Cafe is an indie cafe located at Jasmine road near Thomson Plaza. It is one of the best hidden cafes in Singapore. For folks living in the Thomson/Bishan/Ang Mo Kio area, now you know where to go for dinner.

15 Jasmine Road
Adelphi Park Estate Singapore
Tel: +65 6451 7553
Mon to Wed: 12pm – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Thu & Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm
Sat: 12pm – 12 midnight
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest station: Ang Mo Kio

LOLA’S CAFE

Almost all the dishes on the brunch menu (10am – 3pm) and dinner menu (6pm – 10pm) at Lola’s Cafe are priced below S$15 nett. For a wallet-friendly meal, note down Lola’s Cafe.

5 Simon Road
Tel: +65 6343 1808
Tue: 3pm – 11.30pm
Wed & Thu: 10am – 11.30pm
Fri to Sun: 10am – 12 Midnight
Nearest Station: Kovan

LOTS GOURMET STOP

Changi Garden, 965A Upper Changi Road North
Tel: +65 6633 9651
Tue to Thu: 10am – 4pm
Fri to Sun: 10am – 3.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Simei

LOWERCASE

Situated inside the LASALLE College of The Arts campus, Lowercase is a space that combines food, art and community. The food caters mainly to students and it is relatively affordable.

1 Mcnally Street
Block D #01-01
Tel: +65 6337 5581
Mon to Sat: 8.30am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Bugis/Little India

LYNN’S CAKES & COFFEE

For those who are staying in the west of Singapore, Lynn’s Cakes & Coffee at Eng Kong Terrace – just a few units down from Necessary Provisions – is a nice place to check out. It is a clean and quaint little cafe where you can expect sweet treats like carrot cake, red velvet cake, chocolate cake and rainbow cake that are freshly baked on-site. Definitely a new great addition to the Bukit Timah neighbourhood.

Eng Kong Park
21 Eng Kong Terrace
Singapore 598993
Tel: +65 9231 7920
Wed – Thu: 10am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 10am – 12 Midnight
Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Clementi

MAISON IKKOKU

A coffee shop in the day and a cocktail bar by night, Maison Ikkoku is located along Kandahar Street in the Kamong Glam neighbourhood.

20 Kandahar Street
Heritage Centre
Tel: +65 6294 0078
Mon to Thu: 9am – 7pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 10pm
Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

MARMALADE TOAST

Marmalade Toast is a hidden gem in Orchard Road. The cafe is a simplified version of Marmalade Pantry restaurant. They have a pretty straightforward menu of salads, wraps, sandwiches and desserts – everything priced reasonably under $10.

#02-11 Ngee Ann City
391 Orchard Road
Tel: +65 6733 8489
Mon to Fri: 8am – 7pm
Sat: 9am – 7pm
Sun & PH: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

MU Parlour

It is easy to miss MU Parlour if you are not paying special attention to the shops on the second level. It’s the kind of place that is introduced through friends’ recommendations. And this is exactly how we came to know about it. Besides serving gourmet burgers, MU Parlour also has a range of desserts and cocktails.

16A Lorong Mambong
Holland Village
Tel: +65 6466 9336
Daily: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village

NASSIM HILL BAKERY

If you are looking for a spot to escape the crazy crowd in town, head to Nassim Hill Bakery at Tanglin Post Office. It is a bakery and bistro in the day, and a charming bar in the evening.

#01-03 Tanglin Post Office
56 Tanglin Road
Tel: +65 6835 1128
Tue to Sun: 8am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

NECESSARY PROVISIONS CAFE

Necessary Provision is a gem and a wonderful spot for people who stay in the West of Singapore.

When we first heard about Necessary Provisions, we were really excited for a few reasons. First, we know that they will have good coffee as it is by the folks behind the now-defunct Smitten Cafe. Second, the cafe is very near to my place – we can get there in ten minutes. Third, we have always lamented the fact that we lack a good coffee joint in this part of the island. While we have seen many cafes sprouting up over the past few years, somehow, there are not many cafes that serve good coffee in the west.

Eng Kong Park
21 Eng Kong Terrace
Tel: +65 9231 7920
Tue – Thu: 10am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 10am – 12 Midnight
Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Clementi

Photo credit: Furry-Photos

NEKO NO NIWA

Neko no Niwa, Singapore’s first cat cafe, is located at Boat Quay, the cafe is named Neko no Niwa, which means ‘cat garden’ in Japanese. Neko no Niwa has 13 resident cats, and it is charging S$12/pax for the first hour, and S$5/pax for the subsequent 1/2 hour block.

54A Boat Quay, Level 2
Tel: +65 6536 5319
Mon to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat & PH: 10am – 10pm
Sun: 2pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay/Raffles Place

NOM BISTRO & BAKERY

Quite possibly the first cafe to open in a community club, Nom Bistro & Bakery is a simple and no-frills cafe that serves homemade fare at inexpensive prices. Main courses include Beer Battered Fish & Chips (S$12.90), The Ultimate Burger (S$12.90), and Slow Roast Chicken Leg (S$12.90).

Nom is also known for its rainbow cakes which are available in oreo, salted caramel and chocolate flavours.

Level 1, Macpherson Community Club
400 Paya Lebar Way
Tel: +65 6747 3839
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Macpherson/Paya Lebar

NYLON COFFEE ROASTERS

Located in a small shophouse at Everton Park Estate, Nylon Coffee Roasters is a gem for coffee lovers, and the place to go for a quality cup of coffee. This specialty coffee shop sources, roasts and brews amazing coffee beans from around the world. They are the experts and we should all pay homage to coffee together with them.

Nylon Coffee is listed in our guide to Singapore’s best coffee shops.

4 Everton Park #01-40
Tel: +65 6220 2330
Mon to Fri: 8.30am – 5.30pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Outram

OLD HEN COFFEE BAR

Established in July 2014, Old Hen Coffee Bar is a relatively newcomer in the local café scene. Located next to La’ Coffee, Old Hen offers the standard cappuccino, latte and flat white, but the must-try is its signature cold brew – which is extremely satisfying on a hot day.

88 Rangoon Road #01-03
Tel: +65 6341 5458
Mon: 12pm – 10pm
Wed to Fri: 12pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

ONE MAN COFFEE

Being hidden is trending right now and One Man Coffee is doing an excellent job. One Man Coffee shares the same venue as Crust Pizza and you will not see its signboard until you near the entrance of Crust Pizza.

Espresso blends are being rotated from time to time but consistency of coffee remains satisfying. Its most popular blend would be The Axil’s Seasonal, directly imported from Melbourne, Australia but sourced from Brazil and Colombia. Other than the coffee, must-order would definitely be their signature brioche French toast (S$10).

One Man Coffee is also listed in our guide to Upper Thomson neighbourhood.

215R Upper Thomson Road
Daily: 9am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Marymount

ORIOLE CAFE & BISTRO

Oriole Cafe is one of the places that we frequent whenever we are in town. Besides having good coffee, it also serves pretty decent food – in particular, the fish and chips and beef cheek tagliatelle are our favourites.

Oriole Cafe is listed in our guide to Singapore’s best coffee shops.

96 Somerset road
#01-01 Pan Pacific Serviced Suites
(Opposite Brotzeit 313 @ Somerset)
Tel: +65 6238 8348
Mon to Thu: 11am – 11pm
Fri: 11am – 12 midnight
Sat: 10am – 12 midnight
Sun: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

PACAMARA BOUTIQUE COFFEE ROASTERS

Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters is one of the new kids on the block, but not that new if you are familiar with OZ Specialty Coffee. Formerly located at the other part of Upper Thomson, the brand has undergone a major revamp and repositioning and now sits proudly as Pacamara at the edge of the busy stretch of Upper Thomson. It is a much bigger scale, with a proper dine-in space because they serve more than coffee and desserts now.

185 Upper Thomson Road
Tue to Sun: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Ang Mo Kio/Marymount

PARK CAFE BAR

PARK is a nice addition to the Holland Village neighbourhood. The cafe offers a selection of salads, sandwiches, pastas and drinks.

281 Holland Avenue #01-01
Mon to Fri: 10am – 2am
Sat & Sun: 8.30am – 2am
Nearest Station: Holland Village

PENNY UNIVERSITY

402 East Coast Road
Tel: +65 6345 9055
Tue to Thu: 8.30am – 6pm
Fri & Sat: 8.30am – 12 midnight
Sun: 8.30am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Eunos/Kembangan

PERCOLATE COFFEE

A great addition to the Bedok neighbourhood, Percolate Coffee is well-designed, chic and serves good coffee. Predominantly brown, the café sits about 20 people, with small wooden tables and chairs, and a simple vase of Baby’s Breath on every table. Nothing overly pretentious or chi-chi, just a space for you to unwind over a cuppa and light music.

There is a small selection of cakes like Red Velvet, Lemon Raspberry and Salted Caramel, while coffee beans are from Papa Palheta and Nylon Coffee Roasters, so you can take your pick on your Whites and Capps.

Percolate Coffee is also listed in our guide to Cafes in Singapore’s Residential Neighbourhoods.

136 Bedok North Avenue 3 #01-152B
Tel: +65 8259 0316
Mon: 10.30am – 9.30pm
Wed to Fri: 10.30am – 9.30pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Bedok

PLAIN VANILLA

Plain Vanilla Bakery has been gaining a legion of followers and it is easy to see why. Freshly baked good old-fashioned cupcakes – with flavours like cinnamon brown sugar, chocolate hazelnut, red velvet and milk chocolate chip. Simple joy like these always tugs the heart strings. Its newest cafe along Yong Siak Street has a small communal table where you can sit around to have a cupcake and drinks.

Plain Vanilla is also listed in our guide to Tiong Bahru.

1D Yong Siak Street
Tue to Fri: 11am – 8pm
Sat: 9am – 8pm
Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

PIQUE NIQUE

Pique Nique by Chef Pang Kok Keong is located at the basement of Takashimaya and serves favourite American comfort food like mac & cheese (S$12 – S$16), hot dogs (S$8.5 – S$11), burgers (S$10 – S$13), all day breakfast (S$7.5 – S$13.5), and desserts (S$4 – S$8).

#B1-01 Takashimaya Shopping Centre
Ngee Ann City Tower A
391A Orchard Road
Tel: +65 6238 6705
Daily: 10am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

PS CAFE

Known for its chic and elegant ambiance – PS Cafe is the place to be seen. Other than the two branches at Dempsey and Palais Renaissance, they have recently opened a new cafe at Ann Siang Hill. PS Cafe may not have the best food, but regulars go back again and again for the ambience.

28B Harding Road
Tanglin Village (Dempsey Road) Singapore
Tel: +65 6479 3343
Nearest Station: Orchard

45 Ann Siang Road
#02-02 Singapore
Tel: +65 6222 3143
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

RABBIT CARROT GUN

With a tongue-in-cheek name like Rabbit Carrot Gun, it is hard not to do a double take when we passed this watering hole along East Coast Road. Like its name suggests, Rabbit Carrot Gun does not take things too seriously. The menu is full of quirky dishes that fortunately turned out fairly well.

49 East Coast Road
Tel: +65 6348 8568
Tue to Sun: 8am – 12 Midnight
Nearest Station: Eunos

REVOLUTION COFFEE

For people who work in the Buona Vista area, Revolution Coffee at Portsdown is worth checking out for lunch. Look forward to handcrafted speciality coffee, all day breakfast, freshly baked goods and casual cafe food like sandwiches and pastas.

21 Media Circle, #01-03A
Off Portsdown Road
Mon to Fri: 8am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 6pm
Tel: +65 6777 2110
Nearest Station: Buona Vista

RIDERS CAFE

One of the most popular brunch spots in Singapore, Riders Cafe at Bukit Timah Saddle Club needs no introduction. It is wonderful place to escape to if you want a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

51 Fairways Drive
Bukit Timah Saddle Club
Tel: +65 6466 9819
Sun to Thu: 8am – 9pm
Fri & Sat: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens

ROKEBY CAFE

15-9 Jalan Riang
Tel: +65 9106 0437
Tue to Sun: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon

RONIN

17 Hong Kong Street
Daily: 8am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

SELFISH GENE CAFE

While cafes are sprouting out everywhere these days – most with predictable and mediocre brunch, Selfish Gene Cafe at Craig Road stands out for their consistency in delivering good comfort food.

40 Craig Road
Tel: +65 6423 1324
Mon to Fri: 10am – 5.30pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

SARNIES CAFE

136 Telok Ayer Street
Tel: +65 6224 6091
Nearest Station: Raffles Place/Telok Ayer

SHROVE TUESDAY

Shrove Tuesday is a cafe that offers waffles, pastries and ice cream in the Toa Payoh neighbourhood. If you ever find yourself in the area, drop by and treat yourself to a waffle (S$5) with a scoop of ice cream.

#01-32, 94 Toa Payoh Lorong 4
Tel: +65 6258 2254
Sun to Thu: 10am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bradell

SPRMRKT

SPRMRKT prides itself on redefining your local supermarket experience. It is a space where food, retail and art mingle together. You can enjoy a cosy meal at the bistro while shopping for daily necessities and random gifts.

The food is simple and unpretentious. There are two menus at SPRMRKT. The all-day breakfast menu dishes out the usual favourites such as Eggs Benedict ($14) and Breakfast Croissant ($7) everyday.

2 McCallum Street
Tel: +65 6221 2105
Mon to Fri: 8am – 9pm
Sat: 9am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

SPRUCE

One of the most popular brunch spots in Singapore is Spruce at Phoenix Park. If you are going there on weekends, make sure you call to get a table in advance.

320 Tanglin Road
Phoenix Park Singapore
Tel: +65 6836 5528
Nearest Station: Orchard/Red Hill

STATELAND CAFE

Located on Bali Lane, Stateland Cafe has been making a name for itself for serving waffles with different flavours. Served with a scoop of ice cream, and topped with homemade cream cheese glaze, the Red Velvet Waffle (S$14.90) indeed lived up to its name. Other flavours include Black Forest, S’mores, and Toffee Nut.

Stateland Cafe is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s best waffles.

30 Bali Lane
Tel: +65 9296 4997
Mon, Wed & Thu: 12pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 12midnight
Sun: 11am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

SUNDAY MARKET

Located on Lim Tua Tow Road, Sunday Market serves a small but concise menu including toasts, pastas, duck dishes, salad and waffles — most dishes are reasonably-priced below S$15.. The coffee was sadly run-of-the-mill, but we will come back again for the Savoury Pancakes with Roasted Duck and Garlic Hoisin (S$12.90) and the excellent Sirloin Rendang Toast (S$15.90).

Sunday Market is also listed in our guide to Cafes in Singapore’s Residential Neighbourhoods.

22 Lim Tua Tow Road
Mon to Fri: 1am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon

SYMMETRY CAFE

Symmetry is beautiful in a rustic sort of way. The brick walls and dim lights lend a cosy feel to it, making it perfect for a simple and casual meal.

On weekdays, Symmetry does decent pastas for lunch; our favourite being the Penne ($22) which comes with a delicious truffle-tinged cream sauce and a heaping amount of mushrooms and rocket leaves. Dinner is a more sophisticated affair, with mains such as Beef Short Ribs and a whole Baby Barramundi.

9 Jalan Kubor #01-01
Tel: +65 62919 901
Tue to Thu: 11am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 12 midnight
Sun: 11am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Lavender/Bugis

TART BLANC

Tart Blanc at Millenia Walk specialises in tarts. Best sellers include Banana Chocolate Silk Tart (S$7) and Blood Orange Matcha Tart (S$7.50). We also love the Raspberry Praline Tart (S$7.50) and Blueberry Lavender Chocolate Tart (S$7.50). If you love tarts, this quaint cafe deserves your support.

Millenia Walk #01-102
9 Raffles Boulevard
Tel: +65 6238 6893
Nearest Station: City Hall/Promenade

TIONG BAHRU BAKERY

Tiong Bahru Bakery, opened in collaboration with celebrity baker, Gontran Cherrier, needs no introduction. It is one of the hottest places in town, and you can find a huge variety of bread and pastries.

56 Eng Hoon Street
#01-70 Singapore 160056
Tel: +65 6220 3430
Daily: 8am – 8pm (closed on Tue)

252 North Bridge Road
#B1-11/12 Raffles City Shopping Centre
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 6333 4160
Daily: 9am – 10pm

TO-GATHER CAFE

Tucked away in a cosy corner of the Bedok North area, To-gather café, which is named after the concept of the old children’s song, “The More We Get Together”, evokes a homey vibe – inspirational quotes and poems line almost every wall of the café, which includes a feature wall plastered with post-its containing notes, confessions and more quotes written by its customers.

While we didn’t get to try its mains, its desserts – warm chocolate lava cake and chocolate brownie – hit the sweet spot after our dinner. With prices ranging from $7.90 for pasta dishes to $3.90 for desserts, we say the place is pretty affordable.

Blk 84 Bedok North Street 4, #01-25/27
Tel: +65 6445 1011
Tue to Thu, & Sun: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Nearest stations: Tanah Merah or Bedok

TOLIDO’S ESPRESSO NOOK

For those who frequent Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodles, you might have noticed Tolido’s Espresso Nook – a casual and laid-back cafe that serves coffee and simple comfort food like pastas, sandwiches and all-day breakfast.

It has a value-for-money lunch hour menu (from 12pm to 2.30pm) that features dishes like Bacon Mushroom Aglio Olio, Triple Cheese Baked Penne, and its signature Rosti with smoked bratwurst.

Tolido’s Espresso Nook is also listed in our guide to Cafes in Singapore’s Residential Neighbourhoods.

Block 462 Crawford Lane #01-63
Tel: +65 6648 0178
Tue to Thu: 9.30am – 7pm
Fri & Sat: 9.30am – 10pm
Sun: 9am – 6.30pm
Nearest Station: Lavender

THE LOKAL CAFE

136 Neil Road
Tel: +65 6423 9918
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Outram

THE TASTEMAKER STORE

The Tastemaker Store is like a mix of new and old. Sitting within the old estate of Bukit Ho Swee, it is a clean space that is well-utilised and furnished with a very understated flare. Long lamps and potted plants hanging from the ceiling spell the character of the cafe, and light retro tracks fill the lovely space with a comforting touch of the 70s.

The Tastemaker Store is also listed in our guide to Cafes in Singapore’s Residential Neighbourhoods.

Block 22 Havelock Road #01-705
Daily: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

THE TINY ROASTER

The Tiny Roaster reminds us of Omotesando Koffee and Nylon Coffee Roaster – small, humble and homely. It has just opened two months ago in a tiny outlet on the ground level of a HDB in the West Coast neighbourhood.

Besides supplying coffee beans, coffee equipment and related merchandise, The Tiny Roaster also serves a selection of black brews, ice cold brews, or white brews in its coffee studio.

The Tiny Roaster is a welcome addition for folks who are staying in the West of Singapore. We will definitely be dropping by regularly when we need our caffeine fix.

The Tiny Roaster is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s best coffee shops.

612 Clementi West Street 1, #01-288
Tue to Sat: 11am – 8pm
Sun: 11am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Clementi

TIAN KEE & CO.

Tian Kee & Co is nestled within the old estate of Dakota, and its rural setting exudes an old charm that is so rare in the present Singapore. When we first drove past the unassuming block of low-rise flats, we saw a lovely sight – simple but traditional-looking monochrome signboard, wooden high table and seats, and ceiling fans. We knew we were going to like this retro concept.

Tian Kee & Co. is also listed in our guide to Cafes in Singapore’s Residential Neighbourhoods.

12 Dakota Crescent #01-48
Tue to Sun: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Mountbatten

THE BRAVERY

Other than the slightly uncomfortable furniture, The Bravery has all the factors that we look out for in a cafe. There is free wifi for those who are working on the go. The baristas make exceptional coffee, in particular, the lavender latte (S$5.50) is something that we will order every time. Also, the food offering – which is somewhat similar to The Plain’s menu – is uncomplicated and affordable.

For those who want to do some reading, there is a small selection of good magazines. Parking is not expensive and relatively easy, with ample parking lots in the area.

66 Horne Road
Daily (except Tue): 8am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Lavender

THE BOOK CAFE

The Book Cafe is not a place that is known for food. Neither does it serve exceptional coffee. What sets them apart, however, is their cosy and relaxing atmosphere. It is a great chill-out place where you can sit down, have a cup of coffee, read a book, and watch the world go by.

20 Martin Road
Tel: +65 6887 5430
Sun to Thu: 8.30am – 10.30pm
Fri & Sat: 8.30am – 12 midnight

THE COASTAL SETTLEMENT

Many of my friends are big fans of The Coastal Settlement (TCS). Some of them like it because of the lovely atmosphere, while others love it because it is a hidden gem in the east of Singapore.

This is a destination to dine in comfort and to simply forget about everything – Sentimental oldies loop softly in the background, crystal chandeliers hang from the low ceiling and cast warm light against the wooden furniture, scents of fresh roast and bakes fill the air…

200 Netheravon Road
(Near Changi Village)
Tel: +65 6475 0200
Tuesday to Sunday: 10.30am – 12pm

THE COFFEE DAILY

The Coffee Daily has quite a few good things going for it: the cafe serves a pretty good cup of coffee; the staff are always friendly, genuine and welcoming; it is a cosy place with free wifi to revise for your exams, or to catch up with friends.

75 Brighton Crescent
Tel: +65 6284 8894
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 10.30pm
Fri: 12pm – 11.30pm
Sat: 9.30am – 11.30pm
Sun: 9.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon

THE FABULOUS BAKER BOY

Located at The Foothills (directly opposite Liang Court), The Fabulous Baker Boy is a lovely place to spend the afternoon. We like that it is not too crowded during weekday dinners as not many people know about them because of its semi-secluded location.

On its menu, you can find main courses like prawn fettuccine ($18), lamb shank ($24), pastrami sandwich ($10.50). And of course, this being a bakery cafe, there’s no way you can leave without trying the cakes. The Ab Fab Red Velvet Cake is one of the best we’ve had in Singapore.

The Foothills #01-15
70 River Valley Road, Singapore 179037
Tel: +65 6694 8336
Daily: 12 noon – 11pm

THE PLAINS

The Plains, located on Craig Road, is a Melbourne-style cafe where you can go with friends to have perfectly poached eggs and a cup of good coffee.

50 Craig Road
#01-01 Singapore
Tel: +65 6225 4387

THE PROVISION SHOP

The latest addition to the Unlisted Collection Group, The Provision Shop is a new venture by Cocotte’s head chef, the group’s general manager, and operations manager, with hotelier Loh Lik Peng taking a consulting role.

It is a casual eatery which dishes out simple yet delicious meals at affordable prices. Some dishes that are worth trying are Reuben sandwich (S$10), eggs Benedict (S$10), and the homemade pastas (S$14 – S$16). Remember to save room for desserts, too. We love the blueberry lemon cake (S$6.50)!

Block 3 Everton Park #01-79
Tel: +65 6225 9931
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 9pm
Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Outram

THE PROVIDORE

#02-05, Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Road
Tel: +65 6732 1565
Daily: 09:00 – 23:00
Nearest Station: Somerset

THE ORANGE THIMBLE

Located just beside Tiong Bahru Bakery, The Orange Thimble is a space where art meets cafe. It is a place where you can grab an espresso and meet like-minded people and talk about anything under the sun.

The food at The Orange Thimble, however, isn’t exceptional. In fact, I wouldn’t come here just for the food. But I like the place. It has a nice vibe, I can definitely see myself coming back to chill out with a group of friends over coffee.

56 Eng Hoon Street #01-68
Tel: +65 6223 8068
Tue to Sun: 11am – 9pm

TOBY’S ESTATE

The food at Toby’s Estate is nothing special. However, I can see myself returning for the good coffee – in fact I have been here a few times for my caffeine fix – and if you are working or living in the area, I am sure that it will become your new to-go coffee place.

8 Rodyk Street
#01-03/04 Singapore
Tel: +65 6636 7629
Daily: 7.30am – 6pm

6 Scotts Road
Level 3 Scotts Square
Tel: +65 6636 1816
Mon to Fri: 9am – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 10.30pm

WIMBLY LU

Wimbly Lu Chocolate Cafe is a dessert place located in the residential area at Jalan Riang. Part of Wimbly Lu’s charm is that from the moment you walk in, it strikes you as a quaint, whimsical kind of place. It is ideal for whiling away a few hours with friends.

15-2 Jalan Riang
Tel: +65 6289 1489
Tue to Fri: 12pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 11pm

WHEELER’S YARD

28 Lor Ampas
(Off Balestier Road)
Tel: +65 6254 9128
Tue to Sat: 11am – 8pm
Sun: 10am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Toa Payoh/Novena

WINDOWSILL IN THE WOODS

A cosy cafe at Jalan Besar that focuses on pies and only pies. No cakes, no cupcakes, only sweet pies. Strawberry lemon pie, S’mores pie. Windowsill in the woods also has a savoury food menu which features dishes like pasta, pork patty burger, kongba bao, griilled cheese sandwich.

Tue to Thu: 11am – 9.30pm
Fri: 11am – 10.30pm
Sat: 10am – 10.30pm
Sun: 10am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Lavender

WOODSHED

204 Rangoon Road
Tel: +65 6299 4308
Tue to Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri: 11am – 11.30pm
Sat: 9am – 11.30pm
Sun: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

W39 BISTRO & BAKERY

Folks staying in the west will be very happy to know about W39 Bistro & Bakery, located on Jalan Mas Puteh off West Coast Road. On weekends, they serve a hearty breakfast at very pocket-friendly prices. Egg lovers will go for the Hearty Breakfast (S$13.50) and Eggs Benedict (S$9). Other options on the menu include Braised Pork Cheek (S$13), Wagyu Burger (S$20) with fries), and Nyonya Mee Siam (S$9.50).

39 Jalan Mas Puteh
Off West Coast Road
Tel: +65 9646 5372
Tue to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 9am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Clementi

YAHAVA KOFFEE

4 Jalan Gelenggang
(Upper Thomson Road)
Tel: +65 6554 7080
Nearest Station: Marymount

YELLOW CUP COFFEE

Central Square #01-09
20 Havelock Road
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 6.30pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 5pm
Nearest Station: CLarke Quay

If you fancy a nice cocktail or martini after a long day of work, there are Bars in Singapore that have good deals during Happy Hours. There are also plenty of options if you want to find a nice chill out place for a pint of cold icy beer with some finger food to enjoy the weekend with your friends.

Here’s a guide to the Happy Hours at some of the Bars & Drinking Places in Singapore:

Barpazza

The 1-for-1 Pasta/Pizza promotion at Barpazza is not available anymore. In place of that, they have two new dining promotions from 5pm to 10pm daily: Selection of 1 pizza + 2 Pints of Hoegaarden Draft at $32.90, or any 2 Pastas + 2 Half Pint at $36.90. Happy hour is from 5pm to 8pm, with bottles of San Miguel, Hoegaarden, and Stella Artois at $6 per bottle (u.p: $11-13)

25 Church Street #01-02
Capital Square
Tel: +65 6536 0572

Bedrock Bar & Grill *New*

The sister restaurant of Oriole Cafe, Bedrock Bar & Grill has a Happy Hour Promotion from Mon to Thu 5-7pm: free flow mini steak burger with purchase of Belvedere or Strathisla beverages.

96 Somerset Road #01-05
Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Singapore
Tel: +65 6238 0054

Five Izakaya Bar

I only came to know about Five Izakaya Bar after my friend tweeted about the cheap drinks and Japanese finger food that she had there. $5 specials on Asahi Draught, Red & White Wines, Sake, Shochu, Choya and, all house pour spirits – sounds like a terrific deal! Has anyone been there before?

16 Collyer Quay #01-05B Hitachi Tower Singapore
Tel: +65 6536 8955

Gusttimo di Roma

Gusttimo di Roma is first and foremost an ice cream place at Ion Orchard, sitting at the opposite end to Sephora Singapore. While they may not have the best service, Gusttimo’s Happy Hour house pours are priced at $6 per drink from 6pm to 9pm, and there’s also 1-for-1 beer all night long.

2 Orchard Road #01-17 ION Orchard Singapore
Tel: +65 6509 9380

KPO Cafe Bar

The Happy Hours at KPO Cafe Bar is from 12noon to 8pm daily. Promotions include house pour of Gin, Vodka, Brandy at $7-8 per drink, wine house pour at $7 (u.p: $12), and bottled beers at $8 (u.p: $13).

1 Killiney road
Killney Post Office
Tel: 6733 3648

No. 5 Emerald Hill Cocktail Bar

Ice Cold Beer, Que Pasa, and No. 5 Cocktail bar at Emerald Hill, are some of the popular bars in Singapore, where friends hang out over drinks and pub grub.

Are you a fan of martinis? No. 5 Emerald Hill Cocktail Bar has 1-for-1 Martini for just $16 from 9pm to 1am. Beers + Martinis + Best Chicken Wings = Happy Me

5 Emerald Hill Road Singapore
Tel: +65 6732 0818

Orgo Rooftop Bar

“Best rooftop bar in Singapore”

My friends who frequented Orgo at Esplanade told me that. Happy Hour is till 8pm daily, and includes Wine house pours at $10/glass, and a selection of beers (Asahi Super Dry, Erdinger White, Guiness Draught Surger) from $8-10.

1 Esplanade Drive #04-01,
Roof Terrace Esplanade
Theatres on the Bay Singapore
Tel: +65 6336 9366

Prel.ude @ Boathouse Fullerton

Prelude is an open-air rooftop bar on the Boathouse at Fullerton. While their Happy Hours 1-for-1 beer promotion from Monday to Thursday 7pm to 8pm is only an hour, the bar has a fantastic view overlooking the whole Marina Bay area. A great chill out place if your office is in the Central Business District.

3 Fullerton Road #04-01 Singapore
Tel: +65 6538 9038

Sol Tasca

A hidden enclave under the Esplanade bridge where Merlion now resides, Sal Tasca is one of the newest Spanish Tapas Bars in Singapore. They have the longest happy hour in Singapore, from 9am to 7pm – 1 for 1 on all house pour spirits, Sangria, Wine & Beer.

3 Fullerton Road # 01-04
The Fullerton WaterBoatHouse

Salta Argentina Restaurant

With a claim as the first Argentine Restaurant in Singapore, it’s difficult not to notice Salta at Icon Village. Now, I have no idea what is Argentinian cuisine, but Salta has a pretty attractive 1-for-1 beers & house pours during Happy Hour from 4pm to 8pm (Monday to Friday).

12 Gopeng Street #01-56/57 ICON Village Singapore
Tel: +65 6225 8443

Southbridge Jazz @ 7atenine

The Cocktail Frenzy promotion caught my attention when I was having dinner at the re-branded Southbridge Jazz @ 7atenine. 7 Cocktails at $77++, this is the perfect idea for a nights out. Otherwise, they also have a selection of drinks on promotion: 2 for the price of 1 from 5pm to 8pm daily.

8 Raffles Avenue
#01-10/12 Esplanade Mall
Tel: +65 6338 0789

Standing Sushi Bar

Standing Sushi Bar at OUB Centre has opened two new branches at Marina Bay Link Mall & 8Q Queen Street in quick succession. To celebrate the opening of the two new locations, SSB is running happy hour promotion: $20 free flow Asahi draft beer from 5pm to 7 pm (Monday to Friday).

8A Marina Boulevard
#B2-51 Marina Bay Link Mall
Tel: +65 6634 7068

8 Queen Street
Unit 01-03
Tel: +65 6333 1335

Stereolounge

1 for 1 house pours during Happy hours from Monday to Friday is 5pm – 11pm, and Saturday from 9pm to Midnight.

Pan Pacific Hotel
7 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square
Tel: +65 6337 0800

Tab Singapore

At Tab Singapore, they have a promotion of free flow steak sandwiches & fries during Happy hours from Mon to Fri 5pm – 8pm for all paying customers. This deal is rather similar to Morton’s Steakhouse, but who cares? Yay to free flow steak sandwiches!

Other promotions include: 1 for 1 cocktail for ladies from 8pm to closing every night, and a student special: Tab Burger and 1 house pour for just $12.75++.

442 Orchard Road #02-29
Orchard Hotel Singapore
Tel: +65 6493 6952

* * *

Do share with us some of the bars in Singapore that you always hang out at, and if you know of any drinking places that have good deals during happy hours.

“Shall we go and have the best Har Cheong Gai in Singapore?”

When I saw this conversation between my friends on twitter, I knew that I must try the best chicken wings in Singapore that they were talking about. We even created a blackberry group nicknamed: har cheong gai to discuss and plan for our assault at No. 5 Emerald Hill Cocktail Bar for their famous chicken wings which are marinated with shrimp paste.

‘Food Blogger conned to No. 5 Emerald Hill with the lure of best chicken wings in Singapore.’ After praising the chicken wings to the sky, my friend was a little worried about my expectations of it, and teased me with this headline.

When the waiter brought the basket of chicken wings ($17 for 6) to our table, my brain was whispering to the stomach: you know what, this better be good!

“Dear god, or whoever that is listening, please, please let the No. 5 Emerald Hill’s chicken wings be the best prawn paste chicken in Singapore.” I prayed. I took one by the side, and placed it carefully into my mouth. At that point, I did not care whether or not the wings would burn my tongue and make me go oww. As sadistic as it might sound, I’d probably remember the har cheong kai better if it burnt me.

Anyway, No 5 Emerald Hill’s Har Cheong Kai was extremely crispy. It wasn’t oily, nor was it too dry. The wings were great as finger food, the perfect snack to wash down with a jug of cold icy beer. While they were excellent as chicken wings, one would probably not classify them as Har Cheong Kai since the prawn paste flavor wasn’t strong enough.

While the pizza wasn’t outstanding, it was not too bad for pub grub. Thin-crust, light and not too filling: the excuse for you to eat again after dinner.

The fish from the “Fish and chips” was disappointing. The saving grace was the fries, which quickly filled our stomach.

“Why does the beef stew tastes like salmon?” This was one of the funniest comments made when we were at No. 5 Emerald Hill. It actually tasted like a normal beef stew to me. Nothing fanciful, something warm and hearty to go along with the bread.

* * *

No. 5 Emerald Hill Cocktail Bar has a 1-for-1 Martini for just $16 (from 9pm to 1am), which is a very good deal. Martini plus chicken wings after a long day at work? Sounds like a plan to me.

Edited (I forgot to include this para): I had a shock when I first stepped into No. 5 Emerald Bar. Everyone was throwing empty peanut shells on the floor. If you want to litter in Singapore without getting fine, No. 5 Emerald Bar is probably the place to go! Even though it was a little awkward initially, the place soon unleashed the monster in me. It felt so liberating to throw empty peanut shells onto the floor!

Do you have any recommendations of any good pubs/bars in Singapore to chill out?

// The Emerald Hill restaurants and pubs are located directly opposite 313 @ Somerset and Orchard Central.

Restaurant Bar Review
No. 5 Emerald Hill Cocktail Bar
5 Emerald Hill Road Singapore
Tel: +65 6732 0818