When you hear “IKEA”, your first thought is most probably their famous Swedish meatballs that everyone in Singapore has eaten at least once in their lives. However, with a now increasingly localised menu, IKEA’s restaurant has so much more to offer than just their meatballs.

From the standard Swedish fare to Singaporean classics such as their Chicken Rendang, we’ve narrowed down their extensive menu, highlighting some of our favourite dishes that we think everyone should try at IKEA!

HOTDOG

The perfect snack to munch on while walking through the various halls of IKEA, their S$1.50 Hotdog is wallet-friendly, simple and still super satisfying. Top it off with a generous helping of tangy chilli and mustard and you’re good to go!

CHICKEN WINGS

Another must-get at IKEA and one of the most popular dishes besides the meatballs has got to be the Chicken Wings (S$3 for 2pcs). Incredibly flavourful and juicy, the chicken wings here feature a unique spice blend that probably gives the wings their darker exterior.

MEATBALLS

It really wouldn’t be an IKEA food guide if we excluded their signature Meatballs (S$8.50 for 12pcs). Coming doused in the flavourful and savoury brown sauce and a side of lingonberry jam, these meatballs will definitely live up to expectations. A perfect mouthful is having a bite of the meatball, a bit of mashed potato and a chunk of broccoli.

FRENCH TOAST

While the French Toast (S$5) was nothing to shout about, it’s a pretty decent breakfast option. We feel that the cheese sausage is worth the mention though because it was juicy and oozed cheese when we bit into it. Apart from that, the two slices of fluffy french toasts are accompanied by hash browns, cherry tomatoes and baked beans that make it a filling meal.

CHICKEN RENDANG

For a Swedish establishment, IKEA sure does our local cuisine pretty well. We loved the Chicken Rendang (S$5) which featured a chicken drumstick, green beans, hard-boiled egg and rice. IKEA uses cage-free chicken and the drumstick that was pretty large came doused in lemak rendang sauce. Both the green beans and egg provided additional textures and dimensions to the heat too.

CARROT CAKE

Another of IKEA’s dishes in their local food lineup, this Carrot Cake (S$2.50) may not look impressive, but paired with the savoury chilli that accompanies the tender chunks of carrot cake, it is high up on our list of IKEA’s best dishes. It even has that slight wok-hei that more traditional carrot cakes have, making it quite the surprise.

LOTUS LEAF RICE

Another surprising main dish was the Lotus Leaf Rice (S$6.80) consisting of a generous portion of glutinous rice, lap cheong slices, Chinese mushrooms, salted egg yolk, chestnuts and chicken chunks. The aroma of the lotus leaf permeates the sticky rice impeccably and every bite you take will be filled with that toasty fragrance.

SOY ICE CREAM

Of course, one of the best ways to end off an IKEA meal is to eat their S$0.50 Soy Ice Cream. IKEA had changed the formula, making it soy-based to accommodate a larger audience. What they changed in ingredients didn’t really change the quality, though taste-wise, it definitely resembles an icy tau-huey. For S$0.50, who could complain, though?

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DAIM CAKE

Daim is a quintessential Swedish chocolate bar that is extremely addictive. While you can them at IKEA, the café also has it in cake form. The Daim Almond Chocolate Cake (S$3.50) is an upgraded version of the sweet treat. Layers of crunchy almond brittle, smooth cream and decadent milk chocolate, this is one indulgent dessert you must get when you’re at IKEA.

Working in the heart of Singapore’s CBD can be tough — splurging on overpriced, mediocre lunches is something that every white-collared worker has gradually gotten used to. However, we have got you covered to save you from burning an unnecessary hole in your wallet! 

Nestled within Raffles Place is Republic Plaza, a flourishing office building that has introduced new eateries in their all-encompassing retail enclave serving affordable, delicious lunch fare. These lunch spots at Republic Plaza offer lunch deals under S$15! 

Now, you can dine with your kakis and feast on fantastic nosh as much as you want without fretting about needing to scrimp and save for lunch tomorrow. From healthy salads to traditional local delicacies and even nutritious herbal soups, there is something for everyone at Republic Plaza.

BIG DADDY

Big Daddy is a relatively new kid on the block which offers wholesome, hearty protein bowls.

This is the restaurant to make a beeline for if you are craving a well-balanced lunch consisting of a mixture of delicious fibres, protein, and carbs. Depending on your choice of protein bowls, it will all be generously topped with a variety of sides.

Highlights of their menu include the well-received Grilled Wagyu Beef (S$13.90) and Norwegian Salmon (S$11.90), which are both appetisingly plated with colourful, crunchy sides and runny egg. The beef bowl was our favourite; each beef cube was grilled to perfection to ensure diners taste its utmost smokiness and char.

Accompanying each rice bowl is their specialty dressings, such as the iconic Peri Peri and Mentaiko Sauce.

Big Daddy
9 Raffles Place
#02-04 Republic Plaza
Singapore 048619
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

CEDELE

Diners looking to dine at a crisp, comfortable lunch spot will love Cedele which provides an extensive sweet and savoury menu. Expect nothing less than quality food at reasonable prices here.

For the health conscious, we would recommend their Grilled Beetroot Patty and Avocado Plant-based Sandwich, which is served together with a small bowl of soup (S$11.50).

The Cake Set (S$10) includes both a chunky cake slice and a choice of either Wellness Tea or Hot Organic Black Coffee; we had their iconic Carrot Walnut Cake — each thick layer was coated with cream cheese and studded with dozens of walnuts, leaving us hankering for more of their sweet treats.

Cedele
9 Raffles Place
#01-08 Republic Plaza
Singapore 048619
Tel: +65 6974 6201
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

HEYBO

Hitting the CBD area is a popular eatery, Heybo, touting a “feel good fast food” concept. Churning out build-your-own grain bowls, each meal is prepared within a couple of minutes and is chock full of nutrients, flavour and ingredients.

The Kampong Table (S$9.90) is one of their most popular items on the menu. Served with mixed grains and grilled lemongrass chicken, this is a bowl that will surely remind you of the good ol’ days hanging out at the kampong with your pals.

Fish lovers can also opt for their Mighty Mekong (S$9.90) that is served with baked chilli dory. Those who also prefer something a little more traditional will like their Spice Trade (S$9.90), which is served with cauliflower rice and lentils, falafels, fried eggplants and murukku crackers.

Heybo
9 Raffles Place
#01-04/05 Republic Plaza
Singapore 048619
Tel: +65 6974 6209
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

KNEAD TO EAT

Offering sumptuous, humongous portions of sandwiches and toasts, Knead To Eat serves grab-and-go meals for diners on a short lunch break.

Now, you do not need to skimp on lunch! Take a short walk down to the basement, grab your desired sandwich of the day, and munch on a hearty takeaway meal in the office.

We would recommend trying their Wholesome Chicken Avo (S$9.90); the multigrain sandwich is lightly toasted and charred, while their chicken slices were thick and succulent. Chunkily filled with a variety of greens, the bread was also huge in portion and kept us full for the rest of the day!

Knead To Eat 
9 Raffles Place
#B1-14 Republic Plaza
Singapore 048619
Tel: +65 6702 0887
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

KUEH & MEE

Kueh & Mee is a humble eatery serving up traditional Indonesian comfort food, handmade kuehs and local delicacies.

Get a taste of the past with their Asian Delight Set (up to S$7.90)! Indulge in a diverse selection of familiar comfort food including their Signature Mee Siam, Mee Rebus and Indonesian Nasi Uduk, all of which are accompanied by either Kopi or Teh.

A meal is also never complete without desserts! Sticklers for tradition will love the array of sweet treats Kueh & Mee has to offer — nothing hipster or modern, they specialise in old-fashioned Indonesian kueh-kueh and cakes which are all lovingly baked daily to ensure freshness and is sure to stir a sense of nostalgia in you.

Kueh & Mee
9 Raffles Place
#B1-20 Republic Plaza
Singapore 048619
Tel: +65 6226 2516
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

RAMEN HITOYOSHI

Fans of ramen rejoice! Known for being one of the better Tonkotsu ramen chains in Singapore, the prominent noodle restaurant has opened its doors at Republic Plaza and is dedicated to serving the busy office crowd its signature Tonkotsu ramen.

Other than Tonkotsu ramen, they also dish out donburis and sides.

The pork bone broth is tediously prepared to ensure a thick, rich, flavour. It is then garnished with huge chashu pieces and Ajitamago. Spice lovers should definitely try their Spicy Tonkotsu With Ajitamago (S$14.90); chewy noodles sit upon a fiery broth, guaranteed to leave your tongue numb and give “mala” a run for its money.

Those who also prefer the original will love their signature Tonkotsu with Ajitamago (S$13.90), while diners craving for a dish much more familiar and homely can go for their Chashu Chahan (S$11.90), a chashu, egg and rice combination.

Ramen Hitoyoshi 
9 Raffles Place
#02-13/14 Republic Plaza
Singapore 048619
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

SALADSTOP!

Satisfy your cravings with SaladStop yummy nutritional wraps, warm grain bowls and hearty soups! Nothing is better than being able to enjoy a nourishing meal that is not just affordable, but tasty.

The highlight here at SaladStop! is their salads. Each signature salad is topped with a myriad of greens, such as lettuce and mixed grains depending on your choice of salad; you can also create your own wrap or grain bowl.

Fans of fish will love their Tuna San (S$13.80), a wholesome salad plated with freshly seared tuna and avocado. Their Sabai Sabai (S$13.80) and Beyond Me Salad (S$13.80) are other crowd-favourite items on their menu as well.

For drinks, definitely check their smoothies out! We had Get Shrek’d (S$8.00) and Berrylicious (S$8.00), and we absolutely loved the latter. Well-blended with a combination of various berries, the smoothie was refreshing and definitely perked up our day.

SaladStop!
9 Raffles Place
#B1-21 Republic Plaza
Singapore 048619
Tel: +65 6974 4223
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

SIMPLEBURGER.INC

This wallet-friendly burger joint serves up a mouthwatering selection of burgers and toasts. They even have an array of ingredients where diners can choose to customise their own free-flow fillings.

SIMPLEburger.Inc stands out with its tasty burgers and well-grilled thick patties. You can choose to order them a la carte or in a set, which comes with a side of either rosti or fries.

We will go out on a limb to say that the Natural Beef Burger with Fries (S$11) was one of the best burgers we have had in a while; the burger consisted of a succulent meat patty and fluffy toasted buns. Made with a mixture of premium beef cuts, the Natural Beef Patty was unseasoned to let its natural flavours shine, then grilled to a perfect medium doneness.

SIMPLEburger.Inc
9 Raffles Place
#B1-02 Republic Plaza
Singapore 048619
Tel: +65 6285 8839
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

SUKHUMVIT 100

Sukhumvit 100 is a new takeaway kiosk at the basement of Republic Plaza dishing out well-loved Thai favourites.

You can watch the chef behind the wok up close in action as he cooks your food and get a whiff of the aromatic fragrance from the Thai spices used! Every dish on their menu — from their Beef Boat Noodles to the Traditional Phad Thai — is guaranteed to bring you right to the heart of Thailand and allow you to experience their local flavours.

Sukhumvit 100′s Beef Boat Noodles (S$7.90) brings back fond memories of the Thai Boat Noodles that we had in Thailand! Each strand of rice noodle is deliciously soaked in a herbaceous beef broth and has just the right texture of springiness.

Their Crab Meat Fried Rice with XO Sauce (S$11.90) was also a winner for us — huge tender chunks of crab meat mixed with polished white rice and eggs, what’s not to love?

Sukhumvit 100 
9 Raffles Place
#B1-18 Republic Plaza
Singapore 048619
Tel: +65 9485 9909
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

THE HERBAL BAR

The Herbal Bar at Republic Plaza is known for a spread of nutritious dishes and herbal soups that has followed their family for four generations! The soups were originally created by the owner’s mother, a TCM physician of over forty years, who wanted to incorporate Chinese medicinal elements and herbs in her traditional soups. 

The Herbal Bar specialises in serving a comprehensive menu of natural, nutritious dishes that are gluten and MSG-free with less salt, sugar, and oil. They even have homemade Chuan Bei Almond drinks which give you the taste of each Chinese almond nut due to the stone grind that they use!

Try out their signature soups that come in a set: the Chinese Cabbage Fish Maw and Handmade Meatballs Soup with Chicken Stew Meesua Set (S$13.80), and Ginseng Chicken Soup Rice Set with Herbal Tea Egg (S$13.10).

Expect nothing less than strong, wholesome soups that are full of herbaceous, authentic flavour. They also serve sides to complement your meal! We went for their Oriental Salad with Black Fungus and Lotus Roots (S$3.80) and a small platter of Homemade Dumplings (S$4.80). This is the place to go for if you would love to try wholesome Chinese food!

The Herbal Bar  
9 Raffles Place
#B1-22 Republic Plaza
Singapore 048619
Tel: +65 9185 2835
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

UNCLE HO’S CAFE

Feast upon a myriad of authentic Hanoi delicacies at Uncle Ho’s Cafe and experience a sensational culinary journey with their authentic Vietnamese dishes! If you think Vietnamese food is only about pho or banh mi, this rustic cafe will be sure to prove you wrong and leave you impressed with other lesser-known delectables.

The star of the show is none other than their House Special Hanoi Buncha (S$13.90): a sweet, tangy broth consisting of a meaty mixture and pickled vegetables, meant to be eaten soba-style. Throw in the platter of cooked rice vermicelli and vegetables, give the combination a good mix, and you are good to go!

The Banh-Mi (Vietnamese Baguette Sandwich) also deserves mention. It is freshly baked in-house daily in the morning, resulting in a crispy crust and a soft inside with a mouthwatering roasted flavour. The Banh-Mi can be ordered with a variety of meat or vegan fillings (from S$8.90). For salad lovers, the Banana Flower with Chicken Salad (S$12.90) tossed with a special home-made dressing is a must-try.

The other highlight would also be their House Blend Vietnamese Hot Drip Coffee (S$5.80) — made from three different coffee blends and served with a metal filter, you get to savour your cuppa as it slowly blends into a cohesive mixture of both sweet and bitter nuances.

Uncle Ho’s Cafe  
9 Raffles Place
#02-05 Republic Plaza II
Singapore 048619
Tel: +65 9185 2835
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

DIN TAI FUNG

Locals are all familiar with the household name, Din Tai Fung, the famous restaurant known for their legendary Steamed Pork Xiao Long Bao, fried rice and noodles. They have recently opened their latest restaurant at Republic Plaza, and diners around the CBD area can now stop by and relish in the true Taiwanese dining experience!

Every true blue Singaporean has got to sample their signature Steamed Pork Xiao Long Bao, which is available in a basket of five (S$7.30) at the Republic Plaza restaurant. A delicate dumpling with a minimum of 18 exquisite folds, it contains a lean, juicy meat filling wrapped in a silky smooth skin.

Check out their Steamed Yam Xiao Long Bao (5pc/S$7) as well! Featuring a unique flavour, the Premium Thai-imported yam is first mashed, then enveloped in skin and steamed. Do not miss out on their other well-loved classics such as their Fried Rice with Shrimps & Eggs (S$13.80) or Crispy Golden Prawn Pancakes (S$11) either!

Din Tai Fung
9 Raffles Place
#02-08 Republic Plaza II
Singapore 048619
Tel: +65 6226 6988
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

Besides the attractive lunch options, all below S$15, some of the outlets are also open for dinner. So, if you are working late in the area, or too lazy to stop by somewhere for some quality dinner, pop by Republic Plaza to end off the day on a scrumptious note.

This post was brought to you by Republic Plaza.

If you’re on a see-food diet and are always on the hunt for more of that luscious, crustacean meat, then you will be pleased to know Ginger at PARKROYAL on Beach Road is bringing back their famed crab-themed buffet: Crabs Galore!

From now until 9 Jan 2020, expect a stellar line-up of succulent crab dishes. Taking centre stage would be their myriad of seafood specialties, such as the Claypot Crab with Pumpkin Broth and the Singaporean favourite, Singapore Chilli Crab.

Helmed by Executive Chef Vincent Aw, Ginger will also be rolling out innovative creations, such as the drool-worthy Soft-Shelled Crab with specially concocted wasabi mayo and Crab Meat Bee Hoon. Of course, they will be featuring an array of classic local delicacies as well!

These ocean gems are available on both weekends lunch, as well as daily dinner. If you are in for a rollercoaster ride of oceanic flavours, Ginger’s crabby buffet is claw-some for your next seafood hunt.

Quote ‘ladyironchef’ upon making your reservation to enjoy 25% OFF Ginger’s Crabs Galore Buffet from now until 9 Jan 2020 (excluding 9 December 2019 to 1 January 2020).

CRAB SALAD WITH GREEN APPLE AND CAVIAR

We were impressed with the Crab Salad with Green Apple and Caviar; we thought it was a unique twist to the usual salad dishes! Topped with green apple and caviar, the salad was soft and creamy, while the green apple bits were crunchy, giving a nice contrast to the pulpy dish.

The slight sourness of the apple also helped to balance out the dish, so there was no overwhelming seafood-y smell. Big chunks of crab meat would also melt in our mouths, while the caviar added a burst of salty flavour.

SEAFOOD ON ICE

Ginger’s classic Seafood On Ice is one station that everyone loves, with heaps of delectable black mussels, prawns, flower clams and mud crabs that you can eat to your heart’s content.

We appreciated how the mud crab’s shell was already broken, so we could easily pull the meat apart. It was tender and fleshy, and when drizzled with its homemade ginger and vinegar sauce, it had a very tangy, piquant taste. It was a refreshing change from the usual savoury crab dishes.

CLAYPOT CRAB WITH PUMPKIN BROTH

Featuring the star of the show: the Claypot Crab with Pumpkin Broth. Beautifully plated in a claypot with a pumpkin puree, the claypot crab was a standout among the previous crab buffets we have been to. The broth was light on the palate, with a fragrant and rich pumpkin taste.

We enjoyed dipping the crab with the pumpkin dressing; it added an extra sweetness to the meat. This is one dish that you can continuously eat without feeling jelak.

Do note that the crab is only served during weekends, while prawns are used during the weekdays.

STIR-FRIED CRAB IN SALTED EGG SAUCE

Salted egg fanatics, you have to check out the Stir-Fried Crab in Salted Egg Sauce. This dish is different from the other typical salted egg crabs you have eaten before.

The crab is first stir-fried, resulting in a crispy crust, then coated with thick salted egg sauce. The dressing is not overly greasy nor sweet, but instead, rich and creamy and bursting with salted egg yolk flavour.

SOFT-SHELLED CRAB WITH WASABI MAYO

The Soft-Shelled Crab with Wasabi Mayo is yet another impressive creation Ginger has come up with.

The pairing of wasabi with mayo never fails. The kick of spice from the tangy wasabi elevated the sweetness of the mayo—the fire came first, then a slightly sweet, gentle aftertaste.

SINGAPORE CHILLI CRAB WITH DEEP-FRIED MANTOU

Chilli crab is an undying favourite of us locals. This traditional staple is a must-have at every family occasion! Now, you can indulge in the Singapore Chilli Crab as much as you want without feeling the pinch on your pockets.

This dish’s luscious gravy is sweet yet spicy and filled with eggs to give it that thick creaminess. The sauce is a perfect marriage with deep-fried mantous; the bun’s pillowy middle will soak up all that savoury chilli dressing!

CRAB MEAT BEE HOON

The Crab Meat Bee Hoon is one that is worth highlighting too.

Steeped in a claypot full of creamy and robust broth, the bee hoon is generously garnished with big chunks of crab meat. The noodles were flavourful and soft after absorbing all the thick sauce.

SINGAPORE CHILLI CRAB BUN

True to the crabby theme, they have come up with their own unique rendition of dim sum: Singapore Chilli Bun. Think chilli-crab inspired bao! It might look ordinary, but break it apart, and you will find that this soft steamed bao is chock full of ingredients coated in spicy sauce.

GRILLED RIVER PRAWNS WITH SAMBAL BELACHAN

Savour the Grilled River Prawns with Sambal Belachan!

Topped with spicy sambal belachan, this dish is sure to numb your tastebuds. We loved how there was a hint of char on the juicy prawns and the skin was slightly crisp, standing out from the rest of the prawn dishes here.

MISO-GLAZED SALMON WITH SPRING ONION AND BONITO FLAKES

Introducing the Roast of The Day: Miso-glazed Salmon with Spring Onion and Bonito Flakes!

The salmon had different depths of flavours: the aromatic char from its grilled skin and the sweet and savoury miso marinade. The fish was tender with a good bite, while the bonito flakes added hints of smokiness.

NOSTALGIC LOCAL DELICACIES

Take a break from the plethora of seafood dishes and stroll down the aisles – you will find some local delicacies that will definitely remind you of your childhood.

Be your own chef as you visit the DIY Rojak Station and DIY Kueh Pie Tee Station! You can also take your pick between Beef or Chicken Satay and create your own special sauce to go with it. Other homely delights also include the Singapore Laksa and Chicken Rice.

SWEET TREATS WORTH GAINING CALORIES FOR 

A buffet is incomplete without desserts. How about sweetening your meal with Ginger’s petite treats? Here, you can expect a toothsome selection of pastries ranging from cakes, crumbles, assorted nyonya kuehs and ice cream!

We are a sucker for sweet things, so we could not resist trying their Berry Crumble, which was wonderful – the crust was crispy, while the cake fluffy and airy. The berry filling was also nicely balanced with sweet and sour fruity notes. The mousse cakes were yummy as well!

Quote ‘ladyironchef’ upon making your reservation to enjoy 25% OFF Ginger’s Crabs Galore Buffet from now until 9 Jan 2020 (excluding 9 December 2019 to 1 January 2020)

Weekend Lunch: S$58/adult, S$29/child
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 2:30pm

Weekday Dinner: S$58/adult, S$29/child
Mon to Thurs: 6pm – 10pm

Weekend Dinner: S$68/adult, S$34/child
Fri to Sun: 6pm – 10pm

Ginger at PARKROYAL on Beach Road
7500 Beach Rd
Singapore 199591
Tel: +65 6505 5710
Daily: 6am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Nicoll Highway/ Bugis
Instagram @PARKROYALBeachRoad
Facebook.com/PARKROYALBeachRoad
Make your booking here

This post was brought to you by Ginger at PARKROYAL on Beach Road.