Established in 2012, The Market Grill along Telok Ayer Street offers a menu of classic meat and seafood including signature flown-in live Boston Lobsters and seasonal cuts of steak.

What you can expect from The Market Grill by Unlisted Collection is hearty and delicious meat and seafood that are grilled to perfection by executive chef Kenneth Lin.

A pioneer to introduce lobster rolls in Singapore, The Market Grill dishes out a solid lobster roll. 500g of lobster are stuffed into a toasted brioche roll that is lightly coated with herbed mayonnaise. To complete the dish, the magnificent roll is paired with a side of crunchy green salad and thick golden fries.

This is one of the best lobster rolls that you can get in Singapore.

Other than their signature lobster roll, The Market Grill also offers fantastic whole lobsters, burgers and steaks.

You can enjoy the live Boston Lobsters in three different styles—steamed, char-grilled or Thermidor. The whole lobster is accompanied with garlic butter sauce, greens and mashed potatoes.

There are various steak cuts available on the menu including USDA Prime Striploin (S$68), Rangers Valley Ribeye (S$88) and Blackmore Wagyu Karubi (S$58) and each steak comes with onion confit, and mashed potato.

The steaks are seasoned with salt and pepper and superbly grilled on the ‘Woodstone’ charbroiler. It comes with Chimichurri or Béarnaise sauce, but there is really no need for any sauce when the steak is good on its own.

The dishes at The Market Grill are simple yet perfectly executed and super comforting. It is a place which will never disappoint you and you can always be assured of a great meal.

The Market Grill
208 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068642
Tel: +65 6221 3323

The Bravery—one of the more popular Muslim-owned cafes in Singapore—is moving from its current location in Lavender to a new space in the Central Business District near Telok Ayer Street and Amoy Street.

The coffee shop is best known for its hearty brunch fare and excellent coffee. On the menu, you can expect brunch dishes including Bagel Set, Brave Omelette as well as our favourite Pancakes Stack with banana slices and cream cheese.

We are particularly fond of their signature Lavender Latte which boasts a really nice fragrance with a creamy finish. The cappuccino and cold brew are also consistently good.

The Bravery is currently waiting for SFA inspection this week and they should be ready to open their doors soon.

Few things in life are as mind-blowing as Wagyu beef. Better yet, thick juicy slices of perfectly seared, smoky and tender Wagyu on a bed of sauced up Japanese rice, a healthy amount of pickles and an onsen egg for good measure—yes, we’re talking about Wagyu donburi.

Beef bowls are a mainstay at many Japanese restaurants, but what goes into a bowl and how every component is treated varies across the board. We particularly enjoyed the version at Waa Cow! due to its simplicity and its emphasis on flame-torching their Wagyu prior to plating.

If you’re ever planning on indulging on something as rich and luxurious as a Wagyu bowl, we urge you not to waste your calories (and money), head on down to Waa Cow! for one heck of a memorable meal.

You can’t go wrong with their Mentaiko Wagyu Beef Bowl (S$21.90) that comprises a bed of Akitakomachi rice that is topped with 24-hour sous vide Wagyu beef smeared with creamy mentaiko and a tender onsen egg.

Every component was spot on from the beef right down to the pickles served at the side. To say the least, this was easily one of the best beef bowls we’ve ever had.

At its price, the Yuzu Foie Gras Wagyu Beef Bowl (S$25.90) is a far better bargain than many that we have tried before that either cost more than double the price or just tasted underwhelming overall.

Comfortably nestled atop a bowl of fluffy Japanese rice sits a generous layer of charred, smoky slices of succulent beef, a sizeable portion of foie gras and of course, the obligatory runny onsen egg to bind it all together and to give it an additional layer of richness. The light sprinkling of yuzu peel over the foie gras does well to provide a citrusy appeal and nicely cuts through the intense fattiness.

Seafood lovers are sure to enjoy the Mentaiko Salmon Don (S$18.90), a delicious plate made with sashimi-grade salmon that is cooked medium-rare and topped with mentaiko, shoyu and a heaping mound of tobiko (flying fish roe).

Waa Cow!
5 Straits View, #01-09 Marina One
The Heart West Tower,
Singapore 018935
Tel: +65 9851 1552
(Closed on Saturdays & Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Downtown

The CBD area, despite being crowded and hectic during lunchtime, is well known for having a plethora of great eats ranging from the cheap to the exorbitant to feed the hungry office crowd.

Let’s face it, you’re strapped for time, money and the workday isn’t shaping up to be as great as you had hoped. You need a pick-me-up and one that’s quick tastes incredible and won’t take a toll on your wallet. That’s where Chunky Crabs comes in.

Newly-opened Chunky Crabs is the brainchild of the same folks who brought you Chunky Lobsters. The concept here is pretty much the same, with the only key difference being that Chunky Crabs serves, well, crabs. But don’t worry, you’ll be able to find their lobster rolls at both their outlets at The Cathay and Oxley Tower.

You would expect a crab roll made with such high-quality meat to be exorbitantly overpriced. However, you’d be surprised to know that Chunky Crabs sells pretty wallet-friendly crab rolls that are great for those of you who are craving for anything crab related but are on a budget.

All the rolls here are meticulously made with love and utmost precision. They use only the freshest ingredients so you can be assured that you’ll be getting the best quality crab rolls out there.

They pride themselves on using only the best and the freshest crabs that are sourced from the waters of the Western English Channel and they even go as far to hand-peel every single crab themselves.

Here at Chunky Crabs, they only serve three kinds of crab rolls at an affordable S$16 each: Chunky’s Butter, Chunky’s Chilli and Chunky’s Aioli. 

Each roll is generously stuffed to the brim with a copious amount of sweet, fleshy crab meat that is encased in a soft, evenly-toasted brioche bun. We can imagine how heavenly this combination alone tastes like; the sauces are just additional enhancements that serve to elevate the flavour of the crabs tender, sweet flesh even further.

Every serving of crab roll comes with a side of their crisp, golden brown Cassava Chips, which adds a nice crunch to the overall meal and a nice barbecue element as well. if you’re addicted to their chips (we know we are), you can order the à la carte version of it for just S$1.50.

CHUNKY’S AIOLI

If you’re hankering after something with a Mediterranean touch, Chunky’s Aioli is the crab roll for you. The roll is served cold and consists of crab that is garnished with mayo, chopped celery, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper and a dash of zesty lemon juice for that extra tanginess.

Chunky’s Aioli had a more refreshing feel to it as compared to the other rolls as it was served cold, making it great for people who prefer something that is lighter on the palate.

CHUNKY’S BUTTER 

If you’d rather go for the real-deal taste of natural crab meat, then you should opt for Chunky’s Butter. Simple, as it literally comprises crab meat tossed in butter, this roll is the best choice to really get the purest flavour.

The crab meat in this roll is coated in a generous but not too overwhelming amount of melted butter that provides a rich, savoury touch that really complemented the sweet flavours of the crab meat.

CHUNKY’S CHILLI 

For all our chilli crab fans out there, you would be delighted to know that they have their own rendition of our favourite classic local dish.

Chunky’s Chilli features a soft, toasted roll that is adorned with a lavish amount of fleshy crab and drenched in a sinfully potent chilli sauce that is sweet, savoury and spicy all in one. It’s all right if you have a low tolerance for heat because the spiciness is really quite manageable and tends to lean more towards the sweeter side.

MAKE IT A SET 

Wash down your meal with a nice, cold drink. All you need to do is opt for Set A and top up an additional S$0.90 for a cup of your choice of drink.

If you’re feeling a little more peckish, you can have Set B instead and top up S$3.90 to get both a drink as well as a bowl of their thick, hearty crab bisque. We recommend dunking your crab rolls into the soup. You won’t regret it, we promise.

LOBSTER ROLLS 

We also sampled some of their famous lobster rolls that will be available at their sister brand, Chunky Lobsters, which is located at The Cathay and Oxley Tower.

At Chunky Lobsters, they will be serving their three signature flavours of lobster rolls at also an affordable S$16 each: Chunky’s Original, Chunky’s Connecticut and Chunky’s Cheezy. Don’t forget their lobster bisque, too.

DRINKS GALORE 

There is just something oh-so-satisfying about pairing a scrumptious crab roll with an icy cool bottle of beer. Chunky Crabs knows what’s up, so they have an array of beers for you to choose from for you to complete your meal.

Beer lovers will also rejoice over how cheap each bottle is—only S$6! That’s even more reason to crack open a cold one while you savour your crab roll, even if it’s in the middle of the day.

Some of the beer varieties available are the light and refreshing Estrella, the fruity Magners Apple Cider as well as refreshing Bavaria.

All-in-all, Chunky Crabs has won our hearts and we know that both crab aficionados and foodies alike will enjoy the affordable, chunky yet funky crab rolls here. So the next time you’re craving anything crab-related, you should definitely give Chunky Crabs a try.

Chunky Crabs
51 Telok Ayer Street
#01-06A, China Square
Singapore 048441
Mon to Sat: 11am – 10.30pm
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer & Raffles Place

This post is brought to you by Chunky Crabs

Determined to serve customers hearty Thai dishes just the way they should be but in a modern setting, OchaFresh Thai is a no-frills Thai eatery that dishes out healthy Thai food without the use of MSG.

This 10-week-old establishment features a cosy yet modern dining experience, serving quality Thai cuisine at affordable prices.

We managed to speak to the owner of the restaurant before he went home to fulfil his daddy duties and realised that their restaurant caters mainly to the lunch crowds as it was located right smack in the CBD area—which explains why there wasn’t a single soul when we arrived at dinner time.

He went on to explain that they do not believe in taking shortcuts, which is why their food takes longer to prepare so be prepared to wait a good 15 minutes before your food arrives as everything is prepared from scratch. Their menu boasts a modest selection of Thai favourites as well as healthy rice bowls, of which all do not contain any MSG.

First up on our table was the Grilled Chicken And Basil Rice Bowl (S$10.50++), which came with grilled chicken stir-fried with holy basil and long beans that sits atop a bowl of healthy whole grain rice.

We could tell that the chicken was flame-grilled due to the robust smoky aroma but it was a tad too dry for our liking. However, the minty basil and long beans tossed in chilli padi added a punch to the dish, which definitely made up for it.

You can also choose to add on an appetiser for just S$3 and we got ourselves the classic Papaya Salad. It came with a decent amount of thinly sliced papaya, carrots and long beans, which adds a crunchy bite to the dish.

However, we found the salad to be pretty bland, which was rather disappointing.

For those who can’t take spice but still want to have a go at an authentic Thai curry, try their Magic Masaman (S$12++), which features a non-spicy curry that comes with tender chunks of slow-cooked beef, potatoes and peanuts.

The smell of curry instantly filled the air as it was being served to us, arousing our appetite. The tender beef was pull-apart-tender and the addition of crunchy peanuts added a textural dimension to the dish.

Ocha Fresh Thai
182 Cecil Street, #02-16/17
Frasers Tower Tanjong Pagar
Singapore 069547
Tel: +65 63043292
Mon to Fri: 10am – 8pm
Closed on Saturdays & Sundays
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Replacing the now defunct Jimoto-Ya along Pickering Street is Mister Wu, a casual dining eatery serving up Chinese far with a modern twist.

The concept behind the shop is simple staple food with little platters to share with colleagues and friends, with old-school Chinese and Cantonese music adding to the easy-going vibe of the place.

Catering to the lunch and dinner crowd with a specific menu to both, Mister Wu serves up la mian and rice bowls at affordable prices.

The main dishes start at just S$8, and with an additional S$4 you can get a lunch set inclusive of a side dish and tea.

We ordered Mr Su’s Braised Pork Rice (S$8), Revenge on Marco Polo (S$8) and Mahjong La Mian (S$8), along with a side of Fried Ping Pong Wanton (S$3 a la carte) and Brown Butter Oolong (S$3 a la carte).

We were told that the teas at Mister Wu are their own special blend, offering tea cocktails and tea ice creams made from the same blend.

The Brown Butter Oolong had a very subtle and light taste to it and was just perfect for cleansing our palate between each dish.

The Revenge of Marco Polo is a truffle mushroom dry la mian. The smell of truffles greeted us before we saw the dish, and piled at the side of the noodles were a mix of Enoki and Shimeji mushrooms, crunchy greens and a soft-yolk egg.

The Mahjong La Mian, on the other hand, had much stronger flavours. The spicy sesame sauce gave the creamy noodles a nice kick, while the shredded chicken and sliced cucumber helped to combat the heat and add texture to the bowl. Though the noodles were nice, we found the chicken a tad bit too dry.

Mr Su’s Braised Pork Rice is essentially a bowl of rice with braised pork on the side, with the same greens and egg as the previous two dishes. The braised pork was a good mix of fat and lean mean—not too dry, not too fatty, and just melts in your mouth.

The braising sauce was also rich, which accent the flavour of the pork. Though the rice had a bit of sauce on it, we did wish that the pork and rice were not served separately, as that would have allowed the sauce to soak into the rice more.

For just S$12, Mister Wu offers value-for-money meals in the CBD and is a place that would have you returning after trying their lunch menu to see what’s different in their dinner menu.

As they’ve only opened for about 2 weeks, Mister Wu is still currently undergoing their soft launch. Their full menu with pictures will be available from the 18th of this month onwards.

Mister Wu
3 Pickering Street, #01-44/45
China Square Central
Singapore 048660
Tel: +65 6781 3833
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm to 10pm
(Closed on Sundays & PH)
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Red Holic is where lovers of Korean food can settle in for some of the tastiest tteokbokki around. Helmed by the same folks behind Super Star K, this cosy joint boasts a myriad of home-style Korean stews, dumplings and other tasty delights that go well with beer or soju.

Red Holic specialises in comforting Korean food in the likes of classic tteokbokki, ramyeon and Korean street snacks. While their menu is pretty selective, this Korean eatery does make for a nice pit stop for a quick snack on the go or for your friends and yourself to retire to over drinks after a hard day’s work.

Kick start your meal with one of Red Holic’s Giant Mandus (Korean dumplings). Red Holic serves a selective variety of this classic Korean street snack at a relatively affordable price per piece.

We opted for the Giant Kimchi Mandu (S$1.80++ per piece) and each piece came steaming hot and stuffed with generous amounts of kimchi, minced pork and glass noodles.

While the variety of textures, flavours and tongue-tingling heat surprised us in some way, we would have much preferred if it was less dry.

If you are tired of drooling over the Jjajangmyeon you often see in Korean dramas, hop over to Red Holic and order up a portion of Jjajang Tteokbokki that will satisfy any of such cravings.

The Crispy Chicken Jjajang Tteokbokki (S$27.80++) comes with Korean ramyeon noodles, quail eggs, 2 pieces of fried mandu, tteokbokki and pieces of diced up chicken thighs that are deep-fried to a nice golden brown.

The Jjajang sauce was mildly sweet and savoury with a slight spicy kick to it, which we felt went pleasantly well with the tteokbokki and ramyeon. The fried chicken arrives tender on the inside and crisp on the outside but we suggest you finish them up quickly before they turn soggy.

If you’re a fan of spicy food, don’t beat around the bush and head straight for the Red Holic Tteokbokki which comes with a broth that is equally as sweet as the Jjajang sauce, but with a fiery element that will impress.

The Red Holic Beef Brisket Tteokbokki (S$28.80++) can feed 2 to 3 people nicely given its size. Similar to the Crispy Chicken Jjajang Ttekbokki, this dish gives you the best of both worlds as it comprises both ramyeon as well as their signature Tteokbokki. Carbs aside, this dish will fill you up with the beef brisket, fried mandu as well as glass noodles too!

Tanjong Pagar may be home to plenty of Korean restaurants—this area is known to be Singapore’s ‘Little Korea’ after all—but what makes Red Holic stand out is their exceptional tteokbokki which are undeniably one of the best that we tried.

And while Red Holic’s menu is rather limited, they definitely deliver when it comes to quality. Should you wish to indulge in inexpensive and hearty Korean fare that is not overly pretentious, Red Holic is a great place to consider.

Red Holic
88 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088509
Tel: +65 6224 1064
Daily: 11.30am – 2am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Located at South Bridge Road, Un-Yang-Kor-Dai is one of the few restaurants in Singapore that specialises in Authentic Issan cuisine. Issan cuisines are usually spicier and sourer, making it a very appetising dining experience.

This place gives off a modern and chill vibe, with soft lighting, wooden furniture, and upbeat music that makes one feel at home.

Un-Yang-Kor-Dai’s dishes definitely brings you an authentic Thai experience and if you are into hot and fiery food, this is definitely the place for you.

The first dish that came up was the Tom Kha Chicken (S$14.50++), which looked really spicy and appetising. We ordered the soup with coconut milk because it gives this rich and creamy texture, which makes the soup more flavourful.

True to what it looks, the soup was tangy and bursting with flavours—filled with lots of ingredients like chicken, tomato and mushrooms that makes the whole dish complete.

Next came a refreshing dish that helped wash down the spiciness of the tom yum soup. We are not really fans of salad but this Papaya Salad With Salted Egg (S$10.50++) definitely won us over. The papaya salad was zesty, spicy and refreshing—combined with the peanuts and salted egg gives this crunchy and flavourful experience.

Up next was their Massaman Curry With Chicken (S$16.50++) was topped with peanuts and also sweet potato, which surprisingly complimented the whole dish. Masaman doesn’t pack as much heat as other curries, so if you are into something less spicy, this is the dish for you.

Marinated with cinnamon and star anise, the shredded chicken was tender and flavoursome, and the taste of the whole dish was really sweet and satisfying.

Saving the best for the last, one of the best pork necks we had was served on our table. We love their Grilled Pork Neck (S$12.90++) because the fat to meat ratio was 1:1, making it the golden ratio which allows you to taste the tenderness and juiciness of the meat. Dipped in the special sauce that was spicy and savoury, we devoured the dish within minutes.

As this restaurant is located in the CBD area, prices of the food might be a little bit pricey but fret not, for those who are looking for a more wallet-friendly option, they also have set lunches that comes with complimentary tom yum soup on weekdays at only S$15++.

Un-Yang-Kor-Dai
57 South Bridge Road, #01-02
Singapore 058688
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

If there is one thing in the world which Singaporeans will always be loyal to, that would be the amazing creation that is food. Though we often struggle with balancing our wish to save some money and the desire to savour a sumptuous meal, we hate to admit it; the latter usually wins.

In Singapore, we are fortunate that there are tons of fantastic brunch spots around the country. And most of the time, we would settle on a cafe in the CBD for convenience sake.

To assist you in your brunch journey, we have sussed out 35 Brunch Spots In Singapore’s CBD to start your day right. They range from light brunch menus to slightly more indulgent ones so do read on to discover which brunch spot you have to try next!

Photo Credit: 6oz Espresso Bar

6OZ ESPRESSO BAR

Nothing gets our engine running better than a fine cup of coffee and freshly baked pastry. With various branches around the CBD, 6oz Espresso Bar is a sleek and contemporary cafe that serves up fragrant coffee alongside crispy and buttery croissants.

6oz Espresso Bar
20 McCallum Street, #01-K1,
Singapore 069046
Tel: +65 6509 6602
Mon to Fri: 7am – 5.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: 63 Espresso

63 ESPRESSO

A cafe brought to you by the successful coffee program at 63Celsius, 63 Espresso brews rich coffees from beans roasted by Antipodean coffee roaster Allpress Espresso. Pick up some of their interesting creations such as the Chilli Mocha and Chilli Chocolate.

63 Espresso 
12 Marina View, #01-03,
Singapore 018961
Tel: +65 6100 6363
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Downtown

CAKE SPADE

For those working in the Tanjong Pagar area, how about starting your day right with a slice of fluffy and freshly baked cake? Bringing to you daily cakes, warm baked desserts coupled with gourmet coffee and tea, Cake Spade is a one-stop dessert store that will definitely light up your day.

Cake Spade
83 Tanjong Pagar Road,
Singapore 088504
Tel: +65 6444 3868
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 9.30pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: Chong Wen Ge Cafe

CHONG WEN GE CAFE

Chong Wen Ge Cafe is a hidden gem that is located right next to the Thian Hock Keng Chinese temple. This Peranakan-style cafe seeks to ensure that culture and heritage are imbued in every aspect of their menu and cafe setting.

Albeit a different type of brunch setting most would be used to, this is a unique brunch experience that would be worth the time.

Chong Wen Ge Cafe
168 Telok Ayer Street,
Singapore 068619
Tel: +65 9129 1625
Daily: 11am – 5.30pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

CLUB MEATBALLS

A vibrant open restaurant with a cocktail and wine bar, Club Meatballs would be a great place to grab some brunch in the Chinatown area.

From Monday to Friday, pick up some Eggs Benedict (S$14.50) or get creative with their Club House DIY Breakfast. If not, we’d say that their Club Signature Breakfast (S$17.50) sounds pretty good too.

Club Meatballs
20 Cross Street, #01-34/35/36 China Square Central,
Singapore 048422
Tel: +65 6222 8660
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 12am
Sat: 10am – 12am
Nearest Station: Chinatown/Telok Ayer

DAPPER COFFEE

Aside from bringing to you the popular Unicorn Tears, Dapper Coffee is a swanky coffeehouse along Amoy Street which is recognised for its outstanding coffees. They too, have an all-day grub menu that is suitable for those searching for brunch options in the CBD. This includes the Dapper Granola (S$8), Green & Lean (S$16) and #Gains ($16).

Dapper Coffee
73 Amoy Street, Level 2,
Singapore 069892
Tel: +65 8742 8908
Mon to Fri: 8am – 5pm 
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

DEAN & DELUCA

Dean & DeLuca—New York food institution—is more than just an upscale grocery shop; it is also one of our favourite cafes which offers gourmet food and a wide range of pastries and coffee.

Dean & Deluca
47 Pekin Street, #01-01
Singapore 048777
Tel: +65 6536 2460
Mon to Fri: 7am – 8pm
Sat: 7am – 5pm
Sun: 7am – 12pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer / Raffles Place

Photo Credit: Doutor Coffee

DOUTOR COFFEE

With history tracing all the way back to 1980 in Harajuku, Japan, Doutor Coffee has more than 1200 outlets worldwide today.

After 11am, diners can enjoy Doutor Coffee’s Ham & Cheese Waffles (S$8.80), Shrimp & Avocado Waffles (S$8.80) and Smoked Salmon Waffles (S$8.80). Not filling enough? Opt for the Hayashi Baked Rice (S$9.90) and Japanese Curry Baked Rice (S$9.90) which is also available after11am instead. 

Doutor Coffee
12 Marina Boulevard
#01-05 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3
Singapore 018982
Tel: +65 6604 6082
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 9.30pm
Sat & Sun: 8.30am – 4.30pm
Nearest Station: Downtown

DRURY LANE

A perennial favourite of ours, Drury Lane is a quaint and inviting cafe that is perfect for a quiet and intimate brunch over the weekends. Some brunch items that you can expect include Savoury French Toasts and Smoked Salmon Baked Eggs.

Drury Lane
94 Tanjong Pagar Road,
Singapore 088515
Tel: +65 6222 6698
Mon, Wed to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 6pm
Tue: Closed
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: Free The Robot

FREE THE ROBOT

How could we ever say no to brunch in a cute robot-themed cafe? Free The Robot is a cosy cafe which will remind diners of an old-school industrial setting and their all-day brunch menu is just as enticing.

Diners can anticipate the Free the Robot Burger (S$12) and Avocado Pesto Toastie (S$8).

Free The Robot
118 Telok Ayer Street,
Singapore 068587
Tel: +65 6438 1836
Tue to Fri: 8.30am – 4.30pm
Sat: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Mon & Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Photo Credit: Gemmills

GEMMILLS

Brought to you by the folks behind Mediterranean restaurant Maggie Joan’s, Gemmills is a hidden cafe located in an alleyway off Gemmill Lane that you need to drop by for brunch.

Comfort food and great coffee await and coffee enthusiasts may be keen on knowing that the cafe now offers Allpress Espresso.

Gemmills
110 Amoy Street, #01-02,
Singapore 068579
Tel: +65 9390 3825
Mon to Thu: 10am – 10pm
Fri: 10am – 11pm
Sat: 4pm – 11am
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

GRAIN TRADERS

Instead of going for a typical Aussie-style brunch, it will definitely be a refreshing and rewarding experience to eat clean and healthy once in a while. At Grain Traders, you can build your very own bowl of goodness for S$16 which includes 1 grain, 1 protein, 2 vegetables, 1 side and 1 topping.

Grain Traders
138 Market Street
#01-01 CapitaGreen
Singapore 048946
Mon to Fri: 8am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

GROUP THERAPY

Find yourself some fresh, hearty and appetising brunch at Group Therapy, a quaint cafe situated on the second storey of a restored shophouse along Duxton Road.

Group Therapy’s menu has all-day breakfast items that range from pasta, stew, soups and pies. This includes the Sesame Bagel & Scrambled Eggs (S$16), Poached Eggs (S$16) and Skinny Eggs Ben (S$17).

Group Therapy
49 Duxton Road, #02-01,
Singapore 089513
Tel: +65 6222 2554
Tue to Thu: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: Japan Rail Cafe

JAPAN RAIL CAFE

A travel-themed cafe managed by the Singapore Office of East Japan Railway Company, the main mission of Japan Rail Cafe is to foster a space and community for people who love Japan.

For brunch, you can enjoy the Twin Flavoured Crispy Chicken Don, Kaisen Avocado Don and of course, The Ultimate A.B.C Hamburger.

Japan Rail Cafe
5 Wallich Street, #01-20 Tanjong Pagar Centre,
Singapore 078883
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

JEWEL COFFEE

Jewel Coffee is widely known for being one of Singapore’s best coffee joints because of its quality brews but if you thought that coffee is all you can get there, then that is where you are wrong. The cafe also has a simple food menu where you can get salads, pastas and burgers.  

Jewel Coffee
1 Shenton Way, #01-07,
Singapore 068803
Tel: +65 6636 9452
Mon to Fri: 7am – 7pm
Sat: 8am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Downtown

Photo Credit: Kitchen By Food Rebel

KITCHEN BY FOOD REBEL

At Kitchen By Food Rebel, dig into their rendition of healthy, real food that is just as imaginative, delightful and tasty. This includes the Zoodle Bolognese (S$18), The Rebel Chicken Burger (S$21) and The Rebel Pie (S$18). Absolutely delish!

Kitchen By Food Rebel
28 Stanley Street,
Singapore 068737
Tel: +65 6224 7088
Mon to Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat: 9am – 3pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

LUNAR COFFEE BREWERS

Lunar Coffee Brewers—a cafe behind the team at Atlas Coffeehouse and Columbus Coffee— is a charming minimalist cafe at Downtown Gallery that would be a marvellous place for brunch.

During your visit, you can consider trying the Lu Rou Belly Don (S$14.50). Otherwise, the Hot Cappuccino (S$4.50) and Milky Wave Soft Serve (S$5.90) will hit the spot.

Lunar Coffee Brewers
6 Shenton Way, #01-49 Downtown Gallery,
Singapore 068815
Tel: +65 6224 4500
Mon to Fri: 8am – 7pm
Sat: 9am – 3pm
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: My Awesome Cafe

MY AWESOME CAFE

A dining concept by a group of entrepreneurial friends from different backgrounds and countries of origin, My Awesome Cafe is a popular cosy cafe which aims to be a second home for all its diners.

Not only is their food nourishing, this cafe has taken steps to ensure that their food is also fun. They serve up a brilliant Bacon Platter (S$25), Perigourdine Salad (S$21) and Smoked Salmon, Avocado and Mesclun (S$14).

My Awesome Cafe
202 Telok Ayer,
Singapore 068639
Tel: +65 6222 2007
Daily: 9am – 12am
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Photo Credit: Ninja Bowl

NINJA BOWL

At Ninja Bowl—a dining concept owned and operated by The Astronauts Group—get your hands on their Japanese-inspired dishes that will have you crooning over how gorgeous they look.

Brunch is ongoing throughout the day and this includes dishes such as the Mentaiko Scrambled (S$19), Steak & Udon (S$22) and Ebisu (S$18). Alternatively, you can try their Ninja Bowls which includes the Noka (S$14), Kamo (S$18) and Torinosu (S$18).

Ninja Bowl
15 Duxton Road,
Singapore 089481
Tel: +65 6222 8055
Mon to Fri: 9.30am – 9.30pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park / Tanjong Pagar

PANTLER

Fancy a light brunch and sweet desserts?

Situated along Telok Ayer Street, Pantler is well-received for its top-notch pastries, cakes, coffees and service. Baked goods that you can look forward to include the Almond Croissant (S$4), Chaussons aux Pommes (S$4.50) and Fig Tart (S$6.80).

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Pantler
198 Telok Ayer Street,
Singapore 068637
Tel: +65 6221 6223
Mon to Fri: 8.30am – 7.30pm
Sat: 10.30am – 5.30pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer / Downtown

Photo Credit: PatisserieG

PATISSERIEG

A bakery cafe which serves up a spectacular range of platters, galettes, burgers, sandwiches and more, PatisserieG’s brunch menu is available from Mondays through Fridays at their Downtown Gallery outlet.

Brunch items include Ham & Cheese Croissant (S$6), G Breakfast Platter (S$16.90) and Corned Beef (S$13).

PatisserieG
6A Shenton Way
#01-30 Downtown Gallery
Singapore 068815
Tel: +65 6222 0390
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 7pm
Sat: 11.30am – 3pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar / Downtown

PS CAFE

Arguably one of the cafes that Singaporeans usually flock to for a stellar brunch, PS. Cafe has been charming its diners with its tantalising food and warm cafe atmosphere since 1999.

A hidden gem in the midst of two traditional heritage shophouses, PS. Cafe’s Ann Siang Hill outlet has a wonderful brunch spread which includes the PS. Fluffy Pancakes, the PS. Classic Benedict and Crab Tart.

PS. Cafe 
45 Ann Siang Road, #02-02,
Singapore 069719
Tel: +65 9797 0648
Mon to Wed: 11.30am – 11pm
Thu: 11.30am – 12am
Fri: 11.30am – 1am
Sat: 9.30am – 1am
Sun: 9.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Photo Credit: Royz Et Vous

ROYZ ET VOUS

A halal-certified French restaurant, Royz et Vous exudes a cosy and warm ambience that goes in harmony with their speciality coffee and western delights.

For brunch, dig into the Eggs Benedict (S$18.90), Salmon Slide (S$24.90) or Beef Asparagus (S$21.90). Either way, be prepared to feast like a king!

Royz et Vous
137 Telok Ayer Street, #01-01,
Singapore 068602
Tel: +65 6293 0270
Mon to Thu: 11am – 4pm, 5pm – 10pm
Fri: 11am – 4pm, 5pm – 11pm
Sat: 12pm – 4pm, 5pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 4pm, 5pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

SARNIES

Dishing out freshly prepared gourmet sandwiches, soups, salads and homemade bakery goods, Sarnies is the cafe to visit for satisfying brunch.

Their weekday lunch menu runs from 11am to 3pm and comprises sandwiches such as the Chicken Schnitzel (S$14.80), Kurobuta Ham (S$15.80) and Grass Fed Steak (S$16.80). Over the weekend, Sarnies has an all-day breakfast menu which features dishes such as the Eggs Benedict (S$21) and Breakfast Burger (S$19).

Sarnies
136 Telok Ayer Street,
Singapore 068601
Mon & Tue: 7.30am – 10.30pm
Wed to Fri: 7.30am – 12am
Sat & Sun: 8.30am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Photo Credit: Segafredo Zanetti Espresso

SEGAFREDO ZANETTI ESPRESSO

A cafe cum bar originating from Bologna, Italy, Segafredo Zanetti Espresso is where you should visit for quality Italian coffee accompanied by a good range of classic Italian fare.

During your visit, consider ordering the Aglio E Olio (S$15), Alla Marinara (S$19) and Campagnola (S$17).

Segafredo Zanetti Espresso
51 Telok Ayer, #01-06 China Square Food Market,
Singapore 048441
Tel: +65 6222 6629
Mon to Fri: 7am – 9.30pm
Sat: 10am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Photo Credit: Blog Snatch

SOCKS & PANS

Throw all stereotypes out of the window because Socks & Pans is going to blow your mind with their pairing of traditional full-bodied local kopi with homemade pizza and pasta.

Unique creations that you can tuck into include the Asian Pulled Pork pizza (S$29 for a large 13″ pizza) and the Hebi Hiam pizza (S$29 for a large 13″ pizza). Otherwise, the Mac & Cheese (S$9.90) is a must-try.

Socks & Pans
&7 Tanjong Pagar Plaza, #01-108,
Singapore 081007
Tel: +65 6536 3310
Mon to Thu: 11am – 9pm
Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

SPRMRKT

Started with a goal to inspire daily life, SPRMRKT at McCallum Street is where you can embrace retail, art and good food in a single space.

Albeit their ever-changing menu, some brunch staples on SPRMRKT’s All Day Breakfast menu include the SPRMRKT Breakfast (S$30), Classic Eggs Benedict (S$16) and Avocado On Toast (S$13). Do note that this menu is available daily from 8am to 7.30pm.

SPRMKRT
2 McCallum Street,
Singapore 069043
Tel: +65 6221 2105
Mon to Fri: 8am – 9.30pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Downtown

THE AUTOBUS

Themed-cafes just have this certain charm and if you and your dining partner are fans of the outdoors, head on down to The Autobus, a bicycle-themed cafe where you can find healthy salad bowls, good coffee and tea.

If you are intending to visit during the weekdays for brunch, treat yourself to nutritious rice bowls ranging from S$12 to S$16. Otherwise, the weekend brunch menu has options such as the Full Breakfast (S$18), Eggs Ben (S$11) and Wagyu Burger (S$24).

The Autobus
6A Shenton Way, #01-01 Downtown Gallery,
Singapore 068815
Tel: +65 6909 3406
Mon to Fri: 8am – 9pm
Sat: 7am – 3pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

THE DARK GALLERY

If you do not mind forgoing savoury dishes for lunch, an ideal place to fuel your desire for sweet nothings is The Dark Gallery at Millenia Walk. Originating from Malaysia, there is a nice array of chocolate desserts you can indulge in.

We would recommend the Ice Cream Waffle (S$14) that comes with 2 ice cream flavours of your choice and the hot Signature Chocolate (S$7) for a complete meal.

The Dark Gallery
9 Raffles Boulevard, #01-K5 Millenia Walk,
Singapore 039596
Tel: +65 6255 0368
Daily: 11am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Promenade

THE LOKAL

Craving some Aussie brunch? Head down to The LoKal, a cafe cum restaurant cum bar that is the brainchild of Australian Chef Darren Farr. Their brunch menu is available until 3.30pm on a daily basis and features splendid dishes that includes Buttermilk Pancakes (weekdays only) and French Toast (weekends only).

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The LoKal
136 Neil Road,
Singapore 088865
Tel: +65 6423 9918
Mon & Tue: 8am – 4pm
Wed to Fri: 8am – 10pm
Sat: 9am – 10pm
Sun: 9am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park / Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: The Marmalade Pantry

THE MARMALADE PANTRY

A modern bistro which presents comfort food made from the freshest ingredients, The Marmalade Pantry never fails to stun its regulars with their wonderful array of dishes.

Brunch at The Marmalade Pantry is only available on weekends and public holidays until 6pm and some of their highlights include the Classic Benedict (S$18), Smoked Salmon Hash (S$22) and French Toast (S$18).

The Marmalade Pantry
100 Peck Siah Street
#01-01 Oasia Hotel Downtown
Singapore 079333
Tel: +65 6385 0741
Mon to Sun: 6.30am – 10.30am, 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

THE POPULUS COFFEE & FOOD CO

Begin your day on the right note (and with the right coffee and food) at The Populus Coffee & Food Co., a cosy and Instagram-worthy cafe located along Neil Road.

All-day brunch items that you should try include the Avocado Superfood Green Platter (S$20), Spring Pancake & Fried Chicken (S$21) and the Buckwheat Pancakes (S$19.50).

The Populus Coffee & Food Co.
146 Neil Road,
Singapore 088875
Tel: +65 6635 8420
Mon: 9am – 7pm
Tue: 9am – 4pm
Wed to Fri: 9am – 10.30pm
Sat: 9.30am – 10.30pm
Sun: 9.30am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park / Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: The Providore

THE PROVIDORE

The latest outlet of The Providore lands at OUE Downtown Gallery is one stunning dining establishment you need to check out.

Their breakfast menu is served from 8am – 10.30am on weekdays and 9am – 6pm on weekends and public holidays. This includes items such as the Eggs Benedict (S$19.50), Ricotta Pancakes (S$17.50) and Breakfast Board (S$23.50).

The Providore
6A Shenton Way, #B1-07 Downtown Gallery,
Singapore 068815
Tel: +65 6431 7600
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 10.30pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

URBAN FAIRWAYS

As the only boutique golf club, cafe and bar in the city, Urban Fairways serves up a mean breakfast from dawn till after dark. Their menu draws influence from international diners and you can have some satisfying legendary arabica coffee from Sarnies too!

Some items on their all-day breakfast menu include the Breakfast Set (S$13), Avo Good Day (S$11) and Aussie Golfer (S$5).

Urban Fairways
168 Robinson Road, #01-07,
Singapore 068912
Tel: +65 6327 8045
Mon to Fri: 8am – 11pm
Sat: 2pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Downtown / Tanjong Pagar

Photo Credit: Workspace Espresso

WORKSPACE ESPRESSO

The Workspace Espresso in Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3 is a place where you can get some respite from the atrocities of working life. Their single origin, seasonal signature roast matches their Asian and Middle Eastern fusion dishes flawlessly.

Grain bowls you can look forward to are the Builders Gain and Bellow Awesome!

Workspace Espresso
12 Marina Boulevard
#01-08 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3
Singapore 018982
Tel: +65 6538 0848
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Downtown

For more recommendations, read our guide on 32 Best Brunch Spots in Singapore.

For folks like us who will always be down for seafood in a heartbeat, The Pelican at One Fullerton is a top-of-mind restaurant whenever we crave quality, reasonable price point and ambience all in one.

For those of you hankering for a tipple post-work, The Pelican also has killer happy hour 1-for-1 deals. Offering diners a gorgeous view of the Marina Bay skyline, The Pelican is a dining spot we have always loved over the years.

A place that sees a frequent gathering of cocktail lovers, seafood aficionados, and hopeless romantics, the restaurant boasts both an indoor and al fresco dining area.

Regulars to The Pelican will know that seafood is the focus here. Most of their seafood and ingredients are from sustainable sources—a daunting feat yet one that highlights the responsible and committed nature of the restaurant’s team. However, not many people know that The Pelican also offers an array of incredible steaks and burgers on the menu.

And on top of these all, the all-new Upper Deck is an intimate event space that can cater to up to 20 persons—suitable for private parties, big-group gatherings and luncheons.

From now until May 2018, quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy a complimentary bottle of Italian Sparkling (Piccini, Vino Spumante, Brut Prosecco, Col Dorato and Rose Brut Prosecco) when you dine in a group of minimum 4 pax.

THE PELICAN GRILLED SEAFOOD PLATTER

A dish so visually stunning that we totally wanted it to be our phone’s wallpaper, The Pelican’s stellar Grilled Seafood Platter (S$158++) comprises a whole barramundi, baked oysters, grilled squid, whole baked lobster, grilled corn, and tomatoes.

The individual ingredients were treated simply with minimal fuss to best bring out their natural flavour profiles. The standouts for us, however, were the whole fish and the grilled squid.

Take it from us, their namesake dish is best enjoyed with a friend or two at the al fresco dining area by the river as you soak in the sights and sounds of the Marina Bay Skyline.

THE FRESHEST OYSTERS

Any oyster fanatics here? The Pelican is one place we can always trust for fresh, plump and juicy oysters. There are occasional oyster deals too, so be sure to check with the wait staff on the latest promotion.

GOOD OLD FASHIONED CRAB CAKES

Nothing overly fancy about these Old Fashioned Crab Cakes (S$24), just well-executed balls of sweet crab meat deep-fried to a gorgeous golden hue, accompanied with the housemade tartare sauce for an enhanced flavour.

CHILLI CRAB LINGUINI

The Pelican’s Chilli Crab Linguini (S$32) comes with a generous portion of jumbo crab meat and an unbeatable homemade chilli crab sauce that strongly reminds us of our national dish. The sauce is particularly tangy if you are a fan of strong flavours.

OUR ULTIMATE FAVOURITE – THE SNAPPER PIE

Warm, creamy, crusty and aromatic with subtle nuances from truffle, the Snapper Pie (S$40++) is truly a marvellous dish that also happens to be our favourite on the entire menu. Crack open the glorious puff pastry lid to unveil a beautifully cooked white snapper and tender vegetables in the creamy, truffle-infused sauce.

We’ve had it several times before during previous visits but still, this delightful dish hasn’t gone out of style. The flaky crust is buttery and simply irresistible when eaten together with the luscious sauce.

BEAUTIFUL RIBEYE STEAK

Considered one of the tastiest and most elegantly flavoured cuts of beef due to its ratio between fat and tender meat, the ribeye is our all-time favourite steak cuts and because it is our favourite, our standards as far as ribeyes are concerned are considerably high.

Thankfully, their Ribeye Steak (S$58++) did not disappoint. On the contrary, we were very impressed by how perfectly executed the steak was. Beautifully seared on the outside and perfectly pink in the middle, every mouthful was an explosion of intense beefy flavours.

As if that wasn’t heavenly enough, the steak is complemented with an umami-rich anchovy butter that boasts tremendously deep and rounded flavours.

LOBSTER LOVERS, YOUR “SURF & TURF”

To enjoy the full “Surf & Turf” experience, diners are able to top-up an additional S$58++ to enjoy a whole baked lobster, mixed salad and fries in addition to one of their steakhouse selections—choose from Ribeye Steak, NY Strip Steak, Grilled Pork T Bone or The Pelican Burger.

Without overdoing the lobster, the top layer is charred just enough to achieve a crispy crust while the lobster flesh beneath it is allowed to steam in its juices, resulting in meat that is succulent and tender.

THE BEST LOBSTER BURGER

While the appearance of The Pelican Lobster Burger (S$58++) was nothing much to brag about, it left a huge impression on us. Appealing in its flavours and textures, the unique patty—made entirely out of lobster—was succulent and full of natural sweetness.

However, the real deal here is undoubtedly the bacon. Candied and baked till crispy, the bacon adds a delightful crunch to the burger and a unique savoury-sweet aftertaste.

WHOOPIE PIE FOR THE CHOCO LOVERS

If there was any physical object or food that best epitomises the word ‘decadent’, it would be the restaurant’s highly acclaimed dessert—the Whoopie Pie (S$16++).

Essentially chocolate stuffed in between more chocolate and topped with even more chocolate, this decadent dessert is Miranda Kerr’s worst nightmare and every chocolate lover’s dream come true.

Luscious chocolate ganache is stuffed between two chocolate cakes and the entire thing is topped with flakes of—you guessed it—chocolate. Very sweet, very rich, very sinful, but very satisfying.

DAILY HAPPY HOUR 1-FOR-1 DEALS

If the stresses of your job have got you craving a tipple or possibly ten, then let The Pelican’s daily happy hour 1-for-1 promotion help to take the edge off.

From Mondays to Thursdays, enjoy 1-for-1 deals for beers, spirits, and wines between 12pm to 3pm, 5pm to 9pm, and on Fridays between 12pm to 9pm—that’s 10 full hours of non-stop boozy indulgence!

YOUR NEW EVENT SPACE – THE UPPER DECK

New to restaurant’s interior is their new Upper Deck seating area that features a long communal table intended for semi-private dining.

This is your next new spot to throw a party—be it a hen’s night dinner, a birthday celebration, a small ROM ceremony, a business luncheon or anything fanciful and chichi. You know it’d be a good one when food and drinks are taken care of, and your guests are going to have nothing but wonderful memories of a round of fun, booze and great food.

To book the Upper Deck, a minimum of 10 pax is required and the maximum capacity is 20. There is a minimum spend of S$1,600—before GST and service charge.

Special degustation menus are also available if you are booking the entire upper deck. The prices are as follows:

7-course menu @ S$78++ per pax
9-course menu @ S$128++ per pax
10-course menu @ S$148++ per pax
*the menu is available upon enquiry

EXCLUSIVE PROMOTION

If you are dining in a group of 4 to 6 pax, simply quote ‘ladyironchef’ to enjoy a bottle of Italian Sparkling. Choose from Piccini, Vino Spumante, Brut Prosecco, Col Dorato and Rose Brut Prosecco.

Every diner must order a main course in order to qualify. This is not applicable with The Entertainer and any other promotions.

For The Pelican Deck’s opening hours, please go to www.thepelican.com.sg/contact/

The Pelican
1 Fullerton Road, #01-01
One Fullerton
Singapore 04921
Tel: +65 6438 0400
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11.30pm
Sun: 12pm – 4pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place
Website: www.thepelican.com.sg/contact/

This post was brought to you by The Pelican. 

Filled with chunks of tender sweet lobster meat and coated with a blend of mouthwatering sauces such as mayonnaise in between a soft, top-split brioche bread, there is nothing not to love about lobster rolls. If you are on a hunt for the best lobster rolls in Singapore, you would know that the good ones come with heavy price tags that are not for all to digest.

Chunky Lobsters is a new lobster roll restaurant that has opened its doors at Oxley Tower that aims to make seafood affordable for the mass market. Think lobster rolls served in three ways (Chunky’s Original, Chunky’s Connecticut and Chunky’s Cheezy) —all priced at only S$16 nett per roll!

CHUNKY LOBSTERS CONCEPT

Chunky Lobsters is more of a takeaway counter than an actual dining restaurant as seats are pretty limited and would probably be filled during peak hours, especially when the lunch crowd starts filing in on weekdays.

Instead of dicing the lobster meat up into smaller pieces, which is typically what they do for lobster rolls, the entire hunk of lobster flesh is placed in between hot buttered brioche buns, confirming that what you’re getting is real-deal lobster meat—in addition to the pleasant chew.

CHUNKY’S ORIGINAL

We particularly liked how the grilled buns complemented the creamy mayo, zesty lemon juice and their own homemade herbs and spices sauce—which happens to be Chunky Lobster’s closely-guarded secret.

For those who prefer something simple, Chunky’s Original (S$16) allows you to savour the natural sweetness of the lobsters as the condiments are not overwhelming.

CHUNKY’S CHEEZY

This one is for the cheese lovers. Imagine the same fleshy lobster meat but this time round layered with different types of melted cheeses that flow right through the buttery buns.

Chunky’s Cheezy (S$16) leaves your fingers slippery with aromatic butter and one bite into the lobster roll will have the gooey folds of cheese oozing out at once. We highly recommend having this decadent roll with their Lobster Bisque (S$3.90) for the complete experience.

Chunky Lobsters
138 Robinson Road
#02-03 Oxley Tower
Singapore 068906
Tel: +65 9007 6467
Mon to Fri: 11am – 7.30pm
Sat: 11am – 3.30pm
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Downtown

OUE Downtown Gallery is one of our favourite hangout spots in the heart of town—there are endless dining options—such as The Autobus, Lunar Coffee Brewers and Omotesando Koffee—that leaves us spoilt for choice when we are feeling peckish.

Adding onto the long list of dining options is a relatively new vegan dining concept that has popped up in the mall—HRVST. Pronounced as ‘harvest’, this is one stylish cafe that will catch the fancy of all health and gym junkies.

The kitchen is helmed by a pair of partner chefs, Addis Tan and Dylan who have 20 years of experience working for established F&B names such as Tippling Club, Esquina and Cheek by Jowl.

Located just beside Kilter Avenue (a boutique gym), HRVST aims to redefine your expectations of vegan food—using only the freshest ingredients they can source and turning them into aesthetically pleasing dishes that do not compromise on taste at all.

While HRVST mainly gets their produce from reliable suppliers, they also make use of the edible garden outside the cafe for some of their dishes. Take a walk around the open rooftop garden where you can temporarily escape from the hustle of the city.

A favourite among their diners, the Sourdough with Orange-Glazed Grilled Tofu (S$16++) is a great brunch or lunch option that is appetising and wholesome.

Tuck into the dish and let your taste buds discover the layers of flavours and textures that come from the sourdough, nut spread, soft tofu, broccoli and cauliflower florets that are doused in kelp stock and pickled zucchini ribbons.

For those who are attempting vegan food for the first time, their BKT Barley Risotto (S$16++) will impress you it does replicate the original dish well—in terms of the oily texture (thanks to the garlic and coriander oil) and taste.

We were pleasantly surprised that all the spices of what you would expect from a regular bak kut teh were there sans the meat, of course. Instead, what diners can expect from this dish is diced fried daikon, pink radish, braised nuts and thin dough crisp that will remind you of you tiao.

We had the Matcha Ice Cream (S$8++) which was complemented with a touch of blood orange puree, poached plums and pistachio bits. To be completely frank, we still prefer our normal creamy matcha ice cream but the cafe’s vegan rendition wasn’t too lacklustre either as the ice cream was rich with matcha flavours.

On top of those that we have tried, HRVST’s straightforward menu also includes other dishes such as Pumpkin Fettucine (S$16++), Hay Salt Baked Celeriac (S$18++) and desserts including Caramelised Pineapple Ring (S$8++) and Blackforest Cake (S$8++).

HRVST
6A Shenton Way
#05-01, OUE Downtown Gallery
Singapore 068815
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm to 11pm
Sat: 10am – 3pm
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

Barnacles at Customs House is a popular after-work haunt that offers a medley of gourmet grub as well as a stellar view of the Marina Bay skyline. When the sun begins to set and the lights from the surrounding buildings begin to illuminate the night sky, there truly is nothing grander to marvel at.

Besides the awesome view, here is where diners can indulge in both inventive cocktails and top-notch fare. Choose your poison from an eclectic range of beers from around the world, signature cocktails, and a stunning selection of gin.

Top the experience off with Barnacles’ array of mouthwatering grub that comes either as full-on mains or small plates. Whatever it is you fancy, just know that when it comes to food, Barnacles is not one to skimp on flavour.

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A properly balanced plate, the Parma Ham & Spinach Salad (S$18++) comprised salty and fatty qualities courtesy of the thick slithers of Parma ham, feta cheese and pine nuts as well as bright and subtly sweet notes from the balsamic dressing and dried cranberries.

Essentially an oversized gnocchi, what we loved about the Potato Mochi with Camembert Cheese (S$14++)—besides its chewy texture—was the generous amount of melty camembert cheese that comes oozing out upon each bite.

Crispy on the outside with all that creamy goodness inside, this is hands down one of the best things you could ever put into your gob.

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For a Middle-Eastern-inspired flavour trip, we recommend trying the Hummus with Cucumber and Crostini (S$14++). Served with a crispy crostini instead of the usual pita bread, what really impressed us was the contrast in textures.

Arriving at your table hot, filled with warm spices and a generous drizzle of olive oil, the hummus really makes for a solid starter.

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Conventional fries really need to buck up with Barnacles’ outstanding Burdock Sticks With Sour Cream (S$16++). Perhaps one of the most underrated vegetables around, a burdock is essentially the root taken from the burdock plant and if you are aching to know, it tastes like a cross between an asparagus and an eggplant.

Deep-fried till crispy, the burdock goes beautifully well with the sour cream it comes served with.

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Although nothing that far off compared to the many that we have tried, the Truffle Fries (S$14++) served here does come with a herbed salt that that balances out the heavier parmesan cheese really well.

Barnacles
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