Bukit Timah spans over a very large (or rather, long) stretch of road in the west side of Singapore, and is home to a great variety of restaurants and cafes. However, it can be tricky to venture to these eateries; navigating winding roads amidst islands of neighbourhoods without a car is not the easiest mission for those unfamiliar with the area.

Despite its meandering paths and general inaccessibility to public transport users, Bukit Timah is home to a hidden enclave of great cafes including the likes of perennial crowd-favourite, Atlas Coffeehouse, as well as amazing restaurants in the vicinity such as the restaurant-cum-marketplace, Greenwood Fish Market, and classy Italian restaurant, Ristorante da Valentino.

To aid your pilgrimage into the area, here is our guide to Bukit Timah’s Restaurants & Cafes. Clear your schedules, it’s time to satisfy your tummies!

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/AjiyaSG/

AJIYA OKONOMIYAKI RESTAURANT

Craving some okonomiyaki? Not a particularly common sight – especially when we consider one with proper seating – Ajiya is a welcomed addition to the Japanese dining scene in the area.

Perfect as a casual meal or as a family activity, you can opt to either get the staff to grill up your okonomiyaki for you, or try your hand at designing and cooking one yourself!

104 Jalan Jurong Kechil
Singapore 598603
Tel: +65 6463 3461
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 9.30pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Beauty World

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/pg/atlascoffeehouse/

ATLAS COFFEEHOUSE

The sister cafe of the now-defunct Assembly Coffee, Atlas Coffeehouse is located just a few minutes walk away from Botanic Gardens MRT Station. For the best spot, pick a table next to the floor-to-ceiling windows for ample natural light and casual people watching.

Notable dishes you should try include the Butterscotch Banana Pancake (S$18.50) and Creamy Mushrooms On Sourdough (S$12).

6 Duke’s Road
Singapore 268886
Tel: +65 6314 2674
Tue to Sun: 8am – 7pm
(Closed on Mondays)
Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens

BAKER & COOK

When you are here, do pair their aromatic coffee blends with their freshly baked pastries – the Mixed Berry Bun and Lemon Drizzle Cake are fantastic choices. In the event of a heavy crowd (or rain if you lack an umbrella or raincoat), pop by their outlet at the nearby Chip Bee Gardens (Holland Village) instead.

77 Hillcrest Road
Singapore 288951
Tel: +65 6469 8834
Sun to Thu: 7am – 8pm
Fri & Sat: 7am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tan Kah Kee
** Multiple outlets islandwide.

BAR BAR BLACK SHEEP

As a multi-dining concept restaurant, this is the place to go for the fickle-minded. Be it Indian cuisine or classic Western fare, there’s something for each member of your dining group when you visit Bar Bar Black Sheep. As a bonus, you can enjoy watching live screenings of your favourite sports matches while being in the serenity of Botanic Gardens’ Bamboo Forest!

501 Bukit Timah Rd
#01-05C, Cluny Court
Singapore 259760
Tel: +65 6763 4757
Mon to Thu: 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 12am
Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 1am
Sat: 12pm – 1am
Sun: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens
** Multiple outlets islandwide.

BOON TONG KEE

For those lamenting the lack of good hawker food in the area in an air-conditioned setting, there’s a full-fledged Boon Tong Kee outlet in the vicinity!

While the price point is a good margin above that of your more routine hawker stalls, you can expect the chicken served to be wonderfully silken, with a chilli that is delightfully piquant, and rice that is mouthwateringly fragrant. As a bonus, they serve a hearty selection of zi char dishes too!

18 Cheong Chin Nam Road
Singapore 599742
Tel: +65 6463 2289
Mon to Fri: 11am – 2.45pm, 3.30pm – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Beauty World
** Multiple outlets islandwide.

CAMACA

Beat Singapore’s sweltering weather and look cute while doing it with Camaca’s macaron-shaped capsule ice-creams. Savour flavours such as Roasted Oolong, Musang King Durian and Royal Earl Grey; if you’re feeling guilty about indulging, rest easy knowing that the entire selection of gelato is sugar-free. For a mid-day treat, pair their airy Swiss Rolls with a cup of their single-origin coffee brews for a mid-day treat.

9 King Albert Park
KAP Mall, #01-11/12
Singapore 598332
Tel: +65 6904 3811
Mon to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: King Albert’s Park

CARPENTER & COOK

As both a vintage home store and cafe, this cafe along Lorong Kilat boasts an eye-catching interior. Besides its decor, get ready to be regaled by tantalising pastry options such as the popular Passion Fruit Meringue Tart and their colourful range of macarons.

19 Lorong Kilat
#01-06 Singapore
Tel: +65 6463 3648
Mon to Fri: 10am – 10pm
Sat: 9am – 10pm
Sun: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Beauty World
** Multiple outlets islandwide.

Everton Park is often overlooked as it is surrounded by a couple of other bigger neighbourhoods such as Tanjong Pagar and Duxton Road. The whole vicinity in general, is well-known for a great cafe culture and some of the best bars in Singapore. It comes as no surprise that Everton Park will also be loaded with many great F&B establishments.

Dubbed as a ‘hipster’ neighbourhood, Everton Park houses some lesser known cafes and restaurants that really deserves more recognition. From great coffee to decadent desserts, if you have not ventured to Everton Park before, you might want to make a note to visit after reading about all the great food and drinks you can find here.

Surrounded by both new and old HDB flats and buildings, Everton Park has both a rustic charm and a modern edge to it. Here is our Ultimate Guide to Everton Park’s Restaurants & Cafes for your next cafe hopping adventure or meals!

#1 ALAKAI

Looking for a healthy lunch option in Everton Park? You can always have a poke bowl at Alakai; diners get to customise their own bowls or pick from their Poke Plate Favourites which is a pre-selected range of poke bowls.

Some of their signature dishes are Nisei Poke Plate (S$14.45), Yobo Poke Plate (S$13.45) and Alakai Big Poke Plate (S$24.45).

#2 AT THE MYO

At The Myo used to be a Kopitiam stall called ‘Sebastian’s Fusion Cuisine’ which has since rebranded itself and shifted to Everton Park. The no-frills cafe is near to Outram MRT Station and offers both Western and Japanese cuisines at wallet-friendly prices that do not include GST or service charge.

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Block 4 Everton Park, #01-42
4 Everton Park
Singapore 080004
Tel: +65 8126 0646
Mon to Fri & Sun: 12pm – 9pm
Sat: Closed
Nearest Station: Outram Park

#3 COZY CORNER COFFEE

As you guessed it, their speciality is coffee and we highly recommend the latte (from S$4.50) for two reasons, it is an excellent blend and secondly, you will be treated to adorable latte art that you can admire (or snap a few photos of).

You can also expect full mains here that range from general cafe fare to heavier options such as pasta. However, our advice is to stick to the coffee and desserts to ensure no misses.

Block 4 Everton Park #01-50
Singapore 080004
Tel: +65 9383 0485
Daily: 8.30am – 7.30pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park

#4 EVERTON CREAMERY

Ice cream party! As you have probably guessed, Everton Creamery’s speciality is ice cream, specifically gelato and sorbets. The wide range of gelato choices here is impressive and guess what? They are all freshly made daily. Think pistachio, matcha, dark chocolate and more flavours at S$4 for a scoop.

For freshly made gelato, the price point is reasonable and you only need to pay S$3 for a second scoop. You can expect fruitier options in sorbet form if you prefer your ice cream less rich and more refreshing.

7 Everton Park
Singapore 080007
Tel: +65 9436 3479
Mon to Thu, Sun: 12pm – 9pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park

#5 GRIN AFFAIR

Cake jars that look almost too good to be eaten. The cake jars at Grin Affair are perfect as gifts as they are all packaged beautifully with a general price range of just S$5.50 per jar.

You can take away the jar, but Grin Affair offers incentives to customers who brings the jars back. The flavours will rotate from time to time but some classic flavours are Banoffee, Kiwi Cheesecake and Honey Lavender.

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

3 Everton Park, #01-77A
Singapore 080003
Tel: +65 8282 7375
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 8pm
PH: 1.30pm – 6pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park

#6 JUST WANT COFFEE

Strategically located, Just Want Coffee is a cafe that boasts a comforting ambience, great for mid-afternoon coffee with a good book for a nice gathering with a small group of friends. Serving more than 30 different types of coffee, you will be spoilt for choice.

We suggest a light bite to go along with your cuppa and you can choose from a decent range that includes Cottage Pie (S$5.60) and cakes like a slice of Tofu Cheesecake (S$5.50).

#01-27 1 Everton Park
Singapore 081001
Tel: +65 6225 8115
Mon to Fri: 9am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park

#7 MARBLE BISTRO

As the name of the cafe suggests, Marble Bistro is a beautiful marble-themed bistro that is hidden within Everton Park. The dining establishment is helmed by a team of graduates from the Culinary Institute of America who has a partnership with Singapore Institute of Technology.

Drop by for their afternoon tea set from 2.30pm to 5pm, which features a slice of cake and a drink starting from S$8. Otherwise, they also offer a 7-course tasting menu at S$38.

#8 NYLON COFFEE ROASTERS

Any coffee-enthusiast will be familiar with this name. Nylon Coffee Roasters i one of the first micro-roasteries in Singapore, using beans from all around the world (and yes, you can pick one that you like for your coffee if it is in stock).

From lattes to ‘Hand-poured’ coffee, Nylon Coffee Roasters is a must-visit place for some of the best coffee you can find in Singapore.

4 Everton Park #01-40
Singapore 080004
Tel: +65 6220 2330
Mon to Fri: 8.30am – 5.30pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 6pm
Tue: Closed
Nearest Station: Outram Park

#9 WALNUT TREE

Want something other than cafe fare? How about a humble little Korean restaurant that offers hearty and authentic Korean fare?

This adorably-named Walnut Tree is a crowd-favourite with very reasonably priced items. Kimchi Fried Rice (S$10), Red Chilli Tteokbokki (S$8) and freshly made Gimbap (from S$7) are just some of the tasty things you can expect here. Nothing makes us quite as satisfied as fuss-free and unpretentious fare that sticks to its roots.

Block 2 Everton Park #01-55
Singapore 081002
Tel: +65 6222 0502
Mon to Fri: 11am – 7pm
Sat: 11am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Outram Park

Cafe-hopping has become somewhat of a habit or pastime for most Singaporeans and one neighbourhood that is teeming with endless eateries and restaurants to explore is Tiong Bahru.

Aside from the incredible array of cuisines and eats that you can find in this neighbourhood, the rustic charm of Tiong Bahru is something that will always hit us with a wave of nostalgia every single time we visit.

Whether you are new to the Tiong Bahru area or perhaps you are curious to see what hidden gems this lovely neighbourhood holds, here are 24 Cafes & Restaurants In Tiong Bahru You Should Check Out.

BIGMAMA KOREAN RESTAURANT

Founded by former caretaker and tutor—Candy Namgung Ji Young—Bigmama Korean Restaurant is our go-to place for authentic Korean food in Tiong Bahru. All dishes at Bigmama Korean Restaurant are cooked with no MSG so you can eat to your heart’s content without feeling too guilty!

Try the Dakgalbi, spicy pan fried chicken, and Suyuk, steamed pork belly served with vegetables and special sauces.

Bigmama Korean Restaurant 
2 Kim Tian Road,
Singapore 169244
Tel: +65 6270 7704
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

BINCHO

A unique all-in-one dining concept brought to you by Unlisted Collection, Bincho brings together the best of Singapore’s past with its present. There are three distinct dining concepts within Bincho which includes the likes of a classic old school mee pok stall, a modern open-concept yakitori bar and a bar which serves Japanese-inspired cocktails.

Bincho
78 Moh Guan Terrace, #01-19,
Singapore 162078
Tel: +65 6438 4567
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

CAFFE PRALET

Established in 2006, Caffe Pralet was founded with the vision of serving up healthy and wholesome meals and desserts to its patrons. With Chef Judy Koh at the helm of the culinary team, diners can enjoy a wide variety of delights which includes Asian and Western meals and also cakes and pastries.

For those popping by for tea, Chef Judy’s signature cake ‘Pralet’, a French chocolate cake with a crispy Hazelnut layer topped off with a smidgen of edible gold, is worth a try.

Caffe Pralet
17 Eng Hoon Street, #01-04,
Singapore 169767
Tel: +65 6223 5595
Mon to Sat: 11am – 9pm
Sun: 11am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

CHAPTER 55

Looking for an affordable yet value-for-money lunch in the Tiong Bahru area? Well, Chapter 55 has got you covered. An Italian bistro that serves up regular Italian fare, gelato and more, Chapter 55 has an amazing 1-for-1 lunch promotion from 11.30am to 3pm on weekdays. Your tummy will be happy, and your wallet will not complain either.

Chapter 55
55 Tiong Bahru Road, #01-37,
Singapore 160055
Tel: +65 6221 2219
Daily: 11.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

CHENG’S AT NO. 27

Tasty, homecooked zi char dishes will always have our loyalty and a permanent place in our hearts. A family restaurant run entirely by the Cheng family, Cheng’s At No. 27 is where you should turn to for a warm, comforting meal. Aside from their zi char dishes, Cheng’s At No. 27 also has a dessert counter which has homemade cakes and pastries.

Cheng’s At No. 27 
27 Yong Siak Street,
Singapore 168654
Tel: +65 6223 7883
Mon: 10.30am – 3pm
Wed to Sat: 10.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

COQ & BALLS

Just a 6-minute walk from Tiong Bahru MRT, Coq & Balls is a buzzing and vibrant bar that is perfect for a casual drink and laid back night with the lads. Aside from serving up craft beers, ciders and premium draft beers, make sure that you have a try of their signature cocktail, the Chuck Norris.

Coq & Balls
6 Kim Tian Road, Kai Fook Mansion,
Singapore 169246
Tel: +65 6276 6609
Mon to Thu: 5pm – 1am
Fri: 4.30pm – 1am
Sat & Sun: 3pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

DRIPS BAKERY CAFE

Calling out fans of everything sweet because your next cafe stop in Tiong Bahru should be the Drips Bakery Cafe. From cakes, tarts to savoury bites paired with aromatic coffee and tea, your dining experience at the cafe will be nothing short of sweet.

But savoury items such as pies and quiches are available for your picking if you are looking for a more satisfying and fulfilling meal.

Drips Bakery Cafe
82 Tiong Poh Road, #01-05,
Singapore 160082
Tel: +65 6222 0400
Sun to Thu: 11am – 9.30pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

FLOCK CAFE 

Searching for a place to unwind and watch the day fold out before you? Flock Cafe at Moh Guan Terrace would be your best bet. A family-run cafe that has strong indie vibes, Flock Cafe has a comforting and relaxed ambience which will make you feel right at home.

All coffee served at the Flock Cafe are made from the Speakeasy Blend and roasted by Liberty Coffee, which means that your coffee will have a medium body with hints of chocolate and nutty overtones.

Flock Cafe
78 Moh Guan Terrace, #01-25,
Singapore 162078
Tel: +65 6536 3938
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

FORTY HANDS

Forty Hands is a good cafe to visit for tasty brunch fare and excellent coffee. Some brunch options that you can go for include the Eggs Benedict, Eggs Cocotte and of course, the Big Boy Breakfast.

Otherwise, you need to have a taste of their coffee that is brewed from freshly roasted beans from Five Senses Coffee Australia. If you are impressed by the brew, you can purchase a bag of their freshly roasted speciality coffee from Forty Hands’ online store which will be delivered directly to you.

Forty Hands
78 Yong Siak Street, #01-12,
Singapore 163078
Tel: +65 6225 8545
Sun to Wed: 7.30am – 7pm
Thu to Sat: 7.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

HOUSE OF PERANAKAN PETIT

House of Peranakan Petit is part of the House of Peranakan Group of restaurants which have been the proud advocates of Peranakan cuisine over the past three decades. The House of Peranakan Petit is a cosy and intimate 30-seater restaurant which is helmed by chef and owner, Bob Seah.

Immerse yourself in traditional Nonya cuisine created from Chef Bob’s secret home recipes as well as his modern Peranakan-inspired cuisines at the House of Peranakan Petit.

House of Peranakan Petit
42 Eng Hoon Street, Tiong Bahru Estate,
Singapore 169785
Tel: +65 6222 1719
Mon, Wed to Sun: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

IKYU

Ikyu prides themselves as being a daringly different Japanese restaurant and here is why. Ikyu seeks to defy all limits and definitions through its reinventions and interpretations of Japanese and French fusion food. They also claim to offer its patrons the best rice and sake in Japan, and their seafood, fruits and vegetables are air flown in from Japan’s Tsukiji Fish Market three times a week.

Ikyu
5 Yong Siak Street,
Singapore 168643
Tel: +65 9663 2003
Tue to Sun: 11.30am – 2pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

MERCI MARCEL

Nestled in an enclave of cafes in Tiong Bahru, Merci Marcel is a chic French café that took over the premises of the now-defunct The Orange Thimble. Located right next to Tiong Bahru Bakery, the café operates as a brunch spot in the day and transforms into a casual bar at night.

With a variety of French bakes and mains features in their daytime menu and an even larger assortment of hot beverages and alcoholic drinks, Merci Marcel is the perfect place for a gathering with friends or a romantic date with your other half.

Merci Marcel
56 Eng Hoon Street #01-68
Singapore 160056
Tel: +65 6224 0113
Tue to Fri: 9am – 11.30pm
Sat and Sun: 8am – 11.30pm
Mon: Closed
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

NO.3 CRAB DELICACY SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Serving up delicious crab delights since 2001, No.3 Crab Delicacy Seafood Restaurant is an under-the-radar seafood restaurant that is nestled at Level 1 of Link Hotel Singapore.

Instead of opting for typical crab dishes like the chilli crab or black pepper crabs, visit No. 3 Crab Delicacy Seafood Restaurant to take your crab experience to the next level. Think Curry Crabs, Crab Beehoon and Butter Crabs. You will be in for a feast fit for a king!

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn 2 miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

No.3 Crab Delicacy Seafood Restaurant
50 Tiong Bahru Road, #01-04 Link Hotel Singapore,
Singapore 168733
Tel: +65 6327 2148
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5pm – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

PLAIN VANILLA BAKERY

As one of the most popular bakeries in Singapore, it is not surprising to see many patrons frequenting its Tiong Bahru flagship store with their signature cardboard box in hand. All of their baked goods are baked fresh on a daily basis with only the best ingredients.

Plain Vanilla Bakery also strives to keep their recipes simple and uncomplicated. Serving up cupcakes, cakes, tarts and more; Plain Vanilla’s sweet treats will be worth your indulgence.

Plain Vanilla Bakery
1D Yong Siak Street, Tiong Bahru Estate,
Singapore 168641
Tel: +65 6465 5942
Mon to Sat: 8am – 7pm
Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

PS. CAFE PETIT

Tucked away in the estate of Tiong Bahru is arguably one of the more well-known cafes in Singapore, PS. Cafe Petit. Some items on their menu include artisanal pizza, hearty salads, pasta, sinful desserts and selected wines at affordable prices. However, do note that seating is limited at PS. Cafe Petit and is subjected to a first come, first served basis.

PS. Cafe Petit
No. 41 Blk 78 Guan Chuan Street,
Singapore 160078
Tel: +65 9226 7088
Mon to Fri: 11am – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 9.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

SIN HOI SAI SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

With more than 20 years of experience under its belt, Sin Hoi Sai Seafood Restaurant is recognised for its excellent range of seafood and zichar dishes.

From the perennial favourite Salted Egg Crabs to Geoduck Sashimi, this is a place to head to for all seafood lovers.

Sin Hoi Sai Seafood Restaurant
Blk 55 Tiong Bahru Road, #01-59,
Singapore 160055
Tel: +65 6223 0810/ 6224 3905
Daily: 5pm – 5am
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

TERU SUSHI

Did anyone say S$1 for fresh oysters? Yes, we kid you not. Get your fill of fresh oysters and a sashimi boat at Teru Sushi, a popular Japanese restaurant along Tiong Bahru Road. For satisfying, comforting yet healthy and affordable Japanese eats, Teru Sushi would be a good option.

Other items on their menu include Japanese bento boxes, mentai, wagyu beef sets and more!

Teru Sushi
50 Tiong Bahru Road, #01-01,
Singapore 168733
Tel: +65 6842 8484
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 12am
Sun: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

TIANN’S 

A bakery and takeaway eatery that serves handcrafted food and drink, Tiann’s seeks to return back to basics by honouring the true taste and flavours of ingredients used. Tiann’s food is mostly gluten-free, paleo-friendly and organic. Some old-fashioned bakes that you can enjoy include the English Tea Cake (S$3 per slice), or how about A Chocolate Hazelnut (S$8.80 per slice) for a more decadent treat?

Tiann’s
71 Seng Po Road, #01-35,
Singapore 160071
Tel: +65 6222 1369
Tue to Fri: 8am – 4pm
Sat: 9am – 10pm
Sun: 9am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

THE TIONG BAHRU CLUB 

A throwback Asian eatery right in the heart of Tiong Bahru, The Tiong Bahru Club is where you should visit for honest, no-frills Singaporean grub. From the Singapura Club chain of restaurants, the menu at The Tiong Bahru Club is a vintage bistro that will be ideal for a casual yet delicious meal.

The Tiong Bahru Club
Blk 57 Eng Hoon Street, #01-88,
Singapore 160057
Tel: +65 6438 0168
Mon to Fri: 9am – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 8.30am – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

TIONG BAHRU BAKERY

With the vision of celebrating neighbourhoods, the flagship outlet of Tiong Bahru Bakery is a beautiful and quaint eatery which serves up excellent pastries and bread, and they also have savoury delights and desserts too!

However, a must-try at Tiong Bahru Bakery is the Kouign Amann, a buttery yet crispy pastry that is a speciality of the town of Douarnenez in Finistère, Brittany, which it originated from. Paired with an artisanal tea or coffee, you will be in for a treat!

Tiong Bahru Bakery
56 Eng Hoon Street, #01-70,
Singapore 160056
Tel: +65 6220 3430
Daily: 8am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

DAY & NIGHT BISTRO

Located in the charming and rustic Tiong Bahru neighbourhood is the Day & Night Bistro, which sits on the same spot that previously housed Two Face Pizza & Taproom. In the day, Day & Night Bistro is a cosy old-school kopitiam and at night, it transforms into a pizzeria and tap room.

Day & Night Bistro
56 Eng Hoon Street, #01-46,
Singapore 160056
Tel: +65 6222 6881
Sun to Mon, Wed to Thu: 5pm – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 5pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

WHISK CAFE

With its interior and exterior completely decked out in white, the beauty of Whisk Cafe is hard to miss. A minimalistic cafe with an interior largely inspired by European decor, Whisk Cafe is a comforting cafe which offers classic carrot cakes and refreshing zesty lemon tarts for your sweet tooth.

Whisk Cafe would certainly make a good place to relax with a book and enjoy some quality time with a friend, partner, or even just with yourself.

Whisk Cafe
50 Seng Poh Road, #01-15,
Singapore 160058
Tel: +65 6222 6543
Tue to Thu: 9am – 7pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 11pm
Sun: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

WILD BARLEY

Although Wild Barley is predominantly a speciality grocery store that offers gourmet, organic and natural foods from America, Europe and Asia, it also has fresh bread and quality light bites, freshly prepared by Chef Flix, available for your enjoyment.

Wild Barley
25 Yong Siak Street,
Singapore 168653
Tel: +65 6221 9028
Tue to Fri: 11am – 8pm
Sat & Sun: 9.30am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Tiong Bahru

Read: 8 Things We Love About The Tiong Bahru Neighbourhood

About the writer:
A member of the team at ladyironchef, Claire’s mission is to lead a life without regrets – to explore the world and its treasures boldly. When she isn’t pursuing her interests in writing, academia and music, Claire spends her free time with family and her pets. She also hopes to run her own animal shelter in the future.

Located in the HDB estate of Jalan Bukit Merah and right across ABC Market is a relatively new kid on the block – an artisanal ice cream parlour called Geometry that boasts freshly handcrafted gelato with zero artificial ingredients and preservatives.

From Dark Chocolate Truffle to Earl Grey Tie Guan Yin, the glorious variety of flavours will make you dizzy with glee.

Gone were the days where ice cream parlours are confined to the spaces of shopping malls. Instead, we are seeing an increasing number of young F&B entrepreneurs turning to the heartlands when it comes to picking a venue for their cafes.

Rustic and simple, Geometry’s intimate space is indeed incredibly inviting; think wooden benches, overhanging filament bulbs, geometric-inspired ceiling lamps and potted plants.

The prices here at Geometry are considered wallet-friendly. A single scoop costs S$3.20, a double scoop costs S$5.50, while every subsequent scoop would incur another S$2.50. Do note that you will have to top up S$0.70 for a premium flavour and an additional S$0.80 to have your ice-cold dessert served in a cone.

Treat yourselves to a Belgian Waffle with a Single Scoop Ice-cream (S$8.50). The waffles are crisp on the outside, decadently fluffy on the inside – exactly what a great waffle should be! We paired the golden brown treat with a scoop of Strawberry Pocky ice cream. The premium ice cream is essentially a refreshing strawberry cream infused with raspberry crunch.

Other outstanding gelato flavours include the Hojicha and the Milky Way. The former is a roasted Japanese Green Tea ice-cream from Uji, while the latter is a rich milk based ice-cream tangled with brownies and popping candies swirl.

Geometry
2 Jalan Bukit Merah
#01-5142
Singapore 150002
Tel: +65 6255 6366
Sun, Mon to Thu: 12pm – 9.30pm
Fri and Sat: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest MRT Station: Queenstown / Redhill

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves travelling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all-time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.

Hougang has never been known to have a bustling cafe area, but Flavour Flings – located in the heartland neighbourhood of Hougang Avenue 1 – brings an interesting fresh face in to the neighbourhood. Flavour Flings offers a whole list of brunch menu items, with a lot of interesting dishes featuring eggs as its centrepiece.

What earned our initial nod of approval was the homely and inviting cafe space that made us feel right at home. As we sipped on cooling drinks such as Iced Chocolate (S$6.50) and Iced Darjeeling Tea (S$5), a sense of comfort greeted us.

If you are a coffee-drinker, you need not be apprehensive because we can assure you that their freshly brewed coffee is up to standard. Flavour Flings is just about the cosiest cafe in Hougang.

If you choosing light bites over a full meal, a must-try option is the Beef Chilli Fries (S$9.90). The crispy piping hot fries, coupled with flavourful beef chilli generously slathered on top, was a clear winner that all of us agreed on.

What also earned our stamp of approval is the variety of all-day-breakfast and brunch menu items. These include – Marie’s Baked Eggs, Jupiter Eggs and Truffle & Mushroom Pasta. The latter also includes a a beautifully poached egg perched atop the pasta.

Whether you’re at Flavour Flings alone or in a big group, the cafe is a great choice for simple and hearty meals, without bearing a ridiculous price tag.

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn 2 miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

Flavour Flings
Blk 121 Hougang Avenue 1
#01-1348
Singapore 530121
Tel: +65 6286 0051
Mon, Wed to Fri: 11am – 9pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Hougang/Kovan

About the writer:
Cheryl is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She loves a good steak and an even better cuppa. She eats just about anything and everything. In her free time, she regularly starts on sci-fi or fantasy movie marathons.

Good news to all west side dwellers! Flock Cafe has opened its second outlet in the heartlands of Ghim Moh neighbourhood. We are certain that you would have chanced upon Flock Café during one of your café-hopping adventures at hipster residential estate Tiong Bahru. The family-run rustic café is simple and unpretentious, providing patrons a variety of wholesome handcrafted dishes at affordable prices.

Located at Ghim Moh Road’s HDB block 21, Flock Café remains under the radar when compared to its original outlet outlet.

Having great coffee is almost mandatory for a café to survive in Singapore’s cut-throat industry and we are glad that Flock Café’s caffeine did not disappoint. Using the popular Speakeasy Blend from Liberty Coffee, our medium-bodied lattes (S$5) had a cocoa and nutty tone with a distinct caramel finish.

Besides the handmade beef burger (S$17) and chicken burger (S$15) that are exclusive to Flock Café Ghim Moh, the remaining options are rather similar to that of Tiong Bahru’s. From their delectable variety of nourishing all-day breakfast items to tantalising bar bites, there is definitely something that will catch your fancy. A selection of sweet treats, such as the tasty Lemon Tart (S$7) is also up for grabs.

There is a public car park located directly outside the café and Buona Vista MRT Station is within a quick 10-minute stroll. Why travel all the way to central or the East, when there are already so many great cafes in the West of Singapore?

It seems like the trend of opening a café in HDB residential area is here to stay. Perhaps Ghim Moh would soon be the next up-and-coming neighbourhood. Who knows?

Flock Cafe
Block 21 Ghim Moh Road
#01-213, Singapore 270021
Tel: +65 6710 7804
Mon: Closed
Tue to Wed: 10am – 2.30pm
Thu: 10am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 9pm
Fri: 10am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Sat: 9am – 10pm
Sun: 9am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Buona Vista

Located in the Central Region of Singapore, Toa Payoh is evidently one of the oldest regions in the country and is fondly remembered for its iconic dragon-shaped playgrounds. In the recent years, cafe entrepreneurs have started to take notice of the estate and introduced the cafe culture there, making it a perfect afternoon escapade for many.

More often than not, cafe hoppers are greeted with a peaceful and quaint environment that will never remind them of the stressful life in a city. Most of these cafes are situated near to one another, making it irresistible to conquer them all while you are at Toa Payoh – like a day trip in Toa Payoh, yes?

So, we did some rounding up, and here are the Cafes To Visit In Toa Payoh while you are in the area!

#1 CREAMIER

Creamier needs no introduction. Known for their premium ice cream flavours such as Thai Milk Tea and Earl Grey Lavender, this ice cream parlour has been ranked as one of the top ice cream parlours to try in Singapore. Their signature Belgian Waffles are evidently a crowd’s favourite too! This would be a great place for some summery treats on a hot afternoon, or for supper with your pals.

BLK 128, Toa Payoh Lorong 1
Singapore 310128
Tel: +65 6250 1476
Tue to Thu, Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Fri to Sat: 12pm – 11pm
Closed on Mon
Nearest MRT: Braddell

#2 FROZEN BY A THOUSAND BLESSINGS

We were captivated by the interior decor of this ‘froyo’ parlour’ – think sleek wooden furnishings and a myriad of toppings on display. Priced at S$3.80 per 100 grams, build your own frozen yogurt! Choose from froyo flavours such as Pomegranate, Coconut, Green Tea, Chocolate, Mango & Soy and Natural. And of course, you have to dress your froyo with your favourite toppings.

BLK 126, Toa Payoh Lorong 1
Singapore 310126
Tel: +65 6259 8028
Daily: 11:30am – 10pm
Nearest MRT: Braddell

#3 FIX CAFE

Alhough FIX Cafe is not very accessible, it is an increasingly popular cafe loved for their halal-certified homemade fares. With nothing above S$10, treat yourself to a menu of naanwiches, cakes, doughnuts with salted egg dip while lounging by the poolside in this alfresco dining cafe.

HomeTeamNs-JOM
31 Ah Hood Road, #01-06
Singapore 329979
Tel: +65 6256 1484
Daily: 11am – 10:30pm
Nearest MRT: Toa Payoh

#4 NICHE BOULANGERIE 

As you enter Niche Boulangerie, the aroma of the freshly baked goods will wake you up. Other than the usual cakes, muffins and bread, they offer interesting finds like sweet and savoury scones and a Western food menu – try the Bacon and Cheese Scones (S$4) and Banana Nutella Muffins (S$2.50).

BLK 128, Toa Payoh Lorong 1, #01-833
Singapore 310128
Tel: +65 9633 5108
Daily: 11:30am – 10pm
Nearest MRT: Braddell

#5 SHROVE TUESDAY

Shrove Tuesday stands out with its striking decor. Other than dealing with sweet treats, the cafe also experiments with savoury waffle inventions such as Chicken Tikka with Butter Curry (S$13.90) and Angus Beef with Black Pepper (S$15.90).

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

BLK 94, Toa Payoh Lorong 4, #01-32
Singapore 310094
Tel: +65 6258 2254
Sun to Thu: 10am – 10pm
Fri to Sat: 10am – 11pm
Nearest MRT: Braddell

#6 THE DREAM CAFE

The Dream Cafe sits within an HDB block, and is a popular get-together spot among students because they offer several promotions that are exclusive to students. It is home to a variety of baked goods and ice cream on waffles. The cafe offers free wi-fi and a conducive environment for students, too!

BLK 163, Toa Payoh Lorong 1, #01-1016
Singapore 310163
Tel: +65 6258 3120
Mon to Sun: 1pm – 10:30pm
Nearest MRT: Toa Payoh

#7 THE DAILY PRESS

The Daily press cafe sets itself apart in the cafe scene by only serving sandwiches specially prepared from its sandwich machine and good cuppas from Liberty Coffee. The unpretentious cafe setting makes it a joy for patrons to just sit back and relax while enjoying some me-time in the quiet surroundings.

BLK 126, Toa Payoh Lorong 1, #01-561
Singapore 310126
Tel: +65 6258 0167
Tue to Sun: 10:30am – 9:30pm
Closed on Mon
Nearest MRT: Braddell

About the writer:
Cassandra is a staff writer for ladyironchef. During her free time, she fuels her passion for fashion through shopping and indulges in all things food. She loves anything egg related and is always ready for a cafe-hopping adventure.

Le Halo at Jalan Bukit Ho Swee prides itself in being a retro themed cafe situated in the heartlands of Singapore. Together with online retail shop Chairish The Moments, the owner of the cafe furnished its interior with vintage knick-knacks from the yesteryears.

With the bright splash of colours found at almost every corner of the cafe, there will never be a dull moment here.

Apart from its eye-catching decor, other things to note is their selection of all-day breakfasts – all well priced below S$15; think Western food with an added Singaporean flavour.

A series of playthings from the 70s to 90s era such as champak, marbles and five stones are also displayed on every table for one to embrace their inner child and to reminisce good times from the past. For the Instagram enthusiasts, they make great photo-taking props!

Nothing screams good cafe-hopping food like two perfectly poached eggs served on a platter. The Eggs Benny (S$13.50) at Le Halo though, is served with an added twist with eggs cooked in two variants – poached and baked. The poached egg is presented atop toasted bread, a slice of ham and drenched with hollandaise sauce. Baked egg, on the other hand, is wrapped with toasted bread and accompanied with a strip of bacon.

For the dessert loving folks, go for the Rainbow Kueh Lapis (S$1.70). This insanely gorgeous creation will be the prettiest version you will ever taste; and it is pleasantly moist too!

Le Halo
Blk 4, Jalan Bukit Ho Swee, #01-162
Singapore 162004
+65 9736  8087
Mon, Wed to Thurs: 10:30am – 6pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Fri to Sun: 10:30am – 9pm
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best cafes in Singapore.

About the writer:
Cassandra is a staff writer for ladyironchef. During her free time, she fuels her passion for fashion through shopping and indulges in all things food. She loves anything egg related and is always ready for a cafe-hopping adventure.

Over the past few years, we’ve seen more and more heartland cafes pop up and even so in industrial office areas such as Tai Seng. What you may not know is that Tai Seng houses some of the most interesting local cafe gems and they are just waiting for you to explore.

We can ensure that these 5 cafes are worth travelling to as they are all located within walking distance from Tai Seng MRT Station. If you are unfamiliar with the area, here is our guide to the Must-Try Cafes in Tai Seng.

#1 23 JUMPIN

23 Jumpin might just be the most popular cafe along the row of F&B outlets at The Commerze Building, which is a stone’s throw away from Tai Seng MRT. Hearty and delicious mains are served here and are all at reasonably priced nett prices.

A must-try on the list is their Honey Paprika Wings (S$8) – juicy yet crunchy, this plate of ten halved wings are perfect for sharing with your dining compatriots.

The Commerce @ Irving
1 Irving Place, #01-25
Tel: +65 9137 5697
Mon: 11am – 2pm
Tue to Sun: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

#2 CAROL MEL CAFE

There was an immediate sense of warmth once you step into Carol Mel Cafe. Surprisingly, they serve local and Malaysian-inspired homely fare such as rice vermicelli and chicken with rice, together with usual cafe fare such as freshly brewed latte (S$4.90). The overall vibe of Carol Mel Cafe was enough for us to feel cozy and comfortable dining here.

The Commerce @ Irving
1 Irving Place, #01-30
Tel: +65 6635 5755
Mon: 9am – 6.30pm
Tue to Fri: 9am – 10pm
Sat: 12pm – 10pm
Sun: 10am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

#3 The Oven Cafe Bistro

Simple and unpretentious, The Oven Cafe Bistro drew us in with their minimalistic interior and cozy atmosphere. A popular item on the menu is the Chicken Alfredo (S$13), featuring a big slice of oven-baked chicken.

Have your main dish with their signature Mushroom Soup (S$5) or share a bite of the Chicken Chunks with Thai Chilli Sauce (S$9) with your dining partner. No extra bling, just some seriously good comfort food here at The Oven Cafe Bistro.

The Commerce @ Irving
1 Irving Place, #01-22
Tel: +65 9006 9012
Mon to Fri: 11am – 9pm
Sat: 11am – 11pm
(Only private bookings on Sundays & public holidays)
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

#4 THREE YEARS IN A BALLOON

Three Years in a Balloon took flight about a year ago and has been serving satisfied customers ever since. Quirky and fun are two words you can use to describe this cafe that specialises in decorative cakes. Besides serving a big range of ready-made desserts, get excited about their savoury crepes, quiches and pies which you can have along with a warm cup of coffee there.

163 Upper Paya Lebar Road
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 6pm
(Closed on weekends)
Nearest Station: Tai Seng

For more recommendations, read our guides to the best cafes in Singapore.

Some months back, we visited Sunday Market at Lim Tua Tow Road located just off Upper Serangoon Road on a sleepy Sunday afternoon for brunch. We were not expecting much, but what greeted us was a wondrous entrance of plants and a red-and-white signboard that looks like something plucked off from the 80′s. The cafe may seem inconspicuous from the main road, but just look out a little and you will find the unit that sits right at the left hand corner.

Inside, it is a quirky space with brick walls in the prettiest hues of rust, spotting irregular display of paintings sporadic plant arrangements, and filled with chitters from a hippy crowd. We were awoken by the energetic vibe almost instantaneously.

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).

Yes, a Rendang Toast is what you’d least expect for brunch, but the Straits-style item is a delightful twist to the usual toast. We had meant for that dish to be shared, but before we knew it, our friends polished them off. A stunning creation, indeed.

Waffles were sadly mediocre, too. We’d say to skip this, because we heard the Bangkok Toast (S$10.90) is quite a mean treat.

As you can tell by now, the food is hit-and-miss. We haven’t had the chance to try everything, but we might pop by again because of the quirky retro details of the decor and furnishing. And we hope that the next time we return, the ventilation issue would be solved and no one has to step out of the cafe all smoky and stinky.

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

Another neighbourhood gem that has been around in the East is Percolate Coffee at Bedok, and we only visited recently. But never too late, because now that we have fallen in love with it, we will definitely come back when we find ourselves in the neighbourhood.

It is yet another small space as with most neighbourhood cafes in Singapore, but 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.

The service is excellent. Everyone is friendly and ever ready to help with recommendations on the daily cakes and brew. We really love how this simple touch can complete a diner’s experience, because everyone loves to feel welcomed and attended to, yes?

The cakes display is tastefully done up albeit small-scale and simple, and we ended up with a slice of Lemon Raspberry Cake. It was nothing much to shout about, but the coffee more than makes up for it. Other cake options that are on rotation include Salted Caramel Cake and Red Velvet Cake. And if you need a midday nibble, Percolate also has some croissants and jams for your enjoyment.

Coffee beans are from Papa Palheta and Nylon Coffee Roasters, so you can take your pick on your Whites and Capps. They do pretty decent latte art, and we love how the white cups sit against its wooden furnishing. Quaint afternoons are made up of these.

And the best part of them all? Nothing is overpriced. It is by no surprise that it is so popular among the residents in the neighbourhood, and people who come from all parts of the island just for some chilling out.

Percolate Coffee
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

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best cafes in Singapore.

A few years ago, the idea of cafes opening at residential neighbourhoods was simply farfetched and almost impossible. Fast forward to today, cafes are sprouting in these unassuming neighbourhoods – mainly because of cheaper rental – and we are certainly not complaining because everyone has its own charm and they are lovely and cosy in their own rights.

Here is a guide to 21 cafes that have opened in the quaint residential neighbourhoods around Singapore.

BUCKTILE ST. CAFE

New kid on the block, Bucktile St. Cafe, is situated at ground floor of Faberhills Apartment along Faber Drive. Deriving its name from the anagram of Bucket List, Bucktile St. Cafe serves coffee using beans from Toby’s Estate, an assortment of cakes which include Rainbow Cake (S$7.90), Earl Grey Cake (S$6.90), as well as a Mysterious Velvet Cake which can come in different colours like turquoise, orange, yellow or green. Another highly popular creation is the Flower Pot Dessert (S$5.90) that is available in three flavours – tiramisu, oreo and horlick.

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

CIEL PATISSERIE

Hougang may seem like an unlikely place to find a French patisserie, but that is exactly where Ciel Patisserie is located. This small patisserie has a wholesome range of cakes (S$4.80 – S$5.80), and tarts (S$4.20). Some of the creations that you can look forward to are Lemon Meringue Tart, Chocolate Caramel Tart, Strawberry Shortcake, and Brownie.

Ciel Patisserie is also listed in our guide to the best dessert places in Singapore.

124 Hougang Ave 1 #01-1444
Tel: +65 6383 0803
Tue to Thu: 11am – 8pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 9pm
Sun: 3pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Kovan/Serangoon

CREAMIER

Located in a small shop at the Toa Payoh neighbourhood, Creamier focuses on delivery good quality ice cream and sorbet. Fans of Creamier also swear by their waffles, which come in a high stack.

Creamier is also listed in our guide to the best waffles in Singapore.

#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

DUTCH COLONY CAFE

A coffee shop that started with a humble beginning at PasarBella, Dutch Colony Coffee Co. now has its own coffee roastery and academy at Defu Lane, as well as its new full-fledge cafe at Frankel Avenue.

We love the vibe of the new outlet in the Siglap neighbourhood. Other than coffee, Dutch Colony Cafe also serves a small selection of breakfast (S$5.50 – S$10), sandwiches (S$8 – S$14) and cakes on its menu.

113 Frankel Avenue
Tel: +65 6448 5852
Sun to Thu: 9am – 8pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Kembangan

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 in a laboratory themed. 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 and even their side salads for the main courses come with a 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

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

LYNN’S CAKES & COFFEE

Just a few units down from Necessary Provisions is Lynn’s Cakes & Coffee where you can look forward to sweet treats like carrot cake, red velvet cake, chocolate cake and rainbow cake that are freshly baked on-site.

Even though Lynn’s Cakes is not halal-certified, it uses only halal products to bake the cakes, which explains its popularity among our muslim friends.

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

MILK & HONEY GELATO

Located next to Fengshan Market – a supper haven in the East of Singapore – Milk & Honey Gelato is a no-frills ice cream shop that does pretty decent gelato and waffles. After having bar chor mee at the market, come here to have the waffles (S$3.80) with a scoop Sicilian Pistachio with Belgian Chocolate Bits (S$4.20) for desserts.

Block 86 Bedok North Street 4
Tel: +65 9786 9754
Sun to Thu (Closed on Mon): 12pm – 12 midnight
Fri & Sat: 12pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Bedok

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

NECESSARY PROVISIONS

Situated along Eng Kong Terrace, Necessary Provisions has already built up a strong following despite its inaccessible location. Besides coffee, the cafe dishes out a variety of sandwiches, pastas and breakfast food.

Necessary Provisions is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s best coffee shops.

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

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.

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

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: Braddell

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).

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

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.

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

THE PROVISION SHOP

There are many cafes in the charming Everton Park neighbourhood, but The Provision Shop stands out for serving simple yet delicious meals at affordable prices.

The Provision Shop is also listed in our guide to Singapore’s top 20 inexpensive restaurants.

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

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 has a selection of black brews, ice cold brews, or white brews in its coffee studio (it only serves coffee, there is no food on the menu).

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.

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

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.

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

W39 BISTRO

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).

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

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best cafes in Singapore.

Like going back in time and stepping in to an old Singapore; so surreal, with hints of nostalgia.

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.

It is a small space that is carefully decorated with bits of antiques and blasts from the past. Slow tunes from the 60’s are on the loop. Casual diners fill the little retro café, and a team of warm servers just doing their jobs quietly.

Diners can help themselves to the jars of retro candies that sit atop the cashier, and the self-service water station comes in the form of a traditional bread stand that spots a faded shade of orange and some traces of rust.

We settled down with a slice of Yuan Yang Cheesecake (S$6.50) and some coffee. Cake was decent, but coffee was mediocre. Still, Tian Kee & Co is evidently well-loved. Maybe we would go back for its All Day Breakfast (S$14.90), Tian Kee Eggs Benedict (S$14.90) or Rempah Curry Chicken (S$14.90).

Dakota is one of the last few rural estates in Singapore, but it is to go en-bloc and rebuilt. It is quite a shame, for the area boasts an untouched and traditional charm amidst our cosmopolitan city with nothing but high-rise buildings. That said, Tian Kee & Co will still be around till the end of 2016.

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

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 menu is nothing fanciful and nothing exorbitant. You have some sandwiches and toasts options, as with a selection of iced beverages and coffees. But local favourites are mainstays, and you can always come in for a bowl of curry chicken rice (S$6.50) or kaya toast.

Now, the kaya toast (S$3). It wouldn’t be anything you’d expect from your regular haunts like Yakun and Toast Box. The tastemakers behind The Tastemaker Store present their version ala an English muffin style, with slightly toasted bread with sweet coconut jam and a slab of wonderful clotted cream. Very photogenic, and it tastes as good as it looks. Or you can go for the signature Lemon curd toast (S$3). Something citrusy for summer sounds perfect. Both come in a set (S$5.80) which include two soft boiled eggs and coffee/tea.

We tried the sandwiches (S$5.80) too, but they were mediocre. Pick the old school yam cake (S$3.80) instead. If you need a slice of cake, the rose flavoured one is pretty decent, though we’d wish for it to be a tad more moist. The coffee was not the best we have had too, but having a cuppa while unwinding in the cosy space is not so bad after all.

Neighbourhood cafes – when done up well – can truly be characteristic. We love the rustic simplicity of The Tastemaker Store, but they need to work on improving the food and coffee standards.

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

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best cafes in Singapore.

The Provision Shop at the charming Everton Park neighbourhood is a casual eatery that is opened bt Cocotte’s head chef, with hotelier Loh Lik Peng taking a consulting role in the project. We love the vibe of the cafe, and we love that it serves 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. The blueberry lemon cake (S$6.50) is worth a try.

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

For more recommendations, read our guide to Singapore’s Best Cafes.

Everton Park is quickly becoming the latest it neighbourhood. Some call it the new Tiong Bahru, and it is not difficult to see why. Since Nylon Coffee Roasters and Grin Affair started here in 2012, this quiet HDB neighbourhood has been drawing foodies to explore the area.

Today, there are eight cafes in this enclave, and we won’t be surprised if more cafes and shops choose to open here in the future. You know that Everton Park is officially cool when hotelier Loh Lik Peng – who is behind many boutique hotels and restaurants in off-the-radar neighbourhoods – has also helped to set up a cafe here.

Here is our guide to the Everton Park neighbourhood.

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.

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

COZY CORNER COFFEE

If you are looking for a cafe to park yourself to do work, we know the place to go. Cozy Corner Coffee provides free wifi and power sockets. Get yourself a cappuccino and you are all set to go!

Block 4 Everton Park #01-50
Tel: +65 9383 0485
Daily: 8.30am – 7.30pm
Nearest Station: Outram

GRIN AFFAIR

One of the pioneer cafes in Everton Park, Grin Affair offers a range of mousse cakes (S$6 – S$6.50) that are made with fresh cream, and served in jars.

Flavours include lychee with passion fruit, strawberry with cream cheese, cookies & cream, hazelnut, and matcha azuki. The cakes are not particularly fanciful, but we love them because they are comforting and rustic – the kind that you can spend your afternoon with over a cup of tea.

3 Everton Park, #01-77A
Tel: +65 8282 7375
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 8pm
PH: 1.30pm – 6pm
Nearest Station: Outram

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.

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

NYLON COFFEE ROASTERS

Another pioneer cafe at Everton Park, 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
(Closed on Tue)
Nearest Station: Outram

THE AUDACIOUS CAKERY

Strawberry shortcake, mango passion fruit cheese mousse, lemon meringue tart, matcha cupcake, chocolate souffle, macarons… The Audacious Cakery showcases a range of beautiful cakes and pastries which are freshly baked on site. Time for some sugar rush!

Block 2 Everton Park #01-61
Tel: +65 6223 3047
Tue to Sat: 10am – 7pm
Sun: 10am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Outram

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 REDUNDANT SHOP

The latest addition to the Everton Park neighbourhood, The Redundant Shop is a lifestyle concept shop that curates a selection of magazines, books, accessories and merchandise from independent labels.

Block 5 Everton Park #01-22
Tel: +65 6707 2005
Tue to Sat: 11am – 8pm
Sun: 11am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Outram

WALNUT TREE

Walnut Tree deserves a mention for serving inexpensive Korean food such as kimchi fried rice (S$10), seafood pancake (S$10), ramyeon (S$8) and gimbap (S$7).

Block 2 Everton Park #01-55
Tel: +65 6222 0502
Mon to Fri: 11am – 7pm
Sat: 11am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Outram