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

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

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

#1 PABLO CHEESE TART

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

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

#2 GUDETAMA CAFE

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

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

Photo Credit: My Melody Cafe Singapore

#3 MY MELODY CAFE

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

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

#4 BAKE CHEESE TART

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

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

Photo Credit: Straits Times

#5 HELLO KITTY ORCHID GARDEN

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

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

#6 JPOT

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

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

#7 NON ENTREE DESSERTS

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

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

Photo Credit: IndoChine Supertree

#8 INDOCHINE SUPERTREE

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

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

Photo Credit: Yahoo News

#9 DOME CAFE

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

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

Photo Credit: Burpple

#10 CHILI’S

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

Photo Credit: Straits Times

#11 GLORY CATERING PERANAKAN RESTAURANT

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

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

As many new overseas food concepts continue to excite us with their opening in Singapore, especially over at Jewel Changi Airport which is slated to open on 17th April 2019, there are several restaurants that are leaving our shores for good.

On 24th March 2019, the perennial favourite American grill bar, Chili’s, has permanently shut down all 3 outlets on our island.

In a short and abrupt announcement post on their Facebook page yesterday, Chili’s thanked all their patrons over the past decade for their support and announced their closure.

Their first branch in Singapore first opened in Tanglin Mall in June 2009 and the brand has since been a go-to for many Singaporeans for classic Western food. Unfortunately, we will not get to bid farewell as they have quietly closed all outlets last Sunday on 24th March 2019.

We are thankful for the past 10 years that they have been with us and for all the burgers, steak, and fajitas they’ve served us. The good news is that their outlets in neighbouring Malaysia are still in operation!

All photos credited to Chili’s Singapore.

Mention Chili’s and everyone will think of their tasty Southwestern American favourites. The large menu always spoils us with choices – from tantalising grilled baby back ribs to their signature quesadillas, and fajita, there is always something for everyone at Chili’s. I am especially enamoured of their grilled baby back ribs and molten chocolate cake. So, I am especially excited to hear that they have launched a new “Chillin’ and Grillin’” menu.

From 30 January 2013 through 9 April 2013, you can go to Chili’s – at Tanglin Mall, Resorts World Sentosa, JCube and their newest restaurant at Central @ Clarke Quay – and enjoy the new four dishes.

Photo credit: Chili’s Singapore

They include: a Chile Garlic-Rubbed Chicken – tender chicken breast seasoned with smoked paprika over our roasted jalapeno and corn salsa, topped with melted Jack cheese and drizzled with creamy cilantro aioli; Chile Garlic-Rubbed Ribeye – Juicy smoked ribeye steak seasoned with a garlic-chile rub, topped with chipotle pesto and green onions; Triple-Smoked Burger – the perfect burger topped with melted smoky chipotle cheese, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato and red onion; and Smoked Chicken Jalapen?o Mac & Cheese – Penne pasta in a creamy Alfredo sauce, sharp cheddar cheese, jalapen?os and sliced tender pieces of smoked chicken.

Chili’s is a great for friends and family to gather for a casual and fun meal. If you haven’t been to Chili’s recently, it’s time to drop by for their new “Chillin’ and Grillin’” menu. Check out Chili’s website for more details.